A bonfire crackles nearby as I start to lay out the tools of my craft. The knife and wand glisten in the light. I draw my circle like I have so many times before, setting a candle at each directional point. Yellow for East, red for South, blue for West, green for North.

I work my ritual without fear. The spirits have been kind to us all year, and it’s time to give thanks. Corn and beans from nearby crops were gathered beforehand to be thrown in the fire as offerings. I take a bite of each as I toss them in.

A small and humbled salute is also given to the Harvest Moon as She smiles on my night’s work. A feeling of comfort and peace fill me as Her rays light my way home.