Candle flames flicker and shadows dance across the face of the image of Isis. Incense smoke slowly oozes from the censer and the sweet scent of Lotus permeates the room. The water and wine chalices are filled, the sacred tools and offerings are laid out, and soft music is playing. Dressed in ceremonial garb, I step forth to begin my poetic invocations and another ritual is underway. It is uplifting, enlightening, even electrifying.

And yet...

It is not always enough; sometimes it feels too artificial, too contrived. At times, if I wish to experience real communion, I find I must do less.

I step out onto my porch and into the serenity of the Alabama countryside on a crisp, clear evening. I sit in a chair as comfortably as possible, usually wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Then I clear my mind, quiet my thoughts, and open my senses.

Moonlight and cloudbanks cast shadows across Nature's altar. Floral aromas saturate the atmosphere with Her perfume. The soft breeze slowly rocks the towering pines, and the dogwoods rustle in Her breath. Buzzing insects, calling birds, and an occasional mewling cat or howling dog chant Her symphony. There are no ritual tools, no sacred words, and I myself am the offering: my tingling senses, my open mind, my bared spirit, my love and devotion offered up to Her. I become as One with all around me, feeling myself within my surroundings and feeling my surroundings within myself, and with this feeling She embraces me, and I know I am One with All. My spirit coalesces with the Divine Essence that I call Nature, Isis Myrionymos, Queen Mother of Heaven and Earth.

Organized, structured ritual is wonderful, and can be essential to spiritual growth. But sometimes, one must strip away all the props and rigidity of ceremony and get back to basics, feel true communion with Nature the only way possible: by embracing Her.

So, step out of your ritual chamber once in a while, leave your home and seek Her out. You'll find Her in your yard, in the meadow down the street, at the bubbling brook in the woods behind your house, and in the park nestled within the congestion of the city. Seek Her out, embrace Her, return with Her to your true origins, and rediscover that you ARE NATURE.

Sometimes less truly is more.

About The Author: Paul 'The Mystic Fool' Ingrassia is a Bronx-born New Yorker now living in the peace and quiet of rural Alabama. He has been a solitary, eclectic member of FOI since March 31, 2003, and on June 10, 2006 was granted membership to the Iseum of Ma'at and Thoth as a Scribe of the House of Life by Archpriest Michael Starsheen. In addition to Mirror of Isis, his articles and poetry have appeared in Isis-Seshat Magazine, Circle Magazine, The Pagan's Muse Poetry Anthology, and a variety of newspapers, magazines, e-zines, newsletters, and anthologies. For more information about Paul and his works, visit his blog site at http://themysticfool.blogspot.com/ or he may be contacted at the_mystic_fool@yahoo.com