The web site, Mooncircles, wrote at the beginning of September: "Some astrologers portend dramatic world events - war or economic recession - in the wake of the Saturn-Pluto opposition." This was the opening to early September full moon ritual. Because they were right on the money, I "borrowed" from them for some of the ritual. My thanks also to Joan Goodwin, whose writings are posted somewhere on the Pagan Meadow web site, and inspired some of the invocations here. Introduction: During cycles of intense change and pivotal world events, a person's inner concentration is more important than ever. One way individuals can help bring healing energy into their environment is through visualization. This ritual contains a long meditation of healing that takes advantage of the ability of group concentration to work magic. The meditation first focuses on us as individuals; once there is peace within, it can be extended without, as the meditation transforms into energy-raising dancing and drumming. Before beginning with a meditation, we'll purify our intentions by dedicating this ritual to the healing of our spiritual selves, as well as the Earth's Spirit, as we cast the circle. (Cast the circle by passing a smudge stick around) Calling the Directions: Spirit of the East, spirit of air, Of new emergence and birth; Be with us in times of beginning, Times of planting, of replanting. Inspire us with the fresh breath of courage As we go forth into new adventures, new challenges. Spirit of the South, spirit of fire, Of noontime and summer; Be with us through the heat of The day, the heat of these times, And help us to be ever growing. Warm us with strength And energy for the work that waits us. Spirit of the West, spirit of water, Of evening and autumn: Be with us as the sun sets, right at this time And help us to enjoy a rich harvest of new ideas and creativity. Flow through us with a cooling, Healing quietness and bring us Peace. Spirit of the North, spirit of earth, Of nighttime and winter; Be with us in the darkness so that we are not afraid. Ground us in the wisdom of the Changing seasons As we charge the spiraling Journey of our lives. (Designate someone to drum softly for the meditation) Let's begin by breathing deeply, concentrating on self-attunement Let the sounds [drumming] fill your Being and bring to the surface hidden emotion over your own life situations. Set aside for a moment the events taking place outside of yourself. (We'll deal with that next!) [Pause] Next name for yourself each of the many ways you feel life is "pulling you apart": family, art, spirit, career - whatever it may be. [Pause] Drawing down the energy of the Full Moon, slowly turn around the circumference of the circle. [Do this one at a time] Bow with reverence before each sacred direction. Acknowledge the usefulness of each calling in your life... East for the insight and vision you use in your daily work... South for the warmth and passion in which you greet the challenges of life.... West for the nurturing you provide, and also for dreaming and planning for the future.... North for growth, renewal and the steadfast consistency and self-discipline you bring to parenting, gardening or any long-term project with which you have a commitment.... Be mindful of how each activity or interest -- each aspect of your life is not so separate after all, but a part of a rich interchange of creative life energy. Then, experience the blessings of the universe pouring through your heart, bringing harmony and balance to the competing factions of your life. Feel the peace flowing through you .... [Long meditative pause...] Now lets put this sense of peace within to work on the effects of the events that began on September 11th. We do not know what the future will bring, whether resolution or retribution, to the collective trauma our country and much of the world has suffered. But as the sun and moon join in the sign of Virgo, we can make use of their special talents. Virgo is known as the healer of the Zodiac. In addition, Virgo is the artisan, the skillful weaver of the tapestry of life and destiny. Psychologists say that for the individual who has suffered a violent and unexpected trauma, it is as if a hole has been torn in their fragile psyche. The work of healing involves "re-weaving" the psyche's open wound by gently integrating into consciousness the shock a victim may have experienced. And not only direct victims and their families: Lucas wrote: "I am deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of many of my friends, family and community who have been living and reliving, through intense media coverage, the horrific events that have transpired. Psychologists are now writing on how long children of different ages can be exposed to this material without being too deeply affected. This naturally leads me to wonder how long adults can do the same. I have watched maybe an hour of television since the tragedy, but I have seen the collapse of the twin towers and its implication of the deaths of thousands maybe three dozen times." Emotions of anger, disbelief, and shock washed over us. Rather than block these experiences begin to breathe through and with your feelings. The breath combined with compassion, in fact, is the warp and wool of soulful therapy. Thus as you breathe through your feelings, not resisting, but gently accepting, experience the shattered pieces of your emotions being slowly healed back into wholeness. You may imagine the wound in your soul being re-woven, as if the hole in your psyche is being knit up with shimmering skeins of gold and silver. Feel each breath you take as a stitch in the wise hands of the Great Mother goddess, whose universal image can be found in every religion. Take comfort in the faith that while things may never again be the same, in time a pattern of wisdom and understanding will begin to emerge from the chaos. [Long meditative pause...] [Stand up and motion for others to follow suit] Turn and face the direction where the moon will soon rise and immerse yourself in the divine ocean of mercy and compassion. Pick up a drum or rattle or use your voice. Make noise, dance, raise energy.... [allow a good rhythm to form and then continue, replacing the meditative voice with a more empowered voice...] Consider those from the Middle-East living in this country. Many live with the fear that they are not safe from misguided retribution. Extend protective energy toward them: the mothers of school children who feel powerless to protect their "babies" on the playgrounds of schools, the children themselves who are confused and frightened, college students who are a world away from their families at home, wondering if they will ever see them again. Wondering if this country will harm them in vengeance. Hold them with the strong, capable, and skilled hands of the Great Mother. See her holding each of them in love and warmth, breathing in their fears and suffering and singing out their pain, each drum beat a stitch reweaving their shattered spirits. (pause... dancing and drumming continues) Next, still within the consciousness of peace and compassion, direct energy upon the suffering of those most closely involved in the terrorist attacks: the victims in the jets and decimated buildings, their loved ones left behind, and even the perpetrators of this desperate act. Focus as well the thousands upon thousands of individuals, young and old, sick and healthy, who are presently engulfed in fear and grief for the fate of the world. Hold them with the strong, capable, and skilled hands of the Great Mother. See her holding each soul in love and warmth, breathing in their suffering and singing out their pain, each drumbeat a stitch reweaving their shattered spirits. In this spirit, send energy for the healing of all beings. Then, extend this to the fractured soul of America, that she may grow in understanding from this tragedy. (pause... dancing and drumming continues) Finally, feel the spiritual energy flowing through the circle. Gather in this positive magical energy, then send it out, extending it to the troubled areas of the world. (Join hands) Send forth energy for peace to the rest of the globe, encircling the world in a golden net of protective light and peace. Know that, at this moment, each of the illuminated souls stands linked together as unbreakable strands in a miraculous net of protection surrounding the planet. Weave your energy into the ongoing concentration of these beings, and join your soul to their Great Work: peace on earth. (Ground the left-over energy) Open the circle. Contact us with questions or comments.