The International Free Hug Day went off without much of a hitch. The humidity from the previous night's rain did bring on some slimy hugs, but they were hugs nonetheless.

Blackberry Circle broke off into three groups to cover Old Town Spring. We started off with a lot of smiles and waves which moved on to some air hugs (yes, we will count those as well) and finally several interested folks making that connection and receiving hugs... and returning them. Everyone from little children ("I like huggies") to old men ("I ain't that kind of guy, but okay.") and pregnant women all received a free hug.

And yes, even Meical hugged folks. Did I just hear a collective "GASP!"?

Overall it was a nice day of hugs and meeting people, even if it was for just a few moments. Reaching out and touching humanity, literally, seemed to make several people's day. Overall it appeared that about 100 folks or more received a free hug today… Not counting the air hugs. We did not get too many photos because, well, it is hard to take a picture when your arms are full of people. We hope to have some available as soon as we figure out what we have.

Blackberry Circle decided that because of the response we might host a couple Free Hugs days in the year. It is only a thought at this time so stay tuned for more… Same bat time, same bat channel.

Let’s make the Houston area huggable.

The Midsummer ritual was a huge success, thanks to Anise and Meical.

There were at least fifty people who showed up for the ritual and a large number of them were first timers. Blackberry Circle would like to thank each and every one of those who attended in celebrating with us and helping us turn the Wheel of the Year.

This year’s Midsummer theme was a complete secret until the time of the ritual. The theme and focus of the ritual was healing the Earth and sending energy to Her to help with the oil spill in the Gulf. Anise raised two, yes, folks, that’s right, two cones of power to send energy to the Gulf. A feat that is awesome in and of itself.

The ritual was a powerful one with everyone, even the newbies, chanting a chant that Anise wrote for the healing of the Earth, the Goddess chant, and We All Come From the Goddess chant. The connection made was, well, awesome.

Meical explained the meanings of Midsummer, the Bright Lord and the Dark Lord, and made a small balefire in the middle of the Circle for folks who wanted to jump the balefire to promote growth, relationships, prosperity or whatever they wanted.

Following the ritual there was feasting, a large bonfire, drumming and even dancing around the bonfire. A great way to celebrate the strength of the Bright Lord and the birth of the Dark Lord.

Overall fun was had by all and many new and wonderful acquaintances were made.

Again, Blackberry Circle would like to thank everyone who attended and welcome them back for future events.

So, you are interested in being a student and learning the Blackberry Tradition?

Well then, there are a few things to remember if you want to be a student of Blackberry Circle...

The first thing is we will not accept you as a student if we do not know you. We require you to attend events and rituals for a minimum of six months before you will be even considered as a student. This will not only allow you to get to know us, but also let us begin to know who you are. We also ask you write an essay stating why you wish to be a part of Blackberry Circle, what you can bring to our group, what you expect to get in return from us and what your previous experience is with Wicca or other religions. Lastly, you will be interviewed by the Blackberry Circle Coven members.