Yule Sabbat 2016

Summoner, High Priestess, High Priest, Maiden

Yule 2016
Inner Circle Sanctuary

High Priestess - Lady Gwendolyn
High Priest - Lord Redhawk

Maiden - Lady Rosimari
Summoner - Lord Zaiaa

The Inner Circle, in whatever incarnation, has always, always, always, celebrated it's sabbats outside and in nature. We look for places that are somewhat remote (yet accessible by vehicle for those physically disabled) in the wonder of Nature, herself. If that place can show the changes in the season, the better suited. I can count on one set of hands how many times our sabbat rituals had to be taken indoors because of rain.

​Here in the Mohave desert, it gets c-c-c-cold at night in the winter. But what gladdens my heart every winter sabbat is the commentary on how no one notices the cold until after the magical ring is picked up by the High Priestess. Not that this is a new phenomenon, however anecdotal. The observation serves to remind me that we're doing things right. When a young witchling can break their focus from the trials and tribulations of the week and the bitter, bitter cold of a desert winter to spotlight on the joy, ritual, reverie, and comradery in a sabbat ring.... it suffuses me with warmth.

Of course, while in the ring, there are reminders at how cold it is: the water to sprinkle the ring growing a layer of ice that needs to be physically cracked to perform that aspect to the sight of half frozen propane bottles on the lanterns at each quarter; small reminders and usually quickly forgotten.

After the ring, we exchanged gifts and the consideration, ingenuity, and craftsmanship was nothing short of marvelous. We had a visitor to our ring and she was regaled with stories with how we all found our way to our coven family by our Lady Joyanna's direction. (We're not quite sure if she wanted to hear the stories, but she was kind, stayed, and listened.) 

We retired indoors where there were songs, stories, jokes, and a marvelous amount of delicious food. It was reflected upon that for quite a few people, 2016 was pretty bad. Losses and major life changes seemed to have affected everyone, but everyone also had a bright and shining center to keep their focus... our coven family. Yeah... we're doing it right.

​~Lady Atheona