When we arrived at the Topanga Community Center, it was already bustling with activity. Circle of Aradia is growing by leaps and bounds, attracting women hungry for the spiritual company of other women. My background is not Dianic, but Matrifocal. I have been to rituals given by different groups. I am always in awe of the intensity and power of the Dianic rituals.

[Theory: at sexually mixed rituals, some men seem to become distracted. They get competitive as to who is more magical, who can chant the loudest, and whether or not there will be an available witch for a Great Rite later. While this is okay, it does detract from the raising of power and the work of the ritual. Women's groups seem to stay more focused on the job at hand.]

It was wonderful to see so many of the friends I have made during the past few years. There is a special relationship that develops during the camping events, spent during a long weekend with a group of women who are sharing workshops, food, rituals and life experiences. It seems to compress time.

I shared my situation with friends, receiving feed-back, experience and understanding. I could finally let my hair down emotionally. At home and work, I had to maintain some control. Everyone in my family was too directly involved with me. I couldn't deal with all the tumult of their escalating emotions. Now, here, I could express my fear and grief, and receiving support from people who could maintain some detachment. It was a huge relief not to worry about how I made everyone else feel.