Already the claret is starting to work its own unique magic and the antechamber is filled with the buzz of relaxed banter and chat. Druscilla and I share a brief embrace, and I am thankful for her strong presence and her continued guidance regarding the Dark Spirit. Victoria Faircroft is dressed even more flamboyantly than usual and is flirting with Lord Grimes. Many present have known each other much of their lives. Meaningful friendships, true bonds, and alliances have been formed over the years. We are a strong coven, and I am, at this moment, so proud to be even a small part of it, let alone its Head Witch.

At last it is time to move into the Great Chamber. As always I experience a powerful combination of excitement and affection as I enter our sacred space. The chamber is bedecked with silvery birch and glossy holly twisted into wreaths and swags. There are three times as many candles in the sconces and stands, so that light dances across the painted floor and flashes off the jewels worn by the gathered witches. Everyone finds a place to sit on the benches around the circle. The senior witches take their places on seats placed in front of the high altar, facing the sacred space. As Head Witch my position is on the middle chair in this row. I feel a nervous tension grip me as the torches are dimmed in their sconces, so that a low, flickering light fills the room. We all stand to recite the Lazarus creed and to say our necromancers’ prayer. Repeating the ancient words together, hearing their singular rhythm throb through the chamber like its very heart is both stirring and comforting. However archaic our rituals, however morbid our practices, however close to the darkness we venture in our journeys to the Land of Night, this is a part of me. This is familiar, and real, and powerful, all at once. This is what I was, after all, born to do. The central focus of Yulemass is the joint communing with a spirit, called forth specifically to tell us what he or she sees for the future of our coven. The Master of the Chalice is charged with this summoning, rather than myself. This leaves the Head Witch freer to question whoever appears before us than if I were engaged in the calling.

A respectful silence falls as the sacred words are spoken.