The memory of peace and joy, emotions she had once known well, reawakened in her heart, body and mind. This was the familiar, pleasant state she had known as a child. She put her hands over her heart, felt her body solid in the present moment, and returned from her mediation.
~
The rain had just begun to fall when James, Jolene and Sabine arrived at her door, greeted her warmly and walked with her to the temple. James and Jolene had created the sacred space years before in one of the two apartments enclosing the back of the courtyard. Interior walls had been removed to fashion a single large room. The walls of the temple were made of the old brick used to build most of the French Quarter three hundred years before. The wide planked wood floor was covered with plush, oriental carpets and cushions for sitting. Tall cast iron candelabras stood in the four corners, each holding eight lit tapers, providing the only illumination.
James, as the high priest of the coven, cast the circle. Jolene called the Quarters. Sabine stepped forward with the censor allowing the sweet scent of frankincense to waft through Lilly’s aura.
The elder magicians stood with Lilly inside the sacred circle of protection. In a strong voice, Jolene proclaimed, “Through this rite you cross the threshold into new territories of knowledge and abilities. We, the elders of this coven, have sensed the subtle shifts within you. We have watched you devoutly dedicate yourself to your personal and spiritual development. Today you put your foot intentionally on the path to your greatest good, you commit to the development of your full potential. Today you honor and accept your ability to be of service. Through this rite you embrace the journey to your authentic, magickal self.”
The elders questioned her, testing her knowledge and abilities. Lilly’s voice quivered slightly as she spoke her truth, acknowledged her gifts and lack of understanding in some areas. Lilly thought the ritual was drawing to an end when James stepped forward and asked her to describe the path she was presently walking on the tree of life.
She licked her lips and began to recount the visions she was having during meditation and the slowly returning ability to see auras. “With these experiences in mind, I know I have been traveling on the path of the Universe. I travel the path on the tree of life from the earth to the moon, traversing the astral plane moving toward the higher realms.”
Her mentors nodded and smiled. Jolene stepped forward and anointed her with sacred oils stating simply, “You are most welcome in our coven.”
Chapter 10
Matrix Magic
Lilly stood alone in her bedroom slipping her white satin ritual gown over a white leotard and tights. She tied a red silk ribbon with small gold bells on the end around her waist and slipped on a pair of white suede moccasins. Walking over to the mirror on the back of her bedroom door she chuckled and thought, ‘I look like am about to go down to the river for a good old fashion baptism.’
Sobering a bit, she placed the circlet of red roses on her head and recalled what she knew of the ritual. There was a light tap on the door and Jolene stuck her head in, “Are you ready, ma chere?”
“I’m a little nervous, but I am ready. Can you think of anything else I need to know before we go down for the ritual? Do I look okay?”
“You look radiant, Lilly. Being part of Panthea’s is good for you.
A few minutes later, the high priestess and the newly initiated priestess joined James, Sabine and the rest of the coven in the courtyard. They stood in a loose circle in front of the fountain, chatting among themselves. A large cauldron was raised on bricks, appearing to float in the fountain. The cauldron was filled with sand, a thick white candle stood in the center.
The group gathered as Jolene addressed them, “Tonight we affirm our connection to the rhythm of the Earth. We are reminded of the divine spark within each of us. This sacred ember has been tended through the dark days leading up to the winter Solstice. Tonight, we celebrate Candlemas, the festival of the Goddess Brigid. We ritually honor the spark of divine light as it grows brighter. The flame is fanned as we continue to burn brighter with life, strength, passion and inspiration.”
“On this Candlemas we welcome, Lyla, a new member into our midst. She has been studying and performing the personal rituals necessary to prepare for this night. She has passed the tests of her first initiation. Let us ask the Goddess Brigid for a special blessing on our new member.” All of the members came up to her, said “Hello,” and squeezed her hand as they moved into the sacred circle.
Sabine walked around the inside of the circle, anointing the members with consecrated oil. Lilly felt a light touch on her third eye and heard Sabine say,”May the sacred fire of Brigid purify, inspire and guide you as you walk the path to your greatest good.”
“So mote it be,” Lilly replied.
The group formed a larger circle. Swinging an incense burner on a long chain, a tall young woman walked behind them as they chanted in unison; “We are a circle, within a circle, with no beginning and never ending.”
Jolene lifted her arms and called out in a powerful voice, “I do conjure that this shall be a circle of power, of inspiration where within the bonds of the supportive, protective love of brothers and sisters, we may raise, contain and release the energy of increased light. By the love of the
