GATHERING DAY

 

The God we exalt this blessed Solstice,

'pon ev'ry hilltop, balefires burn;

at his highest heav'nly point shall he stand,

his golden face to the Goddess turn.

All earth his light purifies, evil fells,

rip'ning and vigour to herbage brings,

fields and herds blesses, our kinfolk prospers,

the blue yonder with his praises rings.

My sisters 'pon wooded hills assemble,

for to gather sage and mistletoe;

lavender, mugwort and vervain we seek

in deep vales clad in a faerie glow.

The first harvest we with joyful lays mark,

gilded blossom circlets 'pon our heads;

this Sabbat herbs most potent renders, as

the God his brightest rays 'pon them sheds.

Amulets of basil, rowan and rue,

such tokens we fashioned yestereve;

these now in pure white linen we enwrap,

for magickal shielding to receive.

Our charms 'pon the flaming gorse we empow'r,

by its light for fulsome harvests pray;

Lord and Lady in their union revel,

sacred Love brightens the dimming day.

Blazing wheels down twilit hillsides hurtle,

young and old 'round the bonfires dance;

festive melodies the cool night air fill,

praiseful songs all Creation entrance.

The Great Wheel onward turns, Summer shall wane, 

anon shall the Dark begin to grow;

the fair Goddess for cronehood must prepare,

for Winter's rest in the Great Below.

© 2015 Lily's Verse

Lilium Candidum

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