june’s full moon

women stand in a circle and chant as one of them dribbles the prosperity potion onto the smooth throne of earth below their bare feet, slanted from the mountain’s incline. 

“Out of the Darkness

Out of the Air

Out of Nowhere

To aid us I swear

Piles upon piles

Of silver and Gold

Come without warning

As you have been told.”

the women continued their song and poured the mixture from one bowl to another; the sounds of coins, beads and crystals harmonizing with their voices in the cool night air. the bowl made its pilgrimage around in the circle until it had reached its beginning.

rose of the jericho, coined the resurrection plant for its ability to preserve life by turning inward for dry seasons and blossoming when wet, was added to the elixir. behind them the illuminated full moon appeared from behind the mountain. so close they could scope their hands into her surface and watch as grannuals of golden prosperity filled their cupped hands. 

the evening began with the last parking space. she snagged a tight parallel spot wedged in between two cars that would later depart. stepping out the car, her and her girlfriend discussed the nature around them. they ventured into the pathway that led to an open area of rock. an organizer sat on a yellow spread waiting for them to arrive. 

hugs and names were exchanged and slowly people trickled in. by 7:30 stretching began and each person lead the group through a sequence. they took turns introducing themselves and setting their intentions for the gathering. smoke from the burning cinnamon incense mingled with the breeze as individuals spotlighted a piece of their soul. 

the trek to the top of the mountain was light and they moved in a loose trail. hiking boots in hand, she bounded from one slab of harden earth to another, her a blonde haired child running free. her golden hair darker now as she approaches her 24th birthday. 

reaching the desired height they embraced a stunning view of the georgia forests. an organizer instructed them to pull out their journals and together they detailed their dreams and inner reflections. three prompts later in a circle they sat, passing around a bundle of burning juniper, letting the smoke and the love of lit incense cleanse and amplify their communal energy. the sun set and disappeared into the groves of spring green, casting a simmering glow upon the mountain top. 

a beat started and they sang a wealthy melody from the heart. clapping and joyous laughter broke out at its natural conclusion. to commence the ritual each woman added their own symbolism of prosperity to the bigger of the two bowls. she had picked four unique quarters and a dollar coin as her contribution. moon water blessed their emblements and grazed the edges.

the woman next to her had held a golden circular bead the size of her palm with symmetric inner circles etched into it. “it’s an african bead honor my ancestors.” the woman turned it over gingerly. “the details are beautiful here; the engraved circles remind me of the circle of life, the soul cycle,” she commented. 

when it came her turn to hold the receiving bowl, runway fluid graced her fingers, wetting her grip and a smile painted across her complexion from the artist that god is. the fruitful string of language rose from her chest in vibrations and dancing into the air around her. she leisured in her opportunity to pour the concoction into the receiving bowl in the dark hands of her best friend. who then did the same with the girlfriend standing on her other side. an intimate first interaction between the two this evening experience was.

a moment of gracious meditation was gifted at the end of the ritual. the women sat and discussed what prosperity meant to them: a mindset and perspective, an embodiment, energy, an art studio, community, freedom. with the full moon high in the sky they danced atop the mountain and rejoiced in celebration for the opportunity to be present, to connect with their highest selves in nature, and honor their personal paths of passion and purpose. 

before returning to base they stood once again in a circle, this time holding hands in sisterhood and each took a turn verbalizing what they were releasing and holding gratitude for. tears were shed as their vulnerabilities were caressed and supported. the flow of energetic love was a heavy river through linked hands.