Flame trudged through the freshly fallen snow, each footstep squeaking in the bitter cold. The path she followed led toward a barn just seen in the near distance across a wind-swept field of corn stubble. The wind whispered and hissed as it blew across the frozen landscape.
The rising moon cleared the treetops just as the wind fell silent. A hush fell over the field, as the snowy earth reflected back Her full radiance. Flame’s steps stilled as well, and she turned her face toward the face of her Lady. The earth glowed in the night.
Slowly, Flame lowered her bags and packages to the ground, and held her palms out in front of her, cupping moonlight. The silence of the night settled over her like a comforting quilt, and the cold was forgotten. Each rock, each corn stalk, each twig on the distant trees stood out in vivid clarity in the brilliant white light of the night.
A sense of peace welled up within her, and her eyes drifted closed. Her hands began to tingle in the glow, and she slowly raised them. She brought her arms out, lifting... invoking... Rooted deeply in the soil of the frozen field, Flame unfolded the wings of her spirit to receive the blessings of the Lady. She stood for several long moments, allowing her spirit to soar along the paths of light.
Lowering her arms, Flame paced sedately toward the barn, and entered in. A circle had already gathered, and the energies of the quarters that had been called forth glimmered and throbbed in the candlelight. Flame stepped into the circle, bringing shreds of moonglow with her.
Her eyes still dazzled by the glow of her Lady, Flame stretched out her arms, and cried out:
“Behold, Universal Mother!
We, your children, are gathered here tonight!
I call upon Thee to come share in our joy!
Your presence dwells like a seed within the hearts of all...
I call upon Thee to stir and awaken...
Melt the ice that binds our spirits,
nourishing the seed of Divine that dwells within us all...
She of Ten Thousand Names, I welcome You!”
Flame continued to stand with her arms outstretched for another long moment, her eyes closed. A faint luminous glow traced a slow path across the floor of the barn, and gradually came to rest on the altar, making it glow. Looking up, Flame saw that the moon had risen high enough to shine through a loose board in the roof of the barn, letting the light of the moon into the space. Lowering her arms, she picked up a thin taper, and lit a large white candle on the center of the altar.
Flame turned in a slow circle, gazing into the eyes of those gathered in the Circle.
“We are never alone.
She has come.”
Flame pressed her hands into a Namaste gesture and bowed, stepping back to join the circle.
~Flame RavenHawk
February 13, 2004