There is Majik in the earth! In the growing things as well as the inert aspects of landscape. Some believe that even rocks and stones have spirit! From very early times, people all over the world have placed stones in designs that have meaning and magic. Circles of stone are found in so many places. Our Celtic heritage is an example, as both Scotland and Ireland have abundant and ancient stone circles. Here is the Delfour Stone Circle in Scotland.
The Kroughwomyn hold two retreats each year- the spring retreat is generally at Ardantane, a Pagan Learning Center in New Mexico. This remote and private campus provides the distance we need to refresh ourselves spiritually, and enjoy our sisterhood. As part of our practice, we embark on a Spirit Walk throughout the land owned by Ardantane. During this spirit walk we seek inspiration from nature and the natural world, and find ourselves refreshed at a deep level. It was several years ago on such a Spirit Walk that I composed the song, Stone Circle. (Click here to go to the songs’s page where you can hear it.)
In the canyon in the north area of Ardantane, I discovered a circle of stones- not too big, perhaps 24 inches in diameter. I still don’t know if it was a natural occurrence or created by another visitor to this Pagan Learning Center, but it called to me in a powerful voice. I studied it, meditated upon this feature, and realized that the living spirit of stone and rock was in communication with all other aspects of the natural environment.
“Stone Circle sing to the Sky each day, Stone Circle sing to the Earth…”
The connection from earth to air was profound, and as I gazed at the circle of stones, I began to sing to it, as it was singing to me and to the rest of the landscape. Thus, a song was born! I apprehended the One-ness of Earth, guided by our mother, Gaia, and given as a gift to us, her devotees. I understood the Circle of Life, ever continuing, of which we are all a part.
“Bring us around to Gaia’s way, unending birth and rebirth…”
With more time spent at this magical construction, I realized that all the elements were part of this relationship, and those inspirations were included in the song as well:
“Fire in the sky to light our way, water below and above…”
I felt very attached to this place, this land, this involvement of elements, with great appreciation for the gifts we have been given, and love for the Goddess in her generosity:
“Let every day be Gaia’s day, live in abundance and love…”
When I sang this song that afternoon to Amber K and Azrael, the owners and directors of Ardantane, they were moved (there were a few tears) and happy that their beautiful campus was the inspiration for a song. When I taught it to the Crow Women, it seemed so right to arrange it as a round, symbolizing the circle of stone, the circle of life and the circle of our Sisterhood.
I hope you will include this song in your own practices~ When your circle holds ritual outdoors, consider creating your own stone circles. As you make each circle, or as you gather around them to admire and offer prayers, sing this song! It can be sung as a simple melody, but if you practice, you can create a round, with each group coming in after each phrase, as on the recording. We sang a three-part round on Crow Magic (our second album), but a two part round sounds wonderful. The key to success is for each group to sing the melody as written, including the irregular phrasing, and leave the same amount of time in each rest. As always, if yours is not a circle of singers, perhaps one or two members could sing this song, or you could play the track, or the words may be recited as a blessing spell or meditation.
The song Stone Circle is on our second album, Crow Magic, which you can order from us.