'Twas the Night before Yule

Yule is fast approaching. Between crafting gifts, holiday shopping, wrapping, baking, decorating the home, and holiday parties, everyone is quite busy I'm sure. I know I am. But it is nice to slow down and really embrace Yule. 

My son loves a story at bedtime. It's a habit we've started when I first became pregnant with him. Yule is no exception to this tradition. The stories just focus more on the spirit of giving and love. I have a couple that I read to him each year. This year I am sharing one of our favorites with you.

'Twas the Night before Yule

'Twas the night before Yule, and all through the Coven,

The cookies were baked and removed from the oven.

The bayberry candles were lit on the table,

The altar was wrapped in a new cloth of sable.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds,

While visions of Yuletime danced in their heads.

Their stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that some presents soon would be there!

With Rocker in his new robe, and I in mine,

We were asking our Goddess her blessing divine.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

We sprang from our Circle to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, tripping over my sash,

My eyes were a-glamoured with a bright silver flash.

The moon on the breasts of the Goddess and God

Drew my eyes to behold the blessed Circle they trod.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But the manifestations of all those we hold Dear.

The physical forms of those whom we pray to,

Even Saint Nick, and his miniature sleigh, too!

Jehovah, Mohammet, Shiva, Hera and Thor.

Zeus, Freya, Brahma, and many, many more.

All the Spiritual Entities who'd ever been mentioned.

Even some, like dear Loki, who sowed seeds of dissension.

They greeted eah other with smile, warm and sweet.

Then, forming a Circle, they all took a seat.

With multiple Voices all joined as One,

The Corners were Called. And, when that was done.

The Chalice was passed from Hand to Hand.

Then, a blanket of silence enfolded the land.

A crystal clear Voice began to hold sway.

Which Deity spoke? I could not say.

But, clearly, I heard all the love in that Voice.

It caused my tired heart to take flight and rejoice.

"Our Children, it seems, have missed the whole point.

"We now join together, their hearts to anoint.

"Pour all of Our love O'er their hearts of stone.

"Let them see that together they're never alone!

"Show them it matters not which of Us that they choose.

"Their sad hate and mistrust cause each of Us to lose!"

As I stood there transfixed, I could suddenly see

If we all stand as one, what a world this could be!

Put ALL of our differences well behind us.

Let the love of the Gods enfold and remind us.

We ARE all the same,though varied our skins.

We all dream the same dreams, we all sin the same sins.

With a look of enlightenment etched on my face,

I beheld all the Gods in Their glory and grace!

They all bowed Their heads then said"So mote it be!"

They all smiled at each Other bestowing winks on me.

One by One they disappeared from my sight.

Just the Goddess and God were left in the light.

As slowly They twinkled, fading by degree,

"Happy Yuletide to all!!

Blessed be times three!"

~Written by Mary, a.k.a. Wandering Poet, a.k.a.littlebit~

  http://gypsymagicspells.blogspot.com

~ K. Michele

Story of Mabon ~ K. Michele

There are many different versions of the Story of Mabon. I thought I'd share a short version. This is the verison that we read to our 5 year old. It's short which is perfect for his short attention span. When he gets bigger, we'll upgrade to one of the longer versions, but for now this is the one we read at home.

Modrone is one of elder gods.  She is so ancient, that her son Mabon is known as "Son, son of the Mother."  By the time King Aurthur was learning to ride, Mabon was already so old few remembered Him.

Of those who do remember, it is known that Mabon was kidnapped while sleeping next to his mother when he was only three days old.  He had been imprisoned until a young knight named Kyllwch fell in love.

The girl, Olwen, was the daughter of a giant named Yspadaden.  The giant was cursed to die if ever his daughter wed, so the giant would send potential suiters on quests that would surely cost them their lives.  Before Kyllwch, no suitor had ever returned.

Kyllwch had heard the tales, but did not care.  The great beauty of the girl had captured his heart.  Kyllwch  went to meet Olwen by the river one day and they fell madly in love. Kyllwch would have none but her.  He begged her to marry him. 

"I cannot my love, for I will not see you killed.  My heart could not bear it."  Olwen wept openly.

"I would rather die then live another moment without you, Olwen.  I know of your father and his curse.  I do not care what perils he puts before me.  I know my love for you is pure and true, therefore I will have the power of the Gods to protect me."  He hugged Olwen and left.  He gathered everything he might need and set off for the castle of the giant.

Upon arriving at the castle, young Kyllwch wastes no time in telling Yspadaden of his desire to wed his daughter.  To his surprise the giant sighed and grumbled.

"Not another one!  How many wretched men must I send to their deaths before you leave me in peace?"

"I fear no death.  I love Olwen and know I am worthy.  I will succeed where others have failed."

The giant snorted and laughed, "Really?  Very well.  If you complete all of the tasks I set before you.  You many have my daughter."  The giant then listed hundreds of tasks, all of which were so dangerous most hero's would not dare to attempt them.

Kyllwch took the list without hesitation and through the help of the gods completed all, save one.  He had to save Mabon, son of Modrone in order to gain the ceremonial set with a brush, comb and razor for Spaded.  

Knowing that he alone could not free the imprisoned god alone, Kyllwch went to King Aurthur's court and enlisted the help of Eidoel, Author's foster brother and kinsmen to Mabon.

Eidoel asks for the help of five sacred animals; the Raven, the Stag, the Owl, the Eagle and the the Salmon.

The Raven knows all tales from the beginning of time.  The Raven leads them to the Stag, who is far older than the Raven.  The Stag guides them through a dense forest to the wise Owl, told them of the Eagle who knew of a place where a Salmon had mentioned a strange prison tower.  The two men followed the Eagle to a river neither man had seen before. It's water was so clear and so calm, that the surface looked like a sheen mirror.  The water was so cold no man, could drink it without freezing.  The Eagle called out for the Salmon and shortly a fish, appeared on the surface.

This Salmon was larger than the largest fish, older than all other fish, and stronger than any other. "I know of the place you seek. I will guide you."

The Salmon led them up the river and over a mystical tide to a tall stone tower.  The two men heard the eternal cries of a child.  The first light of Yule broke over the hillside, the siege of the tower ended, freeing the child, they discovered it truly was the lost child of Modrone. 

Mabon showered the hero's with many thanks and gladly slew the legendary boar for Kyllwch.  Kyllwch and his new friends all returned to the giants home. The giant stuttered in protest upon seeing the party, declaring that it could not be and it must be a trick.

The next day a huge wedding celebrated the union of Olwen to Kyllwch.  After the feast, Kyllwch and his friends cut the head off the giant allowing Olwen and Kyllwch to live long and fruitful lives.