FULL MOON RITUALS November 2002

It was a long drive up north from her place, but well worth it as Owl Mountain came into view. If nothing else, she was just glad to exit the rally race on the turnpike! It was just mid afternoon but with the short days of upcoming winter, it seemed almost twilight. The sky was overcast, with mist settled down in between the trees and underbrush of the rolling "hills" and valleys. The air was cold, clean, and tinged with the scent of the surrounding pines. Down south at home we were still in the full glory of autumn, but up here just the last few bits of leaves still clung stubbornly to the deciduous trees, with haphazard clumps of bright yellow, orange, and fiery red contrasting with the deep hue of the evergreens and the starkness of bare bark.

She pulled into the driveway and was formally announced by the excited barking of two dogs, who she soon learned were named Boozer and Nellie. She scratched them each affectionately on the ears and they scampered alongside her as she went to knock on the door. Topaz greeted Owl with a big hug, it had been a couple years since she'd seen her, but she hadn't changed a bit. Her easy smile and that infectious bubbly mischief in her eyes put Topaz right at ease. Owl was just that way. From the trunk of her car, Topaz presented Owl with a flat of purple and yellow pansies and thanked her again for allowing us to have the ritual here. They had a quick cup of tea and a short chat of the pleasantries, then Owl pointed the way up to the clearing where the ritual would be held.

Out back of the house she noticed a firepot with long logs around it for sitting, and she could see Owl and Will had already set up tables under a tent nearby for the feast afterwards. A kettle of something was steaming too, she hoped it was some of that famous chicken soup with "rivels."

After a short but brisk uphill walk, Topaz put down her "stuff" and took a moment to catch her breath and to survey the area for ritual set up. The clearing was large enough that a few hundred people could easily assemble, and she could see several paths leading off in different directions into the surrounding forest. Off in the distance a rustle in the underbrush caught her attention. She stood still as a mama deer and her youngling stepped out from the tree line and bent to drink at small pool of water. Must be here to visit the artesian well Boudica had told her about. She smiled and went about setting up, hoping the deer would stay a while.

A gnarled old tree stump was nearby, so she dragged it to about the center of the clearing to use as a makeshift altar. She found a sizeable split log and dragged it over to lean against the stump. Some newly fallen leaves served well as an altar 'cloth' for the stump and she then set two candles in brass holders on it, one black, one white. On the log she placed a small dish of sea salt and a bundle of dried rosemary and lavender. She filled a flask with a bit of water at the well, and then placed that on the log too, making sure there was plenty of room for Fairymoon to set the libations and for any other offerings people might bring. Checking the cardinal points, she placed a torch at each, and made sure they were filled with the lamp oil from her bag. Also from her bag she took out some brightly colored yellow and purple mum flower heads she'd gathered before leaving home and sprinkled them around the perimeter of the circle.

All was ready, now to wait for everyone to arrive…

…Well, the Coffee pot is perking, and the soup is simmering, and muffins are browning nicely in the oven. The Fridge is stocked, and tables have been set up on the deck. Will has been busy on the tractor, clearing the pathway up the Mountain to the clearing where Ritual will be held.

Owl is still bringing up supplies from the larder, plates, cups, bowls, silverware ... extra chairs, and blankets. The grandkids have been designated as "Parking Attendants"! They'll direct traffic, and help people unload their supplies as they arrive.

Some of them will also be stationed along the path with lanterns, to help light the way up the Mountain.

Soft music is playing on the Stereo, and Luminaries are placed around the deck for lighting after Ritual ...

I'm as ready as I'm gonna be ... and here comes the first arrival!

Heya Topaz!! Blessed Be! A warm hug, and the gathering begins…

…The moon was just clearing the trees to the east as those gathered in the clearing turned to face Her. The remnants of autumn yellow leaves shivered in the night. To the east of the circle was a path down the mountain Pomb had once taken, through those groves to gaze at the yellow leaves overhead. She had found healing there, in the tall, straight-standing spirit of that grove. Tonight, she feels the energy rushing out of that place, up the path, and into the clearing, rushing in like a wind, or a friend arriving late and breathing hard from the journey, enjoying the feel of the cool crisp air in her lungs.

"East spirits, spirits of air, our friends, fill our lungs with energy to walk the mountain, to talk the talk of connection and counterpoint, to sing our songs to the beauty of the moon. Please dance and sing and talk and feast with us tonight."

She looses a feather on the rising wind and can't see where it goes. She steps back into the circle to wait for...

...Red Deer, who stands ready at the southern limn of their space. He turns to face outwards, a movement accompanied only by the jingling of bells, and feels the rush of wind Pomb had noted, but now blowing into their gathering. With the moon higher in the sky to his left and the little she goat dancing overhead, Deer accepts the warmth of that breeze which greets him from distant oceans and lands. In his mind's eye, Deer sees - even though far below the distant horizon - the Southern Cross also wheeling over the night sky.

"Keepers of the southern reaches, spirits of fire and flame, essence of the heat which within us is life... fill us with the energy for thanks and for merry-making this eve. Grasp the wind's hand, and reach for the water. Join in the circle which wards our space and dance as song upon our tongues. Fire on the hillside, fire in the heart, fire in the head - all be our boon companions."

He lifts the amber from about his neck and gently rubs it in his long hair. Then, pulling to tear of ancient forests away from himself looses a spark of incandescent blue into the night. Any watching with other eyes might notice it to dance off to Deer's left, playing casually with the evening breeze, and to slowly undulate towards his right as though seeking the hands of water. The ghostly fire still shimmering in his sight, Deer turns back to face his friends and waits for...

…Fern come trotting up, running rather late. She HAD planned to carpool with Rosemary, and suddenly having to drive up to Owl Mountain herself was a layer of activity she'd not counted on, especially as she'd never been there before! Well, life is what happens while you make other plans..

Smiling at the group assembled, she breaths deeply of the wood smoke and incense carried by the wind. Removing the long black cloak she had worn in, she reveals .. herself, in a hula outfit! The grass skirt rustles like reeds in moving water. The cups runneth over. Sea-shells shine like pearls in the moonlight.

"Waters of life, we call on you, too, this night. The moon rises - and brings the high tide with it! From water we all have come, the waters of birth. We cannot stay alive without you, for mostly water we remain. And after death, we return to the dark waters beneath the ground. Blessed water, wash away fears, tears, trials, wiles. Ward this space, help our words flow as you do, let us feel the ebb and flow of energy, companionship, and the High Ones!"

Fern walks to the fire, and pours some water - in the form of Old Grand Dad - on to it. With a roar like the ocean, blue fire rises high, and the scent of the flambé' adds to the circle.

She walks back to the edge of the circle, and waits for...

...It had been a long time since Cailean had been on the east coast during winter. She was glad she remembered to put her thermals on under her skirt and sweater and gave thanks for the warmth of her purple velvet cape. Having never been to Owl's mountain before she had been busy taking in the beauty and warmth and magick that filled it. The tinkling of Topaz's bell startled her. She thought it uncanny that Topaz had assigned her North. This is the second calling in a short time for a direction that had never strongly pulled her before. Before stepping forward, she gave thanks to Mother Nature for the beauty of the setting and for smacking her with the cosmic 2x4, letting her know that this is the direction she should be looking.

Finally grounded and ready, Cailean steps forward. From her little basket, she pulls a plastic ziplock baggie. She approaches the altar and empties the baggie around it. "Mother, I bring to you the soil of my new garden. As I promised. Now please help me to not kill the herbs I have planted."

She tucks the baggie back into the basket. She takes out a brown candle and lights it, placing it in the north section of the altar. Beside it she places the heart-shaped rock she found on a walk thru the park last year. Next, she takes a small sapling, brought all the way from SoCal, nursed thru airport security and the long flight and drive. A symbol of the roots that our teachers in this group are, the branches that grow as we question and discuss. A tree that will be given to Owl and Will to plant and remember us by.

"Hail to the powers of the North. Earth, strength, endurance... Let all here share in your strength. Let us know when to stand strong and when to sway with the breeze. Let the ground be firm beneath our feet and let us know how to draw strength from it. Let us see the agelessness of the rock and know that we, too, can endure the rains and storms that come our way. Mother Earth, we welcome you."

A little embarrassed, knowing that that wasn't a usual invocation, just something that came from her heart, Cailean steps back to her place...

...Having been to Owl Mountain many times, Boudica feels the same connection with the Greenman at Owls place as she has at her own place in Ohio. The forest, the trees, the animals; all create a place for the Greenman to reside in comfort amongst the things that reflect His persona.

He can be secretive, He can be playful; He dances in the light of the moon amongst the shadows of His trees. Boudica has gotten to know him well over the many years. He was her protector in the city, giving her the comfort of the country she longed for while living in the city she wanted to escape.

Before the circle, Boudica had wandered amongst the mulberries and the pines on Owls mountain, close to the clearing where the ritual would be held. There were spirits here, long held to this place for the freedom they enjoyed and the music they played well into the night. She could hear that music sometimes when she was up there. But she moved passed those spirits, listening to the music they played, and looked for her old friend, who was dressed in his Fall finest of browns, golds and reds.

He was there, waiting. She joined the circle, knowing He was ready, waiting for His cue. The circle was beautiful, Topaz was wonderful setting everything up, using the leaves for the altar clothes. Boudica was dressed in a long heavy gown of dark browns and reds and highlighted with some small golden stars.

On cue, she stepped into the circle. In her hand she held a taper of gold. She lit the taper and places it on the altar. In a soft, hushed voice, she says... "He's here, and He wants to dance. Winter is almost upon us. He has heard the music of the spirits of this place, it is lively and He remembers when it was Spring, and we were young and lusty. Give me some zesty drums, and give an eye to a fine young partner. I need a partner."

She stopped, and there was a hooting of an owl. The drums started to beat, and Boudica looked around, and her eyes met Owls, and she walked over, gave her a mischievous smile and took her hand and brought her into the circle..

As Boudi brought her into Circle, Owl had to control her urge to giggle .. and solemnly stepped to the side of her friend ... Looking around the Circle at beloved faces, old friends and family, and some new friends two, she was glad to welcome them all to her home. As she had walked the well known path to the clearing, she could feel the spirits of the Mountain gathering near her. This was a special night, and they too wanted to be a part of this Circle. Tonight, Owl wore the Circlet of her own Coven ... the glint of moonlight flashing from the center stone, and reflected in the silver half moons, set each side of the stone. To all in Circle she bids warm welcome on behalf of Mystic Trad. Raising her arms to the Full Moon, shining above, she calls softly ... Mother, we invite you to join with us tonight at this gathering in your honor. Come and share our bounty, and our joy ... and our secrets ... as was promised in your Charge. As the tingling began from her head to her toes, Owl knew the Goddess had answered the call ... Turning to Boudica, she grasped her hand, and then reached out to clasp the hand of her brother, Reddeer ... who in turn clasped the hand of the next one in circle. They began the slow steps of the Grapevine dance, weaving together the energy of this magickal place. We all come from the Goddess ... the chant begins .. slowly as each finds their steps in the dance .. Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn ... and the dance quickens ... laughter, joy, and freedom swirl on the Mountain top ... the Full Moon, the crisp autumn air, with a hint of snow, and the pines .. the smell of wood smoke ... and the feel of spirits dancing with us ... The Circle is cast, and flowing ... So Mote it Be!!…

…Nym' steps forward pushing her hood back as leaves and twigs fall from her red hair. It was hard to pull herself away from her journeying on Owl Mountain... it's peacefulness and magic are easy to get lost in.. the many thoughts about the welfare of her new grandson and youngest daughter found solace here.

The warmth of the faces around her reconfirmed her belief that here and now...in this circle was the right time to make her appeal.. Stepping to the altar Nym' places a beautiful Herkimer she had found on the mountain and puts her hand to the amber at her throat. "Elen, Mother & Goddess of the Greenwood.. you are one of the older Goddesses...as ancient at the woods themselves, Goddess of the crossroads, Protector of the traveler. I ask that you watch over and protect my daughter and her family."

Nym' returns to her place in the circle to find a beautiful golden dog looking up at her ...tail merrily wagging.. Petitions are open...

…Jess drove the two hours up to Owl's remembering her last visit: watching a dragonfly trace a labyrinth, climbing the mountain with Nellie tracking her, learning what may apples and phlox look like, joining in a simple yet powerful ritual around the dining room table. As her little green car pulled into the long driveway, she was greeted with cheerful shouts and warm hugs.

Now, standing in the circle, the warmth and joy of the moved her to step to the altar and light a small tea light candle.

"Bright Lady, I have many things to be thankful for: my wonderful family and caring friends, the love of a man who thinks I am the star of his life, a warm home, and a job I enjoy. Therefore I ask for energy, guidance, and safeguarding for those around me: For Mark as his life turns on its ear; for Buck, a kitten stolen from my rescue group, may he be returned soon or at least be kept safe, warm, and well loved; for my best friend, as life dips into the red for a little while."

Jess returned to her place in the circle as the next petitioner moved forward...

...Fairymoon steps up from the circle. Her dark forest green velvet dress is blowing in the gentle brisk breeze on owls mountain. A bright mix of autumn color leaves is entwined in her long blond hair and fairy dust covers her from head to toe. the beauty of owls mountain is breathtaking. Taking a deep breath smelling the mix of scents she raises her arms to the silver moon and says "Great lord and lady thank you for all your blessing this month. Thank you for keeping my family safe and healthy. For giving me the strength to see that I can be my own worst enemy. I would ask for energy and guidance to continue on my path to expand my self on my spiritual path and to help me with my sculpting so that the world that's in my head will come through my hands. I also seek energy and guidance for my husband in his quest to find a job, for my daughter to be healthy, safe and happy. Blessed be." Fairymoon feels a tug on her hair, Its Bell, the fairy that resides in her home that insisted she come so she could make friends with the fey spirits on owl's mountain "is it time?" she whispers. "Almost" fairymoon whispers back as she takes her place back in the circle.. then Bell giggles for a moment and points to the food that fairymoon brought and sees her gnome from home, who also decided to come with her, sitting next to another gnome she does not recognize. They both are sitting next to the bottle of mead clinking their bottle cap cups together. Fairymoon gives her best motherly look as if to say, where are you maniors. but the two gnomes just grin from ear to ear. Fairymoon shakes her head, I guess its time..

Fairymoon walks up to the beautifully decorated table that she had placed the food and drinks on earlier that day. She had made moon cakes glazed with honey that her daughter Kelly and her fairy friend bell had help her make. They had also helped her make the Carmel and candied apples, that came from an orchard not far from her home. She picked up one of the moon cakes and crumbles it in her hand as it falls to the earth she says, "Thank you Goddess for this bounty of food. May it nourish all who eat it. Accept this offering as we celebrate in your light" fairymoon grabs the jug already opened by the gnomes. In side the jug was a special treat that she was eagerly waiting to share with this group. she had brought several jugs of Glastonbury mead. The mead was made in Glastonbury England from the vineyard of Avalon. It is a very strong mead, stronger then she had ever tasted and was waiting to share it with people who would appreciate it and where it had come from. she poured some in the silver chalice. she hold up the chalice and pours the mead onto the ground and says, "Thanks you lord and Lady for this gift of this mead may it warm the hearts and lift our spirits for all who drink it. Accept this offering." She picks up a large plate and a large chalice she had brought with her placed several mooncakes on the plate and filled the chalice and brought it to the edge of the circle. this was for all the fey spirits that were grouping around the circle. Fairymoon astonished at all the spirits living in owls area, was seeing that her fairy and gnome were making new friends. she herself was getting excited to meet them all. Placing the plate and chalice down she returns to her spot in the circle…

…With the petitions and libation complete, farewells were called at each of the quarters in turn. Then, Topaz rang her bell once more and called out:

"The circle is open but remains unbroken. Merry we met and merry we part until merry we meet again! Blessed be!"

"Now, let's feast!"