The weather had been unseasonably cool and the drive to the farmland had been pleasant as the sun beat through the car windows. Living in the Pine Barrens has always felt like home to her and today was no exception. The crystal blue of the sky was so clear and sharp that one might think it had been painted. The wisps of clouds look as if they had been airbrushed in place. Over the fields and trees the redtail hawks are out hunting their food for the evening, spiraling in ever-widening circles. The trees line either side of the road, except for an occasional break for a home. Out here there are no gas stations, or hairdressers, or fast food places. The town, if you could call it that, has 4 blocks of smaller buildings that house little mom and pop stores. For the giant supermarkets these people would have to drive further out to Whiting or Toms River to find a mall. Leaving the wooded area that was actually part of the Rancocas Reserves, Windwalker turns to the right and heads for the open fields of the farmlands.

Passing the training grounds of Mcguire Airforce base, the land suddenly opens and there is the corner she plans on using tonight. In the midst of fields of corn swaying in the gentle afternoon breeze is an open field. In the middle of this field is a large oak tree. To Windwalker it seems as if someone has drawn the Tree of Life in the very heart of the landscape. Parking the car on the opposite side of the field, Windwalker crosses the deserted road towards the large oak. The Afternoon is waning and there is much to do before the edge of night touches this field. All around Windwalker can hear the voices of Wind, as he travels through the tall stalks of corn ripening in the surrounding fields. Already the fields of tomatoes and fruits have yielded their harvest to the two leggeds.

Nearby are two farms that provide a u-pick- it service for many of the city folk who come down on weekends and get in touch with `nature'. Having provided none of the labor in the planting, this gives many the false opinion that they have gone 'native' as they pick their own strawberries or pull up their own carrots from the earth. They do not realize the true joy of the harvest comes from the work and sweat involved with every part of the process.  From the turning of the soil in the spring, to the planting of the seeds within the mother's embrace, and the watering of those lands if nature should not provide. Farming is a hard life, but a rewarding one. Those of us that live here have smaller versions on our lands, shadows only of these giant providers to the world's food supply. The city-folk stop at the roadside fruit stands and pick up their homemade pies and jams and head back to the concrete walls that serve as home for the better part of their lives. But they take with them a few precious gems that the mother has given them in these forms. And it stirs their souls if not their minds about the times when all two-leggeds were a part of the cycle of life.

The earth feels warm on her feet and she can feel the pulse of the Mother flow into her as she stands and grounds herself. She prepares the area for the gathering by walking sunwise with first a sweetgrass smudge and then a sage smudge. The first she used to dispel any negativity and the second to draw the positive energies to the area. So many different beliefs, but when it comes down to it a common faith that joins those who would gather here, a love of the earth and all her relations. How Ogedoda is worshipped and what words are used is simply a formality. For all gods are one when you come right down to it or so Windwalker firmly believes. On her head is a Walkman that plays ceremonial drumming as she clears her mind and the area and touches her core to the powers of the earth beneath her feet. She can feel her vision becoming both narrower and wider as it sharpens to see every detail around her.

She can feel the four-leggeds that burrow through the earth as they make themselves settle for the night, or as they rise to hunt during that time. She feels not unlike her brother coyote, whose sense of hearing makes the vibrations of the movement seem louder than normal. Windwalker lets herself be led to the spirit world to touch and welcome any of her brothers that wish to join them tonight and begs their forgiveness if their presence should disturb their hunting grounds for the duration. As she feels herself lose the definition of her form, she also notes the presence of her teachers and guides and nods to them in courtesy of their presence. Taking from her medicine bag four crystals, she places these at the points where the winds of the directions will be welcomed. Also at these points, Windwalker places a color to represent each direction in the form of a candle to be lit as that direction is welcomed. At the East she places yellow candle to represent the dawning day and the start of all thoughts and inspirations. At the South, she places a white candle to represent the heat of midday and the planning stage of all thoughts. At the west she places a red one for the setting sun and the culmination of all thoughts it is here that bears the fruit of all plans. In the North Windwalker places a black candle =85for in the dark of night is when men dream and aspire towards the future.

Going back to the car and popping the trunk, Windwalker removes a small bag and table that she then places on the East Side of the area. As those who enter the circle from the east and travel sunwise, it is here that they will smudge themselves. Also she places two bowls out and fills one with corn meal as an offering to the spirits of the fields and the other, tobacco as an offering to The Great Mysterious. To the side of this she builds a small fire pit where incense can be added from yet another bowl she sets on the table. The incense is made from pine needles from the barrens and scented with oils to make the pine smell more powerful. Walking to the woods nearby she picks up kindling and small pieces of wood that will make the fire for tonight. In this way also, the area will be included in the ritual as these offerings of the root people will be included. First she lights the fire, and then Windwalker takes a pinch of cornmeal and offers it to the fields by letting it drift with the winds. Then taking a pinch of tobacco she tosses it on the fire. It crackles and sends her prayers for a smooth ritual in its smoke to the sky and Ogedoda.

Back to the car, and now from the back seat she takes out dishes filled with frybread made from corn flour, fresh fruits of the area, some jars of jam made from the same only this past weekend and honey from a local provider. Included are fresh tomatoes from her garden and blackberry jam having had to fight with the resident birds to get enough to make this seasons batch. Fortunately blackberry bushes grow like weeds in the corner of her yard behind the gazebo and this years yield was larger than usual. These she places beneath the tree with a pile of blankets that can be spread for sitting later when all is done. The jug of apple cider she places in a nearby creek, which runs high from recent rains and cold from the strange weather they have been having this year.

Just as she starts to stand, Windwalker sees the lights of car headlights coming down the road and the final scene from `Field of Dreams' enters her head and she chuckles. For the area looks just like this, but instead of a baseball field there is only a circle and an path that is lit by camping lights until all are in place and the moon which is just starting to rise is brighter. The sun is now behind the horizon and the last of its orange light is giving way to the evening star and the moonlight's embrace on this field. Windwalker turns to welcome her guests, in whatever form they chose to come.

Starting in the Eastern point Windwalker stands and reaches out to find the spirit of Wolf. Her longtime teacher and friend stands on the edges of the woods. Feeling herself drift towards the world of spirit once more she calls out:

"To the Winds of the East we bid welcome. Come join us now as we celebrate this full moon of the ripening time. We look forward into the dawn of our creations and give thanks for your guidance and wisdom in our times of need. Come Guardian of the East, our brother Wolf and watch over us as we walk in the shadows of the spirit world. We ask that you protect us as we gather together tonight, as you protect us always in our path for harmony. Welcome." With this Windwalker lights the yellow candle and moves sunwise to the south.

"To the Winds of the South we bid welcome. We ask that you join us in our prayers and protect us in our endeavors here tonight. Come Guardian of the South, brother Badger, watch over us and protect us as we walk our path to the spirit world. For in you we find the courage to move forward with our thoughts and begin to make them a reality. Guide our endeavors to find harmony with all our relations. Welcome." Lighting the white candle Windwalker then moves to the West and seeks outward.

"To the Winds of the West and the guardian Bear we bid welcome. We ask that you join us in our walk to the spirit world tonight. Guard us as we seek the path of harmony. For with your guidance we find that our plans have all born fruit. It is with your aide that our ideas become a reality. Welcome" Bending to light the red candle Windwalker continues sunwise to the North.

"To the winds of the North we bid welcome. We ask that you join us in our endeavors tonight and as we head into the future, you bring with you the time when we seek within ourselves. It is here that we seek to join ourselves with the perfection known and unknown to us. We seek the help and protection of our brother Mountain Lion on our path to harmony with all our relations. Welcome."

Finally the last candle is lit as Windwalker bends to light the black candle of the north. Then She turns to the east and waits as...

...Flidais starts guiltily and smiles at Windwalker.  She'd been so engrossed in watching the spirit animals that she had forgotten she was actually supposed to be doing something.

Walking to the middle of the gathering of friends Flidais lowers herself to sit cross-legged on the ground.   She takes a few breaths and reaches her soul into the earth,  relaxing and waiting.   It takes only a moment before she feels the arms of the mother wrap around her....and the world changes. She looks around her and sees that all have the strong glow of life and connection to earth.   Bright yellow auras, sparkling and shifting going deep into the well of earth, where they mix with the mother before coming back to their owners, warm and soft and full of the knowledge that were are all related.   The plants and animals are almost blinding in the intensity of their glows, because they know the place they hold even more so than the small group of humans gathered round.

Bringing her attention back to her duty, Flidais reaches into the earth again, with purpose, searching out the earth web that are the runs and paths of the mole.  As she feels their presence she calls:

"Brother Mole, Guardian of the Earth, come to us.  We ask that you joins us tonight and lend us your special sight.  It is you who understand the true nature of earth and all she holds.  Lend us your sensitivity, so that we may become aware of the places that need healing.   Guide us as we move our energies inward to learn ourselves and outward to strengthen our ties with mother and all her children.  We welcome you!"

Flidais rest a moment until she feels the presence of Mole tickling the feet of everyone with the energy he brings.  Getting up, she grins and wriggles her toes at the tingling sensation before walking over to join the others, then turns to await...

... Jess closes her eyes and spreads her arms wide. Breathe in, she thinks, hold and still, breathe out. Again, deeper, broader. With each breath her awareness becomes lighter, smaller, and stronger. Her shoulders rise and fall, mimicking the stroke and glide of an eagle's flight. Pump, pump, higher, higher, ahhhhhhhhh. Catch the warm wind and glide. The warm air of the August night stirs hair and feathers alike. "So this is why dogs stick their heads out the window," she thinks.

Jess opens her eyes and sees the small circle far below, shrouded in the twilight. "Hey! Up here! Heeeelllllloooooo!" She cries. But all that escapes is a piercing call. Still, it draws the attention of the circle. Except for the form in the center, with her arms outstretched. Oh, wait! That's me! But it's so wonderful to soar and wheel. It's so cool up here. Ah, well. Down, down, turn, turn.

Back in her earthbound host, Jess opens her corporeal eyes and says:

"Look up! See the Eagle as He wheels and dives. He is strong, He is keen-eyed, He is fierce, He is beautiful. He is at home in Father Sky's blue embrace. He is freedom. Brother Eagle, welcome to our circle. Grant us sharp vision and the strength to slip the bonds that hold us back!"

The Eagle breaks her circle and flies west, following the sun. Jess drops her arms (they're so heavy!) and looks around the circle. "Be fierce and be free, my friends." She returns to her place in the circle to await the next call...

...Awestruck at the magick generated thus far by the ritual and by the scent wafting from the cool pines, Morgan stands grounding herself for a moment and takes a deep breath of the fresh air before walking over to the altar and placing upon it some of the fragrant herbs she has brought from home as well as a couple of early squashes from her garden and a large ear of corn to represent the Corn Moon.  Since the full moon has come right on the heels of Lughnassad, she feels that her offering is apropos in its commemoration of the first harvest festival of the year.

She raises her head to look at the bright orb in the sky as it rakes the tree tops.  In a clear voice, she invokes the ancestors thus:

"Oh, great ancient and eternal Mothers and Fathers, who have existed since time began, and will remain long past the memories of men, we humbly invite You to enter into our circle and join us as we honor the Lady and Lord. Share with us, if you will, your knowledge and wisdom, and guide us through our mortal lives until we may one day join with you and become guardians of future generations ourselves.  So mote it be!"  

Closing her eyes for a brief moment, Morgan basks in the potent energy that surrounds the circle.  Then, with a bow to Windwalker, she retreats to her place in the circle and watches...

...Deer had thoroughly enjoyed the smudge upon arriving - the bittersweet smoke felt wonderful against his skin, and left a bit of its own spirit clinging to his loose hair.  Unlike many, he also took - eyes wide open - a deep breath over the smoldering stick in order to savor its taste and be mindful of its sting to the eyes, a gentle reminder to himself that not all one experiences of the God's is pleasant.  Then he'd thrown a large portion of the corn meal high over his head, thanking the land and also enjoying the warm, powdery feeling of the corn over his skin.  Then, Deer had thrown a bit of tobacco on the already smoking fire and again had inhaled deeply.  He'd thought it odd that all during the years he'd smoked, the spirit of the tobacco had eluded him yet now was so obvious...  In each of these actions, Deer sought not only to thank, and to honor, but to reconnect himself with all around him - both seen and unseen.

Now, Deer reexperienced each of the calls - along with each of the smiles and hugs here gathered - before he spoke.  And mingled in that experience he found many things native to this place...  A plethora of raptors either scanned the dark landscape with luminous eyes, or rested in their nests after an afternoon of hunting.  In one corner of his being, Deer felt the slow and gentle beating of wings, and knew he connected again with the Monarchs he'd watched sailing on an afternoon breeze - their slowly pulsating wings now maintaining their respiration...  Last among impressions too numerous to catalog, Deer felt the bounding of furry forms - noses twitching and taking in every scent the evening has to offer - and longed himself to frolic with these foxes who seemed to be playing a rollicsome game of tag in a nearby cornfield.

Then, slowly turning completely around to address all about him - whether in the circle or in the broader sweep of the moonlit night - Deer found his voice.  "All you here - denizens of the day and of the night, climbers on the trees and the winds, swimmers in the soil's waters and in the waters standing above the soil - we thank you for sharing this fertile place with us. With each step we take, we seek to reconnect with the earth which is your home.  With each breath, we receive a taste of the essences of each of you and of this place.  May our own essences mingling in the night air be as sweet upon your palates."

With that, Deer adds a bit of amber to the fire, and returns to his place the he circle of friends to wait for...

...Nym' is moved by the peace and serenity of this spot.it feels like *home*. Wearing a simple cotton shift of green, honeysuckle in her hair, and amber at her throat she steps forward.

   "Beloved Mother Earth.
   May your rivers run free and clear.
   May your oceans team with healthy life.
   May your forests sing in the breeze of freedom from pollution.
   Passion of Earth, strenghten us.
   Resurrection of Earth, empower us.
   Good Earth, hear us.
   Within your wounds, hide us.
   Never let us be separated from you."

   "May our air be left pure!
   May our waters be clean!
   May our earth be restored!"

   "Of her I sing, the All-Mother,
     old and rock-hard and beautiful.
   Of her I sing, the Nourisher,
     she upon whom everthing feeds.
   Of Gaia I sing. Whoever you are,
     wherever you are, she feeds you.
   From her sacred treasury of life.
   Bountiful harvests, beautiful children, the fullness of life:
     these are her gifts.
   The wide blue sky wants to penetrate the earth.
   The earth longs for utter union.
   Rain falls. Rain falls as sky meets earth.
   Rain falls. Earth bubbles with life.
   Life springs forth from the damp soil
   Peace that blossoms in a rain of love.
   Earth, holy mother, source of nature,
     you feed us while we live, hold us when we die.
   Everything comes from you, everything returns to you.
   What else could we call you but Our Mother?
   Even the Gods call you that. Without you
   there is nothing. Nothing can thrive, nothing can live without your power.
   Mother and goddess, We honor you."

Nym' returns to await...

...On the outer-reaches of the circle, into the shadows we cannot see are the voices, the whispers, as the wind blows softly... they whisper. The whispers of leaves gently rustling, on the trees, in the cornfield, soon becoming the whispers of the elders, of peoples past and yet to come, blending even with our own. Shhhhhhh, listen, "Seek not division, who is better, who is first . . . mankind is not first and will never hold dominion. Seek understanding. Hear us, hear us..."

The sense of electricity builds more as the fire pops and crackles, we hear the heartbeat again of the earth, of the ancestors, drumming... and there is an unmistakable 'awareness' of singing... songs of long ago, but still as vibrant, carrying over the wind and circling round us, and through us. The hairs on the back of our necks tingle, and the hair on our forearms, stands on end.

We look around at each other almost to say, "did you hear that?"

Anais hefts a basket filled with red grapes, black plums, and peachesand settles it at the base of the altar. From the words of Orpheus she quotes:

   "Great Heaven, whose mighty frame no respite knows,
   Father of all from whom the world arose,
   Hear, bounteous parent, source and end of all,
   Forever whirling round this earthly ball.
   Abode of Gods, whose guardian power surrounds
   The eternal world with ever during bounds.
   Whose ample bosom, and encircling folds
   The dire necessity of nature holds.
   Etherial, earthly, whose all various frame,
   Azure and full of forms, no power can tame.
   All-seeing, source of Saturn and of time,
   Forever blessed, diety sublime..."

There is a flash of light in the heavens and the coursing of almost thunder-like, rumbling in the clouds.

Anais returns to her place in the circle, feeling the same words spoken by Windwalker earlier: All are One...

...Walking to the center of the circle Windwalker stands under the light of the full moon as it peaks out from the clouds that have come and gone for the past two nights. Seeing the morning star beginning to show herself in the sky, Windwalker throws a handful of incense on the fire. As the smoke rises  she says:

"O'siyo my sisters and brothers. We welcome all that have come to join our circle of prayers in the ripening time. We feel the power of Elohino beneath our feet and the comfort of father sky in the air around us. We stand protected by the winds and guardians in each direction. And it is now that we add our prayers to the smokes of our offerings so they may be carried to Ogedoda and find a place in the scheme of the paths as they unfold. We seek to live in harmony with all those who hold your spirit. And it is with these thoughts in our hearts that we offer these petitions, hopes, dreams and thanks to you... Wado..."

...Nym' returns to the altar a places a red rose on it. 
   
   "Mighty one, spirits of healing I look to you.
   My Mother is once again in the hospital, her heart is not strong.
   Help her find the strength to heal,
   Let her feel the love of those that are far away,
   Let her know how much she is cherished.
   In this I ask your assistance."

   "Grandmother, give me of thy wisdom,
   Mother, lend me thine abundance,
   Maiden, guide me in my need,
   Beneath the shield of the Horned One.
   May all those I love lie down tonight,
   With the Triad of Strength,
   With the Mother, with the Maiden,
   And with the Crone of Night."

Before returning to her place Nym' stops to hug Windwalker with love and gratitude for bring her back so close to her childhood home.

...Fern steps forth, with an offering of fresh bread.... somehow still warm....

"High Ones, I ask again for Landis.  He is now in his second week of Chemo, and doing well.  I ask for the chemo to work.  I ask for no side effects of the chemo on him.  I ask for the cancer to leave, and for him to be well!"

Fern steps back, and lets others step forth...

...and Windwoaker comes forward again. "OK everyone ... let's visualize holding hands .. and circling the birthing bed. Now, deep slow breaths ... and feel the pull ... contract the abdominal muscles, visualize the birth canal .. contracting and releasing ... and the waters cushioning and flowing gently to ease the passage. A lullaby she softly begins, which grows as others join in:

   "We all come from the Goddess
   and to her we shall return
   Like a drop of rain
   Flowing to the Ocean
   Birthing waters guide us,
   Womb to Air and Light...
   Safely to the mother's arms,
   stand with us tonite.
   We all come from the Goddess
   And to here we shall return
   Like a drop of rain, flowing to the ocean.
   We all come from the goddess
   and to her we shall return
   like a drop of rain flowing to the ocean....

...Pom blows some cedarwood in the direction of the north, to the deep pine barrens...

"May Windwalker absorb some of the energy from the circle established and supported with such care...to heal the illness...let the energy come back threefold for healing..." The sweet scent mingles with the pines in the heat...

...Beth silently approaches the fire; its light reflecting on the damp streaks that mark her cheeks. 

"Spirits of worlds above, below and within... please help me find the truth from within the swirling winds around me.  Please give me courage as I face this truth with opened eyes.  Please give me strength and wisdom to make the difficult choices that this truth places before me.  Please help me keep compassion in my heart as I stand in this place alone."

She reaches into the pocket of her long summer dress and draws out a handful of her rune essences.  Normally vibrant and pulsing with color, they appear as pale ash.

She pauses a moment and then in a quick movement, tosses the handful into the fire.  The flame flickers and hisses and then, for a brief moment, turns the irridescent hues of the rainbow as it outlines her small figure. As quickly as it appeared, the vivid color is gone and the flame burns steadily as it did before. Beth bows her head momentarily and shuts her eyes.  "Thank you," she whispers.  A small smile fleetingly touches her face and then is gone as she turns and slips back into the circle surrounding her.

...Windwalker walks to the center of the circle and while she reaches into herself and feels the power of the circle gather inside, she hears a cry in the distance. She gets the feeling of soon in the sound, but not yet. The winds bring the sound to her and the picture of lightening and a storm, which will come before the child. She feels the gathering power of the circle and since the petitions are few she takes this power and sends it to the Great Mysterious on the smoke of the newly added sweetgrass with the prayer for all the children of Elohino. For the children who have come before and left too early, for the children present and struggling to survive a world out of balance and for those waiting to come so they may find harmony in their earthwalk among all our relations. Windwalker silently adds to these the children she has cared for in the past and those she will see in the future. Throwing a handful of lavender and honeysuckle from her yard she also adds to the prayers for the safety of all mothers who carry our future. From the mighty oak who in this time drops her seedlings to bring future generations who shall clean the air for the two leggeds, to the mother possum who searches for a burrow where she can survive the coming cold. To the mothers who bear the next generation of mankind that they be safe in this passage and that the children come into a world where they can feel and reach the love of the earth mother and feel the pain of all the creatures who walk upon her. Let the next generation know the warmth of love comes not only from their biological parent, but from all their relations and that they too can add their love of others to this peace and growth of a people.

Finding a peace within and without, Windwalker raises her arms and calls:

"We thank the guardians and the winds for their joining with us in our prayers. We ask for their continued guidance, but offer a fond farewell as we now close this circle. We thank Mother Earth and Father Sky for their love and protection of us throughout our lifetimes and hope we can always recognize their needs as we recognize our own. And to Ogedoda, we stand before you as children searching for the path of harmony and balance. Grant that we may always walk the path safely and with a forward motion."

Bringing her hands down to her side, Windwalker silently thanks all those who added their energies to this circle and with one final call cries:

"Mitakuye Oyasin..."

...and Deer, likewise, leaves his place in the circle. Approaching their fire, he raises both hands...  in his left a fist-sized chunk of Dragon's Blood and in his right a Gordian know tied of unbleached angora.  "Mother, I ask that you watch over Pom and her little one.  May the way be easy for them both.  And father, support Micah as events unfold.  Fathers may not labor, nor experience the deepest mysteries of birth, but 'tis a glorious and anxious time for us as well.  May this little one's parents always find what they need for her, and may her path always be blessed."  Deer reflects silently for a moment, before consigning his gifts to the flames.  Then, as a heavy, heady cloud of smoke rises on the evening breeze, he returns to his place among the circle of friends and takes up the chant.

   "We all come from the Goddess
   and to her we shall return ..
   Like a drop of rain
   Flowing to the Ocean.
   Birthing waters guide us,
   Womb to Air and Light...
   Safely to the mother's arms,
   stand with us tonight.
   We all come from the Goddess
   And to here we shall return
   Like a drop of rain,
   flowing to the ocean."