Susan set the box of ritual gear down on the oak tree stump by the lake shore. It was a longer walk from the parking lot than she remembered from last time she'd held circle here, almost six months ago. She hoped her friends wouldn't have any trouble finding White Rock Lake Park, and that they wouldn't mind doing their full moon in the middle of Dallas.

"I'm an urban pagan," she thought, "and as much as I'd like to, I just couldn't drive all the way back to South Dakota this month! Not with finals!"

The warm November Texas breeze blew gently across the green-blue water of White Rock Lake, ruffling the changing leaves. Small turtles climbed up on the rocks along the shore, basked in the sun, then dropped back into the water with a small "plop." The storks on the spillway were bathing in this unusually warm autumn weather, catching sunfish and carp as they spilled onto the concrete. The rush of traffic on Garland Road was but a dull hum from here, more than drowned out by the wind, the waves, and the mockingbirds.

Susan had chosen a small clearing in a less-used part of the park for the circle. She stepped into the ring of pecan trees and chose the largest central rock for the altar. She cleared the leaves out of the firepit, mentally double-checking that she had notified the local police that there would be a gathering and fire in this spot tonight. The last thing she needed was blue and red flashing lights in circle. The dead leaves cleared, she laid a small stack of Texas hardwood in the firepit and readied two scented wax fire starters for the night.

Then she turned her attention to the altar. Kilting up her purple silk skirt, she bent to prepare the space. She draped a brown patterned sarong over the rock lovingly, it's tassels trailing to the ground. From the ritual box she produced two silver candlesticks -- a red candle for the Lord, white for the Lady -- and placed them on the stone. A pottery chalice and huge brass incense burner were next, with sweet incense powder at the ready. A few stones and feathers. In a moment of whimsy, Susan plucked some of the fallen pecans and pecan leaves from the ground and places them among the altar items. Perfect. At the foot of the altar she placed a jug of apple cider and a loaf of blue cornbread.

"Now, my insect friends, please dont nibble," she said quietly. "You will get your share. And that goes double for you, fireants."

The altar set, Susan takes up a smudge stick and lights it. She walks widdershins around the grove three times, the prairie-smelling smoke wafting through the space.

"I purify this space in the name of the Lord, the Lady, and all the creatures of the elements," she calls. "May all that is done here be for the highest good, may all that enter here be able to lay their burden down at the door and find peace."

Susan sets the smudge down in a shell near the altar and takes up her athame. She gives a small nod to Erik, who's been sitting at the side quietly with his drum all this time. He begins a slow, hypnotic heartbeat, and the sun begins to descend over the lake. Susan moves deosil around the space, her athame pointed at the ground.

"The circle is a place between the worlds, a time out of time. I cast this circle in the name of the Lord, the Lady, and the creatures of the elements." Susan makes three circuits of the space, moving with a soft tinkle of ankle bells and scent of wisteria. At each direction she stops for a moment and says a silent hello as her guardians come in -- Stag in the North, Hawk in the East, Coyote in the South, Dolphin in the West. When she stops at the South, Coyote licks her bare toes, and she suppresses a giggle.

Erik's drum has reached a crescendo. As Susan completes the last circuit, he strikes a resounding bass tone that reverberates through the grove and through both their bodies.

The space is cleaned and created. They both stand back to watch the spectacular colors of the sunset and to wait for...

…Moon Raven steps to the altar. Dressed all in black, the silver buttons of his cloak reflect brightly. He holds a ceremonial feather in his hands. Offering it up he faces East, South, West and finally to the North. Laying the feather upon the altar and drawing forth, from his cloak, a small silver flask, he sprinkles the altar with water. White hair blows back as a wind answers his resonate voice.

"Hail, Father Spirit. We recognize in you the creative spark, like unto the sun which when joined with the Goddess, who is like unto our Mother the Earth, brings forth all creation. And to the Spirits of the North: guardians of the Star Road, tenders of our wisdom, bringers of the long nights of winter, gateways to the mysteries of the infinite universe; we bid you join us tonight. Share with us your wisdom and within the sacred circle bless us each our pathways, journeys and tasks. Help us to express and honor truth as we give thanks to the infinite expressions of creation. Help us to remain true to the power and beauty of the Goddess and the God who when joined complete reality."

Moon Raven bows once again to each quarter and with a final offering to the zenith, steps back blending with the circled presence assembled beneath the full moon.

…Fairymoon steps up to the alter.. out of breath from being late, and tired from the drive to Texas. she steps up and takes a deep breath of the warm air. the warm gentle breeze helps her to get grounded, and softly blows her blond hair around. she takes a pouch of incense out, filled with jasmine, sandalwood, and some pine. in her other hand she holds a bouquet of heather, she places the heather onto the alter takes the pouch of incense to the fire and faces the East. As she stands near the fire she can feel the heat from the flame " hail to the guardians of the watchtower of the East, I do summon, stir and call you now to witness this rite and to guard this circle. Sprits of the east here my call, come join this circle now, help us and protect this circle. join us in honoring our lord and lady on this full moon night." fairymoon grabs a hand full of incense and throws it on the fire the thick smoke fills her senses with the scents of the fire she looks up to the great moon and smiles at the great lady she looks around to her brothers and sisters and smiles . going to her spot in the circle and waits...

...With a wink at Fairymoon, Topaz steps forward from the circle and approaches the altar stepping lightly over the pecans strewn about from the trees above. Next to the where Susan had placed the jug of cider and loaf of cornbread, she sets a terra cotta planter filled with bright yellow-orange fall colored mums. From the pouch at her belt she removes several small, round orbs, each one wrapped in gold tissue paper stamped "Godiva." Removing the wrapping, she breaths deeply of the chocolate scent as she first lays the tissue paper then the sweets on the altar.

In one of her robes' bottomless pockets she retrieves a crimson beeswax taper and walks to the south point on the circle. Kneeling momentarily to push the candle into the ground, she piles the earth back around it to keep it steady. With a deft flick o' the bic, she sets flame to the taper and stands facing South. Arms open skyward she calls out, "Hail and merry meet friendly Spirits of the South ~ Keepers of Fire and place of the noon-time sun! I call on you to witness our rite and guard this circle with sacred flame."

Hearing a low hum from Coyote, Topaz smiles and steps back and looks to the west...

...As Morgan rises from her place in the circle and, after giving smiles of greeting to friends and newcomers alike, she advances toward the altar and lays a sheaf of sweet herbs on it as she pays homage to the Lord and Lady.

Turning from the altar, she walks to the western quarter, the blue silk ritual dress she is wearing rippling gently in the breeze as she moves. She reaches into the matching blue pouch tied at her waist and draws out a handful of tiny white shells that she gathered on the shores of Lake Havasu on a lovely day this past summer. The shells glitter like Faery dust in the moon's light as Morgan raises her hand high and scatters them at the point of the quarter, then raises her face to the full moon and says: "Hail, Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West! Spirits of water, charge and ward this Circle! Grant to us your qualities of strength and adaptability. Give us the wisdom and ability to flow in harmony with all, even as the mightiest ocean and the smallest stream. Be here now!"

The air before undulates gently in her sight, and she knows that her call has been answered. She returns to her place in the circle and waits for...

...Fairy Firedragon steps forward into the circle. Her long sandy brown hair and her robe of multicolors red, green and gold blowing in the warm breeze. Her blue-gray eyes looks about the circle giving a nod to each of her new friends being thankful for having the chance to work with them this night. After taking a deep breath, she steps forward to the altar carefully. Reaching into her pocket of her robe, she pulls out a small gold case with a unicorn head and leans over to light the white candle that Susan had placed onto the altar. She reaches once again into her pocket to realize that she had forgotten to bring another item for the altar...with a look to the others in apology "I'll remember it next time..." she promises and smiles to the others.

Fairy Firedragon raises her hands over her head and looks towards the beautiful moon. After another deep breath, she closes her eyes to center.

"Hail, to the blessed Lady. One who brings love, compassion, understanding and infinite wisdom. To the beautiful Rhiannon, whom I have been drawn to so recently, I ask for you to come to our circle, witness and protect what we are about to do this evening, and grant us the ability to succeed in what wish to attain here. Firedragon lowers here arms and opens her eyes. With a smile to all her new friends, she steps back to her place and waits for...

...Sunspider approaches the altar, her purplish-black hair catching the warm breeze, her bare feet rejoicing in the warm earth beneath them. She closes her eyes and tunes in to the elements and energies present, opens them and catches a glimpse of Coyote's eyes glowing in the shadows. She removes a small pouch from her side and pours the contents on to the altar--acorns gathered from her northern home. She then reaches into her pocket and produces a large pine cone, given to her by a special Grandmother Pine, the one who gave her such good advice so many years ago. She then holds her arms up to the light of the moon--"Blessed Lord, You of all things wild and free, Lord of passion and fertility, Lord of the Hunt, Be with us now, Lend us Your power from below and above. Join us here, bring us your strength, grant us your vision and your love" Sunspider lights the red candle, "So mote it be!" She turns and smiles at her friends, old and new, takes her place in the circle and waits for...

...Susan steps forward and rings a brass bell three times. The chime carries around the circle and across the water. As the last reverberations of the sound are lost among the trees, she says, "The circle is now open for petitions..."

...Wren takes one step into the circle, her long gray hair blowing softly, her bare feet moving quietly.

"Beloved God and Goddess", she says, her voice strong; belaying her usual joyful quietness.

"I have brought gifts. Here, a pinecone from grandfather pine. And here, resin from Ela's elder pinion pines. And here, lavender and catnip from my garden. I lay before You the life of Lynda Ostrom. She has been told she will be crossing over soon, yet she chooses to stay and fight for this life to see her children grow. She has found a man who, through holistic care, has healed hundreds from pancreatic cancer. She has asked for our help, and I humbly ask for yours". With a bow, wren retreats to the circle...

...Earthchild steps forward. As she steps to the altar, she lays down a piece of rose quartz.

"Lord and Lady, in this season of thanks giving I have much to be thankful for. Thank you ever so much for this precious gift of life that grows inside me. Thank you for helping me to conceive despite physical problems that could have prevented it.

Please protect the life within me. May my pregnancy be smooth and uneventful, and may the labor be easy. May this child be healthy and happy."

EarthChild then lays down a pine cone. She steps back and speaks again, "Recently some of my personal relationships with family and friends have been rocky. Some things have gone smoothly, and others have not. Help me to understand what it is I need to do. Help me to bridge the gaps I sense. May I find the strength and wisdom to rebuild the bonds that have frayed." "I have so many wonderful things in my life. Sometimes I lose that in the hassles of everyday worries. I want to thank all the powers that be for all that I have and for where I am in my life. My path has not always been easy, and I never do seem to choose the "normal" paths...but I find they are the most rewarding. Thank you."

EarthChild turns and looks at the people who she has begun to know. "Thanks to you all as well. For the support, advice, information, and humor that you send."

She savors the moment and returns to her place as...

...Epona looks about the circle momentarily, slightly nervous, but determined nonetheless. Blue velvet gown belies the bare feet as she steps to the altar. Her red hair swirling in the gentle breeze...

"Blessed Lord, blessed Lady, I humbly present you with gifts from my soul. A lapis stone found on my travels and daisies from my garden." Epona places them gently on the altar before swallowing the lump that has seemed to have formed in her throat. "I know it is much, but I ask of you two things on this eve. First I ask that you provide our beloved Damascena with a happy home in Summerlands. The second, is a bit more selfish," She lowers her eyes to the grass upon which the altar stands.

"I will be graduating from college very soon and I ask your guidance and protection as my child and I move down our path. I thank you eternally for all which you have already provided for us. Slainte to you both."

Epona smiles and finds her place within the circle. Amongst new friends and awaits the next offering...

...Cariannos looks down at her tiny bare feet. It seems like the frost doesn't even touch them anymore. She's changed a lot. She realizes that she's not so pious anymore. She's never been religious, never will be. She is however a spiritual person. She flies with the spirits. She dances in the circles in the deadest hours of night when all the normal kids are inside. Where she lands next she doesn't know, but she does know more about herself. It's not so much what happened when she was little, not so much how she turned against herself. It has nothing to do with her self pity and hatred. Not even the insomnia, the endless nights turning inward turmoil into the playground of dreams. No, it only has to do with the choices she makes today. She realizes what has passed is gone and unimportant. She realizes that she has shut herself off a bit from the elements and her precious trees. She'll come back, she promises. Sometimes though, you have to know when to move on. She has. She quit trying to figure out those damn cryptic dreams. And thanks to her own strength has decided that that chapter in her life is not so important that it should rule her everyday life. Maybe closing that door was the smartest thing she has done thus far. And yeah, she'll have skeletons, but at least she won't be completely crazy. Someday when her life has spun its web she'll open that door again and find out what it was that kept her from sleeping. But for now she has more than enough reason to get up in the morning, and she does manage to get enough sleep.

That being said she steps into the circle. "Can we do it in square formation next time? You know, mix it up a little?" She throws her head back and lets her roaring laughter escape. Her hair soars about her in a fury of wind. Her little sisters miss her and they aren't afraid to tell her. She smiles at the moon, cupping the smooth curve of her scarred grey cheek. "Well gang, I think things are starting to look up for the old girl. Just do me a favor and keep an eye out for Dani, so that she doesn't hurt herself anymore than she already has. And give my man a hand up. He can't do it on his own, and no one else can help him. Oh yeah, and please patch things up with the comedy group. They have such wonderful things to share with the community and I would miss them terribly. Send my love to the fey, I won't be seeing them for a while. And tell HIM that I won't be seeing him either. Thanks."

She steps back out of the circle with a rare devilish grin. Her bells tinkle sweetly on her cherubic ankles. Things are much nicer when you make them yourself she thinks. And sometimes even better when you have help. She waits...

...Amara steps up to take her place for yet again another Full Moon Ritual petition. Her mid back length dark brown hair blows playfully around her neck and shoulders as she carefully thinks of how to start. "First of all I would like to thank the Lord and Lady for the help they have given me concerning a lost love and getting over most of the pain. I would also like to ask that you help me a little bit more because I am still a little confused and lost over this same problem. I would also like to thank my friends that are here tonight that helped me in my time of need and I would as that you bless them with the same love and kindness that they gave me." Amara stops to take a breath and as she does so she reaches into a pouch and removes the last of her sunflower seeds that she had grown over the summer. "Please accept this meager offering as my thanks" She says as she places the seeds on the alter.

With that Amara returns to her spot in the circle to wait for...

...Sunspider bounces from her place in the circle having taken a break to attend court. She approaches the altar holding a bottle of her favorite-- Snow Creek Berry Boones Farm. " Blessed Lord, Blessed Lady, Oh Morrigan mother warrior! I thank you for standing with me today, I thank you for Justice being served. You have protected me as your child and opened eyes as I have asked, you have taken care of me and given me your blessings! I thank also my protecting angel for standing with me in love and strength, you are my friend and my guide. I thank you Mom and Dad for being with me also. I miss you so much, even though I know you're with me. And thank you Lord and Lady for my friend Sue who stood beside me in the flesh, and the Advocate Sue, who saw me through. And finally to all my friends, no, Family that have sent their love and light through cyberspace. I have so much to be thankful for, you have answered all my petitions well, you have given me the fruit of the earth with all it's sweetness, and now I give this gift to you in return, with promise of more to come.." Sunspider opens the bottle and pours a healthy amount of the sweet pink wine onto the ground, then places the bottle on the altar. She turns and smiles at the rest of the circle. Then having forgotten something turns back--" Oh and thank you for the new life you have sent to EarthChild. May you hold them in your arms and bless their journey together" She then bounces back to her place and waits...

...For the first time, Moonfaerie joins the circle. A brief moment to ask for the strength to mend her broken heart, and wisdom to learn from the experience and clarity to figure out if this new love interest is for real-or not. She lifts her arms to the sky and drinks in the light of the moon and envisions happier days ahead. She turns and greets each one in the circle, finally placing names with faces. She is filled with peace, and returns to her place and waits with a smile on her face for the first time in a while...

...Diaz steps into the circle, slightly unsure of what to say, but knowing the words would come. She walks to the alter and sets down a small bouquet of leaves as an offering.

"These leaves are offered as a memorial. They represent the changing of the wheel from Autumn, to Winter. The time of the Crone, to that of peaceful death. They are a memorial to Damascena, a friend to many in this circle. We ask that you help her transition from Crone to one of the Spirit Beings be peaceful. Let her know that though we loved her, and will miss her, it's ok for her to move on. And thank you for letting us know her for awhile."

She dries her tears, and moves back to her place in the circle...

...Morgan once again approaches the middle of the circle and raises her arms to the full moon above.

Gracious Lady and Lord, I wish to thank you for the blessings granted, the prayers answered, and the new directions you have given me this past Moon. In a continuation of my constant petition, I ask that you continue to lend me aid in the endeavor that I must continue with my sister. Give her strength of purpose and will and also the strength to resist the negative influences around her, so that she may lend her part to our aim. Please continue to lend me the strength to keep fighting.

Please grant my mother rest and comfort in the Summerlands, and let her know that I think about her and will love her always.

Grant assistance to my eldest daughter in this, her time of searching for the meaning in her life.

And in this, the second to last full Moon of the 1990's, please grant happiness and prosperity to all whom I love!

Morgan enjoys the feel of the light of the moon on her face, giving warmth and comfort for a short minute. She then returns to her place in the circle, and watches...

...Maxime approaches the alter and places a small chunk of onyx on the altar. She closes her eyes and raises her face and arms to Mama Luna.

Loving Mother, as mentioned by Diaz, our friend Dama has crossed over. I petition to you on behalf of her foster daughter Onyx, whom has already been taught to love you in all your guises. Her future is uncertain, she is with family, but... you know better than I what that means. Please let her feel your presence as strongly in the future as she does now. No matter what path she is forced to walk, remind her of the possibilities awaiting her and the magic in life. Thank you

Maxime quietly basks in her Mother's embrace a moment longer and then returns to her place in the circle. She melds herself back into the collective energy and waits...

...Fairymoon moves towards the alter bringing with her a rose quartz and a pouch full of herb leaves. The herb leaves come from her small apartment kitchen. she sprinkles the dried leaves on the fire and places the quartz on the alter. " My dearest lord and lady I have much to give thanks for this moon. Thank you for all the help this moon cycle. Thank you for keeping a watch full eye on my little maiden for she will find her path also. thank you for the many gifts this moon and for giving me the extra strength when times were hard." Fairymoon composes herself and looks at the bright silver moon above her. Taking a deep breath she looks into the fire "To my great mother Aphrodite help me to see the path IM am to chose. To lose one I care about for an unknown path. One that is calling for the free spirit in my soul . Guide me on my quest for the truth.. " Fairymoon looks around the circle, "Great lord and lady please bless all you sons and daughters gathered her have a safe and happy Yule season" She turns to go to her place in the circle she touches Earthchild's hand and smiles at her blessed news.. Turns to her place in the circle and waits...

...pombagira comes in late in paint-stained sweats and hair in a scruchi. not too mystical, but she knows you all understand.

"this is a fragment of quartz from a geode opened at a winter solstice, to celebrate the return of the light. i've left a piece at every place i've called home in the past few years -- which has been too many places! now i leave one fragment here, in a virtual haven, and one at my new home, with the intention that it be a happy, safe place where people can gather for fun and comfort, and where a lot of successful creative work can get done. so mote it be!'' she jumps back into the circle and waits to hear what's next...

...Susan approaches the altar, delighting in all the wonderful things and energies her friends have brought to this special space. She centers herself for a moment, then raises her hands to the moon.

"Dear Lady and Lord, thank you for all the blessings that have come my way this past moon. Thank you for the strength to make my new employment arrangement work -- I am more rested, relaxed, and happy than I have been in two years. Thank you for giving me the strength to extricate myself from an unhealthy and abusive coven arrangement, although it also meant the painful loss of my surrogate parents. I badly needed the self-respect to stand up for myself in the face of their accusations and hatefulness; my gratitude to the Warriors for standing by me.

"My requests this moon are simple. First, help me find the focus to get through my finals these next two weeks. I have done the work, now I only need the focus and inspiration to pull it all together and finish the papers. Help me find the energy reserves in myself to stay excited about the information, and the words to create a product that would do you and my discipline proud. It is only a week more...help me keep my goals in mind when I feel overwhelmed. Also, please continue to send healing to my community for the violent death that occurred near Samhain. Keep Pat safe in your arms where no one can hurt her anymore, and let her know that her friends love her and miss her. Thank you for allowing her friendship to be part of my life, for just a brief time."

Susan pauses to wipe a tear from her cheek. She draws from her pocket a spool of white sewing thread, a clear quartz, and a riverstone.

"This thread is for Pat...may her creativity be remembered, and I may I put to use the practical advice she gave me when I make my own creations. The riverstone is for my former covenmates -- for friendship lost but self-respect found. And the quartz is for me, to fill with your light and carry with me through this time of tests and papers."

Susan places the thread and riverstone on the altar. She holds the quartz up, flooding it with moonlight, and then places it beside the other items.

She steps back into the circle, dodging a Coyote nip at her ankles, and waits for...

...Heather shyly steps out of the shadows into the circle. Placing a bouquet of freshly cut mums from her fall garden on the alter. Closing her eyes and breathing deeply to gain the confidence to say what needs to be said.



"Great Lord and Lady, first my thanks to you for guiding me just this past year to you. Never before have I felt such love and peace as I have since finding you. You have given me so much to be grateful for in my life and I feel selfish to ask for more while I know others are going without around the world. What I request tonight is not only for me but for my family, my father and my future children. Please watch over my mom and bless her with good health. She tells me not to worry until all of the tests come back and I try not to, at least in front of her but It's hard not to. It's typical of me to worry too much about a situation before all of the facts are known but I can't help but be afraid of what life might be like without her. She has been my guiding star here on earth and to live with out that love or guidance would be like...well I can't imagine what it would be like. Of all the things I have silently prayed for these past few months this is the only thing I can think of that I couldn't live without. Please hear my prayer, listen to my heart as it can say what I can't put into words tonight. Bless my family with your protection and love. Thank you. "

Heather steps out of the circle, back to her place among new found friends...

...Stepping from the Great Circle that has been formed by friends SpringDragon approaches the altar. Looking toward the great heavens above with outstretched arms he softly and humbly speaks, "Thank you Lord and Lady, Great Spirit whom I only feel but have no name for. Thank you for the love of my life, for protecting her and giving her, giving us, the strength to withstand the many trials we have been faced with. Thank you for allowing for the small amount of time we can spend in one another's presence to be so precious, for her wonderful little daughter I thank you as well. Great ones above and all around, ever present, I ask but one thing. I have asked it for many moons now and have seen the results coming to pass as each phase of the moon, this one more so than others. Great Ones, I ask that you give her the strength to take the stand with me, the three of us as a family unit. We can not help the repercussions that others will hand our way but through the strength that you have given us and with your protection we can make it. Help us to truly be happy in our lives, just for once. Sacred words have been spoken and as those words between she and I end... So mote it be!" SpringDragon reaches into his pouch, brings forth a rose quartz carved to the shape of a wolf and places it gently on the altar. "As faithful and true as is Wolf, so shall we be. Always learning, always growing, in one another and in the Mother. May our love grow strong and unwavering. May we life as one."

SpringDragon rests for a moment with head bowed and eyes closed. Only when he opens his eyes does he realize that he has been rubbing the ring of the one he loves that hangs from a chain around his neck. Silently he steps back to join his friends, new and old, in the Great Circle.

Fairy Firedragon once again steps forward from her place in the circle. Looking around once again at her new friends she smiles for a moment, then turns the beautiful full moon.

"Blessed Lady, I stand here before you to thank you for giving my family the strength and courage needed to face all the trials that we have fought and won. These times have been tough, twice without a home of our own, but you have given us the determination to make it through these times as a family. And for that I thank you. I also wanted to thank you for watching over me, my hubby, and two dear friends of mine the night of the car accident. I know you had a hand in that night protecting us all."

"I understand that there has to be trials at times, and you know, Blessed Lady, our family has been through a lot." Fairy Firedragon wipes a tear from her eyes. "I am here to ask assistance to help us get the funds together to make the down payment for our own home that we may keep and stop moving. Please give myself the strength and patience to know it will come, and to continue to stay strong as a family. My family is my life, and I would like a home for the four of us to call our own... some day..."

Fairy Firedragon, looks down at the earth covered in the pale blue light, hoping not to have stepped out of line on this one, but knows what her family needs most... a home. Raising her head back up, she looks at all her new friends, thankful for them as well, slowly backs into her place in the circle and watches...

...The last of the petitions offered, Susan steps back into the center of the circle. She asks that everyone join hand. Erik strikes up a soft beat on the djembe. Slowly the circle starts moving widdershins...once...twice...three times... and then Erik strikes a final beat on the drum.

"The circle is open!" Susan declares. "Stay and revel if you would... safe journeys to all!"