Moonlight blessings be upon you, Sapients.

Cyrene went through a massive change that was not to everyone's taste. Had it not done this, that would also not be to everyone's taste. I commend the city in the mountains on the improbable but undeniable success in the wake of their decision. I will not comment on its method of governance, for I do not know. Nor does a Shepherdess concern herself with the morality of things. Only that it is vibrant, unique, and a reflection of the spirit of a community.

The Ouranian sees the opportunity to defy the common wisdom and create a future that is absurdly over-ambitious as the rarest of blessings. To us, the most hateful of things is stasis and sameness and acceptance of life-expectations. Be not condemned to a path without surprises, but see each moonrise as a chance to be spectacular.

Some who object to the change have departed and I admire them for that act is terrifying. Committing to what we believe in and prizing our truth more than fear of loss; that is what the Moonlit Path is all about. Those who have bravely faced their next chapter, may She smile upon you and light your way. Should you wish to share your tale, I'd love to hear it.

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I say to you, never be content! Never be powerless! The words "I have to accept it" are blasphemy; do not form them. I hate that I even used them as an example.

Celebrate the rise of a new era for its incredible possibility, for Cyrene and for you. Should those who find this new thing intolerable celebrate? Yes! Yes you should! For you have been liberated from the tyranny of comfort. You have been given a powerful motivation to examine your values and priorities, and to decide who you are and how much that matters to you! What will you do with this gift? I cannot tell you the answer, only bid you see through the pain of loss and behold the gift hidden within it.

I know this pain well. Twice I have left places where I had raised my family and served my community; what it was and who I was no longer fit. Both times were excruciating, but these places didn't owe me anything. Nor I, them. Our paths diverged, and I moved on rather than languish in anger.

I am given Skuld's courage, Verthandi's protection, and Urdu's wisdom, and these gifts have saved me. Twice I left home in agony; twice, pain yielded to joy.

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Weep before the wreckage of plans once made. Mourn the passing, cherish the memories, and never forget what you learned there. When the last tear falls, blessed are they who raise their eyes to the road ahead and brave the path unknown, guided under Her Lantern. Their story is their own, but they will write it into the history of the world.

But if you need help, and fellow travelers who also seek to weave their future by their own hands, then we would be delighted to welcome you to the Moonlit Path.

Whoever you are, whatever our past, may Her wisdom will guide you on a journey to discover a treasure that few ever hold; the truth of who you are.

Asa-thi lienakhar. Chaire Trisagia!

Shepherdess of the Stars
Nezaya Visindi
Witch


Penned by my hand on the 1st of Mayan, in the year 999 AF.