Invokation

Every first Sunday of the month there is a Haven held in New York City. This event, hosted by
Sir Victor Magnus of Hose Sahjaza-Mithu, is open to vampires, black swans, donors and those who
would learn more about the real vampires of the metro area. All Houses and Courts are welcome
to this gathering. Indeed, when Chrystal (the Offline Representative for Vampire Church in New
York) and myself attended Invokation, we were not given an idle moment to feel set apart from
the rest of the guests.
The Invokation I was privileged to be present for was held January 2nd at the SX137
Lounge, located at 137 Essex Street. Chrystal and I arrived, somewhat late as is our fashion,
and checked in at the front of the Lounge. We were asked for proof of identification (a big
plus to those of us who know what it is like to have minors at a vampire event) and we signed
in at the registry. After fumbling a moment for one of Chrystal's misplaced gloves (which was
found promptly with assistance from some gentlemen of the staff) we set down our belongings and
found ourselves in the company of the host himself, Sir Victor Magnus. Victor is, undoubtedly,
a paragon of politesse and proof that chivalry is alive and not just a funny sounding word. We
were treated to Bloodbaths, a lovely concoction of Chambord, Merlot and cranberry juice, free
of charge. Victor made his rounds among his guests, though we never felt neglected. We found a
new and welcoming face at each turn.

The evening's entertainment was a performance by resident Belly Dancer, Samara. This
woman took my breath away. Not only was she engaging and enjoyable in her seductive and lithe
choreography, but she is stunning physically as well. She left the crowd in the wake of
tumultuous applause as she swept off the stage. After a brief pause and choruses of "Encore!",
the artiste was persuaded back to the stage and did not disappoint her audience. The lovely and
talented DJ Paradox, who is DJ Lestat's own apprentice, supplied the denizens of the Haven with
an abundance of beautiful music, which even prompted my own clumsy feet to the dance floor.
The key aspect of the night, for me, was the ritual led by the vibrantly pregnant Rev.
Demonica A. Nightshade. If any of you know what energy and focus it takes to lead a circle in
ritual, you can understand why I have a wealth of respect for this lady. She enriched the lives
and souls of all present that night, as she led us all in a ritual of the Shogatsu Festival, the
New Year celebration of Japan. She informs us that the Japanese celebrate the New Year from
January 1st to January 3rd. The night of December 31st is called Omisoka. At midnight, the
bells from the Buddhist temples ring 108 times, marking the end of the old year and the start
of the new year. The 108 bells are rung in accordance with the Buddhist belief that each ring
cancels out one to the 108 human desires. We were bought into the circle one at a time and
blessed by our host. Rev. Demonica A. Nightshade rung out 108 bells. The circle shared a cup of
wine in celebration of Elorath, the spirit of the vampire community in the Strigoi Vii system of
ritual. We were dismissed from the circle and then.....

Party time! Okay, yes were supposed to be well behaved and represent our Houses, Organizations
and so forth, but come on!!!!! this is a social event too!!! So Chrystal and I knocked back a
few more Bloodbaths each and hit the dance floor. We enjoyed the company of Victor once more, to
our delight. We breakfasted with Victor, Lord Rexxx Black and many more of the wonderful company
of the evening's revelries.
And with sore feet (stilettos are no joke!), full tummies and uplifted spirits Chrystal and I
retuned to my home via the Long Island Rail Road. Thank you to our host and our friends at
Invokation for an evening to remember and more to come. It is safe to say that we two Long
Island vamps feel a longing for the next Invokation. If you, the reader, should like to attend
the next Invokation, please feel free to join the Invokation e-list located at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Invokation/.
Laura Kabella
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