Wiccan Dreams

Annabelle lay stretched across Cassie's bed, studying her friend's latest catalog. It was filled with velvet bustiers and long swishy skirts, but the non-clothing items were a little creepy.

Cassie leaned over her shoulder. "That's the necklace I just bought. Isn't it cool?"

"Ooh, Cassie, you didn't!" Annabelle was horrified. "That's a pentagram! Isn't that the sign of the devil?"

"Annabelle, don't be such a prude. Did you notice the diamonds at each corner at least?" Cassie pointed to the glossy photograph. "And it only cost thirty dollars."

Try as she might, Annabelle couldn't see any "diamonds." "Well, but isn't it evil? What's wrong with that pretty cross with your birthstone?"

"Uhg! Annabelle, I met these girls at school and they're Wicca. They said..."

"Cassie! That's witchcraft!"

"No it's not! Would you just calm down and listen!" Cassie glared at Annabelle until she turned from the catalog. "They said Wicca believes in never hurting anyone, not even trees or dogs or...well, any living things. I'm going to a Sabbat tonight with Susanna."

"What's a Sabbat?"

"Well, I'm not sure, but I think it's sort of like a church service for Wicca. Hey, why don't you come with me!"

"Is it okay that I'm a Christian? I don't think Pastor Dan would like it if I went. I don't think you should go either."

"I'm going. And remember, Pastor Dan said there's nothing wrong with visiting other churches. Come on! It'll be fun!"

"Okay, okay Cassie, I'll come. Why do I let you talk me into these hairball schemes?"

**************************************************************************************************************************************************

The Sabbat was held in a field by the old oak woods. Annabelle and Cassie parked on the dirt road running out to the creek. In the distance they could see a fire, and they could hear a low drumming.

"Geez, Cassie, are you sure this is a church service? It feels spooky and weird."

"You're just a scaredy cat! Wicca isn't like Christianity. They have their gatherings in nature, 'cause of the harmony and stuff."

Annabelle grabbed her jacket, even though it wasn't really cold. Still, she had the shivers. Cassie headed down the path ahead of her.

"Cass, wait up!" Annabelle hurried to catch up, but she tripped and landed face first in the dark pathway.

"Annabelle, are you okay?" Cassie knelt over her friend to help her up, but when Annabelle tried to stand, her ankle hurt so much she fell right back down.

"Oww! Damn, Cassie, I hurt my ankle. I think we have to go home."

"Why don't I help you down to the gathering? I'm going there myself." Annabelle looked over at the new voice and saw a beautiful woman wearing one of the prettiest outfits she'd ever seen, all black velvet and silk. And she was wearing a necklace like the one Cassie just ordered out of that catalog.

"Well, thank you, but I think I need a doctor." Annabelle wasn't liking the throb that had started in her ankle.

"Mabon is here tonight, and he is an expert healer. He could take a look at it for you." The woman offered Annabelle her arm, so she shrugged and took it.

"I guess that would be okay," Annabelle agreed. "If you're sure."

"Well of course!" Cassie took Annabelle's other arm and the three of them made their way down to the fire.

When they reached the fire they saw people all gathered around it. Some were dressed like the beautiful woman who helped them, but many were dressed just like Cassie and Annabelle. Several people were sitting on a large log near the fire, but when they saw that Annabelle needed to sit down, they cheerfully moved.

"Mary, I'm so glad to see you!" A willowy blonde woman wrapped their beautiful helper in a bear hug. "Who are your friends?"

"We just met on the path. Susan, this young woman tripped on the way down. Is Mabon here yet?"

"I haven't seen him, but I brought my healing herbs. Let me see what I can do." With that, Susan turned to Cassie, who was standing behind her friend. "Hi, I'm Susan. Do you need some asisstance?"