Secrets Of Blarney Castle

Druid’s Cave near Witch’s Kitchen;  
familiar, this sacred alter.
I sense, by my hand, no blood spilled,  
yet my heart pounds and I falter.  

What does the Great Tree remember? 
Whispering welcome, its limbs reach. 
Magic tasted upon my tongue... 
Did I learn here, or did I teach?  

Every path knows well my footsteps; 
each stone down to the river’s length. 
I’d gaze in the eye of days past, 
though I fear I have not the strength. 

 Enchanted realm of Faery Glade... 
I know this bridge, this dream - their kind. 
Even the shadows welcome me... 
Their questions pierce and tease the mind. 

Where have I been these countless years? 
They ask me, again and again. 
There must be answers inside me,  
but I know not where to begin.  

Sunlight waned while evening danced, 
and I swear I saw faeries stir. 
They rose from huge Gunnera leaves; 
hundreds - no, ten thousand there were!  

I breathe, exhale, then close my eyes, 
knowing I’m on a Wishing Stair. 
How do I know this? I just do! 
A gown of the times I now wear.  

Across the path, a Dolmen stands... 
Tomb. Portal? I hear distant sounds.
Not just tales of the ancient rites... 
Old Ways were practiced upon these grounds.  

Tall figures and voices chanting. 
Hooded robes by bonfire light. 
How is it I remember this? 
This long ago? This cold dark night? 

The trees, they still call out to me; 
a haunting truth I’ll never know. 
Everything around me shouting: 
“You belong here! You mustn’t go!”  

If only I’d listened closely as the Great Tree
and Faeries spoke. 
The mist too thick to see through now...
as if just a dream... I awoke.

The Wisdom Of Solstice

By Lady Mathers

Solstice 2009

Light now the fires that warm the hearth; Mistress Winter dons her long white gown. Light now the candle of remembrance, for another year has circled around.

See the faces of those here gathered, for love, too, can make the cold hearth warm. Huddle all near and share your stories, for outside blows the first winter storm.

Make now your peace and speak forgiveness. In your sweetest voice, sing Yuletide song. Grab and hold dear these precious moments, for ne’er again shall they come along.

Recognize that the cold grey landscape, holds bits of ourselves that change or die. There in the stillness we find our truth; new bits of wisdom that never lie.

Remember, release, then joyful be this festive, unfolding Solstice night. A new path before us - blessed be! The past sleeps covered in Winter’s white.