"Dammit, Linda, you promised!!"
Silence reigned as Laurie waited for her friend to respond. As usual, Linda wanted things her way but, for once, Laurie was just as determined to do what she felt was necessary.
"Yes, Linda, I know you have all these really great ideas for Yule celebrations, every year. They never turn out right and they are no where near what Yule is about, anyway. When we tried your Samhain celebration it sucked. You promised I could do the next major rite...which is now. I have the place and the ritual. The question is are you coming or not?"
"Thanks, Lenny. I will meet you later to work things out. Bye."
Laurie hung up, a small mischievous grin on her elfin face. Rising from the chair, she went to the window, which overlooked a pine grove planted by her grandfather. The trees looked absolutely breathtaking against the blue winter sky, laced as they were with white. Saying a silent prayer of thanks for things working out to her advantage, she headed out to gather what she needed for the rite.
There were a total of 5 girls present. Each a different aspect of the circle. Jeannie was in the earth position, Markie in fire, Linda in air and Laurie in water. The center of the circle contained Nikki who not only acted as high priestess but also as akasha..or spirit.
All the girls were naked beneath their multi colored cloaks, to better attune to the earth and her movements. Their voices rose and fell in perfect cadence as they invited the spirit of rebirth to join them within their space. After what seemed to be hours, the ground became warm, steam rising from the melting snow. Silence fell, no breath was heard, no movement sensed until, in the center, a vague outline could be seen forming.
The girls all dropped to kneeling positions, their faces glowing by the light of a small bonfire located a few feet away. A small whisper, sibilant and quiet.
"What would you have me do?" the form in the center inquired.
Nikki spoke for the group, a ritual response.
"We ask, oh spirit, that you grant us health in the coming year. We have come to honor the mother and her son. To give praise for the soon to be warm spring days."
"Suppose I suggest that I will grant you peace and health, what do I gain?"