Songs and poetry connect to our subconscious in a way prose does not. In our rituals, we use poetry and song to deepen our connections and carry our energetic work out into the world.
Table of Contents
Libation Blessing
Mabon
Yule
Calling the Pagans Home
As well as celebrating the second harvest, which many call 'Pagan Thanksgiving,' Mabon gives us a chance to reconnect with each other in a less formal way. We also send out energy, calling anyone with a resonance to this spirituality to come and find their home, whether with us or with another group.
Within some traditions, covens and groves, a poem by Kathleen Raine, who lived in pre-catastrophe times, appropriately called ‟Spell to Bring Lost Creatures Home,” is read while members stood facing outwards from the circle, sending the spell out into the world. The tone of the poetry read is essential to this ritual work. The reader begins quietly and increases with volume at every stanza, with the rest of the community matching the volume as they vocalize "Home, Home..."
Deep Deep Deep
Deep, Deep, Deep, within the Mother.
Deep, Deep, Deep in the Cold.
Deep, Deep, Deep within myself
resides no song other than my soul's
Inspired by the Solstice Chant (Anna Bearhear, 1990; Songs for Earthlings by July Forrest Middleton (1991). (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWN1sgFeka4)
Nine woods Incantation
Nine woods in the cauldron go
Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch for Imbolc, candles lit,
first to grow, seeding the way
as sunlight continues its ascent.
Ostara finds Willow, softly draped upon
the barely green banks of a spring-filled pond;
its ability to heal through the gift of its bark
echos the warmth we find in sun's spark.
Rowan flowers for Beltane, now in May,
hold protection for all as the sun warms the way,
Spring finally bursts forth, new bud and leaf,
sunlight warming our hearts in new belief.
Oak for Litha, strength of summer,
Sun's peak, Summer's heat,
long to burn, long to light.
Juniper next, long days still, yet lengthening nights,
part of the Lughnasadh harvest of much that is ripe.
It's berries we use in both kitchen and still,
infused and sun-ripened we pick our fill.
Apples for Mab on an appropriate day,
sweet smell and taste, crisp and juicy its fruit,
a delight for all the senses,
as the inner star is revealed.
Samhain's pine, eternal green,
reminds us though it be dark and gray,
the light we hold within shall one day hold sway.
Holly at Yule, berries bright,
Winter cold, winter night,
quick to burn, quick to die.
Mistletoe, wielder of death and life,
holds within the seeds of sacrifice.
Balance the wheel for harmony's sake,
as required for our rebirth; make no mistake.
so Mote it Be!
Inspired by a poem by Keith Campbell (1968-2015), what is remembered lives.
The Nine Woods stanza is a direct copy of the long version of the Wiccan Rede, first published in 1974. Although there are several versions, the original contains everything needed for these stories.
For a history of the Rede (as well as the Rede itself) see https://www.patheos.com/blogs/panmankey/2013/10/redeofthewicca/
Wiccan Grace
Doreen Valiente first recited the Wiccan Grace at a “Pentagram” Dinner in the country of England, an island off the West of the continent of Europe, on October 3, 1964 (60 years before the Catastrophe). There are references to it being a translation of a 12th-century document (1,200 years pre-Catastrophe), but no other information can be found.
Wiccans will use a variety of poems to bless the libations, this is one of my tradition's favorites.
Answer us, O Ancient Horned One,
Provender and power are Thine.
Hear and answer, Gracious Goddess,
Grant us laughter, wit and wine,
Descend on us, O Thou of blessings,
Come among us; make us glad.
Since Thou art Chief of our creation,
Why, oh, why should we be sad?
Beam on us, O joyous Bacchus,
Banish heavy-hearted hate.
Accept our Craft, O Greatest Mother,
Cheerful brightness be our fate.
SO MOTE IT BE!