Well Happy Halloween&Samhain to all! There are indeed numerous articles that can be written about this ancient pastoral and agricultural festival that marked the passing of summer, and preparation for winter. From the role it played into the evolution to Halloween, and the folk customs that spread from the Gaelic, to the New World, and celebrated by pagans throughout the world. I think I'll spare another Halloween origin post by reason of there being countless others out there around this time of year. Having already went through the end of autumn anticipation stage, and celebrated our coven Samhain Sabbat, I've decided to share a couple of writings themed for the occasion. For how can a blog exist without poetry eh? Had to happen sooner or later.
Here's one I wrote a couple of years ago.
"Fómhar
Deireadh an tSamhraidh
Summer scented serenity Falls into crisp Autumn memories
Transformation, the cold air around the fields shedding vitality brings me tranquility
It’s this fresh breeze that brings my mind to ease
Deireadh Fómhair, Transformation, Reflection, Warmth, Indulgence. My affection follows the path of least resistance
Mo Bhean Chéile, Mo Thuath, Mo Chairde
To these my affection as warm in my stomach as the burn of Cider
As equal the fruits reaped as the deeds done unto me. Compassion the wine of this Season.
For we are never as alive, as before we Die
This is no lie, at the stars is the answer to find
As active the ocean of blackness above, as the rolling colours below
Alive in the frenzy of the bees, in the Red Giant’s rays on my face
Alive until the peak of fury in that clear Starlight night
Transformation. The First Frost
Stillness, Reflection, Dark, Regeneration
We’re from Black, before we fade to Black
In the womb yet once again
The womb of Hearth among family and friends
Tis this Season I adore. For Meán Fómhair was when I was born
A celebration not only to the start of my life
But of that with grá mo chroí agus m’anam, the love of my heart and soul, my wife
The still of the dormant night and howl of the wind is where I find Comfort
At home in the tradition all around me
Alive not only here in their homeland, but my native country
For when there became but one king
“Anocht Oíche Shamna Mongfhinne banda” a chant the children to this day continue to sing
Samhain, Fáilte an Gheimhridh"
And from a recent adoration I wrote to An Mhór-Ríoghain, who we know from myth mated with an Daghdha on the Unshin riverbanks on Samhain before the Cath Tánaiste Maige Tuired.
"Adhartha Morrígna
Go mbeannaítear duit a Mhór-Ríoghain, a bhandia máthair mhór na talún,
Great Queen of do thuatha, and protectress of our clanns.
Oh powerful Goddess known by many names throughout the lands,
At your choosing rain gifts of plenty, or strike fear into the hearts of man.
For you I bring tribute, dispensed from Cóiced na hÉireann,
To the Great One who is also called Danu, Macha, and Badhbh throughout Ireland.
With your Will our kin protect, and enemies' intent plunder,
As I pledge my love and praise to you mighty mother.
From fertility born at Unshin, and patroness of the battlefields of Ulster,
I give to you my undying loyalty, and service mo mháthair.
By my free soul with the blood of my heart I make this oath,
And I do swear my allegiance by the flight of the Crow.
Oh exalted one who has captured the hearts of many,
I kneel at you shrine and inhale the ecstasy of your beauty.
I ask for your blessing offering this awe projecting before me,
Aiding in your worship, the divine act that sets me free.
From your sacred waters, to Uaimh na gCat,
Take my sacrifice and hear my chant.
Under your intoxication, my profound deity,
Great Queen of Sovereignty, An Mhór-Ríoghain I call unto thee!"
Good to see good healthy blogging resumed!
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