FULL MOON RITUAL: ???<P> Ritual Leader: ???<P>

Nym' had been here just a few days ago with her granddaughter. The forest through the eyes of a three-year-old held even more wonder than normal. Her memories went back almost half a decade to the times of her childhood in the woods with her Nana. Woods that seemed to go on forever in a child's mind that she now realized was simply an oasis in time and space amidst sprawling suburbia. How she had loved to listen to tales of fairies and trolls, stories by the pond of how the fair Etain had been turned into a pool of water.

Nye’s mind now went to the cycles of life……from the days that she was a child sitting by listening to stories, to the days in similar woods; by cypress trees pushing their knees out of the water as bullfrogs croaked, and telling stories to her daughters, to yet a another time. Now in a new cycle of life, in woods still new to her, her stories and tales are for her grandchildren.

A few days ago Nym' had been here with Meghan. They sat beneath the branches of the giant oak with it newly sprouting leaves, the mistletoe begging to play hide and seek in its arms, reading `Sylvester and the Magic Pebble'.

Before the story they had stopped to visit the spirits that resided here. The stream flowed gently over rocks to the edge of a small waterfall, from there cascading into a pool created by the local beavers. Here they made an offering of silver dimes to the water sprites…..it had become a game to make a wish while releasing the dimes than throwing in flowers to thanks those that dwelled there. Sunflowers and other seed where scattered for the birds while apples where left in the clearing for the local deer.

Beneath the oak Nym' and Meg took up their spots…..Meghan snuggling in for her story still cradling the remaining flowers.

Before they left that afternoon Meg had done something that made her Nonnie's heart leap with pride. They had packed up their picnic and began heading to the car when Meghan suddenly stopped, turned around and returned to the oak. She carefully placed the remaining flowers where they had sat taking refuge under the tree, and looked up smiling. As she ran back to the car she could be heard yelling "Thank You" to the majestic tree.

Tonight Nym returned to this special spot to ready the site for tonight's full moon. Gathering the first wild flowers of spring along the path and stray acorns left over from last season Nym made her way to a large boulder beside the base of the waterfall. The Towering Oak, the swirling pool and this boulder at the bottom of the waterfall formed a perfect trine. A fire-ring used by many sat in the center.

Placing the flowers and acorns on the boulder, Nym' removed from her shoulder bag a stag antler.. a gift she found in these woods years before, placing it beside the other gifts. Oak logs were piled in the fire….sweetgrass smoldered at the edges. Nym' moved to the starlit pool stopping to wonder at the brilliant reflections swirling. Hopes and dreams swirl in the waters like the cycles of our lives, some move forward, while others remain still. Three star shaped candles emerged from her bag.. one for each world, whispering as she lights each and setting them to float upon the water, a reflection of the earth around her and the sky above:

Thou Queen of the moon,
Thou Queen of the waters,
Thou Queen of the flowers,
Thou Queen of the stars,
Thou Queen of the earth,
Thou Queen of the night.

Next to the great Oak, placing in her arms three hanging candleholders with white candles and lighting them from the tiny flame of the sweetgrass braid:

I am bowing my head
In the eye of the Mother who gave me birth,
In the eye of the Maiden who loves me,
In the eye of the Crone who guides me in wisdom,
In friendship and affection.
Through thy gift of nature,
Bestow upon us fullness in our need.

From here she moves to the boulder.. lighting three more candles from the braid and placing them on the boulder each with a rose beside it.

Nym' begins to walk around the space, circling a second time. Feel the earth flow.. the life of the water.. the light of the flames.. root yourself like the great oak and remember times past.. look to the future and remember the mysteries. Come to the center of all you are.

Moving to the fire ring Nym' feeds the sweetgrass braid to the flame. Then steps back to her place...

...Fern, dressed in a lovely red and orange sarong, steps forth.

"Oh Sacred Fire! You forge our tools, you cook our meals, heat our homes, you light our way in the darkness. We huddle around in the cold dark months, sharing the stories that make us a people.

"We bring you with us to this place. Like us, you hunger and must be fed. Like us, you dance on the earth for only a short while.

Fire - of life, of hearth, of heart, of passion - Blessings and Welcome!"

Fern lights a sparkler, plants it firmly and safely in the South, and steps back, awaiting...

...Cailean hurried to the site, taking a moment to breathe the fresh air. It was so HOT in California at the moment. She waved to Nym and silently begged a moment. The pond was calling to her. Kicking off the Pumas, she dangled bare feet in the cool clean water. Ahhhhhhhhhhh..

Her mind wandered back over the past couple of days. A wedding of a friend, a young woman she works with who had always joined in her Sabbat Circles. A wedding in a Catholic Church because the groom -- a delightful talented animator -- and his family wished it. May Day. Another pagan Sabbat taken over by the Catholic Church. While the priest droned on about woman being part of man and needing man to complete herself, Cailean's eyes roamed the beautiful church. There, in the corner was a stunning statue of Mary crowned in fresh flowers. Then the unusual happened. Lindsey led her groom to the statue of Mary to light candles and pray to the Mother. It lightened Cailean's heart that her young friend remembered the Mother and honored Her in the only way one could in Catholicism.

The whole wedding and reception thing had taken so much more out of her then she could have thought possible. Tired so tired.. Cailean took a deep Breathe and let her spirit wander outward. The cool water of the pond was refreshing her soul. Always a water child, Cailean sighed and thanked the water sprites and spirit of the pond for the rush of energy. Out of the huge sack next to her, she took some sea shells to place in the shallows as an offering. Then, flowers to spread on the waters. "I'll be back later," she whispered to the sprites who were encouraging her to come in deeper & play.

She walks over to where the food is out and from her sack, she takes out flats of fresh strawberries with tubs of whipped cream, and a couple of bottles of champagne. Well, it is supposed to be festive, right?

Cailean walked to the west of the Circle. She looked up at the candles in the tree. Once again, her hands went back into the sack. At the foot of the oak, she laid a few sunflowers. "For Meghan, a spirit so bright, may she continues to grow and learn and love and lead by example."

Next Cailean walked to Nym, and after asking permission, started weaving honeysuckle and night-blooming jasmine into her hair. Then to Jess, Fern, Harmony, Adrianna. "Come all, there's plenty for all the ladies to wear." Then Cailean approached Red Deer, and after asking permission, placed ivy vines about his amazing antlers. On to Whisper, draping the vines about his head and neck. "Come all, there's plenty for all the men to wear." One of the good things about the west coast -- lots of flowers & plants year-round.

Next from her bag she pulled a big fat candle, white at top and shading to a deep sea blue at the bottom. This she placed in the West and lit with the sacred Aim 'n Flame.

"Spirits of Water, we call upon you. Help us all deal with the emotions flooding us. Help us know when to hold the emotions in and when it is best to share with friends, be it happiness, sadness, joy, depression. Help us to know when it is time to dance wildly, abandonedly and when it is time to work. But most of all, help us to know that a true friend will be there for all things and at all times." As she steps back, she thinks "wow, where did that come from? Certainly wasn't what I planned on saying." She waits on the others now, almost impatient to finish up so she can jump in the pond and have some playtime...

...Harmony entered upon a pathway into the clearing amid the trees. She too has taken a trip down memory lane. Mom-Mom B. had the most marvelous woods in back of her house! We loved our fresh water streams and the miniature natural bridges formed by tree roots. The field in the middle, off limits. The family of 10 children and 20 odd grandchildren often gathered on weekends. In the early years Harmony even got to play in the woods during the week. They were free to wander and explore. It was a small woods, no grandchild would get lost. There was freedom in sitting and watching minnows dart and the dragonflies hover. There was even freedom to learn about Skunk cabbage! Harmony had always talked to the critters, trees and plants. She had always talked to spirits and fairies in the woods as well. She smiled as the memories flowed, fresh as the spring day.

She shook off her reverie and stepped into circle, calmly grounding and centering as Nym called the circle and invoked the Goddess.

As Nym finished, walking the circle, Harmony could feel the ebb and flow, the never-ending spirals of life.. As Nym fed the last of the sweetgrass to the fire, Harmony stepped up to the boulder.

From a pocket, she pulled out a chunk of amber. The piece was the size of her palm and a tiny bug is suspended in time. As she places it upon the boulder;

Ye of the North,
Come
See as we give honor to our roots
Honor to the entities in this sacred place
Come
Guide us as we explore the mysteries
The mysteries of life, of death, of life again
Come
Join us as we reach across time, across space
Across to the place between all places and time between all times
Come
and Welcome ye of the North...

...By the end of her calling, Harmony's hands are raised upwards, toward the oak branches--towards the very moon. She then lowers her arms with a deep, grounding breath. Looks again at the beauty of the Oak, waterfall, boulder and of friends gathered together. Quietly, she steps back into the circle...

...Nym senses something gone astray, thunder rumbles in the distance and wisps of clouds attempt to hide the moon.

Beth.. Beth was going to call the winds! Concern creeps up as she begins to wonder were Beth may be, and then, she spots her. Curled up in the hollow of the giant Oak, sleeping as content as a newborn kitten nuzzling its mother. The recent weekend of Fairie sparkles and frolics had left her drained.. leaves in her hair and a shimmer a fairie sparkles layering her.

Not having the heart to disturb her Nym' reaches for her Harp. The Aeolian harp was said to have been the instrument of Aeolus, the Greek god of wind. It is played not by human hands, but by the wind.

Its melodies and harmonies are not those that we have chosen. They are the improvisation of nature itself.

To admire the vibrating string of the harps voice is to cherish nature's music made audible.

Nym' lets the wind guide her fingers as they play upon the harp. The Harp made visible the breeze, bringing silence to the dark threatening storm, and restoring the calm starlit sky. Looking at the cloud free moon while the newly aroused breeze played in her hair… Nym's thoughts turn to a favorite poem.

"I spread my gorgeous sail
Upon a starless sea,
And o'er the deep with a chilly gale
My painted bark sailed fast & free -
Old ocean shook his waves
Beneath the roaring wind,
But the little keel of the mariner braves
The foaming abyss, & the midnight blind.
The firmament darkened overhead,
Below, the surges swelled, -
My bark ran low in the watery bed,
As the tempest breath its course compelled.
I took my silver lyre,
And waked its voice on high; -
The wild blasts were hushed to admire,
The stars looked out from the charmed sky." *

"Winds of change, breezes of inspiration, cleansing gale, We Welcome You."

Nym' steps back to her place...

...Whisper steps to the center of the circle and raising his arms in salute to the full moon, he pauses a minute to center, then calls out:

“Hail, O Spirits of the Unborn
Ancestors of our spirit and descendants of our blood..
O child of tomorrow
who walks the swirling mists at the threshold of dawn
We call to thee, come forth and join us here in this sacred space
I do summon, stir and call you up.
Come! Be welcome here in this, our rite.
Blessed be.”

He then lowers his arms to the Osiris position.

“Listen to the voice of the unborn child
The voice of the new beginning..”

“I am the child of tomorrow who lies dreaming in the womb
I am the seed of tomorrow lying deep in the fertile ground,
expectant yet un-sprouted
Mine is the potential yet unknown,
the saga yet un-written,
and the song yet un-sung.”

“I am he who walks the swirling mists
at the threshold of dawn
I am the child of Kerrydwen,
both ancestor and descendant,
who stands at the boundary between darkness and light.”

“Come to me and be free of your fears
for behold,
as my old life has been washed away
in the Cauldron of Life
so that I may emerge renewed and refreshed
to begin a new life,
so the fresh perspective of innocence,
the joy of discovery,
and the promise of a new beginning
are my gifts to you.”

He then returns to his spot and waits for...

...Deer, who works the ritual as Sage this moon. Not quite certain of his feelings - on the one hand, most honored to come as Sage and especially paired with so impressive a Crone, but on the other not feeling like saginess really fits comfortably - he moves about their ritual space. First, he greets all gathered there.. each with a smile and a hug, some more gentle some more bearish and Rosemary (he hopes) the perfect blend of both. Then Deer turns his attention to this place.

On the boulder next to Nym's flowers he leaves a piece of dragon's blood. Although holding its scent close, its vibration spreads tangibly among those gathered. "For clarity," Deer thinks. Then at the pool - where he wants more than anything to throw aside sagey thoughts and plunge in, to float on the black starry surface as though suspended among the heavens themselves. Restraining himself, for the present at least, Deer releases three tiny drops of pure ambergris from the vial hung about his neck. Although the evening is cool, the warm scent moves over the surface of the water and spreads into their gathering. "For connection," Deer muses, almost hearing the songs of those who produced this precious oil. Next, at the bole of the great oak, Deer throws propriety to the wind and his arms about the great tree. A moment later, his composure regained, Deer ties a length of raw silk dyed a deep, fertile green, about a low hanging limb. "For growth." Then taking to the fire, he gently scatters ground amber into the flames. This quickly releases its scent into the night air, a warm blend of fire and air sweetly complementing the earthy-watery ambergris already present. "For all those gone before. As was, so shall be."

Returning to his place among the gathering, Deer shoots a wink and a wry grin toward Rosemary and waits...

...The Crone stumbles in her hurry to make it to the fire, hollering I'm coming, I'm coming! Mumbling to herself. Just try to get in one little short, personal conversation with my Lady, and you know they'll call. She pauses at the large rock to catch her breath and thinks, “'Twasn't too many years ago that I'd not think twice about shucking my clothing and jumping in, no matter the chill. And this the Flower Moon, too. Always was one of my favorites.” Straightening up with a little frown of annoyance she thinks, “Maybe its a good thing these bones have slowed me down to a hobble. There's much magic to be made 'tween a maid and a man in this season, and there's many a man that caught my eye in the past--oh, nothing really serious, like with himself, but there's a kilt somewhere in my memory. She smiles to herself as she picks up her basket filled with chocolates that Godiva would envy and walks carefully into the clearing. There is a clear path to the fire, which she takes, chooses a large goodie to toss in to share with the Fire Sprites, and makes her way around the circle, sharing with all as she goes. As she completes her round she sinks gratefully into a chair someone has just ‘happened’ to have placed there and says, I love you all, my children. I'm blest to be among you. So Mote It Be!..

...Donna parks her little convertible at the foothill of Cunningham Falls. Wrapping a green velvet cloak around her, she sighs and hopes that her thin sheath of a dress will be enough to keep her warm. Its white fabric is so sheer and flexible one could imagine the threads having been made by a spider. She gathers up her long-stemmed daisies, lilacs, and honeysuckle and bundles them together with new green ivy. Turning to get out of the car, she feels the weight of loss and endings. This weight makes the thought of trudging up the steep wooded path to the falls seem impossible.

As she stands, a single beam of moonlight suddenly pierces through the trees to rest at her feet. A strong breeze passes through the tall oaks and hawthorns. She hears a woman whisper, "Come, let's walk together." The sweet smell of the flowers and the rustling leaves call to her, that part of her that is still the maiden inside the mother, the maiden inside the crone. A fleeting image passes through her mind. It passes too quickly to grasp and yet.

Donna suddenly feels the weight lifted, years of difficult changes and responsibilities melting away. She feels the stirrings of a young woman, pure, untrodden, and timeless. Almost laughing, charged with possibilities, tingling with life, she is ready to climb. Like Ariadne's thread, the moonbeam leads her to the circle of kindred spirits gathered by the flowing waters of the falls.

There they are! Nym' waves. Cailean kindly offers hers a glass of champagne and happy greetings are made all around. Donna hugs Peg, happy to be sharing invocations to the God and Goddess with her. Firelight and moonlight dance across the falls basin. Donna drops her cloak and runs to the water's edge. Oops! Between her enthusiasm and the slippery rocks, she finds herself splashing in. Standing up, giggling she says, "Water's fine. Everybody in the pool!"

Then, looking up, she is struck forcefully by the glowing orb of the full moon. Our Lady's beauty fills her. Reaching out her hands to feel the Presence, Donna's invocation begins:

"Oh, Goddess of love,
lady of the tides,
grantor of receptive strength,
be with us tonight.
Flower Queen Blodeuwedd,
Aine of the Moon,
Mother Danu
be with us tonight.”

“Because of you,
we can feel the meaning
in the endings that happen in our lives,
we can feel the stirring
of seeds in our spirits.
Thank you Shining Ones.”

“We stand here before you,
willing to learn your miracles,
that we may share your joy
in the consummation of your blessed love. Welcome, Lady, welcome…"

…Peg steps forward to call to the God..

“Cernunnos, the great connector to the Cosmos
With hoofs planted firmly on Mother Earth,
Our fragile island home
A silent sentinel in the dark of winter.
Father, Brother, Lover!”

“Millions of billions of naked branches
Stand starkly against the winter skies
Joining their antlers with yours, My Lord.
They too, stand as silent sentinels.”

“As The Wheel turns, and the branches burst forth
with virility and new life,
We will greet the lusty stag once again!
Father, Brother, Lover!”

“Welcome back, my Father, Brother, Lover!
Be with me, and in me, as we celebrate this Full Moon.
Embrace Your Goddess, Consort, Lover.
Love the ladies present with warm hugs
and your signature wake-up call – “

{GOOSE!}

“Inspire the men present
to shake off the winter doldrums
and rejoice in the season of Love.
Flowing with the turn of the seasons,
now is the time to connect,
in Love and Harmony,
with all our brothers and sisters.
Ah - I see you!
Secreting yourself behind the large boulder
at the bottom of this beautiful waterfall.
Come and play with us - all of us.”
{EEK!}…

…Adrianna pulls a strand of jasmine twined hair forward to breathe deeply while she watches the firelight sparkle in the eyes of all these well-loved people. Spray from the waterfall drifts through the air and shimmers on lashes and moving hands as the words flow from the calls, uniting hearts, weaving memories, unlocking hopes and dreams.. allowing those gathered within the circle to move into the privilege of sharing each others' stories and precious bits of life.. especially the children.. the future beyond all gathered this moon.

Not only is the energy of blessing and love flowing to surround the circle; but, through the nature of Universal Flow, flowing through each to all those dear to the hearts and lives of each person gathered.. from there, the nature of the energy extends its flow through each to the care of the Earth, the care and love of friends and Nature's creatures.. especially the sharing with the children.. into the future children yet to come.. whether, or no, a body has children born to them, all have a part of the gifting in love and blessing to this flow.

The Universe has such a variety of children! And then, there is the becoming a child with your friends.. making your inner self visible.. especially the play with a beloved. Adrianna has a circle of 5 white stones arranged by the pond as her thoughts drift and she listens. Within it she has arranged "treasures" found while she listens.. now she drops the stones softly into the pond one at a time, watching the ripples fan out. She smiles at the fey peeking out from under a fern.. a little one come to play.

Clearing her throat to speak, she says, "May each of our petitions this night be honored in this Sacred Place and may we always be aware of the ripples and flow of our lives and interactions. Blessings and Love as we begin to bring our prayers under the light of the Mother within a Scorpio eclipse.. things from the deepest parts of our souls. Blessed be!..”

...Jess pulls her attention back from the starlight pool. She clears her head and recalls the words and tune she sang last month. The tune is sweet and light, written in the 1890s for "parlor groups."

To a Wild Rose
Come, oh songs! Come, oh dreams!
Soft the gates of day close
Sleep my birds! Sleep streams!
Sleep my wild rose!

(The song is familiar to a couple of people, they join in humming)

Pool and bud, hill and deep
You who wore my robes, sleep!
Droop, East! Die, West!
Let my land rest.

Woods I woke your boughs,
Holls I woke your elf-throngs!
Land! All thy hopes and woes
Rang from me songs.

Come, oh songs! Come, oh dreams!
In our house is deep rest,
Through the pines gleams, gleams
Bright the gold west.
There the flutes shall cry,
There the viols weep.
Laugh, my dreams and sigh!
Sing and vigil keep,
Call to them that sleep,

Call to sleep.

The last note fades into the darkness, stirring boughs and elf-throngs…

…Whisper steps to the center of the circle and looking up at the moon, he notices a pattern of a scarab and a spider, both reaching for a disc at the top.

Raising his arms in salute to the full moon, he pauses a minute to center, then calls out:

“Great Goddess, Queen of the Heavens, I call to thee, asking for your blessings.”

“I grew up an outsider in a very ethnic community where even those I considered to be my friends often marginalized me. As a child, I often said that divorce "ran in the family" and in order to avoid that experience, I either avoided relationships altogether or entered into unhealthy relationships that were either unstable or pretentious, or co-dependant and controlling.”

“As a result of these experiences, I learned to avoid human contact rather than face the pain of potential rejection. I chose to be close to very few, and to trust almost no one, including myself. I learned to be over-critical of everything I did out of fear that it might not be good enough for somebody else.”

“I now realize that these thought patterns are out-dated and destructive, and that they have created in me a fear of success to the point where I dare not to even dream without feeling the need to either conform to an accepted pattern of what I feel is available at the time, or else set my dreams so far out of reach that I can never achieve them.”

“I ask for your strength, your guidance, and protection as I set forth to overcome these fears and move forward towards the kind of life I would like to have.“

“I ask that you lead me along the path of transformation, to break free of the emptiness I have surrounded myself with and to move forward to a new life.”

“I have played it safe for twenty years and it has gotten me what? I may have physically shared space with someone, but I have been alone in my own heart since 1986. I don't know if the road to Worcester will lead, either directly or indirectly, to happiness, but there is only one way I will find out for sure. I don't intend to miss the chance again and spend another 7 miserable years wondering if I should have thrown caution to the wind like I did before.”

“Grant me the clarity to be sure of what I really want, and the courage and the persistence to make it happen.”

Lowering his arms, he then returns to his spot and waits for...

...Nym' steps forward again with a basket laden with love.

Moving to the base of the oak tree she sprinkles seeds; parsley, Passionflower and lavender. "Mother may these seeds take roots and lend their healing energies to those in need…I just ask that the needs of a Dear one be closely cared for."

She than places a bottle of Dandelion Wine and a jar of local honey beside the fire. "May your energy combine to help the blood flowing in a special Sister."

From the fire Nym' takes on last item out of the basket a walks over to Cailean.

In her arms is a cloak as blue as the night itself, scented with Frankincense, Sandalwood and Myrrh. Protective runes of healing, new beginning and power are woven along the edge.

"May this cloak of indigo speed the healing needed,
wrap you in warmth, and shelter you always.
'May the blessing of Brighid's mantle
   protect you and keep you from harm.
May the blessing of Brighid's well
   nourish your body and renew your spirit.
May the blessing of Brighid's fire
   burn brightly in your hearth and in your heart.' **"

After hugging Cailean, Nym' steps back into the circle.. closely by her sister…

…And Rosemary quietly asks, “Goddess and God, please arrange a favorable outcome in the matter of taxes…”

...Cailean steps forward once more. For a minute she listens to the sound of the waterfall, the wind in the trees, the crackle of fire and the breath of her friends.

"Lady, so rarely do I ever ask for anything for myself. But I've made a life-changing decision this week, one that has me both frightened and elated. I ask for your guidance as I move down this strange new path."

From her sack, she pulls a will'o'wisp and flows the fuzzies into the air. Cailean looks longingly at the pond but know playtime comes soon, so she steps back quietly to her place...

...Beth steps forward quietly from the circle and smiles gratefully to Nym for doing the beautiful East calling earlier for her. She had arrived at Cunningham Falls too late to call the Air spirits herself, still reeling from the joyful intensity of the Fairie Festival weekend and the somewhat daunting task of unpacking her vending supplies. Harder still always is getting in sync again with her "normal" routine. Those delightfully pesky fairies have a way of playing havoc on schedules..!

Still feeling the pull to add her part to the gathering in spite of her late arrival, Beth slowly makes her way around the inside of the circle, inviting each person to hold for a moment the silk pouch containing her special white clay ritual runes and to focus on their most important need.

When the last of those gathered has handed the bag back to her, Beth makes her way to a spot near the quickly moving water and close to the roots of the old oak tree.

She closes her eyes and breathes deeply for a moment.

Holding her hands outstretched in front of her, cupping the silk pouch between them, she begins to speak.

"Oh seers of the unseen and knowers of the unknown, let us sip from the Well of Wyrd and soothe our thirst with your gifts! What say you to us? What must we hear?"

Eyes open now, she brings her rune pouch closer to her and slowly unties its silk cord. Her fingers feel their way into the opening of the bag and she reaches inside.

When she brings her hand out, she opens it and lets the moonlight illuminate the nice ancient faces that lie in her palm.

"Oh my, Thurisaz, my favorite thorny hammer of the Gods," she says, smiling as she indicates the first rune. "Quite a start to our reading! What may feel now like free fall and helplessness will bring us the gift of flight and endless possibilities.. but we need to spread our wings and know we can do it."

"Those whose bodies are in need of strength and healing shall receive it," she continues, pointing to Uruz, the second rune.

"Those who need healing and wholeness of spirit shall receive it, as well," she goes on, nodding at Sowulo, the third rune. "The sun is a symbol of victory and completion."

"This is Laguz.. water," she says, motioning to the fourth rune. "Those who have doubted their inner voice and questioned their intuition will find trust in it again."

"Othila is next." Beth points to the fifth rune. "The bumps that trouble your family and your home shall be smoothed."

"Then we have Jera as our sixth," she smiles. "We will finally be reaping the rewards of our harvest and of our labors.. and justice shall prevail!"

"Berkana," Beth sighs softly, motioning to the seventh rune. "She brings us new beginnings and growth."

"Our eighth is Isa," she says, indicating the next rune. "We are reminded to find our stillness inside and to look deeply and learn."

"And lastly, we have Dagaz!" Beth proclaims softly. "Our dawn, our transformation, and our finding balance and illumination. I believe we *will* soar high and bright."

She exhales deeply and returns the nine ancient faces to the silk pouch. Bowing her head, she says simply:

"Thank you for the light, oh wise ones."

She slips the pouch back into the folds of her cloak, smiles softly at Nym and takes her place back in the circle once again...

...Adrianna stands to come closer to the center. She reaches into her cloak to bring out some of Wanda's loved crystals and the Raven Feather she always stood in her dish of stones.. "a gift from one of my buddies outside.. and how are you today?.. I see you up in the trees waiting for a handout.. Okay, okay, I got up to feed you as soon as I could today. I'm coming! I'm coming.. and I suppose you want a real breakfast cooked for you, instead of simply breadcrumbs and stuff, like other birds!.. Dawn, I loved driving truck and exploring the whole continent for that last year. I got a taste of freedom and seeing all new things. I hate going to work every day to pay my bills, even if it makes more sense. All my life it was okay to mundane work like that; this year it just isn't. The Reservations with their stones and stories and people.. I can't live tied to one place like this any more. Please don't tell my family, but, I'm packing my suitcase already to be ready to leave.. all the things that I don't need everyday while I'm getting ready to fly. I know everyone will be mad at me; but, exploring new places.. Adventures!. and all the stories and people.. I can hardly wait!!!"

Amidst tears and sorrow at not being able to hear the excitement in Wanda's voice any longer in this physical world, or laugh at her impossible impishness.. or watch her deep listening and advice to people who are hurting.. really caring and showing it in everything she did.. Can't stand love.. such a stupid emotion!" at the same time as her house was filled with hearts painted on and woven into everything, backed up with all the hanging crystals. With a grin and tears, Adrianna pulls out a pink candle, and a stone shaped like a heart, and a heart-shaped leaf to leave.. lights the pink candle, and puts a white candle for Spirit Journey touching it. "Ha -Ha! I get to honor your passing with 'stupid love' and hearts and get really sappy if I feel like it!” Standing up, once more, she releases her friend to ‘fly’ freely into the vastness of New Adventures. "Enjoy, Raven Wanda! I know you will head into it with your usual sass and make waves. May we meet again!" Almost in answer, the white candle pours into the pink candle, putting out the wick and covering it, and the heart leaf swirls away, leaving only the crystals, the heart rock, and the Raven's feather. "You know I hate it when you use PINK candles to represent love and get sappy.. Let's use deep red for passion and wait to see what MAN is going to pop into your life and stir up your sedate life!!!" Adrianna laughs with joy and runs to the pool to jump in and play. “Life is for us to enjoy. Jump in Water Sisters and Brothers! Lets Play!..”

...Running late to the altar, WindWalker adds a large bouquet of Southern Magnolia blossoms. She bows her head and thanks the spirits for their help in overcoming unbearable sorrow and depression she has felt these last few months. The culmination of years of stress resounding in a massive crescendo of noise and blinding light, making her lose her footing for a time. The she turns and bows to the many friends present who she has felt in spirit anchoring her and helping her back to the path. "The magnolia was a favorite of my father's dear Ogedoda, may he find the peace in passing that he lacked in life. May he understand that all that has passed between us is in the past and not to hold to the hurt any more than I will. And may he find all the right answers to my mother's barrage of questions about his choices for the past 29 years after her death ;) " With that WindWalker turns and joins the others in the circle that she has missed, happy to be in their presence...

...Nym' moves to the center.

"We thank all that is sacred for sharing this place with us tonight.”

“Spirits of the forest, spirits of the air, elementals, fey and ancestors. To you we give our respect, devotion and gratitude. Mother, Father you give us life, may we use it well.”

“Always in our hearts and spirits, we thank you.”

“Our circle is open but never broken."”

Looking around at all those gathered, seen and unseen, heard and silent.

"Dear Ones…to all of you I give my love.”

“In the name of The One,
which has ever been and shall ever be -
anima and animus,
chaos and thaos,
the first and last breaths of life..
In the name of The One
which is within us all -
all-knowing,
all-powerful,
ever-present,
boundless,
eternal..
In the names of the Lady of the Moon
and the Lord of the Sun..
In the names of the mighty ones of the Four Quarters,
the Kings and Queens of the elements..
Blessed be this time,
which is not a time,
and this place,
which is not a place,
and we,
your children,
who dwell within as well as without.” ***

Knowing the moonlit pool is beckoning to most, Nym moves to the side of the waterfall and lights a pair of tiki torches the night had concealed. The flickers of the flames reveal a mist-shrouded path leading up the boulders to the source of the falls.

"At the top of this path you'll find a clearing with a candle lit surprise. A Labyrinth, ancient in design yet new in structure. A rock and garden path, to take you to the source and guide you back. Follow the spiral to your center, see the cycles of change …… bring your true self back into the world…"

…Dripping water, Adrianna looks with delight at the secretive path, moving through the now lit torches to the top of the falls and beyond. "Thank you, Nym, for the surprise!" The Center of the Labyrinth is calling.. within its heart lies comfort and peace, and re-balancing. With a smile, and a hug and kiss for Cailean, and another for Nym.. a prayer for WindWalker. "We are in a time of no time - time is relative.. Sisters!" And a prayer for each of the others who shared the Circle.. and those of our list who joined us in thought, "Blessings abound for each, unfolding in perfection.. may each life be filled with beauty.." as she starts climbing.. She stops for a bear hug shared with Deer.. smiles and hugs to others along the way.. "What an absolutely beautiful night amidst people who are loving and loved! Maybe, I can hide my pink candle in the heart of the Labyrinth, without interference from Some on the other side!!!" She breathes the night scents deeply and rejoices in Life.. in friends.. in all the Adventures of all the tomorrows granted. “Blessed Be!”

______________

*
"I spread my gorgeous sail
Upon a starless sea,
And o'er the deep with a chilly gale
My painted bark sailed fast & free -
Old ocean shook his waves
Beneath the roaring wind,
But the little keel of the mariner braves
The foaming abyss, & the midnight blind.
The firmament darkened overhead,
Below, the surges swelled, -
My bark ran low in the watery bed,
As the tempest breath its course compelled.
I took my silver lyre,
And waked its voice on high; -
The wild blasts were hushed to admire,
The stars looked out from the charmed sky. "

Ralph Waldo Emerson

**
May the blessing of Brighid's mantle
   protect you and keep you from harm.
May the blessing of Brighid's well
   nourish your body and renew your spirit.
May the blessing of Brighid's fire
   burn brightly in your hearth and in your heart.

©1998 Lady Brighid

***
“In the name of The One,
which has ever been and shall ever be -
anima and animus,
chaos and thaos,
the first and last breaths of life..
In the name of The One
which is within us all -
all-knowing,
all-powerful,
ever-present,
boundless,
eternal..
In the names of the Lady of the Moon
and the Lord of the Sun..
In the names of the mighty ones of the Four Quarters,
the Kings and Queens of the elements..
Blessed be this time,
which is not a time,
and this place,
which is not a place,
and we,
your children,
who dwell within as well as without.”

©1998 Lady Brighid