| Yule Songs |
| 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! 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 fireswelcome 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! 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. 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! 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..) 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! A Holly Jolly Yuletide Words and Music by Johnny Marks Adapted by Susan M. Shaw Have a holly jolly Yuletide It's the best time of the year I don't know if there'll be snow But have a cup of cheer Have a holly jolly Yuletide And when you walk down the street Say hello to friends you know And ev'ryone you meet Oh, ho, the mistletoe Hung where you can see Somebody waits for you Kiss her once for me Have a holly jolly Yuletide and in case you didn't hear Oh, by golly have a holly jolly Yuletide This year! Our Lady Green Sleeves Tune: Greensleeves Midwinter moon is shining bright The yuletide log is burning. The people gather 'round tonight The Sabbat wheel is turning. Joy! Mirth! The Sun's rebirth! Now as of old we greet Thee. Gladdening is the song we sing Of praises to the Lady. 'Twas at the feast of bright Beltane When we all were a-Maying, Sweet minstrel Queen in Her gown of green Spring roundelay was playing. And though now roped in snow Her wintry garb deceives, for Bedipped with holly and mistletoe She is still Our Lady Greensleeves. So drink ye wassail everyone Good Pagans all made merry With wine as red as the reborn Sun, As red as holly-berry. Dancing, come join the ring, As Her Yuletide spell she weaves. Fair Queen, the evergreen, Sweet lovely Lady Greensleeves. Yule Fires Tune: "Greensleeves" John G. MacKinnon In ancient days the folk of old When chilled with fright by winter's cold Did kindle up a great Yule fire With leaping flames in its great pyre; So to entice the waning sun To rise again and wider run; It's fiery course across the sky, To warm them so they would not die. So we, whose minds now sense a chill Of anger in the evil will, The human conflict, hate, and strife, Which hold a menace over life; Would kindle up a flame of love That we within our hearts may move, In Yuletide joy, with love embrace And thus abide in peace and grace. The Solstice Child Tune: "What Child is This?" (Greensleeves) Lunaea Wetherstone What child is this who brings such light that all who see Her grow hopefull? The Solstice candles, this darkest night, rekindle a flame in our soul. This, this is the Solstice child, the Maiden brilliant, the Maiden wild. Come, sisters, to hold Her near, the hope and the light of the New Year. [Variant] What Child is this, who brings such light That all who see Him grow hopeful The Solstice candles, this darkest night Rekindle a flame in our soul This, this is the Solstice Child The Sun God brilliant, the Sun God wild Come, Pagans, to hold Him near The hope and the light of the New Year What Child is This?? Words by Anie Burke-Webb Tune: Greensleeves What child is this, who rises now from His Mother's womb returning Her children greet most joyously the sight of His face's bright burning Chorus: This, this is the Sun child born The radiant one, the light returned Born unto the world again This child, the promise of summer His growing light returns the warmth that darkness stole from out the Earth To bud the leaves, and blossoms bring to signal the Spring's rebirth Chorus Yule Fires John G. MacKinnon Tune: Greensleeves In ancient days the folk of old When chilled with fright by winter's cold Did kindle up a great Yule fire With leaping flames in its great pyre; So to entice the waning sun To rise again and wider run; It's fiery course across the sky, To warm them so they would not die. So we, whose minds now sense a chill Of anger in the evil will, The human conflict, hate, and strife, Which hold a menace over life; Would kindle up a flame of love That we within our hearts may move, In Yuletide joy, with love embrace And thus abide in peace and grace. The Twelve Days of Yuletide Tune: "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Carusone On the first day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, a Circle 'round a Pine Tree. On the second day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Two pointed Horns and a Circle 'round a Pine Tree. On the third day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the fourth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the fifth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the sixth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the seventh day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the eighth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Eight Fires Blazing, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the ninth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Nine Herbs a-Brewing, Eight Fires Blazing, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the tenth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Ten Stones a-Standing, Nine Herbs a-Brewing, Eight Fires Blazing, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the eleventh day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Eleven Brooms a-Flying, Ten Stones a-Standing, Nine Herbs a-Brewing, Eight Fires Blazing, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree On the twelveth day of Yuletide my true love gave to me, Twelve Witches Dancing, Eleven Brooms a-Flying, Ten Stones a-Standing, Nine Herbs a-Brewing, Eight Fires Blazing, Seven Candles Glowing, Six critters Fetching, Five Magick Rings, Four Pentagrams, Three Silver Cups, Two pointed Horns, and A Circle 'round a Pine Tree The Thirteen Days of Solstice Tune: "The Twelve Days of Christmas" Shekhinah Mountainwater On the first day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, some healing to set me free. On the second day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the third day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the fourth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the fifth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the sixth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the seventh day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the eighth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the ninth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Nine pearls of wisdom, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the tenth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Candles for the lighting, Nine pearls of wisdom, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the eleventh day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Deep contemplation, Candles for the lighting, Nine pearls of wisdom, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the twelveth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, Showers of abundance, Deep contemplation, Candles for the lighting, Nine pearls of wisdom, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. On the twelveth day of Solstice the Goddess sent to me, A grand celebration, Showers of abundance, Deep contemplation, Candles for the lighting, Nine pearls of wisdom, Fine conversation, Magick for the year, Greetings from my neighbors, Joyous song!, A branch of evergreen, A helping dream, Gifts from my love and some healing to set me free. Solstice Day in the Morning Tune: "I Saw Three Ships" words adapted by Willow Firesong Children's laughter in the air The Smell of pine is everywhere With all the love that we can share On Solstice day in the morning Thank the Lord and Lady then For that warm peace we feel within When we gather once again On Solstice Day in the Morning The wonder of the Sun's rebirth The child who brings us love and mirth Enhancing all our own souls's worth On Solstice Day in the Morning And yet so many years before We knew the one we still adore The Lady guiding us to shore On Solstice day in the morning With the ancient ones give voice Dance together is our choice Share the mysteries and rejoice On Solstice day in the morning Children's laughter in the air The Smell of pine is everywhere With all the love that we can share On Solstice day in the morning All Hail Ye, Simple Pagans Tune: "Oh Come, All Ye Faithful" author unknown All hail ye, simple pagans Gather round the Yule fire Oh come ye Oh come ye To call the Sun! Fires within us Call the fire above us Oh come let us adore him! Oh come let us adore him! Oh come let us adore 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! Oh come let us adore him! Oh come let us adore him! Oh come let us adore him! Our Lord, the Sun Christmas Time Is Pagan (Gloria in Excelsius Deo) author unknown Christmas time is here again, Decorations everywhere. Christmas carols ringing out, Gentle pagans, we don't care. Chorus: Glorious! Christmas time is pagan! Glorious! Christmas time is pagan! Modern folks all celebrate What they learned in Sunday School. In December, they don't know They are celebrating Yule! Chorus Let them have their Christmas trees, Decked in red and green and blue. We rejoice at every one! Christmas trees are pagan, too. Chorus Bowls of bubbly Christmas cheer, Fill your cup and quench your thirst. They think the tradition's theirs. Wassail bowls were pagan, first. Chorus Every door and window bears Wreaths of holly, wreaths of pine. Circles represent the Sun. Every wreath is yours and mine. Chorus Christmas lights on Christmas trees, Candle flames burn higher and higher, Let us cheer along, my friends, As they light their Yuletide fire. Chorus 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. Chorus We Three Crones Heartsong Tune: "We Three Kings" Music by John H. Hopkins We three crones of magic-past are, Bearing gifts, we traverse afar, Fields & fountain, moor & mountain, Following each our star. Chorus: Oh, star of wonder, star of might, Star of radiant beauty bright, Inward leading, still proceeding, Guide us with thy magick light. Gold I bring, the Earth's hidden gleam, Guards our Mem'ry, draws forth our dream; Weary-curing, strong enduring, Holding time's circling stream. Chorus Frankincense I carry with me. Incense aids the spirit to see; Analyzing, wize, up-rising, Sense of the Earth, flow free! Chorus Myrrh is mine, it's bitter perfume Lifts new life, a magical broom; Praying, flying, purifying, Away with old lingering gloom. Chorus Glorious gifts of magic (wimmin) we praise, Maiden, Mother, Ancient of Days; Strength, and sense, and energy; whence Return to our sacred ways. Chorus Pagans, One and All Tune: "Masters in This Hall" by Willow Firesong Verse 1: Pagans one and all Hear what I do say Words from deep within And ever I you pray Chorus: Hail hail hail to the Earth below Mother of all life upon her, and the source of all we know Hail hail hail to the Sun above Our Lord the Sun is born again, the source of Light and Love Verse 2: Born again at Solstice, the Sun God rules the Winter Skies; His Consort, Earth our Mother; The Year between them flies. Chorus Verse 3: Through the days of Springtime The Sun God grows apace Turning to Her flowers A gentle, smiling face. Chorus Verse 4: Come the May and Beltaine, The Sun God gains the Lady’s Love. Her mantle green with courting; His fullness reigns above. Chorus Verse 5: Through the blaze of Summer, The Sun God burns his fiercest then His pride is in his Lover; The growth she shows within. Chorus Verse 6: Come the time of First Fruits The Sun God then his strength has spent The essence of his being Flows forth, as through a rent. Chorus Verse 7: Then begins the Autumn, His Mother, Night, weeps out her rains And taking him within her, The cycle starts again. Chorus Verse 8: With laughter and with feasting Through the growing Winter’s night The Lady grows to Solstice, The rebirth of the Light. Chorus Verse 9: Watch her swelling belly As Night spreads through the skies The Lady of the Winter, The Moon between her thighs. Chorus Verse 10: Caught between the uprights, See the shining Solstice star. The Hinge-pin of the Winter, Now push the door ajar! Chorus Verse 11: Through the Lady’s Labors On this longest Winter’s Night Comes the Growing Sun God The rebirth of the Light! Chorus Verse 12: Dark the night has gripped us Through the building Winter’s Cold So round the fires we gather As in days of old. Chorus Verse 13: From the crackling fire Watch the sparks leap to the sky Conjuring the Sun King To once again ride high Chorus Verse 14: In the deep Midwinter Through the frozen snow Comes the Sun reborn To set the skies aglow Chorus Verse 15: So in the depths of Darkness Observe the Shining Solstice Star That marks the depths of Winter Means Springtime won’t be far. Carol of the Bells Tune: "Traditional Ukranian Carol" Words by Hilda Marshall Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells All seem to say, "Throw cares away." Yuletide is here, bringing good cheer To young and old, meek and the bold Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song, With joyful ring, all caroling One seems to hear words of good cheer From everywhere, filling the air O, how they pound, raising the sound O'er hill and dale, telling their tale Gaily they ring, while people sing Songs of good cheer, Yuletide is here! Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide! Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide! On, on they send, on without end Their joyful tone to every home Hark! How the bells, sweet silver bells All seem to say, "Throw cares away." Yuletide is here, bringing good cheer To young and old, meek and the bold Ding, dong, ding, dong, that is their song With joyful ring, all caroling. One seems to hear words of good cheer From everywhere, filling the air O, how they pound, raising the sound O'er hill and dale, telling their tale Gaily they ring, while people sing ongs of good cheer, Yuletide is here! Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide! Merry, merry, merry, merry Yuletide! On, on they send, on without end Their joyful tone to every home. Have Yourself a Merry Little Yuletide Words by Hilda Marshall Tune: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane Have yourself a merry little Yuletide Let your heart be light From now on our troubles will be out of sight Have yourself a merry little Yuletide Make the Sabbat gay From now on our troubles will be miles away. Chorus: Here we are as in olden days Happy golden days of yore Faithful friends who are dear to us Gather near to us once more. Through the years we all will be together If the Fates allow Hang a shining star upon the highest bough And have yourself a merry little Yuletide now We Wish You a Merry Solstice Tune: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" Words by Susan M. Shaw We wish you a merry Solstice We wish you a merry Solstice We wish you a merry Solstice And a happy New Year! Chorus: Good tidings we bring To you and your kin We wish you a merry Solstice! And a happy New Year! Our feasting is not so simple Our feasting is not so simple Our feasting is not so simple On this Hollyday! We've eggnog and punch and wassail We've eggnog and punch and wassail We've eggnog and punch and wassail And hot chocolate too We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies We've breads, cakes and Solstice cookies Plus crackers and buns Now bring us some figgy pudding Now bring us some figgy pudding Now bring us some figgy pudding And bring it right now We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some We won't go until we get some So bring some right now Triple Solstice Goddess Words by Lunaea Weatherstone Tune: "We Three Kings" Music by John H. Hopkins Goddesses of the Solstice are we Bringers of the Star and the Tree Maiden, Mother, Crone uncover Winter's deep mystery Chorus: Oh, time of wisdom, time of light Time of Winter's darkest night Goddess hold me, Love enfold me Open me to Your light Maiden of the darkness, I sing Underworlds of wisdom, I bring Seeking, learning, Kore returning Bearing the light of Spring Demeter, the slumbering Earth Dreaming of the Daughter's rebirth Candles lighted, world united Knowing our own true worth Crone of deepest wisdom, I dwell Deep in Time's mysterious well Dreaming, daring, teaching, sharing Hecate's secret spell Moon of Silver I Tune: We Three Kings Maiden, Mother, Ancient Crone, Queen of Heaven on your throne, Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee, For all that you have shown. Chorus: Oh, Moon of Silver, Sun of Gold, Gentle Lady, Lord so bold! Guide us ever, failing never, Lead us in ways of old. Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light, Gentle Brother, King of Might, Praise we sing thee, Love we bring Thee On this Solstice night. Chorus Moon of Silver II Tune: We Three Kings Carusone Come Thou, Lord, the Newborn Sun, Come, Sweet Mother, Holy One. Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee As ever shall be done. Chorus: Oh, moon of silver, sung of gold! Gentle Lady, Lord so bold! Guide us ever, failing never, lead us all 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. Chorus Lord of Darkness, Lord of Light, Gentle Brother, King of Might! Praise we sing Thee, Love we bring Thee On this Solstice Night. Chorus O TANNEBAUM I Traditional O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy leaves are so unchanging O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy leaves are so unchanging Not only green when summer's here But also when 'tis cold and drear O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy leaves are so unchanging O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You fill all hearts with gaiety O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You fill all hearts with gaiety On Solstice Day you stand so tall Affording joy to one and all O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You fill all hearts with gaiety O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You stand in verdant beauty O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You stand in verdant beauty Your boughs are green in summer's glow And do not fade in winter's snow O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum You stand in verdant beauty O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Much pleasure doth thou bring me O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Much pleasure doth thou bring me For ev'ry year thou lovely tree Brings to us all both joy and glee O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Much pleasure doth thou bring me O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy candles shine out brightly O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy candles shine out brightly Each bough doth hold its tiny light That makes each day to sparkle bright O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum Thy candles shine out brightly O TANNENBAUM II Words by Hilda Marshall O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum How true you stand unchanging! O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum How true you stand unchanging! Your boughs so green in summertime Remain as green in wintertime O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum How true you stand unchanging! O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum Your message is enduring! O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum Your message is enduring! Of all the trees of field and hill You best recall the Lady's will O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum Your message is enduring! O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum You teach us hope and patience! O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum You teach us hope and patience! Through icy day and frozen night You bear the promise of the Light O tannenbaum, O tannenbaum You teach us hope and patience! One More Christmas Tree Words by Daniel J. Thompson Tune: O, Christmas Tree O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree Made of al-u-min-i-um. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree You can get them, anyone. Some are big, and some are small. You can get any size at all. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree Made of al-u-min-i-um. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree I sell them for ten dollars. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree They come in many colors. Some are red, and some are blue. They even come in plastic, too! O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree I sell them for ten dollars. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree You should buy one now from me. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree Satisfaction guaranteed. From now until the twenty-third The lowest price you've ever heard. O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree Buy one now, and get one FREE! Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire Words by Robert Wells, adapted by Susan M. Shaw Music by Mel Torme Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire Jack Frost nipping at your nose Yuletide carols being sung by a choir And folks dressed up like Eskimos Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe Help to make the season bright Tiny tots with their eyes all a glow Will find it hard to sleep tonight They know that Santa's on his way He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh And ev'ry mother's child is gonna spy To see if reindeer really know how to fly And so I'm offering this simple phrase To kids from one to ninety-two Although it's been said many times, many ways "Merry Yuletide to you!" 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 Chorus: 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. 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 Chorus 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 Later on, by the fire, Cone of Power, gettin' higher It's a Magickal Night we're having tonight, Dancing in a Wiccan Wonderland Deck the Halls Traditional Deck the halls with boughs of holly Fa la la la la la la la la Tis the season to be jolly Fa la la la la la la la la Don we now our gay apparel Fa la la la la la la la la Troll the ancient Yuletide carols Fa la la la la la la la la See the blazing Yule before us Fa la la la la la la la la Strike the harp and join the chorus Fa la la la la la la la la Follow me in merry measure Fa la la la la la la la la While I tell of Yuletide treasure Fa la la la la la la la la Fast away the old year passes Fa la la la la la la la la Hail the new, ye lads and lasses Fa la la la la la la la la Sing we joyous all together Fa la la la la la la la la Heedless of the wind and weather Fa la la la la la la la la Gods Bless Ya Merry Pagan Folk Words by Anie Burke-Webb Tune: God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen Gods bless ye merry, Paganfolk Let nothing you afright There's naught but peace will touch us here On this the longest night For our Great Mother will give birth And turn the dark to light Chorus: And the Wheel's turning round and round Round and round. And the Wheel's turning round and round. Into the west's fast dimming light The Dark God must retreat As all of life must come at last To death the longest sleep But our Great Mother then gives birth The circle is complete At morning's first bright ray of light Arrives the Sun Child's birth Returning through the Mother's womb Life promised to the Earth Now that our Mother's labor's done Rejoice with song and mirth God Rest Ye Merry Pagan Folk Tune: 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! GOOD KING WENCESLAS I Words from the Wiccan Yule Songs of Balefire Coven Good King Wenceslas looked out On the Feast of Yule When the snow lay round about Deep in Winter's rule Brightly shone the Moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor roe came in sight Seeking winter fuel "Hither, page, and stand by me If thou know'st it, telling yonder stag, O whose is he? Where and how his dwelling?" "Sire, he lives a good league hence Underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence By good Brighit's fountain." "Bring me apples; bring me corn Bring my warm clothes hither He shall dine `fore Solstice morn When we bring them thither." Page and monarch, forth they went Forth they went together through the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather "Page, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer." "Mark my footsteps, my good King Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find fierce Winter's sting Freeze thy blood less coldly." In the Oak King's steps he trod Where the snow lay dinted Heat was in the very sod Which the God had printed. Therefore, Paganfolk, be sure Any rank possessing Ye who now will bless the Earth Shall, yourselves, find blessing. GOOD KING WENCESLAS II Traditional Carol Good King Wenceslas looked out On the Feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gathering winter fuel "Hither page and stand by me If thou know'st it, telling Yonder peasant, who is he Where and what his dwelling?" "Sire, he lives a good league hence Underneath the mountain Right against the forest fence By Saint Agnes' fountain" "Bring me flesh and bring me wine Bring me pine logs hither Thou and I will see him dine When we bear them thither." Page and monarch forth they went Forth they went together Through the rude wind's wild lament And the bitter weather "Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer" "Mark my footsteps, my good page Tread thou in them boldly Thou shalt find the winter's rage Freeze thy blood less coldly" Though the fire burned golden bright On the palace fender Twice as warm love's faithful light True and strong and tender Therefore people everywhere Wealth or rank possessing You who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing. Here We Come A-Wassailing Chorus by Hilda Marshall Traditional Carol Here we come a wassailing Among the leaves so green Here we come a-wandering So fair to be seen Chorus: Love and joy come to you Peace and hope and friendship too And we bless you and wish you a happy new year And we wish you a happy new year! We are not daily beggars who Beg from door to door But we are neighbors' children Whom you have seen before We have got a little purse Of stretching leather skin We want a little money To line it well within Call up the butler of this house Put on his golden ring Let him bring us a glass of beer And better we shall sing Bring us out a table and spread it with a cloth Bring us out a moldy cheese And some of your Yuletide loaf God bless the master of the house The mistress bless also And all the little children Around the table go Good master and good mistress While you sit by the fire Pray think of us poor children A-wand'ring in the mire Joy To The World I Words by Lunaea Wetherstone Music by Lowell Mason Joy to the World! The Sun returns! Let all who live rejoice! Let every heart receive the healing light And every voice be heard And every voice be heard And every voice in song be heard! Joy to the World II Music by Lowell Mason Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let Earth receive her king! Let every heart prepare him room And Heaven and Nature sing And Heaven and Nature sing And Heaven and Heaven and Nature sing 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 And wake the sleeping earth And wake and wake the sleeping earth 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 As Heaven and Nature sing As Heaven as Heaven and Nature sing Joy to the Earth! The LIght returns! And sunlight fills the air The tide has turned, the Sun has been reborn. And hope is everywhere And hope is everywhere And hope, and hope, is everywhere. Dark ruled the Earth, and death has reined But on the Wheel does spin From out the womb of night, is birthed the Infant Light. The Sun has come again The Sun has come again The Sun, the Sun, has come again. Mother of all, to You we sing! In praise this glorious morn. For Earth and Sky, fire, water, and life. In You we are reborn, in You we are reborn, in You, in You, we are reborn Joy to the World III Joy to the world! The Lady walks, O let the echoes ring! The power of Her love each single heart unlocks, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Joy to the world! For peace shall reign As we, our (wimmin) pow'r employ! O, field & flood, rock, hill, & plain, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy. We share the world with truth & grace, & let our blessings prove The glories of our carefulness, And wonders of our love, And wonders of our love, And wonders, wonders, of our love. Oh Holy Night I Dianne T. DeShea Oh holy night! The stars shine in their brightness. It is the night of the dear Sun Child's birth. Long lay the world in growing cold and darkness 'Til He appeared, casting light o'er the earth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. All nature sings! Oh raise your joyous voices! Oh night divine! This night the Sun is born! Oh night divine! Oh night, oh night divine! Oh Holy Night II Words by Shekhinah Mountainwater Music by Adolphe Adam O holy night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the Sun God's rebirth Long lay the world, in cold and darkness pining. `Til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn. Rise from your knees! O hear the Pagan's voices! O night divine. O night when light was born. O night divine. O night divine. [Variant Verses] O holy night, the stars are brightly shining It is the night of the Goddess's birth Long lay the world in patriarchy pining Til She appeared and the soul felt its worth A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn Rise from your knees! O hear the women's voices! O night devine, O night when Light is born O night divine, O night, O night devine. Oh Holy Night III Music by Adolphe Adam O holy night, so peaceful, dark, and quiet We're stuffed and tipsy, each Priestess and Priest Witches are holy, but find it hard to diet We may not orgy, but boy, can we feast! With stew and wassail, apples, nuts, and pumpkin We celebrate the deepest truths of life Please, pass the salt. Oh, taste that turkey dressing Oh, what will we weigh after seconds on the corn Oh, what a way to pray! On this night when God's reborn. Share the Light Tune: The First Noel 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. Chorus: Share the light, share the light! Share the light, share the Light! All paths are one on this holy night! 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. Silver Bells I Words by Hilda Marshall City sidewalks, busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style In the air there's a feeling of giving Children laughing, people passing Meeting smile after smile And on every street corner you hear... Silver bells, silver bells Yuletide returns to the city Ring-a-ling, hear them ring Chiming the winter away Strings of street lights, even stoplights Blink a bright red and green As the shoppers rush home with their treasures Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch Eyes as bright as their dreams And on every street corner you hear Silver bells, silver bells Yuletide returns to the city Ring-a-ling, hear them ring Chiming the winter away THE HOLLY AND THE IVY I adapted by Susan M. Shaw The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown The rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry tunes As we Pagans sing with cheer The holly bears a blossom White as the lily flower The Goddess shares the Solstice Sun Days grow longer with its power The rising of the sun And the running of the deer We celebrate with joyous hearts The Wheel of the Year The holly bears a berry As red as any blood The Goddess brings the Solstice Sun To allow our hopes to bud The rising of the sun And the running of the deer These blessed signs of life's renewal Will banish any fear The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn The Goddess lights the Solstice Sun As we welcome the new morn The rising of the sun And the running of the deer The Green Man and the Holly King Are always welcome here The holly bears a bark As bitter as any gall The Goddess gives the Solstice Sun For the wonder of us all The rising of the sun And the running of the deer In perfect love and perfect trust May our hearts be ever clear The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown The rising of the sun And the running of the deer The playing of the merry tunes As we Pagans sing with cheer THE HOLLY AND THE IVY II Hilda Marshall The holly and the ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The holly bears the crown. Chorus Oh, the rising of the sun And the running of the deer The shining of the winter stars As the longer days draw near. The holly bears a blossom As white as any flower As our Mother bears the infant Sun In the winter's darkest hour. Chorus The holly bears a berry As red as any blood As our Father bears the hunter's spear for His hungry children's good. Chorus The holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn As we shall bear our song of hope On triumphant Yuletide morn. Chorus THE HOLLY AND THE IVY III The Holly and the Ivy When they are both full grown Of all the trees that are in the wood The Holly bears the crown Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer The turning of the winter season Sweet singing all may hear. The Holly bears a berry As red as any blood And the ivy grows upon the rock Evergreen throughout the wood. Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer The hand upon the harpstring Sweet singing in the choir The Holly bears a blossom White as the lily's flower And the Goddess bears the Sun again To bring us strength and power Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer The playing of the merry pipes Sweet singing in the shire The Holly bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn And the Goddess in her ivy gown Greets the winter sun each morn Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer The playing of the merry organ Sweet singing in the choir The Holly ever bears a bark Bitter as any gall And the ivy weaves within our lives Like the Goddess in us all Oh, the rising of the Sun and the running of the deer The turning of the winter season Sweet singing all may hear THE HOLLY AND THE IVY IV Peter Soderberg (Circle Network News, Winter 1981) The holly and the ivy, when they are both full grown, of all the trees that are in the woods the holly bears the crown Chorus: Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer The playing, the rising of the Sun, and the running of the deer The days are short, the night is long--the Wheel of the Year. O, the Ivy is a Maiden, the Holly is her love, As they entwine at Yuletide, the Lady smiles above. Chorus The holly blooms in glory when solstice-day is near. We burn the Yule log to make the new-born Sun appear. Chorus 'Tis at Yule when the Mother gives birth to coming Spring; In the midst of winter-cold; the new-born Sun, the holly king. Chorus Throughout the land She wanders with the new day-lit god, And in the spring, sweet love is made where'er Her foot has trod. Chorus She is in all our doings, in all we love and fear-- How wondrous the ways in which our Lady does appear! Chorus Praise the Queen of Air and Darkness, of Fire and Water: All poetry's our Lady's art, all music sings to Her. Chorus All in the holy circle, hand to hand, we pass the blade to invoke the Lady's power, unsheathed by the Ivy Maid. Chorus Now blessed be the Earth at rest beneath our feet As we have hope of rest one day, our Lady for to greet. Chorus Out of darkness shall come dawning, out of winter shall come spring, Out of the toil of striving comes the peace our Lady brings. Chorus |
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