Ritual #atozblogchallenge

Submerged in the water, she imagined the details and drags of the day washing off.

Cleanse me. Prepare me

Stepping out, she wrapped herself in a dark robe, combed her long, wet hair, closed her eyes and again…

Prepare me.

These evenings were always high days for her. She made ready for days before. Tonight, the phone was off. The kids were at their dad’s house.

She peeked out the window.

Just you and me.

Walking into the garden, she saw all of her items in their places.

Candles

Sage

Matches

Wine

Chocolate

Pillows

Blanket

The fire pit had been set up earlier in the day. All she needed was to light it and it would blaze. She had become skilled at building a fire and was sure it would dance for her easily.

She looked up.

Good evening Mother Moon. I am here.

After walking her circle and lighting each candle, she lit the sage, bathing herself in the smoke as she walked around her circle a second time.

Mother Moon

Shine down on me

I’ve secrets to tell you

I’ve burdens to cast off

Bathe me in your light

As I release all that no longer

Serves me well

Her words but not her words. She never knew where the words came from. They felt ancient, almost like scripture, sacred.

The small sprig of sage still smoked. She lit it again, so that it was a small flame and used this to start her fire.

It was sure and true, lighting up and sending sparks flying into the night sky.

Before dropping her robe, she pulled small slips of paper out of the pocket. She was now skyclad. The privacy was a blessing. She could hear drumming, but it was from within her.

Please release me

From all things worldly

That do not serve me

Mother Love me*

The slips of paper were her burdens… things she had no power over and things she wanted to no longer have a hold on her.

After reading each slip, she would toss it into the blaze.

After each slip was released, she walked her circle once more.

I’m gonna break

These chains that bind*

She found her robe and snuggled into her pillows that she had nested on a blanket by the fire. The wine and chocolate were there also.

The moon watched as she thought about the positive days ahead, how she would feel, now that she had mentally let go of the things she could not control. She imagined new actions, positive thoughts and the words that she could use in the coming days. Like a daydream, she saw the scenes play out in her mind.

She slept that night, as the moon rose and the fire died.

*words from Kellianna’s Stonehenge, one of my favorite ritual songs/chants.