copyright © 2003, all rights reserved.
first performed 6/21/2003 at Summerfest
[ This Meditation was performed as part of our "Midsummer Night's Ritual" at Summerfest 2003. It was read by Puck to the congregation.]
Fairy folk slumber in a small clearing beside the wooded path. Above, fireflies spread their dancing candlelight over ancient flagstones marking the path. Rainbow colored fairy wings shimmer with silvery light as on each sleeping fairy face the firefly’s glow alights. Behold Rosemary and Lavender, sleeping arm in arm, and gentle Daisy’s head, bent low, rests on a twisted bit of Hawthorn’s root. With a nod brave Hawthorn beckons you come rest in his shade.
You settle there on a bed of moss and begin to relax. The summer wind seems to whisper, “Close your eyes gentle ones, and listen carefully to the night bird’s song.” The night birds lift their voices in a melody learned from the summer wind as he played games among the reeds at water’s edge. The melody blends perfectly with the throaty croak of frogs and ripple of the woodland stream. You linger in your mossy bed and focus on the song. Gradually you feel your tension melt away and release, flowing down though your body, and draining into the warm earth.
Inhale, and your lungs fill with cool clear night air. You breathe in all the fragrant scents of woodland herbs; wild rose and honeysuckle blend with the dancing colors of the rainbow reflected in the light of thousands of tiny fireflies. As you breathe you feel the breeze brush your face and hear the night bird’s song echoing through the woodlands. All is peaceful and safe. You are completely at home among the fairy folk and forest sprites.
As you lie there feeling relaxed and comfortable, you feel a tugging at the tips of your fingers. Two of the fairies are tugging at your hands, urging you to sit up and look around. You do as you are bid. Around you the forest is dense and green, filled with beautiful oak, elm, ash and maple trees, but the once peaceful forest is bustling with activity. Bright silvery lights that seem to emanate from inside the bodies of the fairy folk glow everywhere. These marvelous little beings are dressed in beautifully colored clothing and flitter about the woodland preparing for something.
You stand up and the fairies that woke you whisper their names to you. You realize that knowing the true name of a fairy is a great honor for the tiny being has chosen you as a friend. You tell them your name and they smile shyly. Once the introductions are over your two new friends work quickly dressing you in shimmering garments much like their own. One brushes your hair while the other weaves you a crown of fragrant flowers. When they have finished they point you to a small pool where you can see yourself reflected in the dark surface. You look at yourself and find that you are more beautiful than you ever imagined you could be.
The fairy companions are smiling at you. You smile back feeling relaxed, beautiful, and powerful. You look down at your hands and see the glow of this newfound inner power lighting you in the same silvery light your companions shimmer with. Your companions tell you that this is your true self. You feel wonderful, safe, and happy. A cluster of fireflies gathers around, dancing with joy. Before long the forest sprites have all caught the exuberance of the dance.
The fairy folk come together to honor their queen with their dance. The spirits of plants, trees, flowers and stones all participate until every part of nature has joined the dance. You too, eagerly join in the dance with all your heart and in the moonlight you allow yourself to be completely free and at peace.
When the dance has ended you notice a bright green light in the distance. It wasn’t there before. Your companions look in the direction you are gazing and shout with joy. All around you the activity ceases and fairy folk cheer the arrival of their queen. The joy is so great that for a moment the light emanating from their bodies blinds you. Once the initial burst of excitement passes the light dims and you can see again.
You look across the small clearing and see a beautiful fairy with long red hair and bright green eyes is seated beneath a magnificent ash tree. Beside her a bow and a sheath of arrows lays ready for her use and on her leg she wears a dagger. Even at this distance you can feel her power. For the first time you feel just a touch of fear, then, as if reading your mind, she looks at you and smiles. She tells you that there is no need to be afraid. You are one of her children and she loves you. She tells you that she wishes to speak with you and motions you to come forward.
The fairy folk part and allow you to approach your mother while they keep a respectful distance away. You have been invited to the summerwood and she has things to tell you. Her eyes meet yours and you feel the wild power in her gaze. She sees everything that is hidden within. She looks at your intentions and studies you to see if you have done any deed without selfishness.
The regal fairy seems happy with what she finds and opens her arms to you. Her body scent evokes memories long forgotten. She invites you to sit. You sit beside her and she hands you a cup. The drink is warm and sweet and smells of vanilla. You drink it and feel the warmth spread through you as you listen to the things you need to hear.
When she has finished she smiles and says it is time for you to go home. She gently squeezes your hand and places in it a small reminder of your visit. Her smile is beautiful, but a little sad as she points you to the woods, and the path with the beautiful flagstones. “Don’t worry,” she tells you. “This is not good-bye. You can find your way back to me whenever you need to talk or even to dance the dance of the fairy folk. There is no need to be sad, or cry. Return as often as you wish.” As you walk toward the path, you notice that the fireflies have gathered to light your way out of the woods. Above you night birds watch over you, protecting you form all harm. You are relaxed, and safe. As you step upon each stone you feel yourself coming closer, and closer to consciousness. When you step on the last flagstone you are ready to come back. You stretch and sit up fully awake as you think about the things you were told.
Created by Guides Chandonn, Hypatia X, and Sophia X Pharou
Last modified: 07/28/2004