SECTION III - STORY TIME

7. CatCorner - A Pet's Burial Rite - Sorcy SummerWind
8. Fiona & Julian - Selene SilverWind
9. Meagan's Litha - Kat Dyer

CatCorner: Letting Go – Pet Burial Rite by Sorceress SummerWind

When we know we have to let a familiar go, it feels like an iron fist is pressing our heart together, making it hard to breathe. Any pet we love causes pain and tears when we loose it, but a familiar leaves us minus a limb. We have to learn how to walk again. The following is the ritual I put together for my friend and her mother, with attempts to keep it fit for ‘mixed’ company, speak, non-pagans. It was very well received.

We had known for a few months that Elsa, my friend Sarah’s beautiful calico Maine-Coon, had cancer, and she made several appointments to have her put to sleep. Each time, beginning during the phone call to the vet, Elsa started bouncing around, forced herself to eat, played, in short, presented a lively picture. I made the trip to visit her after the third time this happened, and agreed with Sarah that Elsa was putting on an act. She WANTED to live, pain or not. She still had too much spunk left, and she was able to convince us to allow her a little more time. But after two months, she finally agreed to let us make the preparations. The pain had gotten too much for even her big heart to bear. Since Sarah’s vet did not allow her to be present or take the body home, (which I furiously opposed by telling them to git and come here) they prepared for the long trip to my home, and my vet. We had decided to bury Elsa in my garden, where other fur-children already sleep. The biggest problem Sarah had, was that She would eventually leave Germany to return to the States, and would not be able to take Elsa home with her. I think I found a good solution.

When they arrived, Elsa was given some time to romp the grass, sniff out the area, and get comfortable with the yard. She seemed to enjoy it very much, but it was clear she checked out everything thoroughly, as if to decide whether or not to approve. She knew, and finally, she accepted the place.

The vet was her normal loving self, and Elsa went quietly. When we returned, we prepared to say goodbye. I had previously dug a deep hole in the front part of the garden, where I will, some day, have a whole row of lilac trees. Most of you know that the lilac is my personal guardian tree, and I have chosen lilacs to accompany my loved one’s as well.

I placed the pets collar on my altar pentacle, along with a little bit of fur. I lit a goddess candle, golden and green, and my ‘holy’ incense from India, reserved for ritual and cleansing. Then we went outside into the garden. It was already dark, and a full moon lit up the clear night. We knelt around the grave, and waited until we felt at peace.

(casting circle of water with sea salt from my altar)

’Consecrated as you should, be dedicated for the good.
Though this holy water pure, no negativity endure.’

(Light charcoal, place frankincense on it. Watch smoke encircle you,
hugging handfuls towards you, as if to ‘wash’ with it)

‘ Dear Elsa, join us in spirit one last time. Let Sarah's love be your guide to return. ‘

(Light scented candle, best in a container to protect from wind)

‘We give thanks to the Mighty ones, for the Richness & Goodness of our live together.
As there must be rain with the sun, to make all things complete,
so must we suffer pain with our joy.
Only today will our pain be greater then the joy of remembering our life together.
Tomorrow, we will begin to remember you with a smile. ‘
‘For while we knew not your thoughts, we did know your heart.
Elsa, thank you for the joy of sharing our lives.
Listen to your loved one, one last time: ‘

(Now Sarah spoke of her love and the life they shared together.
When she was finished, I completed the rite…)

‘Great Mother Earth, we would ask your presence here today,
to guide one of your children home.
Great Lady Moon, shining in perfect roundness tonight,
lend your guiding light for the journey. ‘

(place body into grave)

’Elsa, walk with our blessings, and in peace, for our love walks with you.
Enjoy the rest, and freedom of pain.
Many of our fur-children went before you,
many more will follow in your paw prints, in years to come.
Please watch over the little one, who is to take over for you.
And if you so choose to be reborn, we will be waiting for you.
Our souls will find you.
In our dreams, we shall feel your presence and hear your purr.
And we will smile.
Until we meet again’ –

’Ashes to Ashes’ (extinguish incense and scatter into grave)
’Earth to Earth’ (fill hole)

(while planting tree)

‘As the little Rosebush carries my grandmother's spirit,
this lilac will hold yours. Nurture the tree for us, and when the time comes,
a sapling will go to Sarah, to return home with her.’

‘Great Mother, for your presence today, we thank you, and bid you goodbye for now.’

(extinguish candle)

(each participant placed a hand on the grave)

‘Sleep well little sister.’

I went inside and brought out the new kitten I had chosen for Sarah,
so she could hold it for the first time, while she cried.
The candle burned out by itself, a lot faster then usual.
I placed the collar and the fur in a little bag for Sarah to take home.

While burial is never easy, we all felt at peace, and our tears were healing ones.

Litha Promises
By Selene Silverwind
Slvrwind@aol.com

The sensation of warm sunlight shining brightly down on his face through the skylight stirred Julian from his restful slumber. He rolled over in bed and gazed at his beautiful wife sleeping soundly beside him on the second day of their honeymoon. He watched her sleep for a moment before sliding over to her peaceful form and wrapping his body around hers. He gently lowered his lips to her forehead and placed a soft kiss on her silky skin. "Good morning, Wife." His eyes flickered with a tender gleam as he lifted the covers and slid underneath to her bare belly, which he kissed as gently as he had her forehead. "Good morning, baby." He felt Fiona stir and slid back up to her head. She opened her eyes and looked up at him. "Good morning, Husband," she murmured as she pulled him in for a passionate kiss. They pressed their lips together and kissed deeply, relishing in the experience of marriage. She moved away and sat up to gaze out at the vast ocean before them. "Goddess, it's amazing." Fiona and Julian sat transfixed by the sight of the gently undulating water before them and sound of the small waves crashing beneath their bungalow until they heard a light knock at the door to their thatched hut. Julian slid out of bed and went to see who it was. He returned with a platter of fresh fruit. As they lay back in bed feeding each other bites of mango and papaya, Julian glanced around the small room outfitted with all the modern amenities. "I'm glad we decided to go with the beach villa." Fiona giggled and playfully elbowed him in the ribs, "They're all beach villas silly! The whole island is a honeymoon resort! There are maybe 50 people here!" After their tropical breakfast, Fiona wrapped a simple sarong around herself while Julian pulled on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt and they stepped out of the villa onto the pristine white beach below for a romantic stroll. Fiona jumped in surprise as the warm gentle waves rushed up and tickled her toes. She took Julian's hand and began to lead him down the beach at the tide's edge. As they walked she maneuvered around to his shore side and, with a gentle shove, dumped him in the ebbing water. He reached out for her hand as he fell and pulled her down with him. The happy newlyweds rolled and laughed in the waves, enjoying their honeymoon as all proper marrieds should.

Julian awoke early on his first day back from his honeymoon in Paradise with Fiona and yawned slowly to consciousness. He opened his eyes and realized that their week long sojourn of peace, quiet, and passionate lovemaking was over and they were back in the real world and back to work starting today. He rolled over and nuzzled Fiona's sleeping form, caressing her not yet swollen belly, and gently grazed her cheek with his lips. Fiona stirred slightly against him as the sensation brought her one level closer to awareness. "Good morning, Wife," Julian whispered into her ear. He slipped his head under the covers and slid down to her belly, which he softly kissed through her satin nightshirt. "Good morning, baby." Fiona moaned lightly and through muffled sleep murmured, "Good morning, Hus--". Suddenly she lurched up in bed and raced for the bathroom. Deeply concerned, Julian followed her in to see what was wrong. As she knelt over the toilet bowl, she murmured something about morning sickness and asked him to please get her a glass of water and the phone. Pained at seeing Fiona's discomfort, Julian quickly returned with both items and Fiona took them from him and leaned back against the wall, pushing the speed dial button for her mother while she sipped at the water. Julian took a handtowel from the rack and soaked it with cool water. While she waited for her mom to answer the phone, he gently draped the towel across her sweat-dampened skin. "Hi, Mom. I think I started having morning sickness today..." she said into the phone, forgetting the polite questions she normally exchanged with her mother. "The doctor we saw before we left for Paradise confirmed I was 6 weeks along like the Crone said. He told me it might start around now." Fiona listened for a moment and handed Julian the empty glass. "Juice," she whispered before returning her attention to the phone. "Okay, thanks Mom. I'll see you in a little while." She gently depressed the disconnect button and handed the phone back to Julian as he handed her the glass of grape juice. "It was all we had. I can go get something else if you want." "No, it's okay. Mom said that sweet juice would help. She's bringing over some cookies and a tea she used to drink. She said I should expect at least six more weeks of this," she said as she dropped her head back against the wall.

Julian crouched on the floor beside her and gingerly reached out to hold her. "I'm sorry. I'll do anything you want to make this easier, babe." Fiona collapsed into his arms. "Thank you, sweetie. I appreciate that."

About six weeks later, Julian stirred awake at the sound of Fiona in the bathroom dealing with her morning sickness. He eased himself out of bed and padded into the kitchen to fix the soothing chamomile morning sickness tea her mother had blended. While there, he also grabbed the trusty ginger crackers women had gnawed on for decades to soothe their roiling bellies. He placed both on a tray and carried them into the bedroom, setting them on the bed before continuing into the bathroom to check on Fiona. She came to the door and Julian placed his arm around her waist to help her move through the room. "This baby better be healthy after all I'm going through for it," she said, half in jest. Julian helped her settle back in bed and stroked her cheek gently. "You know it will. The Crone promised us," he said as he picked up the cup of tea and handed it to her. "Now, drink this. It's the good stuff." Fiona smiled wanly, enjoying Julian's mothering. She leaned back against the freshly fluffed pillows and sipped slowly at the tea, feeling it pool in her belly. She munched on a couple of cookies and rested one hand on her stomach. "It's okay. Settle down. We're here to keep you safe," she whispered to the baby inside her. After several minutes of quiet sipping, her stomach calmed down and she set the tea aside. Julian joined her back in bed and pulled her into his arms. "Are you sure want to go hiking today?" he asked as he toyed with her hair. Fiona turned to him and kissed him lightly with closed lips. "Yes. The nausea is getting lighter. And it's the one-year anniversary of our Handfasting and we have new promises to make." Julian smiled softly. "Okay. As long as you feel up to it." Fiona nodded slightly, nestled down in his arms, and they faded back into sleep for a few more hours. Fiona awoke around noon feeling much better and meandered out to the office to check her e-mail while she snacked on a few more cookies. The most interesting message was one from her mother. Fiona had just finished reading it when a smiling Julian walked into the room behind her rubbing his eyes. "I can't believe we slept so late." Fiona stood and hugged him. "I think we needed it." They held each other close for a moment, feeling the deep connection between them swell, then separated as Fiona spoke again, "I got e-mail from my Mom. They got their approval for one of the new outside houses. They start construction next week!" "I thought the lots had been booked up months ago." "They were. I designed the ad campaign, so Mom and Dad were able to sign up the day the reservation system opened up. The City is finally ready to start construction and they get one of the first units. Mom says to plan on celebrating Mabon there."

Julian pulled Fiona back into his arms. "Our second Mabon. What an amazing year it's been. I love you." Fiona felt a wave of warm fuzziness wash through her, "I love you," then she pushed him a way with a playful shove, "Now we should get dressed if we're going to make that hike today." Julian waved his hand in a mock salute and left the office for the showers while Fiona departed for the kitchen to pack a light lunch of fruit, cold chicken, French bread, water, and of course, her trusty ginger cookies. She had just finished preparing the meal when Julian sauntered into the kitchen dressed and ready to go. He playfully wrapped his arms around her still flat belly and patted it. "You two better head off to the showers or we'll never make it there." Fiona laughed and kissed him gently before making her way into the bedroom for her shower.

A half-hour later Julian had packed their food in a backpack and snapped the water into the carrystrap. Fiona came out of the bedroom rearranging her T-shirt and kissed him lightly. "Ready?" "Ready," he replied, with another mock salute. A wave of giddiness washed over them as they recalled their hike the previous Midsummer. Fiona started to move toward the door, but Julian pulled her back and whirled her into a hug. "Happy Anniversary of our First Handfasting," he whispered. "I would have bought a card, but I don't think they make them for that!" Fiona giggled into his lips. "I love you, my silly man." Julian pulled away and pushed her toward the door. "Now march!" Fiona picked up the spirit and high-stepped her way out the apartment door and down the hall to the elevator with Julian following behind in lock step. They continued the military pretense all the way to the monorail station. The Citydwellers around them shot them odd looks of wonderment as they collapsed in a fit of giggles on the monorail. The train emptied out as they approached the Mount Komo stop and they stared out the window eagerly as the mountain appeared ahead. As the train pulled to a stop they raced to the doors and skipped onto the platform, eager to start their hike. They walked quickly out of the station and onto the overgrown path that led to the Mount Komo hiking trails. They stopped at the foot of the meandering way to gaze at the mountain in all its glory. Even though they had a perfect view of it from their apartment window, there was something about the fresh air around them and the sounds of the breeze rustling the field around them that made it more breathtaking. Julian took a deep breath, filling his lungs with country air, and reached out for Fiona's hand as they headed down the path toward the mountain. Even though he had followed the path only once before, he knew the way from memory. As they walked, he named the plants Fiona had pointed out the year before as well as the new ones she had taught him during their year together. He helped Fiona pluck a few herbs from the ground, thanking each plant for its generous gift, as they made their way toward the growing sound of rushing water. They rounded a bend in search of lavender and were stunned by the sight of the majestic falls as it tumbled into the churning lake below. "It's more amazing than I remembered, " Julian whispered, awestruck. Fiona squeezed his hand and pulled him toward the waterfall, eager to reach the sandy bank where they could stop for lunch.They moved off the path to a small lakeside beach and Julian pulled a small blanket from the pack that he laid out on the ground. They set to their light lunch eagerly and devoured it quickly, choosing not to speak while they ate, and instead enjoyed the soothing sound of the water pounding over the cliff above.

After they had finished, Julian stood and stripped off his clothes, leaping into the frigid water of the lake at his feet. He turned to face Fiona. "It's great, why don't you come in?" Fiona kicked off her shoes and wriggled out of her clothes. "Tell you what, I'll meet you on the other side of the waterfall," she teased as she scampered carefully over the wet rocks at the edge of the fall. She disappeared behind it and Julian climbed out of the lake and went to their pack, retrieving their dried Handfasting cord from the Litha before and placing it around his neck before he made his way across the rocks to the cove behind the waterfall. He found Fiona resting on the mossy bank, waiting for him. She sat up in surprise as she saw what he had around his neck. "I can't believe you brought it! How did you get it here without me noticing?" Julian smiled and settled on the bank beside her. "I packed it while you were showering. I wanted it to be a reminder of what happened here last year. He joined his hand with Fiona's and wrapped the cord around both their hands. They made gentle love with their hands bound to once more solidify their union. After they made love, they unwrapped the cord from around their hands and made their way back out to the patch of wildflowers where their first Handfasting had taken place. They sat down on the grass and Fiona settled in Julian's arms. "I thought we could meet our child today." Julian looked down at his beloved in surprise. "How?" "All we have to do is meditate and ask the Goddess for an introduction." Julian nodded and kissed her lightly on the lips. They sat up, turned to face each other, and linked hands. Julian felt himself slipping into a trance state as he counted his breath, drawing it deep into his lungs and holding it before releasing the breath and letting his mind become a blank canvas. Fiona chose to concentrate on the soothing sound of the rushing waterfall. She let all thoughts drift from her mind as the pounding water drowned out the chaos of her mind. Slowly, the deafening falls faded into the background and her third eye opened up. Fiona spoke, asking the Goddess to please let them meet their child. Fiona and Julian heard a rustling in the leaves and turned to see a doe emerge from the woods beside the waterfall. Fiona recognized the animal as one of her spirit guides and reached up to gently to rub the doe on her flank. The doe nuzzled her for a moment before moving to sniff Julian. She looked long into Julian, then trotted back into the grove. Fiona began to stand and follow her, but something told her to stay behind so she sat back down on the grass and waited. After a moment the doe returned with the spirit of a baby on her back. The doe knelt before them and Fiona lifted the baby off her back and held it close. Its spirit couldn't speak but Fiona knew in her heart that this was the baby girl she had miscarried the year before. She stroked the child's downy skin and whispered into her ear, "You're the baby I lost aren't you?" The baby nodded her head yes. Fiona turned and handed the child to Julian, who took it carefully in his arms as a silent tear slipped down his cheek. "I love you already, I want you so much. I hope you are the child Fiona is carrying. You're such a beautiful girl." The baby slowly shook her head no. There was a rustling of leaves as the doe reappeared. Fiona and Julian had been so intent on the baby that they had not heard the doe leave. They looked up to see the doe carrying another child on her back. Julian held their almost daughter a moment longer as Fiona leaned over to gently stroke her face. "Whomever you belong to, I know you will have a good life and they will be blessed by you. Goodbye sweet child," she whispered through choking tears. The doe came to them and Julian placed the baby girl gently on the doe's back while Fiona lifted up the other child. As they gazed at this new child, Fiona realized she was holding a boy. She held him close and cuddled him, already falling in love and amazed at how right he felt in her arms. "Are you ours?" The baby could only nod yes, but they knew even before he did so that this baby would be their son. Julian reached out and took the strong little man in his arms. "I promise to protect you and teach you the ways of the world. I treasure you already and love you more than I thought I could love anyone." Fiona watched Julian speak to their unborn son and felt fresh tears welling up inside her, tears of joy at seeing a side to her husband she had never seen before. He looked up and leaned forward with their child held between them to kiss her gently on the lips. "I love you. Thank you for him." Fiona nodded slightly and took the child from him. As Julian gazed at his son and his wife, Fiona made promises of her own to the baby boy. "I promise to love you and raise you to be a good man, a strong person, and a gentle soul. I will never stop loving you. You can't possibly know what you mean to me, but I will try to show you every day." Fiona and Julian sat staring in awe at the gentle child staring up at them with perfectly formed green eyes as intense love spilled out of their hearts and joined with the baby's, astonished by the power of this pure love that neither of them had ever felt before. The doe returned barebacked and knelt before them, but Fiona held onto the baby for a few minutes more. At last she gave up the baby to the doe when she realized that very soon she would be seeing that little boy again in the flesh. After the doe had disappeared into the woods, Fiona and Julian lay back on the grass, hand in hand to stare up at the dewy sky overhead. As they let their minds wander, they watched different parts of the sky clear. Through these parts they saw Fiona pregnant, Julian holding their newborn, both of them playing with their son, their son taking his first bike ride, and on through the years. The sky clouded over again and they drifted off to sleep on the grassy patch surrounded by wildflowers. Fiona stirred awake and rolled over to kiss Julian awake. He moaned softly, stretched, and opened his eyes to look deeply into Fiona's clear green eyes. The same eyes he had seen on their son. He smiled deeply and pulled her in for a tight hug. Fiona returned the gesture and murmured, "It's getting late. We should be getting back." She moved up onto her knees and pulled him up into a sitting position. He glanced briefly at the sky. "I guess you're right. I wish we could stay here forever." Fiona smiled and sighed, "Me too. But the real world beckons. And this little boy needs to eat again!" Julian rolled to his feet and took Fiona's hand, pulling her up. They crossed the small lake to their belongings where they quickly dressed and repacked their picnic lunch, being careful not to leave anything behind that might damage the environment. They slowly made their way back down the mountain path with in the lead stopping to survey the downhill slope anytime he thought it might be too difficult for Fiona. Fiona appreciated his attentiveness, but reassured him that she would be okay. She had hiked this path many times.They emerged at the end of the path as the sun was starting to set behind Mount Komo and tramped lightly toward the monorail station. The train arrived just as they climbed the stairs to the platform. They boarded the train and collapsed on the bench inside where they rested their heads against each other and drifted off to sleep as the train zipped out of the station toward their apartment building. As they napped, they recalled the visions they had seen at the waterfall and felt peace and the sure knowledge that their child would be healthy fill them. Eager anticipation raced through their hearts as they dreamed of the day their son would arrive and they could begin sharing their world with him.

MEAGAN'S LITHA
copyright 1996 Kathryn Dyer

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Meagan. She lived with her mother Elizabeth, her father Michael and her brother Corwin. One day, Meagan was playing with her cat Starweaver. She was excited. Soon it would be Midsummer Day, the longest day of the year. Meagan knew that it was also called Litha. She and her family would celebrate all day with a picnic and a ritual at the farm that one of the coven members owned. Meagan had to be careful not to mention the word coven around her Gramma Lee and Granpa Scott because they were Christian and might get upset about Meagan and her family being pagan. Meagan wished that her grandparents understood how nice all the pagans that she knew were.

It was hot and Meagan was getting thirsty. She started back home to get a drink. On the way home she saw a woman in a nurse's uniform coming out of her friend Mrs. Hanson's house. Meagan slowed down. She had become friends with Mrs. Hanson after leaving a May basket on her porch. She wondered who the woman could be.

Meagan sped up and ran the rest of the way home. She raced up the stairs and into the kitchen. "Meagan!" said her father, "you know the rule about running. We only run outside where we aren't likely to get hurt if we fall down." Meagan stopped by the refrigerator. "I'm sorry Daddy. I saw a lady in a nurse's uniform down at Mrs. Hanson's house and I was going to call her and see who it was. I was coming home to get a drink anyway." Michael nodded, "It was thoughtful of you not to stop at Mrs. Hanson's house. If she's sick, she might not want company. I tell you what...I'll call Mrs. Hanson while you get a drink." Meagan poured herself a big glass of herbal tea while her father went into his office to make the call. She looked for some cookies but didn't see any.

Just then, Meagan's mother came in the door carrying several net bags full of groceries. Meagan's family always used cloth or net bags at the grocery store to help save the earth's resources. "I'll help!" exclaimed Meagan running up to her mother. "I'd rather you went to the car and helped your brother bring in the rest of the bags please," said her mother. Meagan went outside and found Corwin testing bags to see which were heaviest. "Here," he said, "these are the perfect weight for you." Meagan took the bags and took them inside. She helped put up the groceries. Meagan wondered why her father had not come back and told her about Mrs. Hanson. She asked her mother if she could take Mrs. Hanson some cookies when they made a new batch. "Sure honey," said her mother, "that reminds me, we should probably make three batches tonight so that we'll have enough for the picnic on Saturday. In fact, you might ask Mrs. Hanson if she'd like to go on a picnic sometime with us. She isn't pagan and I don't she'd enjoy going to Litha"

"I'm afraid Mrs. Hanson isn't going anywhere for awhile," said Michael from the doorway, "I just talked to her on the phone. It seems that she's broken her leg. That's why she wasn't home last week, the doctor had her stay in the hospital so that it would heal better. She's home now, but he still wants her to take it easy. There's a nurse's aide who's going to come bathe her several days a week but she was wondering how she was going to get her meals. You know that she doesn't believe in convenience foods so I offered to bring over a helping of what ever we're having until she's back on her feet. I hope you don't mind." Elizabeth walked over and hugged him hard. She smiled up at him, "Why should I mind? You do most of the cooking! Besides, it was very kind of you to think of it."

So that night after dinner had been made Meagan and her brother ran down the road with some reusable containers. Corwin rang the doorbell twice and unlocked the door with the key that their mother had given him. "Hello! Mrs. Hanson?" he called into the house as they brought in their packages. "I'm back in the family room," they heard her call from the other end of the house. Corwin carefully locked the door behind them and put the key into his pocket. They carefully took their packages into the family room. There was Mrs. Hanson sitting in a recliner. She had a table on either side of her, a wheelchair near her and a TV remote in her hand. She smiled when she saw them. "I didn't know how serious your father was about his offer," she said, "I really appreciate you bringing me something to eat." Mrs. Hanson was surprised when she saw what they had brought her. They had a drink, some casserole, some vegetables and some cookies for dessert. "We made lots of cookies today because we're going on a picnic on Saturday," said Meagan, "I wish that you could come but it's a family thing and mommy says that not just everyone can come." Mrs. Hanson smiled and patted Meagan's hand. "It's very sweet of you to offer but I don't think I'd feel like it right now anyway. I tell you what, after I'm feeling a little better, perhaps you and I and your friend Cindy could have a picnic on my patio." Meagan nodded. Mrs. Hanson said that she would call Elizabeth and Cindy's mother Anna when she felt up to fixing a picnic. Corwin smiled, "I'll do you one better, why not just let us know when you feel like eating out on the patio and we'll have a potluck picnic!" Mrs. Hanson frowned, "What is a potluck picnic?" "Oh!" said Meagan, "that's when everyone brings one thing that they are good at making. I like to bring ice tea but I have to make sun tea because I'm still not old enough to pour hot water over tea bags. I don't want to get burned." Mrs. Hanson thought that was a good idea. Meagan and Cindy planned for their picnic so that they would be ready when Mrs. Hanson felt better. Soon she called their parents and made arrangements. They decided to have their picnic the Sunday after the Litha celebration. Soon it was Midsummer's Day. Meagan and her family packed up a picnic basket filled with good things to eat. They had brought yarn to make God's Eyes. Meagan and Corwin decided to look for sticks at the farm to make the God's Eyes. Meagan knew that they made God's Eyes to celebrate the sun at the height of its power. They spent the day playing, eating, singing and dancing. It didn't seem like very long before it was time for ritual. It seemed strange to have ritual while the sun was still up but Meagan's parents said that they would not be done until the sun went down. First the grownups all got dressed in their robes and went from field to field to bless the crops. Meagan and most of the other children stayed behind to set up the altar. They put candles in containers around the altar and helped put the smaller stones around the fire pit while one of the grownups put bigger stones.

One of the children had found a dead ash tree earlier in the day. Everyone was excited because they could make things from the wood without harming a living tree. Meagan and Corwin both had pieces of the tree to make a wand with. They brought them into the circle with them. Soon the other coven members began gathering. They were excited. Tonight they would also have a handfasting! Jeremy and Sybil had been handfasted for a year and a day at the last Litha celebration. Tonight they would be handfasted 'for as long as love lasts'. It was time for the ritual to begin.

Meagan was still very excited when it was time to go home. She had had a good time and she still had a picnic with Corwin, Cindy and Mrs. Hanson tomorrow! But it was very late and she fell asleep in the car on the way home. Her father carried her into the house and put her to bed. Starweaver curled up beside her and purred. It had been a good day.