EDENVILLE

Morag -Wassail Eve

By @silenttomorrows

She made the necessary preparations for the midwinter festival, the winter solstice, and made her way from her cottage, through the woods to the clearing. There stood the stones that had been there since the beginning of time of human kind time.

Morag could feel the depths of the darkness. The winter sleep that engulfed all of nature around her, but still the power of mother earth the divine mother at the centre of creation, coursed through her being. For this was the time Alban Arthan, also known as the light of the bear, the constellation glistening in winter skies.

Morag lit a lantern and took time to reflect. She remembered happy moments in her life and also those that had cut her down like a scythe through her emotions.

Morag lit lanterns and placed them around the circle. She then lit a small fire at the centre of the stones as from the shadows those villagers who knew, joined her. Japonica and Edith came; Morag had invited them after the debacle that was Corky's funeral. Morag still burst into laughter when she thought of that crazy scene. But tonight her attention was on other things.

Tom Fiddler was the first to arrive with Viola. Then Eli, Rosemary, Bianca and Jethro. Next came Millicent Peed who Morag had cured of whooping cough when she was but four years olde. Within fifteen minutes those who should be there had gathered in the circle. The air was crisp, the moon glowed pale over the proceedings and the clear night sky was adorned by a bounty of stars in the midst of the Milky Way. The North Star shone strong, always leading the way through the seasons

All who attended held hands with the one next to them. They expressed their peaceful intentions and confirmed their vow of peace and love. Morag began the ritual with words she knew so well, passed down to her from generation to generation.

'We ask protection and in that strength, and in that understanding. In understanding knowledge and in knowledge truth, in truth love, the love of existence, spirit and all creation. And if you are reading this, especially in these times and at this time of year, we wish these things for you too'

They honoured ancestors who were once there, those who had died recently and those who had passed on long ago. They also celebrated those who would come after them, for as the wheel of time moves on, so does the cycle of life. They knew that after winter life is kindled. They all lit candles and thought of the new hopes and dreams they would nurture. And so the light in the circle grew.

Everyone spoke a few words as Bianca and Jethro shared bread and mead amongst the villagers. Japonica hoped that nature would thrive, Edith hoped that her friends would keep safe and well. Frank hoped the water mill would help with irrigation and Eli that work would keep steady.

As the proceedings came to an end they talked amongst themselves for a short time then made their ways back to their homes.

As they left Morag called after them, 'Blessed Be and Peace be with you'.

'Seasons Greetings. Peace be with you too':)