Ostara 1998
by Blayze, adapted from Julia Matthews ritual in TheWitches of Oz.
Riddles come from JRR Tolkein's The Hobbit and from the BBC Winter Solstice Play 1986

Setup
The circle is decorated with spring flowers. There are 4 blindfolds and a sword upon the altar. 

Circle cast

HPS:	Now is the time when night and day are equal. No longer do we dwell in the darkness of winter… light flows across the land once more. From this day forward, the Child of Promise, the Young Stag born at Midwinter… grows in his strength until he reaches his full height at Midsummer. Let us bear witness to his passage into manhood that he may plant the seeds of things to come, seeds that will be warmed and nourished by his Light. 

The Stag is blessed and anointed. 

The Stag is led into the Circle and blindfolded 4 times. 

Voice 1:	You are blind and not yet fit to wear the crown 

(Spins Stag around) 

Voice 2:	If wear it ye would ye must wander around 

(Spins Stag around) 

Voice 3:	Until four elements ye have found 

(Begins to lead Stag around the circle) 

Voice 4:	Each One will Thee a question ask, to answer correctly will be your task. 

The elements now start to move around the circle in a game of blind mans buff. The Stag tries to catch them, when he does he will be asked a riddle, when he answers correctly one blindfold will be removed. 

Riddle of Air:	Voiceless cries, wingless flutters, toothless bites, wingless mutters
The answer is Wind. 

Riddle of Water:	Alive without breath, as cold as death, never thirsty, ever drinking, all in mail never clinking
The answer is Fish 

Riddle of Earth:	What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up it goes and yet never grows?
Answer is Mountains 

Riddle of Fire:	Red cat upon the hearth, striped with gold, spitting and twisting… could eat the whole house if you let her.
Answer is Fire. 

When the last blindfold has been removed the Stag will be presented with the Sword. 

HPS: 	Bear witness that the Child of Promise has become a man, The Young Stag has become the Horned One. 

All join hands for evokation of the Horned One to be said by HPS. 

Cakes and Ale 

Close Circle 

Feast