Charge of the Goddess
She speaks. Her silver voice rings loud and true. In amazement you watch as the tallest trees around the clearing bow down in reverance as she begins The Call:
Hear my words and know me! I shall be called a million names by all who speak! I am Eternal Maiden! I am Great Mother! I am the Old One who holds the immortal key! I am shrouded in Mystery, but am known to every soul!
She lowers her arms and holds them open toward the people circled around her. A small girl-child in the crowd cries out in fear, erupting the peace of the circle. Her horrified mother attempts to remove the child as the little one breaks into a lusty squall.
But Aradia only smiles and beckons the small one to her. She holds her arms in a cradling position, and where they once were empty, the child now materializes, encircling the child to her breast. The mother is left guiding only empty space from the circle.
If there was one among the crowd who does not believe in her reality, it surely blossoms in that moment, as the child nestles into Aradia's shoulder in peaceful contentment.
Still holding the child, Aradia gestures one elegant arm to the sky and speaks:
Hear my words and know me! Whenever the moon rises in the Heavens shall my children come to me. Better it be once a month when the moon is full, shall ye assemble in some secret place, such as this, and adore the spirit of I. I, who am the Queen Of Witches!
And under my watchful eye, my children shall be taught the mysteries of the Earth and Nature, of the ways of all Magick! Taht which is unknown shall be known, and that which is hidden shall be revealed, even the secluded soul shall be pierced with my Light. From my cauldron shall be drunk all knowledge and immortality!
She pauses to caress the head of the girl- child, then lowers her gently to the ground. The tot scrambles quickly back to its mother, the cherub face serene, radiant and blessed.
