Old-Time Religion

(pretty good Pagan version)

Words & Music:

Traditional American / new lyrics by many

 

As I edited the punctuation on the "20 zillion verses" version, I noticed that some of the verses were beautifully crafted for Pagans and the movable feasts that make up the Wheel of the Year.  Here they are.  I've added verses for the missing holidays but would love more, if anyone is game.

 

General Circle:

Meeting at the Sacred Hour by the Bud and Branch and Flower

[alt:  "Meeting at the Sacred Hour by the Oak and Ash and Flower"]

Folks are raising up the power and that's where I want to be.

 

Imbolc (a.k.a. Candlemas, Groundhog Day, ca. 2 February)

At last, the Imbolc Sun is outing, deep underground the seeds are sprouting.

Let's have no more Winter pouting.  That's good enough for me.

 

Ostara (a.k.a. Vernal or Spring Equinox, Easter, ca. 21 March)

Pagans gather in the clearing for the end of winter's nearing,

And the maiden is appearing, bringing promises of spring.

 

Light and darkness stand together, leafing birch and flow'ring heather.

Brethren clad in fur and feather, tell us spring has come again.

 

Beltane (a.k.a. May Day, Roodmas, ca. 1 May)

Oh, look, the Beltaine fires are risin'.  Yes, the Beltaine fires are risin'

Purifyin' my horizon.  That's good enough for me.

 

There'll be no more second-guessing, purify what has been stressing

'Round the Maypole, weaving blessings; it's good enough for me.

 

Litha (a.k.a. Summer Solstice, Mid-Summer Night, ca. 21 June)

Let us celebrate Mid-Summer with a circle that's a hummer.

Summer's going, what a bummer!  But it's good enough for me.

 

From here on out, the day is croaking.  So, let's be merry, let's be joking!

For, now, the Holly beats the Oak King; butit's good enough for me.

 

Lammas (a.k.a. Lughnasdh, Loaf Mass, ca. 1 August)

Let us gather 'round the county, be you miscreant or Mountie,

And celebrate our bounty.  It's good enough for me.

 

Mabon (a.k.a. Autumnal Equinox, Gabrielmas, ca. 21 September)

Light & dark again are equal, it's our Equinoxic sequel.

The nippy air is Winter's prequel, but it's good enough for me.

 

Samhain (a.k.a. Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, ca. 31 October)

As the waning year is ending, young and old souls now are blending,

Voices round the circle sending Samhain joy across the worlds.

 

Let us get our prayers started for our own Beloved Departed.

To them our love is still imparted, they're good enough for me!

 

We have lots of fun at Samhain.  Everyone has fun at Samhain.

Except, perhaps, a cowan.  But, that's okay by me.

 

Yule (a.k.a. Winter Solstice, Mid-Winter Night, ca. 21 December)

Through the endless night we shiver, flames around the Yule log quiver

As we aim to praise the Giver of the Sun on Solstice Morn.

 

Just For Fun

Let us all join with the Dryads.  Let us all join with the Dryads.

Trees may not quite be the Triad, but they're good enough for me.