Sunday night I gathered with a large group of women in Concord, MA. It was a reunion for a group that had been in existence for 25 years. While based in the nearby Unitarian church, most of the women do not identify as UU, yet find enlightenment in paths provided by UU Women and Religion authors, teachers and curriculum such as Cakes for the Queen of Heaven and Liz Fisher’s Rise Up and Call Her Name. (The latter, a courses that Bozena and Twinkle have taught…Liz being a friend of Twinkle’s) What a delight to gather with these women from all walks of life, whom at one time or the present have been part of Concord’s Women’s Goddess Covenant Circle! Several had either moved away or gone a separate path early on, and me, having joined a mere six years ago, had not met many of such “elders” til Sunday night. Likewise new members joined since I left for my sabbatical a year ago. Strangers in life. Yet we shared many of the same favorite memories this group offered each of us. Ritual, ceremonies, seasons, and circles. Creating clay Goddesses, wands, sacred cloths and altars. Dancing. Poetry. Chanting. While the entire group had never gathered as one, one we were indeed as we stepped into the ancient rhythms of this covenant.
Margaret Stewart, the “Mother” and “Weaver” of the circle had gathered several readings, one the Mother handed to me to read. Surprised I was to discover it was a poem (“Autumn Moon”) I had written in 2011 for a New Moon Circle I had led. What an honor to know that housed in the Circle’s Treasure Chest is my work and gifts to be passed on to future generations. In gratitude and grace I share this poem with you now.
Autumn Moon
Even as the wheel turns
from this season
to the next
She remains steadfast
in her wisdom
Vibrant colors in the trees
Our storehouse brimming
with Summer’s harvest
Gathered round our Circle
Fire warming our
hearths & hearts
Welcoming the darkness
of the new moon
As it allows the truth
of our Soul’s desire
to shine from within
We offer up our
fears & sadness
to be taken by
the Autumn wind
Our intentions clear
& for the highest good
We beseech her support
& guidance
As we enter this time of inner
reflection & solitude
We accept the Divine
fulfillment of our desires
Embracing Life Fully
Thank you Goddess
Maiden, Mother, Crone
Thank you Circle
of my own
Autumn Moon we thank you too
For the comfort of your season.