Her mother had taken on a great vigil to teach  Dinelas of the old ways of the family. It was that time of year again, The Cold Moon, the winter moon. Time for the great blessing.

So Dinelas prepared herself as her mother had  taught her and her mothers mother had taught her. The cleansing waters were made of mint and rosemary both with invigorating and cleansing scents. She braided her hair as her people believed the coil of the braid protected the wearer from evil spirits. She went to her closet and pulled out the decorated gown, it had beautiful geometric shapes sewn in blue thread with shells and feathers attached in decorative fashion.The collar, sleeves and lower hem died a deep blue color.

She knew before she could do the blessing for her family and sisters and brothers of the earth , that she must be smudged of all negative energies. Taking the sage stick she lights it with the flame of the white candle that was lit for protection. Puckering her lips she blew out the flame on the tip and fanned the smoke over her body . She first brought the smoke towards her heart and then up and over her head. She knew this would help her energy to run in a good direction, and it will take away any negative thoughts or feelings out of her. She then offered the bowl to the four directions.

Making a circle of protective energy as she did the smudging in a sunrise direction beginning with the north. "Hail to the guardians of the North, mighty earth who feeds us, our home and mother, welcome to the circle. " Her voice flowed on the air , as if they were leaves blowing in the wind.

Then facing East she spoke invitingly." Hail to the guardians of the East, blessed air who cools us, the breath of life in all, welcome to the circle. "

She continued the opening of the circle facing the South she seemed to be singing like a bird."Hail to the guardians of the South, sacred flame that sparks life in all, our protection and father, welcome to the circle. "

Finally to complete the circle she turned to face the West and said as if greeting old friends . "Hail to the guardians of the West, Waters of life, where all are cleansed and reborn, welcome to the circle. "

With the cleansing of the sacred space and opening of the circle finished. She sat with her back straight and long legs crossed before her, as she closed her amber eyes she began to visualize her loved ones and friends surrounded by a protective white light. With this picture solid in her mind she began to chant in a lyrical tone, at first barely audible , but seemed to become strong roar as she chanted.


" Oh Mother Goddess and Father God ,protect my loved ones every day, as they play as they sleep. Help them to always smile brightly , and keep them safe in your loving light. Protect them from harm,and all they fear. For they are the ones I hold dear. I thank the Mother Goddess and Father God for helping me. I trust their aid. Aho, blessed be all."


Feeling a sense of accomplishment she stood to close her circle and finish the ritual.
Facing the West she spoke warmly, "Hail to the guardians of the West, thank you for attending this circle. Go in peace and know you are always welcome here. "
she slowly continued her circle facing the south dismissed the guardians in the same warm fashion as before."Hail to the guardians of the South, thank you for attending this circle. Go in peace and know you are always welcome here. " Continuing she faced the west thank them for their attendance as well."Hail to the guardians of the East, thank you for attending this circle. Go in peace and know you are always welcome here. " To complete the closing of the circle and finalize the protection of those she cared for she turned solemnly towards the north and with reverence echoing in her voice she closed the circle."Hail to the guardians of the North, thank you for attending this circle. Go in peace and know you are always welcome here."

With the ritual of protection over she knew that her family and sisters and brothers  would be protected for eternity. For the Great Spirit is eternal.