by L E Gordon
Our new ceremonial robes had been delivered the previous week and were a perfect fit for us all. This year we had decided to change things up a little and had gone for different autumnal shades of gold, russet, crimson and chestnut. The robes represented the colours of nature at this time of year and would look amazing against the firelight as they had a very fine metallic thread weaved through them to give a subtle sparkle.
Our gowns were plain in style but we had belts made from matching fabric with beautiful Celtic designs embroidered on them. These days a machine did the hard work of embroidery, but in years gone by the Keepers would embroider their own sashes, something I was glad we no longer had to do.
The feast was provided by each member of the coven. We had given each witch an item to bring to cut down on work and make sure there was no doubling up on the essential foods for the table.
The Keepers would provide the altar. Flora was bringing the flowers, I was bringing the apples, Kenna would supply pomegranates, and Cait had collected acorns and leaves to decorate the table. The coven would bring items for the feast, Apple cider, fresh bread, pumpkins and corn were just some of the foods that would be incorporated into our celebration.
We talked our way through the ceremony, rehearsing the opening and closing of the circle, the welcome to the feast and the blessing that would be given. With all the details checked off we were happy to relax and enjoy the evening in each other’s company.
By the time it came to head home I was feeling like my cup had been replenished with the laughter and silly stories we shared. While I waited for my taxi, I looked out at the harbour, the small waves glinting as they lapped up against the boat ramp.
As normal, the water drew me to it and I was going to walk down to the ramp when a chill passed over me, leaving me shivering and pensive. I was glad that the car picking me up showed up as I was considering going back into Kenna’s house.
I was also happy that the driver wasn’t in a talkative mood. The chill at the harbour spooked me a little and I wondered what Mabon would have in store for us.
Chapter three
On the day of the feast I decided to close the shop early so put up a sign on the door first thing to let my customers know I would be shutting at 3:30. With that job done I went into the back shop and took inventory of my traditional Chinese medicines to see if I needed to order anything. While the tea shop was my main source of income, I still practiced acupuncture in a treatment room behind Witches Brew three afternoons a week
The ding of my shop bell alerted me to a customer. I put down my stock sheet and went through to see who had popped in. Cait was waiting by the counter and smiled at me when I walked through.
“Merry Met, Cait! How are you today?” I asked my fellow Keeper and gave her a quick hug.
“Merry Met, Tarn. I’m good, I bumped into Kira as I was going to my first client this morning so I stopped for a quick chat. I didn’t pick anything up from the wind but got a sense of regret from her. Sorry that I don’t have anything more insight for you. I think she will open up and share her thoughts soon enough.”
“Thanks Cait, I felt something similar last night, she was very anxious about talking to me, maybe she had wanted to share her thoughts and bottled out at the last minute. She’ll tell me when the time is right. Are you organised for tonight? I’m closing up early so I can relax a little before I go up.”
“Yes, all organised and looking forward to it! I’d better go, I have another appointment to get to. Blessed Be, I’ll see you tonight.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek and headed out of the shop to her car parked across the street.
The afternoon was surprisingly quiet and I ended up closing at 3 o’clock, picking up the twins on my way home. We went for a short walk, had an early dinner and I got them ready for bed before I left for Flora’s house.
We arrived at our sacred grove well before the other witches, allowing us plenty of time to set up the altar and prepare ourselves to lead tonight’s feast. The grove was on Flora’s land and had been in her family for at least five centuries.
Situated at the top of a small hill an ancient stone tower sat to one side of the grove of trees. It had originally been built as a beacon tower to let locals know they were under attack, as well as its true use as a place of worship for witches. Our town was located near the border of Scotland and England and raiding parties had been frequent in years gone by, some were more violent than others, hence the need for a safe place to gather.
The local people were lucky having such a place to shelter and Flora’s family had made sure this historic landmark was kept in good condition over the years, meaning there was always a place for our circle to meet.
With arms full of our offerings, decorations and robes we made our way up the ancient path, glad for the solar lights that lit the way. Flora had already opened the door to the tower and lit the candles and lanterns, the flickering of their flames giving a festive look to our hall.
We carefully placed our belongings on the long tables set up for our gathering and started to unpack.
Flora’s kids and husband had helped build a bonfire in the clearing and we would light it at the start of our ritual. A long wooden table had been placed as an altar on the opposite side of the grove, facing the tower and we started to decorate it. Others would add to it as they arrived, but we always had our offering on display before the coven arrived to help make the grove look festive.
Kenna’s artistic eye had the altar looking amazing in no time and we turned our attention inside. The long tables were covered with thick cloths in autumnal colours and members of the coven had dropped off centre pieces of autumn leaves, fruits, nuts, and candles to decorate them.
Flora had pots of spiced wine and hot apple cider bubbling away on the cook top and the smell of cinnamon and cloves was filling the air, bringing happiness and excitement to the room. The serving table had empty platters waiting for food from the coven members and a large stack of plates and silverware was placed at one end so everyone could help themselves to the feast once we had finished the ceremony.
With the final touches made, we got changed into our gowns, still wearing our warm jumpers and jeans underneath to help stave off the cold. Even though the bonfire would be lit, late September nights were starting to get chilly.
The coven began arriving in two’s and three’s making their way up the hill and into the tower to place their food on the serving table and leave their belongings out of the way. Some had arrived in their ceremonial robes, others choosing to change when they arrived, and before long the tower was filled with women in beautifully coloured robes, laughing and chattering to each other.
Flora was taking charge of the circle tonight and once all our coven members had arrived she called everyone’s attention.
“Blessed Be! Thank you for coming to our Mabon feast. The ceremony will begin shortly, please make you way out and take your usual places round the fire ladies.”
There were a few minutes of bustling as people set their glasses down, grabbed gloves or found their friends to stand beside. When they had left the tower we formed a line, ready to do the ceremony. Grannie Jean was leading us out this year; her legs were getting sore and she had requested to do it one last time before she was in too much pain to take part in calling a circle.
Jean led the way with Flora, Cait, Kenna, and myself following her, the hoods of our robes shadowing our faces as we took our places in the circle. Jean stepped into the middle of our circle with our coven’s ceremonial athame. Holding it up to the sky she made a small incantation and the bonfire lit in a whoosh of flames.
She moved to face Flora, athame pointing outwards to the coven members, and turned clockwise until she completed the circle. With a clear voice she began our Mabon ceremony.
“Elements of the earth we call to you. Grant us your presence and hold us safe while we celebrate the Mabon feast.”
Flora was to call first. She pushed back her golden hood and raised her h
ands to the sky, “I call to the North and the Powers of Earth. Protect our circle with the strength of stone. Grant us strength and ground us in our Mabon Feast. Hail and Well Met.”
Cait followed Flora, her slim body draped in a crimson robe gliding forward almost like her element of air had lifted her off the ground. She pushed back her hood, pale eyes shining in the firelight, showing the strength of power that she contained. As she lifted her arms to the sky, her clear voice carried easily round our circle.
“I call to the East and the Powers of Air. Protect our circle with the strength of the wind. Give our prayers a voice at our Mabon Feast. Hail and Well Met.”
Kenna stepped forward, an imposing figure in her chestnut robe, and pushed back her hood, her red hair mirroring the flames in the centre of the circle. She raised her arms and looked to the other witches, enjoying the drama of the moment before she made her call.
“I call to the South and the Powers of Fire. Protect our circle with flame. Grant us inspiration and passion during our Mabon Feast. Hail and Well Met.”
Finally it was my time to call on my water power to close the circle. I pushed back the hood of my russet robe, showing my face to my sisters.
“I call to the West and the Powers of Water. Protect our circle with cleansing rain. Give us insight during our Mabon Feast. Hail and well met.”
Once all the elements were called upon the circle closed, everyone noticed when the energy in the grove snap tight. At this point the coven raised their arms and finished this part of the ceremony.
“Hail and well met.”
Now we had the protection of our circle. Flora stepped forward to give the Mabon blessing,
“Mother Earth, we give thanks for the blessings of your harvest so our families will be well fed. We say goodbye to the summer months and look forward to the quietness of winter, for the world will turn, as the wheel of life moves, and spring will come once more.”
The blessing finished the ceremony and it was time to begin our feast, I led the way back into the tower, Kenna, Cait, and Flora following me, then Grannie Jean and the coven falling in behind. We made our way to the serving tables and helped ourselves to the food. I was amazed that the table wasn’t groaning under what was on offer.
We had our pick of fresh baked bread, soup, stews in slow cookers, pumpkin and apple pies, roasted vegetables, mashed and baked potatoes, pastries, cakes, savoury pies. I was spoiled for choice, but loaded my plate with cottage pie and some roast veggies, leaving a bit of room for some apple pie later.
As Keepers we needed to mingle with our coven, so each of us sat at a different table, eager to hear the news from our sister witches, find out how everyone was and check on those who had been struggling a little. We were a tight-knit coven and looked after our own, anyone who needed help just had to ask and there would be plenty of hands in the air (or into pockets) to help. We were all well aware how fickle fate could be and it might be us needing that assistance next, so it was given without thought and with love.
We talked and ate, laughing at jokes, listening to stories of naughty children or commenting on things that were going well for families. When the food was finished we moved about the room, enjoying each other’s company at the feast we had all taken part in making. Just before midnight we called everyone back to the fire to release the circle and finish the feast by reversing our call, meaning I started this time.
“We give thanks to the elements who have held us safe. Powers of Water and the West, thank you for cleansing us during our feast. Hail and farewell.”
As I started my call I felt a pulling sensation in my abdomen, like some of my energy was being cut away. I kept going, the energy draining from me causing me to stumble a little as I finished and needing to take a deep breath to steady myself. Kenna looked at me as if to ask if I was okay. I gave her a quick nod and straightened myself up, passing it off as though a stone had dislodged under my foot.
Kenna kept the momentum of the call going, reassured I was fine. “Powers of Fire and the South, thank you for your inspiration and passion. Hail and farewell.”
Stepping forward, Cait gave thanks to air. “Powers of Air and the East, thank you for carrying our prayers to the Goddess. Hail and farewell.”
Finally Flora took her place. “Powers of Earth and the North, thank you for giving us strength and stability. Hail and farewell.”
Grannie Jean hobbled forward again to finish the ceremony, “The circle is now released, but never diminished. Hail and farewell, sisters. Blessed Be.”
The coven replied to Grannie Jean, “Blessed Be,” and the ladies started to collect their things and drift off home, bellies and hearts full from our celebration.
Some stayed behind to begin clearing up, but we shooed them away to finish off what we could that night. “What happened during the call Tarn? Are you all right?” Kenna asked as soon as the last two women closed the door behind them.
“I’m fine now. I felt a tug at my power, like someone was draining me then it stopped as soon as my call was finished. I’ve never felt anything like it. Did anyone else notice it?”
The others said they hadn’t experienced anything so we decided to stop clearing up, go home, and finish the rest tomorrow. We left the altar set up with the food and flowers as an offering to Mother Nature, and walked down the path to Flora’s house where each of us said goodnight, tired but happy after our celebration.
By the time I got home I was still wide awake. It was time for my personal celebration for Mabon. I sat in front of my small altar, thinking about the past, where I should make amends and what I needed to let go of. Once I had cleared my mind, I considered what I wanted for myself in the future, I thought about my friends and family, Michael, and my business and set intentions for each.
When this was finished I walked out of the back door and onto the cool grass in my bare feet. The sky to the east was beginning to lighten, the first hints of the day to come showing. I didn’t have much time so I quickly walked the perimeter of my house, setting a new protection circle around us and reinforcing my wards.
I reached my starting point, sealing my circle shut just as the sun peeped over the horizon. Satisfied my circle of protection was replenished with energy, I went back into the kitchen to make breakfast.
No one was awake so I could enjoy tea and toast in peace, thanking the goddess for the celebration going smoothly, apart from the strange draw on my power, and the protection round my home.
I was lost in thought watching the seagulls chasing each other above the waves of the incoming tide when I noticed a figure approaching. It was too small to be a man and as I watched I realised it was my sister. She must have walked from her home farther along the beach to come here. But why?
I opened the door and welcomed her inside, “Merry Met, Kira, blessings from the feast.”
Kira looked refreshed in a way I had not seen in quite some time, she was almost glowing, but the glow was over shadowed by the sadness in her eyes.
“Merry Met, sister. I have a heavy heart and need to talk to you. I celebrated on my own last night, I felt it was fitting to clear my mind, face my past and put in place my intentions for the year before I joined the coven again.” She looked out the window as she said this, unable to meet my eyes.
Taking her long coat off and hanging it up, I noticed she was still wearing a white ceremonial robe, showing her intention to purify her life.
“It’s the perfect time of year to do that. Are you at peace? You look as though the ceremony has energised you.” As much as I didn’t enjoy talking to my sister about witchcraft, it was part of my duty as a Keeper to listen when my coven members had troubles and Kira obviously had something to get off her chest. I sat down, expecting her to join me on the sofa, but instead she sat at my feet and held my hands.
“I’m better than I was but I have one last task to undertake - I need to ask your forgiveness. I left you no choice but to take on the position of Keeper. I was selfish, but I knew
I wasn’t the right person to be the Water Witch for our coven. No one would listen to me, the elders pushed me into a role that was wrong for me. I knew if I stayed the coven would have suffered for it.”
“I left to protect them and give you a chance at taking on a role you were born too late to claim as your own. I’m sorry Tarn, I did what I thought was right for everyone. It was one of the most difficult things I have done, to walk away from our family with no explanation, knowing how you would feel about it.”
Her eyes were full of tears, but she still went on.
“I stand by my choice, but I ask that you accept my apology, and forgive me for making that decision without including you.”
With that she looked at the floor and dropped her hands, waiting to receive either the blessing of forgiveness or for me to throw her out of my home.
I sat and thought about her confession. I’d only considered it from my point of view, how her choice had affected me, my mother, and the passing of power in my family. I’d never taken the time to see it from her side, thinking that she had simply decided to shirk her responsibilities and enjoy her life with no encumbrances.
Looking at it from a new perspective, I thought about how hard it would’ve been for her to cut herself off from her family and coven, because she didn’t think she was good enough to fill the role that was rightfully hers. I’m not sure I would have had the strength to walk away and make my own path in the world, removed from everything I held dear.
I had no idea if I was better fit for the role of Keeper than she would have been, but it didn’t matter. Fate had set our paths, steered us in directions meant for the other, and we had both made the best of it.