Even while summer's heat lingers, we can feel the first hints of fall in the air -- it's a bit cooler in the mornings, the squirrels are busily at work storing food for the winter, the first trails of ducks and geese can be seen overhead heading for their winter homes. The wheel of the year moves almost imperceptibly towards the cold and windy days of winter. Children are settling into school, the costumes and candy of Halloween fill the stores, and we begin to look inward toward what this past year has wrought in our lives.

Mabon is past. Its celebration still rings in our ears - yet amidst the clamor we hear the whispers of the ancestors telling us that now is the time to begin preparing -- preparing for the days when we will stare into the fire in the hearth and delve into the mystery that is our own spirit.

But before we do that, we will welcome the wisdom of those who have gone before - say goodbye to those who have moved on to the summerlands - and welcome the Gods to our fire to give us insight into the coming year.

Samhain approaches, and after it, Midwinter, when we will await the birth of the sun and welcome his light into ourselves. A chance to begin anew, with new purpose, with new vision. No matter how troubled the times, we can be assured that life maintains its cycles, and everything that is born and dies is born once again. Take heart, find wisdom within your own spirit, let it sing to you as you stare into the flames of your winter fire. May the blessings of the Gods lead you to your own unique light.

This list welcomes Pagans in the greater Lafayette, Louisiana area to meet and network with one another in an accepting, loving forum. In addition, it is a clearinghouse for events, classes, and open circle announcements in and around Lafayette, including the Lafayette PNO (Pagan Night Out) and the Coffee Cackle. Membership is open to all who have an interest in sharing their knowledge, wisdom and spiritual path with others.