Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book III: W heel of the Year 257
229. ‘Twas the Night of the Solstice
‘Twas the night of the Solstice, the party was done
Soon we would gather to call back the Sun;
The season of Winter was half the way through,
We called for the Mother to birth Him anew.
The children were quiet or now fast asleep,
The elders drew nigh then, the Solstice to keep;
All were prepared and the Circle was raised,
In peace and in silence as deep as a cave.
The Priestess then lifted the sword upon high,
The Priest made the ancient call to the sky;
So ancient, that cry that asks for rebirth,
As Mother and Sun Child are called to the Earth.
Then what to our wondering eyes did appear?
The Lord and the Lady our folk all revere!
“What is your need that you call us this night?”
“Bring us,” we chorused, “the Child of Light!”
“Lady, Who art the seasons of birth,
Come to us, bless us, dear Mother Earth.”
“We hear you” She answered, “and so it shall be,
As Solstice is here, I return Him to thee.
“But remember your promise and cherish
your land,
For He gives both the seed and the death
by His hand.”
The silence was total, the Priestess bowed low.
The Priest gave salute, asking, “What do we owe?”
“You owe Us your laughter,” He said, “and
your love.
And in all of your magics, respect for her grove:
Rape not Her body, nor pillage Her soil,
Labor with love and give free of your toil.
“And follow the seasons of Moon and of Sun,
Do so with love and We always will come
To comfort and guide you, to bring you rebirth;
So give of your love to your land, Mother Earth!”
So saying, They faded; we wondering looked on,
The Solstice rite done with the morning birdsong.
The message They gave was of love, not of pain,
That the land that we cherish be fruitful again.
The Circle was ended, the peace yet abides,
Through cycles of seasons and love we’ll not hide;
Her children who met Them that night in the grove,
Still cherish the land and Their message of love.
—Suncat of Hearthfire
(with apologies to Henry Livingston)
230. Light is Returning
Light is returning,
Even though this is the darkest hour
No one can hold back the dawn!
Let’s keep it burning—
Let’s keep the light of hope alive!
Make safe our journey through the storm.
One planet is turning—
Circle on Her path around the sun
Earth Mother is calling Her children home!
—Charlie Murphy
231. Silent Night
Silent night, Solstice Night
All is calm, all is bright
Nature slumbers in forest and glen
Till in Springtime She wakens again
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Sleeping spirits grow strong!
Silent night, Solstice night
Silver moon shining bright
Snowfall blankets the slumbering Earth
Yule fires welcome the Sun’s rebirth
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Hark, the Light is reborn!
Silent night, Solstice night
Quiet rest till the Light
Turning ever the rolling Wheel
Brings the Winter to comfort and heal
Rest your spirit in peace!
Rest your spirit in peace!
—Ellen Reed
232. Blessings of Yule!
Slow and slow turns the Wheel of the Year.
To the season of silence, cold, bleak and drear.
Hope’s to be born, from the dark, wintry night
The feast is prepared, and the Yule-Log alight.
Round is the wreath, as the year turns round;
Green is the Holly—Life midst Death found;
The berries red as the Sunrise of Birth
Of Hope to the world, and Joy to the Earth.
Bright blessings of Yule! May they
shine on your life!
May you feast, and rejoice, and set aside strife!
Hope and gladness be with you, gloom and
misery fly
Away, at the Birth of the Lord of the Sky!
—Ken Humphreys