FULL MOON RITUAL September 2002

   Peg and her family live in the small village of Altamont, NY. The village is nestled against the shorter part of the escarpment, and the escarpment provides protection to the village from thunder and lightening storms, and snowstorms in winter. From the center of this village, it is only 8 miles to the John Boyd Thatcher State Park -- the panoramic "Overlook" area provides views of the Adirondack Mountains and part of the Green Mountains of Vermont, as well as the skyline of Albany -- the State University of NY, Albany - and the Empire State Plaza - as well as many water towers and farms. This is farming country! Apple orchards, cows and corn! Families of deer thrive on the land at the bottom of the escarpment.

   Driving a few feet further, a left hand turn will bring everyone to the Glen Doone picnic area. One first sees a large grassy area with a children's' play area, along with a volleyball court and a rectangular pavilion. But we will not be there. At the very end of this access road is a circular picnic pavilion, and another beautiful grassy area, from which we can see and feel and imagine what this place was like, when it was only a shore of the Utica Sea!

   Corn stalks have been placed on the roof of the circular pavilion -- to make it look more like a natural shelter. There are several varieties of "fruits of the harvest" placed around the pavilion. A large truck tire rim has been placed in the grassy area to contain our sacred fire. Nearby, more wood is stacked to feed the sacred fire. Water IS available! In the pavilion Peg has placed locally pressed apple cider, cider donuts, freshly harvested apples and pears -- and corn, all ready to be roasted in our sacred fire.

   Peg does not place anything in the four directions. Whoever calls each quarter is invited to bring some symbol, or symbolic item, in tune with the invocation; or to use something that is on the altar. The altar is placed facing West. On it Peg places several items, some of which may seem strange to many of the participants.

   For East, she has placed two talking sticks - one male, one female - symbols of new ideas and communications.

   For South, she has placed one of her father's antique kerosene lamps -- one that she has used often enough when electric power gave out in a storm -- a symbol of strength and will.

   For West, she has placed a simple silver bowl of rain water - a symbol of the mutable nature of all life.

   For North, she has placed two things: a picture of Mother Earth taken on a mission from the vast expanse of space, and, a huge chunk of pink quartz crystal - a reminder to treat our Mother Earth with utmost respect.

   For Center, she has placed - a very small menorah (almost a toy!); the tiny crucifix given to her at her Spiritualist Aunt Ethel's funeral in 1982; a pentacle with amethyst stones received from a Viet Nam vet who now resides in Australia; and a blank page book, as a reminder that all that we say, do, and think should be recorded.

   After loading the pick up truck, Peg and her husband Art, have arrived at Glen Doone in Thatcher Park in upstate New York. Glen Doone - a most beautiful spot to view the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Southern Adirondacks and the Capitol District farmlands and man- made structures. Glen Doone - the name has a Celtic taste to it!

   While Art is busy on a ladder, placing the corn stalks on the roof of the circular pavilion, Peg unloads the goodies for the Feasting. There are three bottles of Magpie's Mead - one Pumpkin, one Raspberry, and one non-alcoholic Blackberry. Also, several bottles of Wheat Beer. There is a bottle of Merlot wine for Boudica. Jugs of locally processed cider and cider donuts; dozens of ears of local corn -- de-silked and soaked in water - await Art's fire for roasting. New York sharp cheddar cheese and crackers complete the feast.

   They unload the truck tire rim and the wood for the fire. While Art takes care of building the fire, and providing for water, Peg defines the Sacred Circle with the jewel-encrusted walking stick she received from Don WaterHawk in 1995 at PSG's Majickal Gift Exchange.

   She retrieves a table from the pick up and places it in the center of the Circle. On the table she places two talking sticks, one male and one female, for East -- symbols of new ideas and communication; she places one of her father's antique kerosene lamps, for South -- one that she has often used when the electric power gave out in a storm -- a symbol of strength and will; for West, she has placed a simple silver bowl filled with a mixture of Atlantic seawater, and some fresh water captured from a mini-waterfall in Glen Doone - a symbol of the mutable nature of all life. Finally, for North, she places a picture of Mother Earth, taken on a space mission, and a huge chunk of rose quartz crystal -- as a reminder to treat our Mother with utmost respect. For Center, she has placed a tiny menorah (in remembrance that a miracle happened here); a tiny gold cross from her Spiritualist Aunt's funeral; a pentacle of gold on silver, encrusted with amethyst stones from a Viet Nam vet who now resides in Australia; and an organic, blank page book, as a reminder that all that we do, say and think should be recorded. It is Peg's hope that those gathered here will use these things, as they see fit.

   Peg and Art now place luminaries around the circumference of the circle, and also along the entry to the Circle in the North. There is a bushel basket of fresh, local apples at the entry.

   Ah!! Peg and Art stand -- arms entwined -- looking out to the northeast from the edge of the escarpment. This is beautiful country! We will not see the Sun set from this vantage point -- but we will see the moon rise, low and huge and orange. They stand silently, waiting for the first friend to arrive...

   ...and Deer is one of the first. After quite a round of hugs with Peg - and with Art, even though they were meeting for the first time - Deer sets about his own preparations. From his pack come a huge bowl of high-bush blueberries (very late in the season due to the long drought in Carolina - but full and luscious thanks to the recent rains) and another of clotted cream, followed by that wonderfully sweet Southern confection known as Sally Lunn - a very nontraditional substitute for shortcake, but a delicious one never-the-less. Digging a bit deeper, he produces a bottle of blackberry Merlot. "Seems we all know Lady Boudica's tastes" he grins, knowing full well that Merlot is one of his favorites as well.

   Having added his offerings for the feast, Deer turns back to his pack and gingerly removes the gift from a Native American friend which he has been carefully curing since late winter. Unwrapping it, Deer is pleased to see that the pair of antlers - still attached to a small circle of skull plate with the pelt intact - have survived not only the curing but the journey. Turning to Peg, Deer asks her permission to consecrate these during tonight's moon so that he may prepare them for a Blood Moon working. Perfectly comfortable with her need to ponder this, he returns the antlers to his pouch and chats amiably with his hosts while awaiting more arrivals...

   ...Of course you may! This FMR is not mine, really -- but for and by all who join us!...

   ...Boudica approaches the party and all the smells, all the wonderful foods spread out on the table, she is laden down with some of her own.

   She give a bag of fresh apples and hugs to Peg and Art, and has a pumpkin for the table. Perfect for the setting. She also has a nice ham in tinfoil in the bottom of the bag of apples. In her other bag more blackberry merlot.

   She takes out an earthen cup she made years ago in pottery class it's a big brown glazed pinch pot more than a cup, and she pours some of the wine into the cup. She also takes out some wonderful incense sticks from her bag, and a bic and with the cup of wine she goes over to the circle and places the wine cup and the incense in the East. She then hugs The Wisebutt Red Deer (all the right people drink blackberry merlot, sweetie) and to Owl and Jess and Nym and WW and Talon and all the people she knows, and a few she doesn't.

   She too awaits the arrivals...

   ...Owl rushes in with a flurry of feathers, having just made it home from a wonderful event, the Fall Gathering of the Tribes. Everyone knows she always brings more "stuff" than we can possibly eat to these things, so there's quite a bit of "eclectic" offerings to share.

   A huge bag a chewy candies tootsie rolls, caramels, toffees, and those round caramels with the sugar centers. A large bag of Lime Nacho chips, and fresh salsa, and jalapeno cheese dip. A box of graham crackers, marshmallows, and Hershey bars S'MORES! what better way to honor the sacred fire of Ritual?

   Bottles of Spring Water (from the Mountain), and a case of Diet Coke! and the drums, and tambourines!

   And from out of her pouch comes a stone carving of a Green Man a replica of one found on an old Welsh Church, which she found at the gathering, and had to take home as a Birthday gift for Will.

   It's good to be home...

   ...Sharon, frazzled & jet-lagged, having just returned from a long trip, appears. After greeting everyone, she opens her bags and takes out fresh bread, Normandy cheeses and apples, as well as several bottles of calvados- a drink guaranteed to add to the merriment.

   A small pottery bowl she found in a craft shop in the UK is next. The gray and blue glaze drew her to it and the energy she felt from it when she held it in her hand made her know she was meant to be its custodian for a while. She pours a small amount of the apple brandy in it and sets it in its place for later.

   That done, happy but weary to the core, she settles in quietly to await the arrival of...

   ...Still floating on air from the birth of her first grandson, Nym' arrives. Mabon has always been her favorite time of year, but the recent experience of watching little Aidan coming into the world, cutting his cord and welcoming him to this life added a new dimension to this harvest celebration.

   Setting down a fresh baked basket of apple muffins, Nym' hugs new friends and old...

   ...Jess leaves a few bottles of Heather Ale along side the wheat beer and rushes to hug those present. After telling Peg she may or may not perform The King with the Castle with the Drawbridge (depends on how much beer she drinks), she takes her place in the West...

   ...Windwalker comes to the circle takes from her bag some incense called shamanic visions, and lights them to watch the smoke curl and drift up to the spirit world. She also places a baggie of dirt from home on the altar. Some honey made from local bees and a blackberry patch near home and homemade biscuits to spread it on later. A package of small dixie cups are opened and as she breathes in the scent of the fresh air and the warmth of the full moon, she pours a small glass of the port she brought. Emptying her earth near the picture Peg set out, she offers some wine. First to the mound on the altar and then to the earth she stands on, welcoming her essence and offering her share of tonight's bounty. Then Windwalker turns and smiles a welcome at all present and laughingly asks "When do we eat? This chemo stuff makes me crave things and it all looks so good" Still promising to behave she steps to the circle and waits for...

   ...There's just too much food and drink here to resist, let's do it! Deer and Owl - you're up, in whatever order you both have decided. Then Boudi, Talon, Jess, and Windwalker.

   ...Owl steps slowly around the circle, weaving in and out between those gathered here looking at each as though searching for one in the shadows. As she weaves she chants

   We are the Old Ones
   We are the New Ones,
   We are the Same Ones
   Stronger than Before

   And she takes Peg's hand, and Peg takes Art's hand, and the dance begins, as Art reaches out to for the next willing hand

   Around and around, the weaving goes, and flying feet become breathless in the joy of movement

   Until the Spiral weaves in upon itself, and in the Center stands Reddeer as all come together in a group hug. The chant fades on the evening air and the spiral once again spins out, as the participants take their place in Circle leaving Owl and Deer in the Center. Holding each other for a moment Owl steps back, and places her hands on the heart of the Deer. She can feel his tremble as he prepares to welcome the Lord. Owl smiles widely at her Deer friend, and invokes the Deity by calling softly

   "Lord, the Wheel is turning it is once again the pivotal time of the year. The Sun is waning, yet your people have had a good year for this we give Thanks. We will miss the warmth of your rays, and the Summer Days linger in our minds and our hearts." Owl gazes at Deer as she sees the shadows of Antlers growing strong, and rigid against the darkening sky, and a soft glaze of velvet glistens in the cascading moonlight. "Maturity, Wisdom, Strength, Protection, and a Promise of Return. All this I see in you Lord, I Invoke you at the time of the Full Moon, to be with your Lady, and those who love you well, in all your aspects. Give us one last kiss before your journey to the winter lands, warm our hearts with your fire, and tell us once more that you will return in the Spring and life will go on."

   Owl leans to place a kiss softly on the forehead of the Deer. "Come to us Lord for the Wheel turns."

   And she steps back, gazing in awe as Deer transforms...

   ...and, for Deer, part of that vertiginous experience includes the weaving with it of all which brought him to this point:

   An entire lifetime washes through him in a matter of an instant, slowing as he approached the escarpment and joined his friends. Deer flushed momentarily with the embarrassment that he'd not remembered Art, with Peg leading the spiral in DC. He saw himself again standing in this Circle with them, first against forehead - "Duh!" Only to be swept up in a giant hug by Peg and Art both. More slowly still as others arrived - quips and laughs, hugs and the occasional kiss, and - about and through it all - the steady, sturdy warmth of friendship, trust and support.

   More slowly yet thankful for Peg's blessing, Deer had quietly placed his antlers on an empty space of the altar. A gesture and whisper of consecration passed and Deer watched the blur of the dance beginning - Owl spinning past with Peg, Art and the other's in tow. He felt a strong hand grasp his own as he was picked up at the other pole of Owl's weaving. With the quickening, Deer had some anticipation this dance could evolve into a "crack the whip" which would send him reeling. But - perhaps from their chanting - he was already feeling that other energy with which he found more than the strength, agility and speed needed to keep up.

   Suddenly Deer found himself at the point of stillness, well - as still as an exuberant group hug can be. And as the hug loosened into an outward moving spiral, he was - as ever - surprised and the cool and yet warmth of Owl's hands upon his chest. Her words, her smile, and the gleam in her eyes brought him fully into this moment, and into the ecstasy of embracing the Father of all.

   With other eyes Deer sees himself - taller, darker, with great ivory tines. And stepping toward Owl he begins to see her otherness as well, even though he has yet to voice his call. Dropping to one knee, Deer wraps both arms about her waist and looks Owl squarely in the eye. With a squeeze and a quick wink, he begins.

   "Yes My Lady, the Wheel turns. A full moon followed by the gentle slide from the light half into the dark." Gazing deeply into her eyes, Deer sees the gathering darkness and falls deeper and deeper, until finding himself among a sudden explosion of stars. "We rejoice in Your return to ascendance for, from depths of Winter will all the world be reborn."

   "From a time of unparalleled singularity of being preceding an explosion of forms; from a furtive glance leading to a longing dance; from a commingling of essence presaging the coupling of flesh; I call to you. Mother of ages, of forms and spaces return to me at this peak of my combined strength and maturity. Let me hold you in arms which have yet the heat of passion, even as I look toward the ultimate passing of all which I am. Join me in the last dance of summer.."

   Deer stands and takes Owls hands in his - feeling a tremor similar to his own moments ago - then leans in and kisses her full upon the lips. "Come to me My Lady as I long for you and the Wheel turns.." Deer feels a knot in his throat and blinks hard at the heat he feels within as Owl straightens, smiles and looks out at him with both her eyes and those of another. He kisses both her hands and whispers words only for her, then turns aside to gaze upon those gathered about them...

   ...Boudica sees Owl and Red Deer are finished, and she walks over to the East. She lights the incense sticks with the bic, and picks up the cup of wine. She spills most of it on the ground as an offering, a libation.

   As she holds the cup, and the smell of the incense wafts around the gathered circle, she faces East, and a slight breeze can be felt. It carries the smell of the incense and it has a slight bitter feel to it. Seasons are changing. It is harvest time again, days are getting shorter, the moon is getting brighter, larger, rounder. Days are cooler, and this is a welcome change for her, as she HATES the summer heat. The breeze picks up a bit, then dies down to just a gentle cooling drift.

   She raises her arms in an embracing gesture, and says: Welcome Ancient One of the East, the element of Air. Welcome to our circle this evening. Join us for Harvest Feasting this evening, bring intelligent discussion, witty conversation and inspiration to those who are here this evening. Fan our fires lightly but steadily, keep the evening cool but not too chilly, and blow these memories to all those who read about this gathering, all those who will come upon this record of our meetings and may they always remember how it was, how it should be, and how it will be again.

   Blow to us the key to remembering the wonderfulness of the year past, those good moments of happiness, those trying moments of growth and those things that we should never forget. We harvest all those things at this time of year, and we will remember one more time before years end.

   These are the winds of change, we feel them stir in our memories. We are harvesting more than just the products of the earth. We are also harvesting those things which have been seeded in our minds, have grown and blossomed not just over the past year, but over many years, many lifetimes. Ancient One of Air, One who brings inspiration, knowledge and remembrance, be welcome and grace us with your presence this moon.

   She takes a sip from the cup and pours the rest into the earth, and places the cup on the ground. She turns and faces the group. She sees a few smiles, and smiles back. She then returns to the circle to await...

   ...It seems to Peg as if the warmth and light of the Sun has been unusually strong in recent days, as if with the later rising, and earlier setting, it is trying to instill in us a last huge dollop of energy.

   At the altar, she lights her Father's antique kerosene lamp and carries it to South. She raises the lamp in salute and then places it on the ground between the luminaries surrounding the circle. She raises her arms skyward and says: Welcome Spirits and Powers of South, the element of Fire. We invite you to join with us in our celebration, thanksgiving and feasting!. We ask you to show us how to keep our internal fires of strength and will burning brightly through the long season to come. We ask the light of your guidance through the dark months to come - that we may remember -- not only the season now passing, but remember all the seasons of the past. Power of Fire, honor us with your presence and light our way.

   Peg feels a rush of loving warmth - a fire in the belly - and smiles. She whispers "thank you", and turns back to the circle to await...

   ...Jess is moved as always by Owl and Red Deer's intimate calls. After hearing calls for the East and South, she bends to retrieve to bowl of water at her feet. She tips a small vial of water into it. The water is from Storjvn, the lake in the town of her birth in Sweden (site of another FMR many moons ago). Swirling the bowl gently, she says "All waters flow. All waters flow together. All water flows and takes the shape of its vessel. We are all water. Let us be liquid. Let us be still and deep, yet ever changing. Let us flow and take the shape of this vessel. Let us be sweet or salty, turbulent or trickling. Drink deep and never thirst."

   Jess replaces the bowl and turns to the North...

   ...Back to the altar Windwalker stands, feeling the last of the day's warmth rising through her bare feet. This close contact with the earth is something she cannot seem to live without. Placing a small bunch of flowers and a small carved figure of a black mountain lion on the altar by the mound of earth she calls out:

   "Winds of the North and home of the spirits of Earth. Guardian Spirit of Mountain Lion we ask you to join us now. For in this final harvest as we come to the time of introspection and delving within, we find we are in your presence. So we ask that you join us now and come to know your children who walk bravely into the dark time. For as the wheel turns a time of growth looks for a time of rest. Come and be welcome."

   "For the world is place of great beauty from the moment it came to begin, And we turn to Earth's strength and her wisdom to find peace from the harshness within. For the trials that come to each being can take us to dizzying heights, Or to depths of despair if we let them or lose contact with earth's creatures of light. "

   As Windwalker takes a handful of dirt from the altar and lets it drift downward to mix with the earth of this place, an old song runs round her head.. 'to everything turn, turn, turn. There is a season turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose under heaven ..' As she turns and returns to her place in the circle and waits for...

   ...Nym' moves to center and place a small Kuan Yin next to the other items Peg had placed there, then looking at the Brigid's cross around her neck remembers all the names she knows of that Spirit is called by. Of all the common threads that run trough the worlds belief systems, SPIRIT by whatever name is the constant. Something not always seen or heard but always there.

   Pushing the hood of her robe back Nym' looks to the night sky and whispers a chant of thanks. As she lights a tall white candle the yellow petals that had been scattered through out her hair come alive and a cascade of Brimstone butterflies spiral upward toward the moon.

   Looking back to the altar she sees a large white butterfly has settled in among the symbols of word belief and whispers, "Namaste", knowing their invitation was accepted. Nym' steps back to her place to await...

   ...Art has signaled Peg that the fire is ready for the roasting of corn, and none too soon! This Crone needs a potty break, and some liquid refreshment. There is cold spring water and cups for all...

   ...This past year has been one of transformation for many of us, in many ways. From lifestyle changes to healings of all kinds. Owl, Boudica, Rosemary and I created CroneSpeak - and we have been busy! It seems wherever we go, whether all together, in two's or solo -- folks are thirsting for guidance and true community. I am so very thankful for my "sisters" and for all that they have taught me.

   I give thanks and honor to the Goddess for our menfolk, Sages - Abe, Will, Art and Michael. For me, Arthur has been my anchor, the rock to hang on to, during times of trouble, self-doubt and emotional turmoil. I see that it is the same with the others. We are all so blessed by the God and Goddess!

   And Hecate still sits at the Crossroads - patiently waiting. I've come to look forward to Her laughing cackle, and Her comment - "So, you finally came to visit.. again." This lifetime is good. May we all make the most of it. Blessed Be and May You All Never Thirst!...

   ...Nym' places a basket of apples on the altar.......

   "Mother, my deepest Thanks for the healthy magickal little boy you have added to my family...and the miracle of the next little one to come this winter. I thank you for the health and happiness of my daughters and the wonder of my Granddaughter Meghan, while not a child of my blood....most assuredly a child of my heart and spirit" ...

   ...And so, after the quarters are thanked and the deities invited to remain for their feast, their circle ends.