My Quiet Place

[StarryDancer]

My chapel is a small cave, with a tiny trickle of springwater splashing into a pool by the door. The smell of the earth is in my nostrils, the songs of birds surround me.

Great Mother, here in your womb I come to rest once again. I am tired, Mother. My ears are ringing with the sounds of hurry and bustle, with demands from everyone. They need me, but I have little left to give.
Fill me again, Mother, with the life source that is so greatly lacking in our world today. Let me breathe it in, here in this quiet place, that I may go back strengthened to meet the rest of my day.

I drink of your springs and go away refreshed.

[StarryDancer]

Creeps inside and sits quietly, hoping that this time she doesn't get "timed out" of her entry.

Thank you, mother, for your wonder-ful gifts, even the never ending rain. You really show 'em, don't you... "What drought?"

Thank you for the sweet sisters of my dance circle, my family now. And for Barbara, the wise-woman who has been such a gift to my life.

**Lays gifts of flowers, fruit, and salt on the low, flat stone that serves as altar.**

Most of all, thank you for bringing me to you.

[StarryDancer]

Sits before altar, quietly places fresh flowers and grain on the newly cleared surface, and lights a green candle on the right, and a white candle on the left.

Mother, I come to you today as a supplicant. There is a hole in my family's wellness, Mother, and I no longer seem to be able to heal it. Be with me, please, as I try to keep peace and help my neice-daughter to mend her scarred heart, and my husband to keep peace of mind. Your world is so very beautiful, Mother. help them to see the wonder that is you.

Help Azure, Mother. She's a talented woman, with much to share. Help her to find the resources that she needs to fulfill her role in her life this time.

I ask your blessings on Wanderer and Phoenix, who are already starting to find the difficulties they will need to endure as a couple. May their love be enough to hold them together, Mother. May they abide.

And for shnen, who is frightened... help her to know that love is surrounding her during her medical tests and visits. Because we care, and our energy surrounds her, and supports her, from the far reaches of the world through this internet.

So mote it be.

[StarryDancer]

Sits quietly, seeking to quiet her mind. Carefully lights a purple candle, then focuses on the lovely flame.

Thank you, Great One, for the great joy of great mysteries. How old are we, after all? I see the monuments from before the memory of history, and marvel -- not that humankind existed then, but that so very much could have been so completely forgotten. It humbles me, yet comforts me, to think that the apparent urge we have to "leave a mark on this world" is but a transient thing, no matter how great a work we left.

How marvelous the cycles of life, and the opportunity to play out this great dance over and over again!

[StarryDancer]

With reverence, the Dancer places fresh rose-colored daylilies on the stone. She bites her lip, then places another purple candle beside them and lights it. Carefully she speinkles water with sea-salt at the four pillars that have carved themselves out of the stone in the cave.

Now she sits quietly, assuming a meditative trance.

Mother, I have been hurting far too long, and now I am beginning to be afraid. I have tried what I know, and still my belly is full of trouble. Help me to bear it with dignity, please. And if it won't be disturbing your creation too much -- do you think you might touch me with your healing?

I know I have been a coward in my profession of faith, Mother, but now is just not the time. This much I know. And I never will deny you.

[StarryDancer]

Pausing at the doorway, I splash some of the cool water on my face, to wash away the dreariness of a sweaty morning. At the altar, I light a white candle, and pause to whisper a prayer of thanksgiving.

Thank you, Great One, for taking away the pain. I know there's still a problem there, but without the pain it looks to be minor. I am no longer afraid. I am so grateful that you heard me, and took the moment to intervene.

I ask you blessings on my new endeavor, to help my man refind the god in himself. For that, I must have more of you in me. I offer myself to you, for your work in healing him.

So mote it be.