Take the deep cleansing breaths that are now familiar to you as you center and focus...do this until you feel you are ready to proceed.

 

as you are now focused you find as you take that one deep breath that you smell the burning and decaying leaves and see that it is all around you. 

 

 

     You now find yourself entering into a clearing.  The air holds a slight chill.  The trees of the forest have taken bright colors since last you visited.  Vibrant reds and oranges mix among the many shades of greens and yellows.  A brook flows gently by.  Along its edges are clusters of colorful leaves, carried there by the flowing water.  On the other side of the waters you can see the gentle slope of a pasture and the remenants of a vegetable garden.

 

     The sounds of music and laughter touch your ears.  They come from the forest.  You realize that this is the harvest feast.  Eagerly , you follow the sound.  It leads you to a path.  You pass under the large branches of a hawthorn and an oak tree and enter the forest.  The sounds of laughter and merriment guide you.  The woods smell dark and rich, of old growth that is decaying.  You see a dark, moss-covered log, a tree long fallen.  On the other side of it, you notice what must have been a small vernal pool in spring.  The waters receded during the heat of summer, leaving just wet mud and fallen leaves.  The frogs have moved on.

 

     You continue on.  The path begins to climb and the trees start to thin.  The voices are getting louder.  You emerge from the woods into an apple orchard on the top of a gentle hill.  The apple trees are partially filled with red fruit.  Over-ripe apples, fallen from the trees are scattered on the ground.  Their sweet scent fills the air.  Bees buzz by you, to land on the decaying fruit, collecting the sugar held within the apples.  Old wooden ladders stand under the trees, and baskets filled with apples rest on the  ground.  As you approach the nearest tree, you reach up to a branch and pick a missed fruit.  Its shiny skin feels smooth and warm in your hand.  You realize that if you cut the apple in half, you will find the star that is hidden within it.  Take a bite of the fruit and savor the gift of the Earth and the Goddess.  Feel its sweetness on your tongue.  (pause)

 

     You allow the laughter and the music to draw you to the far end of the grove.  As you approach, you see the harvest fair.  You can see many happy people, gathered around a small group of musicians.  Perhaps some of the young folk are dancing.  You may want to join them later on.

 

     Makeshift tables and canopies have been set up in rows.  Look around...what do you see?  Take a moment to write down discriptions of what is there. 

 

    After a while, the sound of cheering attracts you.  You realize at the end of the fairgrounds, beneath a large canopy, a crowd of people have gathered.  Curious, you go and join them.  Under the tarp, you see a small stage.  On either side are baskets.  Each  has a sign nearby with  the word "SEED" printed on it in big black letters.

 

     A woman stands on the stage, reviewing a group of zucchini presented to Her by their growers.  She has full hips and breasts of motherhood.  Her hair is pulled back in a matronly fashion.  A crown of grain and fall flowers sit upon her head.  She has a regal air of ancient wisdom about Her.  You recognize this is Demeter, the harvest Mother.

 

     She views the offerings before Her.  Then She points to the two largest and best of the fruits.  A cheer raises from the crowd.  The winning farmers, with grins on their faces, thank the Goddess and walk to the waiting baskets where they put the prize fruit inside. More and more vegetibles and bounty are brought and judged and soon there are full baskets for future seed to improve the crops of the next wheel.  The remaining bounty is to be made into winter meals for all to share.

 

    During a break the Goddess approaches you.  She slowly looks you over from your toes to the top of your head.  You know she is quietly judging you.  Think of each part of you and see what parts will be used now,..and which will be kept for seed to improve your walk.  You know that there are parts that need to be culled and others that need improved... She looks straight into your eyes with the question unspoken.  Allow your own answer to fill you.  (pause)  Write this down...

 

     She smiles and nods Her satisfaction and returns to the competition.  Stay , if you will, watching the seperation of the harvest,..... or return to the festivities.  Spend time enjoying the sounds, the sights...the smells...If there is someone you wish to speak with, take a moment to do it now and write down all that you experience.

 

   It is time to return , now and you wander back as the people wave their good-byes to you and you return their pleasentries.  As you make your way back , you take one last apple from the grove and notice that the baskets of apples have been gathered and taken away.  You continue back down the gentle slope to the ancient path through the forest.  You pass the moss laden log and go under the oak and the hawthorn branches and return to the clearing.  Take one last look around and find your way back to your inner home.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

    Really think about this meditation and write out your deepest thoughts.  Draw a picture of your mentle bounty and see what comes up in this bit of pathworking.  Good Luck and I look forward to your sharing what you learned from this experience.

 

Bright Blessings Always

Lady Majyk Myst