Beth

The holly and the ivyNow both are full well grown,Of all the trees that are in the wood,The holly bears the crown.O the rising of the sunAnd the running of the deerThe shining of the winter starsAs the longer days draw near. — Hilda Marshall’s Pagan adaptation of the traditional carol. One of the ancient … Read more

Join together beneath the mistletoe.By the holy oak whereon it grows.Seven Druids dance in seven time.Sing the song the bells call, loudly chiming.Ring out these bells.Ring out, ring Solstice bells.Ring Solstice bells. — Ian Anderson, Jethro Tull ©1977 Mistletoe is probably the most magical of the plants associated with Yuletide and has, from very ancient … Read more

Welcome Winter! Halcyon days, now wars are ending.You shall find where-e’er you sailTritons all the while attendingWith a kind and gentle gale. — Halcyon Days by Thomas Shadwell (1642 – 1692) Once upon a time, Alcyone (also called Halcyon) was the daughter of Aeolus, King of the Winds, and the wife of Ceyx, King of … Read more

Yule Blessings!Happy Winter Solstice!Hail to the returning Sun.We drink to the Old Gods.To the Holly, to the Oak, and Lady.A Merry Yule to all! — A very old Yuletide toast, shared from my dear Crone sister Alruna The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The precise moment of … Read more