The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material.
Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement.
We reserve the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in our judgement, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
Many items in this archive do not contain individual copyright notices. The lack of a notice does not necessarily mean than the work is not protected by copyright law.
This archive is for private study, scholarship and research purposes
only.
THE WICCAN REDE
-Anonymous
(Tune: "Leatherwing Bat" aka "Celtic Circle Dance")
Bide the wiccan laws you must,
In perfect love and perfect trust:
Live you must and let to live,
Fairly take and fairly give
Form the circle thrice about
To keep unwelcome spirits out
To bind your spell will every time,
Let the spell be spake in rhyme
Soft of eye and light of touch,
Speak you little, listen much
Deosil go by the waxing moon,
Chanting out the baleful tune
When the Lady's moon is new,
Kiss your hand to her times two
When the moon rides at her peak,
Then your heart's desire seek
Heed the north winds mighty gale,
Lock the door and trim the sail
When the wind comes from the south,
Love will kiss thee on the mouth
When the wind blows from the east,
Expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind blows from the west
Bardic words be at their best!
When ye have and hold a need,
Harken not to others greed
With a fool no season spend,
Or be counted as his friend
When misfortune is enow,
Wear the star upon thy brow
True in love you ever be,
Lest thy love be false to thee
Merry meet and merry part,
Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the threefold law you should
Three times bad and three times good
Nine woods in the cauldron go,
Burn them fast and burn them slow
Elder be the Lady's tree,
Burn it not or cursed you'll be
When the wheel begins to turn,
Soon the Beltane fires will burn
When the wheel hath turned a Yule
Light the log the Horned One rules
Heed you flower, bush and tree,
By the Lady blessed be
Where the rippling waters go,
Cast a stone, the truth you'll know
Bide the wiccan laws you must,
In perfect love and perfect trust:
These words the wiccan rede fulfill;
"An harm you none, do what you will."
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE WITCH'S BALLAD
-Doreen Valente?
Oh, I have been beyond the town,
Where nightshade black and mandrake grow,
And I have heard and I have seen
What righteous folk would fear to know!
For I have heard, at still midnight,
Upon the hilltop far, forlorn,
With note that echoed through the dark,
The winding of the heathen horn.
And I have seen the fire aglow,
And glinting from the magic sword,
And with the inner eye beheld
The Horned One, the Sabbat's lord.
We drank the wine, and broke the bread,
And ate it in the Lady's name.
We linked our hands to make the ring,
And laughed and leaped the Sabbat game.
Oh, little do the townsfolk reck,
When dull they lie within their bed!
Beyond the streets, beneath the stars,
A merry round the witches tread!
And round and round the circle spun,
Until the gates swung wide ajar,
That bar the boundaries of earth
From faery realms that shine afar.
Oh, I have been and I have seen
In magic worlds of Otherwhere.
For all this world may praise or blame,
For ban or blessing nought I care.
For I have been beyond the town,
Where meadowsweet and roses grow,
And there such music did I hear
As worldly-rightous never know.
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE THONG OF THOR
-John Boardman
(Tune: "Girl I Left Behind Me")
In days of yore, the great god Thor
would ramp around creation.
He'd drink a pint and slay a giant
and save the Nordic nation,
Or kill a Worm to watch it squirm
and vainly try to fang him,
Or lock up Loki in the pokey
and on the noggin bang him.
Once he did bawl through Thrudvang Hall
that on a trip he'd wander
In a disguise from prying eyes,
in Midgard way out yonder,
So all his slaves, huscarls and knaves,
packed up his goods and gear, O,
And off he strode, on Bifrost road,
a perfect Aryan hero.
In Midgard land he joined a band
of hardy Viking ruff-i-ans,
And off they sailed and rowed and bailed
among the auks and puff-i-ans.
Whene'er they'd reach a foreign beach
they stopped to raid and plunder;
Each Nordic brute got so much loot
their longship near went under.
But as they rolled in coins of gold,
they had one joy forsaken,
For on each raid Thor's party made,
no women could be taken.
Each drab and queen fled from the scene
when Viking sails were sighted,
And Thor felt the need for certain deeds
that had gone unrequited.
Thor's brows were black as they went back
to Oslo's rocky haven;
Unto his crew he said, "Beshrew
me for a Frankish craven
"If I don't wrench some tavern wench,
or else may Frigga damn her."
Replied one voice, "You got first choice;
you've got the biggest hammer."
Into an inn that crew of sin
disembarked upon their landing,
Each tavern maid was sore afraid
of pirates of such standing.
But golden coins warmed up their loins
and the ale soon ran free;
Thor's motley crew poured down the brew
and made an all-night spree.
Thor's glances strayed unto a maid
with hair as gold as grain,
A lisp so shy, a downcast eye,
and not a trace of brain;
He swept her charms into his arms
and to an upstairs bower,
And did not cease nor give her ease
for six days and an hour!
When he rose up and drained a cup,
she looked like one that's near death:
Her limbs were weak, she could not speak,
and only gasped for her breath.
"You ought to know, before I go,
I'm Thor!" he bade adieu.
"You're Thor!" said she. "Conthider me!
I'm thorer, thir, than you!"
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
KING HENRY (Child #32)
recorded by Steeleye Span "Below the Salt"
Let never a man a-wooing wend that lacketh thing-s three:
A store of gold, an open heart, and full of charity
And this was said of King Henry, as he lay quite alone
For he's taken him to a Haunted hall,
seven miles from the town
He's chased the deer now him before,
and the doe down by the glen
When the fattest buck in all the flock,
King Henry he has slain
His huntsmen followed him to the Hall,
to make them burly cheer
When loud the wind was heard to howl,
and an earthquake rocked the floor
As darkness covered all the Hall where they sat at their meat
The grey dogs, yowling, left their food
and crept to Henry's feet
And louder howled the rising wind, and burst the fastened door
When in there came a grisly ghost, stamping on the floor!
Her head hit the rooftree of the house,
her middle you could not span
Each frightened Huntsman fled the hall, and left the King alone
Her teeth were like the tether-stakes,
her nose like club or mall
And nothing less she seemed to be
than a Fiend that comes from Hell!
Some meat, some meat, you King Henry, some meat you bring to me
Go kill your horse, you King Henry, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his berry-brown steed,
it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten it up, both skin and bone,
left nothing but hide and hair!
More meat, more meat, you King Henry, more meat you give to me!
Oh you must kill your good greyhounds, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his good greyhounds, it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten them up, both skin and bone,
left nothing but hide and hair!
More meat, more meat, you King Henry, more meat you give to me!
Oh, you must slay your good goshawks, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his good goshawks, it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten them up, both skin and bone,
left nothing but feathers bare!
Some drink, some drink, you King Henry, some drink you give to me
Oh you sew up your horse's hide, and bring some drink to me!
And he's sewn up the bloody hide, and a pipe of wine put in
And she's drank it up all in one drop, left never a drop therein!
A bed, a bed, now King Henry, a bed you'll make for me!
Oh you must pull the heather green, and make it soft for me!
And he has pulled the heather green, and made for her a bed
And taken has he his good mantle, and over it he has spread.
Take off your clothes, now King Henry, and lie down by my side!
Now swear, now swear, you King Henry, to take me as your Bride!
Oh God forbid, said King Henry, that ever the like betide;
That ever a Fiend that comes from Hell
should stretch down by my side!
Then the night was gone, and the day was come
and the sun did fill the Hall
The fairest Lady that ever was seen lay twixt him and the wall!
I've met with many a Gentle Knight that gave me such a fill,
But never before with a Perfect Knight, that gave me all my Will!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
CIRCLES
-Gwen Zak
(Tune: "Windmills")
In days gone by, when the world was much younger
Men wondered at spring, born of winter's gold knife
Wondered at the games of the moon and the sunlight,
They saw there the Lady and Lord of all life.
CHORUS:
And around and around and around turns the good earth
All things must change as the seasons go by,
We are the children of the Lord and the Lady,
Whose mysteries we know but we'll never know why.
In all lands the people were tied with the good earth
Plowing and sowing as the seasons declared
Waiting to reap of the rich golden harvest
Knowing Her laugh in the joys that they shared.
Through Flanders and Wales and the green land of Ireland
In Kingdoms of England and Scotland and Spain
Circles grew up all along the wild coastline
And worked for the land with the sun and the rain.
Circles for healing and working the weather
Circles for knowing the moon and the sun
Circles for thanking the Lord and the Lady
Circles for dancing the dance never done
And we who reach for the stars in the heavens
Turning our eyes from the meadows and groves
Still live in the love of the Lord and the Lady
The greater the Circle the more the love grows
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
SPRING STRATHSPEY
-Gwydion PenDerwyn
copyright probably to Nemeton
Myrddyn was playing his pipes in the wood,
And it sounded so good to my feeling.
Hiree, hiroo stirred the dance in the blood,
And my fresh maidenhood started reeling.
Sweetly it drew me, the song that went through me,
As if sure it knew me, a maiden-song, laughing long.
I'm sure that I hear it, Oh, let me draw near it,
I want to be merrily courted in spring.
Round us the trees formed a wheel in my mind,
As if all womankind were careering.
Softly he touched me, our hands intertwined,
And we gently reclined in the clearing.
Sweetly it drew me, the song that went through me,
As if sure it knew me, a maiden-song, laughing long.
I'm sure that I hear it, Oh, let me draw near it,
I want to be merrily courted in spring.
Dew-fall to star-fall he made love to me,
In a manner so free and revealing.
Swift-footed, light-footed, goat-footed, he
Played a sweet melody with such feeling.
Sweetly it drew me, the song that went through me,
As if sure it knew me, a maiden-song, laughing long.
I'm sure that I hear it, Oh, let me draw near it,
I want to be merrily courted in spring.
Daylight and I wake to spring's sweet bouquet
And a glorious day of beginning.
Myrddyn has gone on his magical way,
But the equinox day leaves me spinning.
Sweetly it drew me, the song that went through me,
As if sure it knew me, a maiden-song, laughing long.
I'm sure that I hear it, Oh, let me draw near it,
I want to be merrily courted in spring.
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
BEDLAM BELLS
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1992 W.J. Bethancourt III
(Tune: "Mad Maudlin" aka "Tom O'Bedlam")
Written as a theme song for the Bedlam Bells Morris
side, and originally improvised at WesterCon 45, Phoenix, AZ.
Tune guitar: DADGBD
Out upon the Borderlands
I've watched the stars a-falling
I've drunk deep from Mad River and
I've heard my soul a-calling
CHORUS: Still I sing bonny bells, bonny mad bells,
Bedlam Bells are bonny!
For we all go bare and we live by the air
And we want your drink and money!
I now repent that ever
Myself was so disdain-ed
My wits are lost since me I cros't
Which makes me go thus chain-ed
To find our wits in Bordertown,
Ten thousand years we'll travel
And maudlin go on dancing toes,
To save our shoes from gravel
I crossed into fair Elfland
To find the soul I'd squandered
To hunt my sighs in children's eyes
But still my soul had wandered
I had an Elfin lady,
And took her for to wife me
She sleeps the day, she sings the night
And hearkens to delight me!
Both in and out of Bordertown
I've drank Mad River's water
And stood upon the Bridge O'Dread
And watched the sudden slaughter!
My staff hath murder'd giants
My bells can call the thunder!
I stamp my feet and tread the dance
And split the sky in sunder!
My horn is made of Elven-blades,
I stole it cross the Border!
The rainbow there is this I wear
For my wits are out of order!
I went to Digger's Kitchen
To beg some food one morning
I got my dreams served piping hot
And saw a city burning
I'll wander thru the Borderlands
With feathers in my hair-o
With my true love close to my side
And back and sides go bare-o!
I'll dance the day, I'll dance the night
And spend my time a-singing
Dance out the old, ring in the new
With Bedlam Bells a-ringing!
Take a drink for Tom of Bedlam
Take a drink from the river's water!
And speak in sighs from darkened eyes
And court the River's daughter!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
YULE SONGS
*
HARK THE NEO-PAGANS SING
-"Sunblade"
(Tune: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing")
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Peace on Earth and mercy mild,
God and Goddess reconciled,
Hear us now as we proclaim,
We have risen from the flames,
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
In the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Herne by highest love adored,
Herne the ever-reborn Lord,
At all times behold Him come,
Offspring of the Holy One,
Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see,
Hail Incarnate Deity!
Our ancient Craft now we reclaim,
in the God and Goddess' names
Hark the neo-Pagans sing,
Glory to the Holly King!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
YE CHILDREN ALL OF MOTHER EARTH
-Ellen Reed
( Tune: "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear")
Ye children all of Mother Earth
join hands and circle around
To celebrate the Solstice night
When our lost Lord is found.
Rejoice, the year has begun again
The Sun blesses skies up above
So share the season together now
In everlasting Love!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
GLORIA
-Ellen Reed
Snow lies deep upon the Earth
Still our voices warmly sing
Heralding the glorious birth
Of the Child, the Winter King
Glo -- ria!
In excelsis Deo!
Glo -- ria!
In excelsis Dea!
Our triumphant voices claim
Joy and hope and love renewed
And our Lady's glad refrain
Answer Winter's solitude
Glo -- ria!(etc.)
In Her arms a holy Child
Promises a glowing Light
Through the winter wind so wild
He proclaims the growing Light.
Glo -- ria! (etc..)
Now the turning of the year
Of the greater Turning sings
Passing age of cold and fear
Soon our golden summer brings.
Glo -- ria! (etc..)
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
OH, COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL!
-Ellen Reed
Oh, come all ye faithful
Gather round the Yule Fire
Oh, come ye, oh, come ye,
To call the Sun!
Fires within us
Call the Fire above us
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
O, come, let us invoke Him!
Our Lord, the Sun!
Yea, Lord, we greet Thee!
Born again at Yuletide!
Yule fires and candle flames
Are lighted for You!
Come to thy children
Calling for thy blessing!
O, come let us invoke Him (x3)
Our Lord, the Sun!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
SILENT NIGHT
-Ellen Reed
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!
nb: one of the nice things about the original words is
that they will work too!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
GLORY TO THE NEW BORN KING
-Ellen Reed (1st verse)
Brothers, sisters, come to sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Gardens peaceful, forests wild
Celebrate the Winter Child!
Now the time of glowing starts!
Joyful hands and joyful hearts!
Cheer the Yule log as it burns!
For once again the Sun returns!
Brothers, sisters, come and sing!
Glory to the new-born King!
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the newborn Sun
Through the wind and dark of night
Celebrate the coming light.
Suns glad rays through fear's cold burns
Life through death the Wheel now turns
Gather round the Yule log and tree
Celebrate Life's mystery
Brothers, sisters, singing come
Glory to the new-born Sun.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
DANCING IN A WICCAN WONDERLAND
-"Alexander & Aarcher"
Pagans sing, are you listenin',
Altar's set,candles glisten,
It's a Magickal night, we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Blades held high, censer smoking,
God and Goddess, we're invoking,
Through Elements Five, we celebrate life,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland,
Queen of Heaven, is in Her place,
Triple Goddess, now the Crone Face,
Above and Below, She's the Goddess we know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Now the God, is the Provider,
Supplying game for our Fire,
Above and Below, He's the Horned One we Know,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
In a Circle we can light a Yule Fire,
And await the rising of the Sun,
It's the Great Wheel turning for the new year,
loaded with abundance and great fun.
Later on, by the fire,
Cone of Power, gettin' higher
It's a Magickal Night we're having tonight,
Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
SHARE THE LIGHT
(The First Noel)
CHORUS: Share the light, share the light!
Share the light, share the Light!
All paths are one on this holy night!
On this Winter holiday, let us stop and recall
That this season is holy to one and to all.
Unto some a Son is born, unto us comes a Sun,
And we know, if they don't that all paths are one.
Be it Chanukah or Yule,
Christmas time or Solstice night,
All celebrate the eternal light.
Lighted tree or burning log,
Or eight candle flames.
All gods are one god, whatever their names.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
MOON OF SILVER
(We Three Kings)
CHORUS: Oh, Moon of Silver, Sun of Gold,
Gentle Lady, Lord so bold!
Guide us ever, failing never,
Lead us in ways of old.
Maiden, Mother, Ancient Crone,
Queen of Heaven on your throne,
Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee,
For all that you have shown.
Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light,
Gentle Brother, King of Might,
Praise we sing thee, Love we bring Thee
On this Solstice night.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
JOY TO THE WORLD
Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
Let Earth receive her king!
Let every heart prepare him room
And Heaven and Nature sing, etc.
Welcome our King who brings us life.
Our Lady gives him birth!
His living light returneth to warm the seeds within us
And wake the sleeping earth, etc.
Light we the fires to greet our Lord,
Our Light! Our Life! Our King!
Let every voice be lifted to sing his holy praises,
As Heaven and Nature sing, etc.
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
CHRISTMAS TIME IS PAGAN!
(Gloria in Excelsius Deo)
CHORUS:
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!
Glorious!
Christmas time is pagan!
Christmas time is here again,
Decorations everywhere.
Christmas carols ringing out,
Gentle pagans, we don't care.
Modern folks all celebrate
What they learned in Sunday School.
In December, they don't know
They are celebrating Yule!
Let them have their Christmas trees,
Decked in red and green and blue.
We rejoice at every one!
Christmas trees are pagan, too.
Bowls of bubbly Christmas cheer,
Fill your cup and quench your thirst.
They think the tradition's theirs.
Wassail bowls were pagan, first.
Every door and window bears
Wreaths of holly, wreaths of pine.
Circles represent the Sun.
Every wreath is yours and mine.
Christmas lights on Christmas trees,
Candle flames burn higher and higher,
Let us cheer along, my friends,
As they light their Yuletide fire.
There's a possibility
That this song is yours and mine
'Cause the tune was known to all
Back in A.D. one-two-nine.
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
GOD REST YE MERRY, PAGANFOLK
(God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen)
God rest ye merry, paganfolk,
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember that the Sun returns
Upon this Solstice day.
The growing dark is ending now
And Spring is on its way.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.
The Goddess rest ye merry, too,
And keep you safe from harm.
Remember that we live within
The circle of Her arms,
And may Her love give years to come
A very special charm.
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy!
Oh, tidings of comfort and joy!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
BLESSED BE AGAIN!
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1992 W.J. Bethancourt III
(Tune: "One Misty Moisty Morning" (Trad.)
Upon a dark and windy hill,
On Samhain's eldritch night
I saw the Crone with withered hands
By balefire's burning light
Her eyes were full of wisdom,
The threads of life she span
And sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
As I walked out on Yuletide,
The winter winds blew cold
I saw the Winter King a-standing,
Grey and grim and old
His cloak was pulled around him,
A Child was in his hand
And he sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Upon the morn of Brigit's Day,
I saw a lovely sight
The Goddess standing by me,
All crowned in starry light
The crescent Moon beneath her feet,
The stars were in her hand
She sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Upon the first of April,
I saw the Holy Fool
He was a merry prankster,
The Lord of all Misrule!
He looked at me, and winked an eye,
And danced and sang and then
He sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Ostara came with blossoms,
Life flourished everywhere
I saw the Mother smiling,
With flowers in Her hair
She stood among the growing fields,
In heather and in glen
And sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
As I walked out one May morning,
T'was on the blooming heather
I saw a Maiden dancing there,
In fair and sunny weather
The Beltane fires were burning high,
The dancers round did spin
They sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Upon Midsummer's heady day,
I saw John Barleycorn
Walking proud and tall there
In the sunny shining morn
His beard was long and golden,
He looked at me and then
He sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Upon a singing Summer day,
At dawn on Lammastide
I saw the Craftsman smiling,
On sunbeams he did ride
He brings us light and knowledge,
To help our fellow men
He sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
Upon a chilly autumn day,
All sheltered from the storm
I saw the Harvest safe at home,
The families snug and warm
They sat and gave their thanks,
And they laughed and smiled and then
They sang "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
The Spiral Dance goes on and on,
The King and Youth and Child
The Gentle Mother, Aged Crone,
And Maiden meek and mild
And so the Yearly Circle
Turns in eternal spin
So sing "Blessed Be! And Blessed Be!
And Blessed Be again!"
And "Merry Meet! And Merry Part!
And Merry Meet Again!"
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
HARP SONG OF THE DANE WOMEN
-Rudyard Kipling
What is a woman that you forsake her?
and the hearth fire, and the home-acre?
to go with the old, grey Widow-Maker?
She has no house to lay a guest in
but one chill bed for all to rest in
that the pale suns and the stray bergs nest in
She has no strong white arms to fold you
but the ten times fingering weeds to hold you
out on the rocks where the tide has rolled you
Yet, when the signs of Summer thicken
and the ice breaks and the birch-buds quicken
yearly you turn from our side and sicken
Sicken again for the shouts and the slaughters
you steal away to the lapping waters
and look at your ship in her winter quarters
You forget our mirth, and talk at the tables
the kine in the shed and the horse in the stables
to pitch her sides and go over her cables...
Then you drive out where the storm clouds swallow
and the sound of your oar-blades, falling hollow
is all we have left through the months to follow
Ah...but what is a woman that you forsake her?
and the hearth fire, and the home-acre?
to go with the old, grey Widow-maker?
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
I'VE SEEN YOUR AURA AND IT'S UGLY!
(author unknown...help?)
Your figure would intoxicate an angel,
Your manners are relaxed and yet well bred,
Your locks are gold in hue,
Your eyes are crystal blue,
And I know that you are dynamite in bed.
CHORUS: But I can see your aura, and it's ugly!
Your spirit must be rotten to the core!
And to a New Age guy like me
that spells pain and misery,
So, baby, I can't love you any more!
You beat us all at Trivia and Scrabble,
You work your tax forms quickly as a wink,
You've read your books all through,
And your checkbook's balanced, too,
And you do the New York Times crossword in ink.
I can't explain the way that you affect me,
I know that you eat yogurt and whole wheat,
Are the books that you select
Not Politically Correct?
Or maybe you've been eating too much meat?
You know twelve different spreads for reading Tarot,
The _I Ching_ hexagrams are clear to you;,
In alchemy no jerk,
You've achieved the Greatest Work,
Turning Miller High Life into Tullamore Dew.
(spoken after final chorus)
But I'll still send you White Light ...
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
STAND UP, STAND UP FOR ODIN
-Robert Cook
(Tune: "Stand Up For Jesus")
Stand up! Stand up for Odin, you warriors of the beard!
lift high the Raven Banner that half the world has feared!
From Angleland to far Vinland shall sound the Warrior's Cry
Till every foe is vanquished, and Odin reigns most high!
March forth with steel flashing beneath the naked Sun
and never stand at rest again 'til all the World is won!
Let scarlet sword his symbol carve in every nation's sod
'Til every man still breathing stands up for OdinGod!
Let ships with prows of Dragons the mighty oceans cleave
and every land not Odin's our crimson gifts receive
let Raven Banners fill the sky where every man has trod
And all the soil beneath them belong to OdinGod!
Stand up! Stand up for Odin, you Warriors of the North!
With silver swords a-flashing to victory go forth!
From Angleland to far Vinland our joyous conquest lead
'Til every foe is vanquished, and Odin's Lord, indeed!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
NUDE
-W.J.Bethancourt III
-Ed Hirt
copyright 1982 W.J.Bethancourt III and Ed Hirt
(Tune: "Men of Harlech")
What the use of wearing panties
Whalebone corsets of your Auntie's
Boxer shorts and other scanties
Best of all is nude
There's such fun in going bra-less
Now that it's no longer lawless
'Specially if your figure's flawless
Best of all is nude
Nude is what you're born in
Shirts are never torn in
Underwear and lacy flimsies, garter belts
and other whimsies
Yards of itchy cloth to put your form in
Ducks all do it, maidens rue it
Even ancient Picts in Britain blue it
Going naked's how to do it
Best of all is nude!
If your garters aren't elastic
Tie them up in knots fantastic
(Panty hose is something drastic!)
Best of all is nude!
If you're tired of wearing clotheses
Shed your garment 'mongst the roses
Never mind the old bluenoses
Best of all is nude!
Nude is best for ducking!
Worst for horses bucking!
Moonlit nights will see such sights
that are very best for fooling round
.....and elbows!
Nudity is grand to see
A well-known antidote to virginity
Take your clothes off and you'll see:
Best of all is nude!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
FAIRIES LOVE SONG
-Anonymous
Why should I sit and sigh
Broo and bracken, broo and bracken
Why should I sit and sigh
All alone and weary
When I see the plover rising
Or the curlew wheeling
It's then I'll court my mortal lover
Back to me is stealing
When the moon begins her waning
I sit by the water
Where a man born of the sunlight
Loved the Faerie's daughter
Oh, but there is something wanting
O but I am weary
Coming blithe, now bonny treads he
O'er the knolls to cheer me
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE BARD'S SONG
-W.J.Bethancourt III
(c) copyright 1990 W.J.Bethancourt III
(Tune: "Dublin City")
As I walked out one quiet evening
At the hour of twelve at night
Who should I meet but a fair young maiden
Combin' her hair by candle light;
Lassie, I have come a-courtin'
Your kind favours for to win
And if you'd heed my petition
I would be your Paladin...
(CHORUS) Gather roses in the Springtime
Gather roses while ye may,
Time is passing; roses wither;
Winter comes; we're here -today-.
Have you seen the dew a-formin'
On the grass at early morn?
Have you seen the forest quiet,
Or a stag that's barely born?
Have you seen the dawn a-breakin'
O'er the Western Ocean's tide?
Have you felt my heart a-beatin'
When it's held close to your side?
I can give no gold or silver,
I can give no fields of land,
I can give no servants brisk
To wait on you both foot and hand;
I can give you wide roads callin'
Wind and Rain, and Moon and Sun,
Songs to sing, and love and laughter,
Dresses made of plain home-spun.
Come dance with me upon the greensward
in the moonlight, in the Spring.
Dance with me within the forest
Dance with me within the ring!
Earth below us, stars above us,
Fire and water by our side,
Dance with me within the moonlight,
Dance with me, and be my Bride!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
ALL THRU THE NIGHT
-Traditional
While the Moon her watch is keeping
all thru the night
While the weary world is sleeping
all thru the night
O'er thy spirit gently stealing,
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
all thru the night
Though this Bard must roam full lonely
My true harp shall sing praise only
Love's soft dream, alas, is over
Yet my strains of love shall hover
Near the Presence of my Lover
Hark! A solemn bell is ringing
Thou, my King are heavenward winging
Earthly dust from off Thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou waken
With thy last, dim journey taken
Neath this Stone my King is sleeping
Stars around Him softly sweeping
Once and Future King preserving
Britain's Saviour there reserving
All around him Stars observing
all thru the night
Holl am ran-tire sehr thuh wed-ont
ahr heed ah nos
Dum-ar forth ee vro go-gawn-yont
ahr heed ah nos
Gol-i ar-all you tuh wull ooch
ee are thang os gweer bred vairtch-ooch
tie-leer nave oith m'yoon thu-wail-ooch
ahr heed ah nos
note: The last verse is phonetic Welsh.
"ll" is pronounced by putting the tip of your
tongue to the roof of your mouth, and saying "h"
and "l" at the same time...sort of.
"ch" is pronounced as German.
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
TWO MAGICIANS
(Child #44)
recorded by Steeleye Span "Below the Salt"
She looked out of the window, as white as any milk
He looked in at the window, as black as any silk
(Chorus): Hello, hello, hello, hello you coal black smith
You have done me no harm!
You never shall have my maidenhead
That I have kept so long!
I'd rather die a maid, aye, and then she said,
And be buried all in my grave,
Than to have such a nasty,
husky, dusky, fusty, musty coal black smith!
A maiden I will die!
She became a duck, a duck all in the stream
And he became a waterdog, and fetched her back again
She became a star, a star all in the night
And he became a thundercloud and muffled her out of sight
She became a rose, a rose all in the wood
And he became a bumblebee and kissed her where she stood
She became a nun, a nun all dressed in white
And he became a chantry priest to pray for her by night
She became a trout, a trout all in the brook
And he became a feathered fly, and catched her with his hook
She became a quilt, a quilt all on her bed
And he became a coverlet, and gained her maidenhead!
note: This has MANY variants. See Robert Graves'
"The White Goddess" pg. 401!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
JOHN BARLEYCORN
There were three men come out of the West
Their fortunes for to try,
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn should die!
John Barleycorn should die!
(nb: 4th line of each verse is sung twice)
They plowed, they sowed, they harrowed him in,
Threw clods upon his head,
And these three men made a solemn vow:
John Barleycorn was dead!
CHORUS: Fa la la la, it's a lovely day!
Sing fa la la lay oh!
Fa la la la, it's a lovely day!
Sing fa la la lay oh!
They let him lie for a very long time
'Til the rain from Heaven did fall,
Then Little Sir John sprung up his head,
And so amazed them all!
They let him stand 'til Midsummer tide,
'Til he grew both pale and wan,
Then Little Sir John he grew a long beard,
And so became a man!
They hired men with the sythes so sharp
To cut him off at the knee
They rolled him and tied him about the waist,
And used him barbarously!
They hired men with the sharp pitchforks
To pierce him to the heart,
And the loader he served him worse than that,
For he tied him in a cart!
They wheeled him around and around the field,
'Til they came to a barn,
And there they made a solemn mow
Of poor John Barleycorn,
They hired men with the crab-tree sticks
To strip him skin from bone
And the Miller he served him worse than that:
For he ground him between two stones!
They have wheeled him here and wheeled him there
And wheeled him to a barn,
And they have served him worse than that
They have bunged him in a vat!
They have worked their will on John Barleycorn
But he lived to tell the tale;
For they pour him out of an old brown jug,
And they call him home-brewed ale!
Here's Little Sir John in a nut-brown bowl,
And brandy in a glass!
And Little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl
Proved the stronger man at last!
For the huntsman he can't hunt the fox
Nor loudly blow his horn,
And the tinker can't mend kettles nor pots
Without John Barleycorn!
(Note: sing the chorus after every other verse or so.
Encourage the group to join the song)
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE FALSE KNIGHT UPON THE ROAD (Child #3)
-recorded by Steeleye Span
"Oh where are you going to?"
said the False Knight upon the road
"Oh I'm going to my school."
said the wee boy and still he stood
"What is that upon your back?"
said the False Knight upon the road
"Ah weel, it is my books!"
said the wee boy and still he stood
Oh, what have you got there?
I have got my bread and cheese!
Oh won't you give me some?
No, ne'r a bite or crumb!
I wish you was on the sands.
Yes, and a good staff in my hands!
I wish you was on the sea.
And a good ship under me!
And the ship to sink.
An inch away from shore!
I think I hear a bell.
And it rings you straight to Hell!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
NOTTAMUN TOWN
-Traditional
In Nottamun Town, in Nottamun Town
Not a soul would look up not a soul would look down
Not a soul would look up, not a soul would look down
To show me the way to fair Nottamun Town
I bought me a horse t'was called a grey mare
Grey mane and grey tail and green stripe on her back
Grey mane and grey tail and green stripe on her back
Weren't a hair upon her that was not coal black
She stood so still threw me to the dirt
She tore at my hide, she bruised my shirt
From saddle to stirrup I mounted again
and on my ten toes I rode over the plain
When I got there no one did I see
they all stood around me just looking at me
i called for a cup to drive gladness away
And stifle the dust for it rained the whole day
And the King and the Queen and the company more
Came a riding behind and a walking before
Come a stark naked drummer beating a drum
With his hands in his bosom came marching along
Sat down on a hard hot cold frozen stone
Ten thousand stood round me but I was alone
Took my heart in my hand to keep myself warm
Ten thousand was drowned that never was born
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
CAMBRIAN DREAM
-Gwydion PenDerwyn
copyright probably to Nemeton
In the mountains of Cambria, by Rhymney's bright stream
I have oft slept in heather, and dreamed a bright Dream
No mortal could wake me, nor see what I've seen
No landscape could ever compare.
'Twas the Land of my Fathers, unfettered, and free
Ere the time that the Saxon swept over the Sea
When mistletoe grew 'neath the shining Oak Tree
No landscape could ever compare!
(Chorus): Dreaming of Prydein, asleep on a hill
When I awaken, will you be there still?
Oh, Island of Poets, my dreams you can fill
But never the long waking hours.
Mighty Poets and Warriors traversed every road
Leaving stories and legends wherever they strode
Their pasts are recalled in the humblest abode
In tales of the sunnier days.
(Chorus)
Now my story is ended, my song is all gone
I have slept thru the evening, and into the dawn
Yet still, I remember your Face, Albion,
And your older, and much wiser ways!
(Chorus)
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
SHE MOVED THRU THE FAIRE
-Padraic Colum
recorded by Theodore Bikel
My young love said to me: My mother won't mind
And my father won't slight you for your lack of kind
She put her arms 'round me; these words she did say:
It will not be long, love, 'til our wedding day!
Then she stepped away from me, and she moved thru the Faire
And so fondly I watched her move here and move there
At last she turned homeward, with one star awake
As the Swan in the evening moves over the lake.
Last night she came to me, my dead love came in
And so soft did she move that her feet made no din
She put her arms 'round me; these words she did say:
It will not be long, love, 'til our wedding day!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
CUP OF WONDER
-Ian Anderson
recorded: "Songs from the Wood"
Jethro Tull
copyright 1977 Salamander Music
pub. USA: Chrysalis Music Corp.
May I make my fond excuses for the lateness of the hour
But we accept your invitation,
and we bring you Beltane's Flower
For the May Day is the Great Day,
strung along the Old Straight Track
And those who ancient Lines did Ley will heed this song
that calls them back!
Ask the Green Man where he comes from,
ask the Cup that fills with Red
Ask the old grey Standing Stones who show
the Sun His way to bed
Question all as to their Ways, and learn
the Secrets that they hold
Walk the lines of Nature's Palm, crossed with Silver
and with Gold.
(Chorus): Pass the Word, and pass the Lady
Pass the Plate to all who hunger!
Pass the Wit of Ancient Wisdom
Pass the Cup of Crimson Wonder!
Join in Black December's Madness!
Lie in August's welcome Corn!
Stir the Cup that's ever filling with
the Blood of all that's born!
For the May Day is the Great Day,
strung along the Old Straight Track
And those who ancient Lines did Ley will heed this Song
that calls them back!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
CUP OF WONDER II
-variant lyrics by the Whyte Bard
May I make my fond excuses for the lateness of the Hour
But I accept your invitation, and I bring you Beltane's Flower
For the May Day is the Great Day
strung along the Old Straight Track
And those who ancient Lines did Ley will heed
this Song that calls them back!
Ask the Green Man where he comes from,
ask the Sun his way to bed
Ask the grey and Standing Stones where last they lay their head
Ask the Lady where She's standing, growing young,
and growing old
Cross the Lines of Nature's Palm, marked with Silver,
crossed with Gold
For the May Day is the Great Day
strung along the Old Straight Track
And those who ancient Lines did Ley
will heed this Song that calls them back!
Ask the Lady where She's standing in the green and growing corn!
Take the Cup that's ever filling
with the Blood of all that's born!
For the May Day is the Great Day,
strung along the Old Straight Track
And those who ancient Lines did Ley
will heed this Song that calls them back!
So, pass the Cup, and pass the Lady!
Pass the Plate to all who hunger!
Pass the Wit of Ancient Wisdom
Pass the Cup of Crimson Wonder!
(repeat verse 1)
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE SONG OF WANDERING AENGUS
-Wm. Butler Yeats
recorded by Judy Collins
I went out to the hazel - wood
Because a fire was in my head
Cut and peeled a hazel - wand
Tied a berry to a thread
And when white moths were on the wing
And moth - white stars were flickering out
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout..........
I had but laid it on the bank
And gone to blow the fire a-flame
Something rustled in the air
Something called me by my name!
It had become a glimmering Girl
With apple - blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name, and ran
And vanished in the brightening air........
Though I am old, with wandering
Thru hilly lands, and hollow lands;
I'll find out where she has gone
To seek her lips, to take her hands-
And walk thru long green dappled grass;
To pluck 'til Time, and times are done:
The Silver Apples of the Moon;
The Golden Apples of the Sun...............
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE CHILDISH EDDA
-Poul Anderson
-Ron Ellik
(Tune: "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp")
Yggdrasil, where Nine Worlds clash, is a noble piece of ash
That shelters Norns and Gods and all that crew
There, a Dragon gnaws the base of an Eagle's resting place,
And four Harts, a Goat and Squirrel are there too!
Frigga took a year or so, and, except for mistletoe
Got from everything an Oath for Balder's good
Evil Loki wished him harm, so he hired Hodr's arm,
And the staff the Blind God threw was kissing-wood!
Tyr vowed Fenris-Wolf his hand if he couldn't break the Band
That All-Father's wisdom made both light and hefty...
Lupine muscles strained away, but the magic held its' sway -
And from then on, till The Time, they called Tyr "Lefty!"
When Thor went out to fish, he quickly got his wish,
and he hauled a Jormangandr from the Bay.
But Hymr cut the cable, and Thor was only able
To brag about the "one that got away..."
When Thor called upon the Giants, they didn't show defiance,
But they soon got rid of him, and of his Hammer!
For the sea he could not swallow,
and old Grandmaw beat him hollow,
And the House-Pet caused an awful katzenjammer!
Asa-Thor became a "her" for to repossess Mjollnir,
And unto a frosty brute his troth did plight;
But the vittles that he ate would an army more than sate,
And the chefs at Utgard always rued that night!
Each God's Apple every day, kept the doctor far away
'Til a Giant captured Ydun from their Halls...
Loki fetched home Bragi's Bride,
with Her health-food store beside,
Plus a char-broiled eagle underneath the Walls!
Odin said to Mim: "I think I would sort of like a drink."
Answered Mim: "That will cost you your left eye!
For you've come up very late to the Well at Wisdom's Gate
And the set-up prices, after hours, are high!"
Oh, the Giants brought their War up to Bifrost's very Door
And the battling wrecked Asgards perfect clime-
Jormungandr, Hel and Fenris dealt out Death in doses generous
And, in fighting, did the Aesir pass The Time!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
THE VALKYRIE SONG
(Tune: Wagner's "Flight of the Valkyries")
We fly through the night skies
Flashing our fat thighs,
Picking up dead guys;
You call this a job?
You take the blond guy,
I'll take the redhead!
Wait, he's not dead yet;
Let him go . . . splat!
Chorus: Woo-oop! Woo-oop!
Woo-oop! Woo-oop!
Woo-oop! Woo-oop!
Woo-oop! Woo-oop!
Oh-h-h-h-h-h!
We're hunting the Wabbit!
We're hunting the Wabbit!
We're hunting the Wabbit!
We're hunting the Wabbit!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
GOD IS ALIVE, MAGIC IS AFOOT
-Leonard Cohen (c) 1966
God is alive.....Magic is afoot...
God is alive....magic is afoot...
God is afoot.....Magic is alive...
Alive is afoot..magic never died!
God never sickened. Many poor men lied. Many sick men lied.
Magic never weakened. Magic never hid. Magic always ruled.
God is afoot.
God never died!
God was Ruler, though his funeral lengthened.
Though His mourners thickened, magic never fled.
Though His shrouds were hoisted the naked God did live;
Though His words were twisted the naked magic thrived;
Though His death was published round and round the world
The heart did not believe.
Many hurt men wondered. Many struck men bled.
Magic never faltered. Magic always led.
Many stones were rolled, but God would not lie down!
Many wild men lied.
Many fat men listened.
Though they offered stones, magic still was fed!
Though they locked their coffers, God was always served.
Magic is afoot....God is alive....
Alive is afoot....Alive is in command.
Many weak men hungered.
Many strong men thrived.
Though they boasted solitude, God was at their side.
Nor the dreamer in his cell, nor the captain on the hill:
Magic is alive!
Though His death was pardoned 'round and 'round the world,
The heart would not believe!
Though laws were carved in marble they could not shelter men;
Though altars built in Parliaments, they could not order men;
Police arrested magic and magic went with them, ah!
For magic loves the hungry....
But magic would not tarry, it moves from arm to arm,
It would not stay with them; it cannot come to harm:
Magic is afoot! It cannot come to harm.
It rests in an empty palm. It spawns in an empty mind.
But magic is no instrument: magic is the End!
Many men drove magic, but magic stayed behind;
Many strong men lied.
They only passed thru magic and out the other side!
Many weak men lied.
They came to God in secret and though they left Him nourished,
They would not tell Who healed;
Though mountains danced before them,
they said that God was dead!
Though His shrouds were hoisted, the naked God did live!
God is alive!
Magic is afoot...
God is alive...
God is alive...
Magic is afoot...
This I mean to whisper to my mind:
This I mean to laugh with in my mind:
This I mean my mind to serve
'Til service is but magic, moving thru the world
And mind itself is magic, coursing thru the flesh
And flesh itself is magic, dancing on a clock,
And Time itself, the magic length of God!
God is alive...Magic is afoot...
Magic is afoot...God is alive..
Magic is alive...God is afoot...
Alive is afoot...God never died.
Many strong men lied.
They only passed thru magic and out the other side!
This I mean to whisper to my mind:
This I mean to laugh with in my mind:
This I mean my mind to serve
'Til service is but magic, moving thru the world
And mind itself is magic, coursing thru the flesh
And flesh itself is magic, dancing on a clock,
And Time itself, the magic length of God!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
THE HIGH HOLIDAY SONG
-Melusine
(Tune "The Serving-Girl's Holiday")
I've waited longing for today
Spin the bobbin and spool away!
In joy and bliss I'm off to play
Upon this high holiday!
CHORUS: And spin the bobbin and spool away!
Oh joy that it's a holiday!
This night of (name) now we greet
Hail my friends, and merry meet!
Strike the harp; the drum we'll beat
Upon this high holiday!
The wine and cakes we've bought and made
Found a spot in a moon-lit glade
Our love and trust will never fade
Especially on this holiday!
In forst glade we've built a fire
Symbol of our heart's desire
Within Her Love we'll never tire
Wit thee well this holiday!
Cast the Circle, we're within
Let the Spiral Dance begin!
Invite the Lord and Lady in
Upon this high holiday!
Dancing, spinning to the tune
The Piper plays beneath the moon
We chant as one the Witches' Rune
Upon this high holiday!
*
Go Back To The Table of Contents
HOOF AND HORN
- H. Smothers
(c) copyright 1993 by Gerald Bliss
(Tune: "Herring Croon" by Gordon Bok)
Where do you go, little faunus?
Where do you go, hoof-and-horn?
Hot place and glowing place
Lichens growing high
Hills a hundred miles deep
Where the dead men lie
Bat eyes and boar eyes
And they hunger after me
When or where, I don't care
Catch me if you can
What do you fear, little faunus?
What do you fear, hoof-and-horn?
I fear the Man-place
Stones over me
Cold grey combing seas
Come to bury me
Giant jaws and sharper claws
And they hunger after me
Bat or stick, I am quick
Catch me if you can
Where do you dance, little faunus?
Where do you dance, hoof-and-horn?
I dance in secret place
In the hidden glade
Leaping high and bending low
Through both sun and shade
One time the piper calls
And my dance flows out from me
When or where, I don't care
Catch me if you can.
(Repeat first verse)
Go Back To The Table of Contents
WHATEVER BECAME OF CTHULHU
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1993 by W. J. Bethancourt III
(Tune: "Whatever Became of Hubert?")
Whatever became of Cthulhu?
Has anyone heard a thing?
Did He die with a wail, with salt on His tail?
Or retired with the Emperor Ming?
What's become of cold horror and madness?
We are missing His malice and badness!
How can we His absence endure,
Are the Old Gods returned to obscure?
Are the horrors of H------ co-opted?
Have the Goat's children all been...adopted?
Disappeared in dimensions arcane and unknown
Gone away with a wet, squishy plop...ted....
Does Cthulhu, at R'lyeh, lost under the waves
Dream still of the Sacrifice no hero saves?
Are Your priests and Your minions now through?
Cthulhu, what happened to You?
Go Back To The Table of Contents
STAINES MORRIS
-Traditional
Come, ye young men, come along,
with your music, dance, and song
Bring your lassies in your hand
for 'tis that which love commands
CHORUS: Then to the maypole haste away
For 'tis now our holiday
'Tis the choice time of the year
and the violets now appear
And the rose receives it's birth,
and the pretty primrose decks the earth
And when you will reckoned have
what kisses you your sweetheart gave
Take them all again and more,
it will never make them poor
When you lads have spent your time,
and the day is past it's prime
To your beds repair at night
and dream there of your day's delight.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
CIRCLE GAME
-Joni Mitchell
-new words (c) copyright 1993 W.J. Bethancourt III
Yesterday, a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
CHORUS: And the seasons they go round and round
The painted ponies go up and down
We're captured on a carousel of time
We can't return, we can only look behind
From where we came
And go 'round and 'round and 'round
In the circle game
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons
Skated over ten clear frozen streams
Words like "when you're older" must appease him
And promises of "someday" make his dreams
16 springs. and 16 summers gone now
Cartwheels turn to car wheels thru the town
And they tell him, "Take your time; it won't be long now
Till you drag your feet to slow the circles down."
Years spin by and now the child is twenty
Tho his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true
There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams and plenty
Before the last revolving year is thru
And so the spiral dance goes on forever
Seasons spinning slowly round the Sun
Circles for the Lord and for the Lady
Until the last great circle dance is done
Go Back To The Table of Contents
PAGAN PADSTOW
-Traditional
New words (c) copyright 1993 W.J. Bethancourt III
Unite and unite, and let us all unite
for Summer is a-comin' today
And whither we are going we all will unite
In the merry morning of May
The young men of Padstow they might if they would
for Summer is a-comin' today
They might have built a ship and gilded it with gold
In the merry morning of May
The young women of Padstow they might if they would
for Summer is a-comin' today
They might have build a garland with the white rose and the red
In the merry morning of May
Oh who are these young men who now do advance
for Summer is a-comin' today
Oh some are come from England and some are come from France
In the merry morning of May
Oh where is the King? Oh where is he gone?
He's out in his longboat, all on the salt sea o'er
Up flies the kite, down falls the lark down
And see the merry maidens, all in their white gowns
And they dance in the springtime today!
With a merry ring and with a joyful Spring
for Summer is a-comin' today
We dance the spiral round and merrily we sing
In the merry morning of May
Unite and unite, and let us all unite
for Summer is a-comin' today
And whither we are going we all will unite
In the merry morning of May
Go Back To The Table of Contents
THE SHAMANISTIC GURU
-Agni Runningweed
(c) copyright 1986 Agni Runningweed
(Tune: "Chattanooga ChooChoo")
Pardon me boy, is that the SHAMANISTIC GURU?
Well, here's an as-ter-al dime, please give my aura a shine
He came just in time; I'm tired of worshiping Chthulu
That slime was making me slip; I need a new trip that's hip.
Come journey to the underworld, its not very far
When he gets his drum a-thumping eight to the bar
Take it easy Uncle Gerry, we'll be makin' merry
You talk about bliss - there's nothing quite like this
My medicine bag is packed I'll have to catch you later
I'd love to hang out with you but I've got reading to do
Eliade's a drag so give me Carlos Castenada
Though Michael Harner's not bad, he's not the source of the fad
Come shake a gourd and dance around and rattle a bone
Its the easy way to find the Maiden, Mother, and Crone
It's been politically corrected, government inspected
You'll feel your best after a vision quest
So if you've bent your intent, check with the Shamanistic Guru
He'll straighten you out with a majickal shout
And if your spirit is spent, check with the Shamanistic Guru
he'll show you the way, To get your power to stay
Is your power astray? Then go and see him today!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
THE WITCHES' CREED
-Doreen Valiente
(c) copyright 1978 Phoenix Publishing,Inc.
(Tune: "Rosin the Beau" works just fine)
Hear now the words of the Witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When Dark was our destiny's pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.
Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And we will and keep silent and dare.
The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and Old Hallowe'en.
When day-time and night-time are equal,
When sun is greatest and least,
Remember the four Lesser Sabbats,
Again witches gather in feast.
Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thiteen is the coven's array.
Thirteen times at Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.
The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and ages began.
When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies,
In Land of the Shades for that hour.
This world has no right then to know it,
And world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.
For two are the mysical Pillars,
That stand at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
the forms and forces divine.
The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as God and as Goddess:
Of this our ancestors teach.
By night he's the wild wind's rider,
The Horn'd one, the Lord of the Shades.
By day he's King of the Woodland,
The dweller in green forest glades.
She is youthful or old as she pleases,
She sails the torn clouds in her barque,
The bright silver lady of midnight,
The crone who weaves spells in the dark.
The master and mistress of magic,
They dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.
And Do what You Will be the challenge,
So be it in Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment.
By Magic of old, be it done!
CHORUS: So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And dance and make love in their praise,
Till Elphame's fair land shall receive us
In peace at the end of our days.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
BE PAGAN ONCE AGAIN!
-Anonymous
(Tune: "A Nation Once Again!")
When childhood's fire was in my blood
I dreamt an ancient dreaming
Against the Church we boldly stood
As Pagans and as freemen
And that in dreams I might yet see
the Druid in the glen
And Ireland, long the Church's toy
Be Pagan once again!
CHORUS: Be Pagan once again!
Be Pagan once again!
And Ireland, long the Church's toy
Be Pagan once again!
The Old Gods only sleep you know
Although betrayed and slandered
They guarded us from every foe
And blessed each crop and fine herd
Then Patrick drove the snakes away
And brought the churches in
A bloody poor bargain, I would say!
Be Pagan once again!
Both Catholic and Protestant
Lead us round by our noses
Distracting from the filthy scent
Of England's rotten roses
They get us at each other's throats
To murder kith and kin
Too long we've been their starving goats:
Be Pagan once again!
And ever since that wretched day
When Ireland first went Christian
They've hedged us in, in every way
And freedom made the worst sin
Hang every churchman to a tree!
Burn out their golden den!
It's the only way we'll e'er be free;
Be Pagan once again!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
GOD REST YE FOLK OF ASATRU / THE GODDESS BLESS THEE COVENFOLK
-Anonymous
(Tune: "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen")
God rest ye folk of Asatru, let nothing you dismay
Just call on Thor and He will come to send His strength our way
And save us from the Christian curse that led us all astray
CHORUS: Oh tidings of comfort and joy
Comfort and joy!
Oh tidings of comfort and joy!
Remember how we blessed the Boar and gave the Gods our song?
Remember how we lit the torch to speed the Sun along?
Remember when our minds were free and our thoughts were strong?
They hid from us our Father's Eye, and made Him deaf and blind
The Lady's necklace shattered, as a nun she was confined
Men no more sought the future; men no longer looked behind
Go Back To The Table of Contents
The Goddess bless thee, covenfolk, let nothing you dismay
For, lo, the Sun is born again upon this Yuletide Day
Delivering us from the dark, and leading to the May
The power of the Pentagram is old, yet ever new
The Goddess doth three faces have, the Lord is three faced too
And three faced is the Holy Fool; a Myst'ry waits for you
The dancers of the Holy Year are eight, both great and small
The circles three, the quarters four, watchtowers standing tall
Be joyful for the secret is: the Goddess rules them all!
Within the blessed Apple lies the Message of the Queen
For from this pentacle shall rise the orchards fresh and green
The Earth shall blossom once again, the air be clear and clean!
Ye Sisters of the Sacred Moon, ye Sun-Lords of the Day
Remember when the Blessing comes, it alters every Way
Encircling then the world of men, and leading to the May!
So merry meet, ye covenfolk. in forest, field or hall
And hold your freedom close to hand, no more to be enthrall'd
The God and Goddess love ye, every single one and all!
The time is past when we need bow to words laid down by men
Tear down the walls that bar our way, and once more seek the glen
The Tree they turned into a Cross is growing green again!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
-TWO ASATRU CAROLES-
THUNDER ROLLS
-J. Leland
-Alice Rhoades
(Tune: "Jingle Bells")
Dashing thru the sky, in an iron-shod two-goat shay
Holding hammers high, seeking trolls to slay!
Rumbling fills the air as the cowardly take flight
What fun it is to brag and brawl while flying to a fight!
CHORUS: Oh, thunder rolls, thunder rolls
Light'ning flashes bright
Oh what fun to ride and sing
A Pagan song tonight!
ASA-THOR IS COMIN' TO TOWN
-Alice Rhoades
(Tune: "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town")
Oh you better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I'm tellin' you why:
Asa-Thor is comin' to town
He's wearin' his gloves, he's totin' his belt
The fire in his eyes would make a rock melt
Asa-Thor is comin' to town
CHORUS: He guards you when you're sleepin'
But once you are awake
Old Red-Beard leaves you on your own
And you get just what you make!
So you better not moan, you better not whine
He'll rattle your bones and shake up your spine
Asa-Thor is comin' to town!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
TWO ROUNDS
WE ALL COME FROM THE GODDESS
We all come from the Goddess
And to Her we shall return
Like a drop of rain
Flowing to the ocean
We all come from The Horned One
And to Him we shall return
Like a flash of flame
Ascending to the heavens
VINE AND GRAIN
Hoof and Horn, Hoof and Horn
All that dies shall be reborn
Vine and Grain, Vine and Grain,
All that falls shall rise again
Go Back To The Table of Contents
*
CAT'S IN THE KITCHEN
-Gwyddion PenDderwyn
Cat's in the kitchen and she's got a mouse
Fox has a squirrel up a tree
Hawk's gone a-hunting and she's caught a little grouse
But none of them have left a bite for me
What can you kill when you're high on a hill
And you've never killed a critter in your life?
If I had me a gun I could have me some fun
But all I've got is this old pocket-knife...
Now I wonder how did I ever get myself in a place
Where I couldn't pick an apple off a tree?
Sometimes I blame it on the whole human race
Sometimes I wonder if it's me, me, me
Sometimes I wonder if it's me
Truck wouldn't start, you know it's out of gas
And we all know that gasoline ain't free
If I had me some cash, or a high-grade stash
I couldn't get the gas to come to me
Now the tire's gone flat as a mortarboard hat
And there ain't another like it in the town
So my old back-pack's got my grocery sack
And I try not to let it get me down
But I wonder how did I ever get myself in a place
Where the gasoline and tires are never free?
Sometimes I blame it on the whole human race
Sometimes I wonder if it's me, me, me
Sometimes I wonder if it's me
Book isn't finished, now it's pouring rain
And all of my clothes are soakin' wet
To live in this house, you know I'd have to be insane
But I haven't caught a cold this Winter yet...
Firewood is gone, used the last stick at dawn
Now there's mildew on everything I own
Built my house in a byre, lost my tools in a fire
And I have to put a fence in all alone
And I wonder how did I ever get myself in a place
Where I couldn't get an ounce of sympathy?
Sometimes I blame it on the whole human race
Sometimes I wonder if it's me, me, me
Sometimes I wonder if it's me
Go Back To The Table of Contents
GIMMIE
-Ellen Reed
(First part is spoken)
I meet many kinds of pagans everywhere I go.
The other day I met a group who worshipped "GI Joe"....
There are many pagan pathways, some ancient and some quaint.
I thought I'd take this chance to speak
of several things that ain't!
Being in the SCA does not make you a pagan
Whatever faith your personna doth profess.
A pentagram on your device
Don't make you pagan, though it's nice.
A ritual robe is more than fancy dress!
CHORUS: Don't make a mockery of all I hold dear.
My path is not a hobby or a game.
It isn't something that you play,
It's something you live every day
And if you don't, you don't deserve the name.
Going to a sci-fi con does not make you a pagan
However great a filker you may be.
The spiritual path that I am on
Is more than "Mists of Avalon"
Or any other book by MZB!
Playing advanced D&D does not make you a pagan
However high a level you may be.
I hate to sound like such a bitch,
But spell points don't make you a witch!
Initiations don't come with EP!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
THE I AM NOT A PAGAN POLKA
-Sharon and Murray Porath
-revised 1993 Joe Bethancourt
(Tune: "I Am Not A Nazi Polka")
As you travel in the realms of fandom
Some words are spoken loud and clear
For to keep their mundane jobs, all fandom
Repeats this to each and every ear:
Each and every trufan dances to the strain
Of the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
All, with -some- exceptions, join in the refrain
Of the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Covens are a place where Catholic girls are friends!
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
And pentagrams are messages that Western Union sends!
In the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
We will not wear strange jewelry,
with crescent moons or stars
Our position on -that- will never budge!
We've never seen "The Wicker Man" and never have to know
What's the proper wine to go with chocolate fudge!
I've never drawn a circle, or cast a single spell!
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Do you chant on Halloween?
(I don't chant on Halloween!)
"I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Do you read "Circle Network News?"
(I don't read "Circle Network News!")
"I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Aren't you in a skyclad group?
(Hey, we're just very friendly!)
"I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Did you not help write this song?
(I can't tell you, it's a secret!)
Why?
(I took an oath....)
Did you put it back?
(What?)
The Oath!
(What oath?)
You don't remember?
(Of course not! What -are- you on about?)
Well, it's when......
They bring you in to a group full of Mysteries
You are told you must swear by the sacred trees
You will not tell a soul anything you see
Or you learn, or you hear, or you'll break the geas!
If you do you'll be cast into molten rock!
You'll be dropped from your group like a mouldy sock!
Secrets that you can't reveal! Everyone stonewall!
Then you go and write a book, pub-ul-ish it all!
Publish it all! Publish it all! You publish.....
Mine's coming out next week.
(Mine's been remaindered...)
Oh.
There are hidden Pagans who will stay underground
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
There are other Pagans who easily are found
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
We think the Inquisition was really a good thing
And Salem showed the way that things should be
We don't have strange opinions, our minds are full of mush
We get all we need to know from old TV...some old TV
Some old TV.....So mote it be....
so mote it be....so mote it....
Oops.
We are all quite Christian, it's the Second Coming thing
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
So open up your Hymnals to page 23 and sing
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan ......"
Wait a minute! You there, you are not singing!
You don't like to sing?
Are you a victim of Frank Hayes Syndrome
and can't remember the words?
Didn't you have your PC programmed to call Jerry Falwell
2048 times last week?
SING!
Sing the "I Am Not A Pagan Polka!"
Go Back To The Table of Contents
HELLO GOODBYE HELLO
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1993 W.J. Bethancourt III
Your visit now is over, your drifting dream is done
'Tis time now to remember, the Journey's just begun
The peaceful fields of Summerland, to rest in Lady's Grace
To know the lessons that you've learned; to know your real face
To know the fullness of your lives, to know the reasons why:
CHORUS I: (1st voice) Goodbye!
(2nd voice) Hello!
(1st voice) Goodbye!
(2nd voice) Hello!
(1st voice) Goodbye!
(2nd voice) Hello!
(together) Goodbye!
Your friends and lovers left behind to walk an earthly way
Bid you "Blessed Be," as we are parted on this day
Our paths will join again, my friend, in Summerland's bright glow
With joy and sorrow mixed we bid you "Welcome" as you go
And so we see a Mystery, we're laughing as we cry:
CHORUS
Here's an end to pain and sorrow, here's an end to bitter tears
Walk in joy beside the Lord and Lady, put away your fears!
Look forward to your future, look back at where you've been
Say "merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again!"
With joy we send you on your Way; we're sad to see you go:
CHORUS II: (1st voice) Hello!
(2nd voice) Goodbye!
(1st voice) Hello!
(2nd voice) Goodbye!
(1st voice) Hello!
(2nd voice) Goodbye!
(together) Hello!
The life the Lady loaned you comes full circle one more time
And the Universe keeps spinning on, a Circle so sublime
A circle now is ended here, a circle's just begun,
The End is the Beginning, the Dance is never done!
Sunset changes to sunrise; a baby starts to cry.....
CHORUS I
CHORUS II
Go Back To The Table of Contents
YOUNG FOLKS, OLD FOLKS
-Joe Bethancourt
(c) copyright 1993 W. J. Bethancourt III
(Tune: "Young Folks, Old Folks")
CHORUS: Young folks, old folks, everybody come
Come to the ritual and have a lotta fun
Please check your bathing suits and undies at the door
And we'll show ya Gods and Goddesses you've never seen before!
The drums started beatin' and in walked Ininni
Wearin' a bright green, skimpy string bikini
Pan snuck up and tried to pinch Her on the rear
Ininni said, "You old goat!" and kicked the chandelier!
Bridget comes from Ireland, Bridget's pretty cute
Runnin' all around in just Her birthday suit
The things She did would make St. Patrick faint
But they couldn't run her off, so they changed her to a saint!
Herne is a Hunter, Herne's pretty blunt
Herne came in with the entire Wild Hunt!
They all got to partying, gettin' pretty loose:
Antlers in the treetops! Who goosed a moose?
Diana is a virgin, Diana is a prude
Don't like partyin', hates bein' lewd
Actaeon saw her in the bathroom, nekkid as a log
So She got pissed off and threw him to the dogs!
Artemis is sexy, She's about the best
Really quite amazing, with fifty-seven breasts!
She got popular, really made the scene
When She showed off Her chest in Playboy magazine!
The Morrigan came in, kicked Loki in the butt
Then She turned Him around and kicked Him in the nuts
She said, "It's a nice way of relieving stress.....
....I'm not really angry, it's just constant PMS!"
The Fool got drunk and danced around the room
Doin' lewd things with the handle of a broom
Lillith got int'rested, they went off in the dark
It ain't nothin' much; they're both an easy mark!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE DISCORDIANS
-Revised by Jeremy Daniel Buhler
(Tune: "The Battle Hymn Of The Republic")
Now, the Gods they threw a party
In one thousand-odd B.C.
They invited every goddess
'Cept Discordia, all but She
So She rolled a golden apple
Thereby starting a melee
Her apple corps is strong!
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Her apple corps is strong!
Though the Romans dubbed Her Eris
And the Brits yclept Her Strife
She is still the same Discordia -
Chaos' spawn, and Murphy's wife
And the mortal who ignores Her
Courts the peril of his life
Her apple corps is strong!
She's the Goddess of Uncertainty -
The Mother of all Doubt
But Her influence is one thing
Physics cannot do without
In the halls of academia
The quantum theorists shout
"Her apple corps is strong!"
She's the strangest of attractors
And a fractious, fractal minx
There is madness to Her method
And a twist to how She thinks
Lorenz, Mandelbrot, and Julia
Could not divine Her kinks
Her apple corps is strong!
I have seen the works of Eris
In our citadels and camps
For the world, now more than ever,
Seems to bear Her special stamp
Which is why I think Discordians
Will soon emerge the champs
Our apple corps is strong!
CHORUS (revised):
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Grand and gory, hail Discordia!
Our apple corps is strong!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
WICCAN AMAZING GRACE
-from Margot Adler
Amazing grace, how sweet the earth
That formed a witch like me
I once was burned, but now I thrive
Was hanged but now I sing
T'was grace that drew down the moon
And grace that raised the sea
The magick of the people's will
Will set our Mother free!
Amazing grace, how sweet the earth
That formed a witch like me
I once was burned, but now I thrive
Was hanged but now I sing
Go Back To The Table of Contents
SAMHAIN CHANT
-Anonymous
(from Old Path Coven)
Now the old year's fruit comes to our hand
It is the seed of the year that now begins
There is no end to the Circle, no end!
There is no end to life, there is no end!
For we have danced the Spiral Dance
The wheel of the year has turned again
There is no end to the Circle, no end!
There is no end to life, there is no end!
Earth we thank you for our strength
Air we thank you for your cleansing winds
There is no end to the Circle, no end!
There is no end to life, there is no end!
Thank you Fire for your passion and bright will
Thank you Water for the love that flows within
There is no end to the Circle, no end!
There is no end to life, there is no end!
As now we ask your blessings to impart
Strength and love come bright into our hearts
There is no end to the Circle, no end!
There is no end to life, there is no end!
(repeat ad libitum)
Go Back To The Table of Contents
TWA FLYING SORCERORS
(c) Copyright 1984 by Sourdough Jackson
(tune: Twa Magicians )
The Lady stood in her front door,
As gold as harvest land,
When up there came a lusty Smith
With his hammer in his hand.
Chorus I: Fly, Lady, fly!
In thin air you can't hide!
The lusty Smith will be your love
And clouds he'll take in stride.
O Lady fair, of wisdom rare,
Your secrets I'll have read
Before sunrise--moreover,
I'll have your maidenhead. (chorus I)
I'd rather die an ancient maid,
All buried in my grave,
Than a husky, dusky, coal-black Smith
My maidenhead should have. (chorus I)
She stood upon the fertile ground
And swore upon her rod
The coal-black Smith would take her not
And never be her love. (chorus I)
So he took up his hammer-head
And swore on iron cold
Her maidenhead and secrets
Would be his ere night grew old. (chorus I)
So she became a chimney-swift
And sprang into the air,
And he became an aeroplane
And overtook her there. (chorus I)
She became a demon's wall
Of brick high off the ground,
So he became a rocket-plane
And broke the speed of sound! (chorus I)
Then she became the Harvest Moon,
Bright Luna in her grace,
And he became an astronaut
And walked upon her face.
Chorus II: Fly, Lady, fly!
In deep space you can't hide!
The lusty Smith will be your love,
And stars he'll take in stride.
So she became a ringed world,
The glory of the night,
Then he became a Voyager,
Flew by, kept her in sight. (chorus II)
Now she's become a neighbor-star
As yellow as the Sun,
And he's become a ramscoop-ship;
Swift to her side he's run. (chorus II)
So she's become a giant blue
O'er halfway to the core,
And he's become a hypership
And jumped to her once more. (chorus II)
She shifted form and place all day
And half the weary night,
For all the changes she did make,
The Smith kept her in sight. (chorus II)
She could not hide out in the sky;
The Smith could always find her.
And so the Lady took the sky
And wrapped it up inside her. (chorus II)
She was a Singularity,
Which seemed to stop him dead
Until he popped outside and knew
He'd have her maidenhead. (chorus II)
Now since she covered all there is,
As Black Holes might behave,
She was quite naked, so the Smith
Her maidenhead did have. (chorus II)
And so the Smith became her love
In one big cosmic bang,
And so magicians twa began
The World anew, again! (no chorus)
Go Back To The Table of Contents
SONG BEFORE ACTION - In Memoriam: Phil Ochs
tune: No More Songs, by Phil Ochs
--(c) Copyright 1986 by Sourdough Jackson
Arise! Arise! Arise!
The Sun's gone from the skies;
The Watchman his horn is blowing.
We sally forth today
To fight a futile fray,
And it seems that I have no more songs.
The Hound devours the Moon,
The end comes all too soon,
The Worm of Despair is stirring,
The Wolf has burst his chain,
Black Chaos will remain,
And it seems that I have no more songs.
With hammer, sword, and spear,
We go, despite our fear.
My eight-legged steed I'm mounting.
Across the Bow of Rain
We ride to Vigrid's plain,
And it seems that I have no more songs.
A poet comes to me
From hanging on a tree.
He asks, "Why this somber riding?"
I tell him what I've found
In runes cast on the ground,
And it seems that I have no more songs.
He says, "The futures known
Aren't graven into stone.
'Tis custom to talk ere fighting.
Stall Surtur, with his blaze,
And Loki for three days,
And I think for you will be more songs."
We enter Vigrid Plain.
By ancient law, explain
We wish to have truce for talking.
We stall three days by right.
Tomorrow we must fight,
And it seems that I have no more songs.
But Garm pukes up the Moon,
The Worm and Fenris swoon,
The Sun with the Spring is rising.
To Baldur goes my crown,
I'll quit and settle down,
And I'll spend my days in making songs.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
LIVING ROOM LIGHT
tune: Living Room Light, by the Kinks
--(c) Copyright 1988 by Sourdough Jackson
The wine's on the altar, the incense is smoking,
The candles are burning so bright,
The Priestess is ready, it's time to begin,
So we turn off the living room light.
Your Circle's an obloid, you're not really centered,
When skyclad you're really uptight,
But I don't have to see you the way that you are
Till we turn off the living room light.
My ritual's rotten, my cones are all cracked, and
My subconscious is a real fright,
But you don't have to see me the way that I am
Till we turn off the living room light.
Our trust is imperfect, our love's rather banal,
The Lady must think we're a sight,
But we don't have to see ourselves the way that we are
Till we turn off the living room light.
Oh, we don't see ourselves the way we really are,
Till we turn off the living room light.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
STAR LADY
tune: Earth Mother, by the Jefferson Airplane
-- (c) Copyright 1988 by Sourdough Jackson
Earth Mother, your daughters are here,
Rising from the sand-plains.
Earth Mother, your daughters are here,
Flashing through the starlanes.
Gaea was once our cradle
With blankets of green and blue.
Now we stand, grown and able
To reach for what we view.
Earth Mother, etc.
We stand as strong, young maidens.
The Lady's taught us to fly.
With a song and a kiss for our Mother
We leap up into the sky.
Earth Mother, etc.
We rise to greet our Lady
Awaiting our joyous parade,
Souls shrove of darkness, for when
The ship lifts, all debts are paid.
Star Lady, your sisters are here,
Rising from the sand-plains,
Star Lady, your sisters are here,
Flashing through the starlanes.
Out burst the daughters of Gaea
Into the the fathomless deep,
Learning true names of the places
Found as our home we sweep.
Star Lady, etc.
We'll say hello to our neighbors;
Our loneliness shall be gone.
We recognize no division
Of space that no one owns.
Star Lady, etc.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
Pict Song 2.0
words (c) 1994 by Isaac Bonewits
(based on R. Kipling's "Pict Song")
(c) 1994 by Isaac Bonewits. This song may be reposted freely on the Net,
provided no editing is done and this notice is attached. Isaac has two
albums of his other songs available on tape: "Be Pagan Once Again!" and
"Avalon Is Rising!" Call him at 1-800-DRUIDRY for a catalog of these and
other Pagan and magical music and lecture tapes by him and others, as well as
notification of his upcoming album and concerts.
Envoi: We are the little folk, we,
Tapping away on our keys,
Sailing the silicon sea,
Weaving the Net as we please...
1: Eternally tyranny spreads,
Always its heavy hoofs fall
On our paychecks, our votes, and our beds,
And the strong never heed when we squall.
Their power grows on and that's all;
And they think themselves safe in their greed,
Behind each secure garden wall,
Ignoring the rage of our breed.
Chorus: We are the little folk, we,
Too little to love or to hate;
Just the techno-peasantry,
But watch as we drag down the great!
We are the bug in the code.
We are the gap in the text.
We are the data grown old.
We are the program that's -- hexed.
2: They seem secure from all threat,
Their power so vast and so vile.
But we have learned on the Net
How to tap any government file
Or corporate scheme, and we smile,
As the bastards go mad in their quest
For the ones who've exposed all their guile,
While logging on only as "Guest!"
[Chorus]
3: No, maybe we are not strong,
But we know hackers who are
And gladly we'll guide them along,
With I-Ds to take them in far,
And passwords to clear every bar
To databanks musty and deep.
And we'll dump all the dirt star-dot-star,
To the Net while our rulers still sleep!
[Chorus, repeat Envoi]
Go Back To The Table of Contents
AVATAR
When righteousness declines and wickedness is strong
In the dawning of an age as a new age comes along
That's when I rise again, again, again to light the flame
Of truth within the world of men
I am light, I am truth, I am the fire of the sun
I am the hope of all the earth the power of the one
`When men have lost their way and know not where to turn
And the future seems to lay where the fires of hatred burn
That's when I rise again again again to light the flame
of love within the hearts of men
I am light, I am truth, I am the fire of the sun
I am the destiny of man, the Spirit of the one
When ignorance has bound the hearts of men in fear
And men cry out for help, and no one seems to hear
That's when I rise again, to break the bonds enslaving men
To let a new world be born.
I am light, I am truth, I am the fire of the sun
I am the hope of all the earth the triumph of the one.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
CIRCLE OF THE SUN
- Sally Rogers
Babies are born in the circle of the Sun
Circle of the Sun on the birthin' day
Babies are born in the circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on the birthin' day.
Clouds to the east, clouds to the west
Wind and rain to the north and south
Babies are born in the circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on the birthin' day.
Children take their first step in a circle of the sun
Circle of the Sun on their walkin' day
Children take their first step in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on their walkin' day.
Clouds to the east, clouds to the west
Wind and rain to the north and south
Children take their first step in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on their walkin' day.
Children speak their first word in a circle of the sun
Circle of the Sun on their talkin' day
Children speak their first word in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on their talkin' day.
Clouds to the east, clouds to the west
Wind and rain to the north and south
Children speak their first word in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on their talkin' day.
Hope to be married in a circle of the sun
Circle of the Sun on the wedding day
Hope to be married in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on the wedding day.
Clouds to the east, clouds to the west
Wind and rain to the north and south
Hope to be married in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on the wedding day.
And I hope to die in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on my dying day
And spread my ashes in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on my dying day.
Clouds to the east, clouds to the west
Wind and rain to the north and south
Spread my ashes in a circle of the sun
Circle of the sun on the dying day.
Recorded by Sally Rogers- Circle of the Sun
Go Back To The Table of Contents
COME WITCHES TO THE DANCE
(c) copyright Laurie Stidolph, 1981
(Laurie Stidolph)
Come Witches, to the Dance, to the merry dance
Our Lady loves our Lord, O!
With pipe and drum in moon and sun
For fair Dian and merry Pan
The old ways are made young, O
The old ways are made young!
When midnight fills the sky, my true love and I
Will cast a circle round, O
With voices strong in chant and song
We'll work our will and drink our fill
And dance the darkness down, O
And dance the darkness down, O!
To the Lady's Dance of Life
Her sweet Piper calls
But if you should stumble
If you should fall
Rise up to the Rhythm
That embraces it all
Come, Witches, to the Dance!
All hail the Beltane fire: may it well inspire
Burn triumphant to the Lady!
She is crowned this day the Queen of May
O'er woods and fields Her green sceptre She wields
The Mother now holds sway, O
The Mother now holds sway
Farewell, Our Lady Green! It is Hallowe'en!
Now the crone wields Her winter sceptre
Though old and wise, young are Her eyes
Though Death She brings, "Rebirth!" She sings
To all that fades and dies, O
To all that fades and dies
Once in the Full Moon's gleam as I lay in a dream
Came a Lady to my chamber
In earthly form like woman born
All Time, all Space lay in her face
I rose to Her embrace, O
I rose to Her embrace
So queenly was She I fell to my knee
And bent my brow to her, O
"O no!" said She, "Kneel not to me
But stand! Arise! Open your eyes!
It is yourself you see, O
Yourself you see in me!"
Come, Witches, as before, to the Shining Door
Fear not to fling it open!
Fear not to see the Mystery:
That we are Pan and fair Dian
And evermore shall be, O
And evermore shall be!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
KING OF ANNWN
(Paul Housfield)
If I can meet you halfway, would you meet me halfway, too
Because I am entering this forest not knowing I'm in search of you
With your pale grey countenance and your dogs with ears of red
I'd be a fool if I did not know that you are the King of the Dead
When I entered in this forest and your quarry I did find
And I drove away those red eared hounds with a fool's unknowing mind
And now you say I must repay, what a price you ask of me
To draw my sword and with one blow to defeat your enemy
Ride on hero, leave the living alone
One year passes, then you'll return home
When I reach the gates of the land you rule, who will greet me,
who will I see?
When I walk through those dark portals, will they know I am not thee?
Though your semblance now you give to me, deep within a cold fear breaks
Of a land the living never trod, only those your kingdom takes
Ride on hero, leave the living alone
One year passes, then you'll return home
There's a river in your kingdom, far away from living light
Where you tell me that in this body I must prepare myself for a fight
There's no arguing with destiny, or with the wheel of life and death
Is it truly me that I see taking Havgan's final breath?
Ride on hero, leave the living alone
one year passes, then you'll return home
Ride on hero, Annwyn's promise will protect your home.
The snow is slowly melting and the clouds bring the rain
The Lady wakes, for the spring has come again
We dance in the meadows and we dance in the groves
And rejoice in the Lord's and the Lady's love
Go Back To The Table of Contents
LUGHNASAD DANCE
(by Gwydion)
Lugh, the light of summer bright
Clothed all in green
Tailtiu, his mother true
Rise up and be seen
At your festival sounds the horn,
Calling the people again
Child of barleycorn, newly summer-born
Ripening like the grain
Lugh grew tall from spring to fall
Then sought to find a wife
But Balor came and made his claim
And swore to take Lugh's life
The two did fight from morn till night
When Lugh did strike him one
Balor's eye flew in the sky
And there became the sun
Lugh was wed and made his bed
With Erinn in the north
And there they lay through many a day
And soon a child came forth
The child grew tall from spring to fall
Setanta was his name
But then at length, by honor's strength
Cuchulain he became
Go Back To The Table of Contents
ON MIDSUMMER DAY
(Murtaugh)
On midsummer day in the land of Erin
The war with the Firbolg about to begin
Thrice nine of the children of Danu were killed
In the first bloody hurl match upon the great hill
For four days a terrible slaughter took place
The king of the Firbolg with agonized face
At the Morrigan's screaming while circling above
And blood drenched the country of goddesses' love
Derry down, down, down, derry down
Yeokay the Firbolg was killed in his flight
The hand of Nuada chopped off in the fight
Tho battle was ended there was just one thing
Nuada was blemished, he could not be king
Avoiding occurrence of political wars
The goddesses' children went to the Fomors
The king of the Fomors, he sent them his son
To rule Danu's children and block out the sun
Derry down, down, down, derry down
The name of this evil new ruler was Bres
Stole most of their cattle and taxed all the rest
Ogma the champion was sent to fetch wood
Dagda forced to build forts fast as he could
They suffered from insult from famine and cold
Bres would not allow them their pleasures to hold
The Armid, the Dianchet and Miach were known
Attempting to help Nuada take back the throne
Derry down...
They dug up his hand and they put in place
The magic was worked and the pentagrams traced
Sinew to sinew and nerve to nerve fold
Nuada's eyes glistened and he became whole
A poet and tale teller deserved some respect
I sang songs for Bres tho I didn't expect
To be thrown in a dungeon, no fire, no bread
A curse upon Bres was the next thing I read
Derry down...
No meat on the plates and no milk of the cows
No money for minstrels, no homes for ourselves
By hoarding and taxing he says he conserves
May Bres receive what he truly deserves
The magic began as the magic was said
And his face became covered with blotches bright red
By being a tyrant he was made a fool
The result of this blemish was he could not rule
Derry Down...
And Nuada returned to the throne once again
And the children of Danu rejoiced to the end
By feasting and drinking all night till we fold
the triumphant children of goddess of old.
Go Back To The Table of Contents
SOLAR CAROL
Adam Austill, Court Dorsey, Charlie King, Marcia Taylor
See the sun how bright it shines, on the nations of the earth
All who share this thing called life celebrate each day's rebirth
(cho) So-o-o-o-lar power, inexpensive energy (2x)
Brother river so your hear how the valley calls you down
Send your rushing waters near, let the joyful hills resound
Sister wind we've heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plain
And the windmills in reply echoing their glad refrain
How we love complexity when the answer's rather plain
Join the sun in jubilee, sing with us this joyous strain
Go Back To The Table of Contents
PAGANISM IN MINNESOTA
or,
THE WICCAN-SHAMAN-DRUID SONG
Lyrics by Eran (with help from Roisin)
(Morningstar Coven)
(Tune: "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy")
I'm a Wiccan-Shaman-Druid,
I am new age through and through.
Decked in crystals from my head to toe,
With feathers and pyramids, too.
My spirit-guide is from Atlantis.
He's a Zen-Aztec guru.
Come and spend the weekend with us,
For two thousand dollars
You'll be a Wiccan-Shaman too.
I'm an Elvis-Loki-Viking.
I channel Ashley Montague.
In a former life I was a gypsy clerk,
Bull fighter, and troubadour, too.
I know five Illuminati,
They're a strange and motley crew.
There's a priest from ancient China,
He lives in my basement.
He is an Elvis-Viking too.
My coven is part Rosicrucian,
Mixed with some Theosophy.
Add in some stuff from the Golden Dawn,
`Cause Crowley's just all right with me.
I've got twelve initiations,
I've seen all there is too see.
And watch out for those strange Co-Mason-Santaria-Druids,
They'll cement your chickens to a tree.
I've got a pipe ceremony,
Adapted from the O.T.O.
I use a sweatlodge for my Beltane rites,
The Maypole is just there for show.
I have got a glass athame,
With batteries to make it glow.
It's just great for calling quarters
In my new tradition:
The Lynn Andrews-Buckland-Starhawk Grove.
NOTE: This was the song sung by members of the MorningStar
Coven during the Talent Show at DragonFest '95. I don't think
they would mind you using it, just be sure to give credit,
where credit is due!
Go Back To The Table of Contents
LOKI THE FOOL
(c) Alice Karlsdottir, 1982,
To the tune "The Old Orange Flute" (can also go to "Sweet Betsy from Pike")
Oh, the great gods of Asgard are noble and free
They are upright and forthright, (as great gods should be)
But there's one in their midst doesn't follow the rule
The sly mischief-monger called Loki the Fool.
He lies and he pilfers, tells jokes that are rude
He's raucous, he's ribald, he's rowdy, he's rude,
He tricks and he teases, though he's not really cruel--
Just don't turn your back on that Loki the Fool.
In grim Jotunheim, where the weather is freezin',
He mixed blood with Odin (and who knows the reason?)
They laughed and drank wine, went on gay escapades,
Fought wizards and trolls, and seduced fair young maids.
Now some think that Odin here made a mistake
By tying himself to this impudent rake
But I'll tell you a fact (though it makes scholars mad)
If the Alfather likes him, he can't be all bad.
Poor Lopt's reputation is not of the best
He gave Sif a slip-job without her behest,
He lifted from Freya her most precious jewel,
And Thor's got his hands full when he rides with the Fool.
He stole Idunn's apples, (which wasn't too nice)
Sired monsters galore and put Balder on ice,
And the gods all berate him for what he has done;
Well gee, can't a boy have a wee bit of fun?
They say he's corrupted and wicked indeed
'Cause he mothered the Alfather's mystical steed,
It's not he's perverted or easily led,
Let's just say that he's not very choosy in bed.
He tried to enliven sedate Asgard's halls
By tying the beard of a goat to his balls,
And they say that his tongue's his most effective tool--
And that's why all the ladies love Loki the Fool.
To the end of all time he'll run free in the land
And all things stir and change at the touch of his hand,
And when the world's old and no fun's left in store,
He'll blow it all up and start over once more.
Now scholars and such say he's captured and bound
But just look at the world, you'll see he's still around,
For to live here without him would be just too cruel,
Oh, Loki, we love you! Dear Loki, the Fool!