Subj : COA pt 2                                                                


Coming of Age for a Young Woman pt 2 by Arwen Nightstar

     Set up the circle in the usual way.  Ring a bell nine times.  On
     the ninth ring have the maiden brought in by the helper.  Invoke
     the Lady in as Mother, Maiden and Crone.  Emphasize the Maiden,
     but don't neglect the Mother or the Crone.  Bring in the Lord
     in a similar manner.  At this point the HPS might wish to discuss
     what it means to be a woman and what those responsibilities are.
     Then the HP will tell the coven that one among them is ready to 
     step over the threshold into womanhood.

     HP:  Is there one among us who feels ready to begin the journey
          into womanhood?

     Maiden: I am ready.

     HP:  Have you been told about the journey?  Are you ready to make
          your sacrifice?

     Maiden:  I know my journey will be long and that this is just the
              beginning.  I am ready to make the sacrifice.

     The HPS will take the maiden by the hand and walk the complete 
     circle once.  when she gets back to the East, she will stop and
     say to the East, "I present to you _________ a maiden on her way
     to being a woman.  She begins her journey here."

     East:  I am the East.  I am the wind, the air, the very breath
            you breathe.  I will bring you intelligence.  I will 
            bring you wit.  What will you bring me?

     Maiden:  I acknowledge you Eastern Wind.  Thank you for your gifts.
              I bring you (symbol/toy) to prove my willingness to step
              into womanhood.

     East silently takes the gift and offers her own gift to the maiden.

     (Progress to the next direction)

     HPS: I present to you ________ a maiden on her way to being a 
          woman.  This is her next step.

     South:  I am the South.  I am the fire, the flame, the heat
             that warms your very blood.  I will bring you passion.
             I will bring you love.  What will you bring me?

     Maiden:  I acknowledge you, Southern Flame.  Thank you for
              your gifts.  I bring you (symbol/toy) to prove my
              willingness to step into womanhood.

     South silently takes the gift and offers her own gift to the maiden.

     (Progress to the next direction)

     HPS: I present to you ________ a maiden on her way to being a
          woman.  This is her next step.

     West:  I am the West.  I am the wave, the river, the water that
            is your basic ingredient.  I will bring you dreams.
            I will bring you depth.  What will you bring me?

     Maiden:  I acknowledge you, Western Wave.  Thank you for your
              gifts.  I bring you (symbol/toy) to prove my willingness
              to step into womanhood.

     West silently takes the gift and offers her own gift to the maiden.

     (Progress to the next direction)