31 Spooky Days of October, Day 3: The Mummer's Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxTpvA-pUG0

If you read about Loreena McKennitt, what will inevitably come up is the question, "But is she Pagan?"

The answers have been inconclusive.  But this song, THIS SONG, makes the line of query irrelevant.

It's magickal, pure and simple.

Enjoy.

And you can read more about what a Mummer's Play is, which is what the song is based upon, here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummers_play

And here be Mummers:

On the upcoming Autumnal Equinox ...

So, I'm sitting here in my favorite neighborhood coffee house, sipping a pumpkin mocha.

(Let the record player needle in your head make that scratchy sound as you go, "Huh?")

During the summer, I favor an iced mocha.  When the weather gets cooler, I veer toward the typically more autumnal offerings.  Today, September 20th,I couldn't decide which direction I wanted to go.

It's that time of year again.  When our inner clocks intrinsically know that Summer is ending, but we want to hold onto it, to savor that last moment outside on the back deck, listening to the waterfall, or the marvelling at the brilliant summer flowers in the Mexican ware planters, or just being able to take a walk in our sandals.

Summer sings loudly, demanding our attention, in a rainbow hue of a melody.

Autumn whispers softly, requesting our presence, in a cidery, scratchy, smoky voice.

Autumn officially arrives on Sunday, September 22, a scant two days away.  Now is the time to thank Summer for her charm, her Charleston of wispy riches.  My Summer was absolutely jam-packed with more socializing than I've had since college, a little too much imbibing, and an exquisite balance of work busyness and sultry, quiet times.  Summer gave me the impetus to (finally) lose 6 lbs. (and counting), to keep moving and vital and vibrant.  I gratefully acknowledge Summer for her boundless gifts.



Painted Wheel of the Year from the Museum of Witchcraft, Boscastle

And I welcome Autumn's riches, which are already starting to peek out from behind a dusty, leather-bound book.  I welcome the contemplative times, the crunchy leaves under my Keens, and the Season of the Witch, the beginning of the seasonal wheel.  (I also expectantly await Epcot's Food and Wine Festival, and the Magic Kingdom's "Not So Scary Halloween Party", but that's another blog post for another day).

So what are you going to send Summer a "thank you" note for?  And what plans are you going to make for the brisk, golden, dark and dappled energy of Autumn?

I plan on gratefully taking down plenty of pumpkin mochas, served warm ...

So then, what IS a warlock? Maybe only Uncle Arthur knows for sure ...

A few days ago, when the Supreme Court figured out where to find their brainstems, gay marriage was recognized as constitutional and there was much rejoicing about the country, especially on facebook: lots of red and pink equality signs, and super photo tributes, including the following heartening and humorous photo.



I personally always wanted Uncle Arthur to be MY uncle ...


 

By now, you've all probably figured out a few things about me.  I'm a huge "Bewitched" fan.  I'm very gay-friendly.  And I'm witchy.  So seeing a picture of my heroes Samantha and Endora with placards espousing a cause which is dear to me really made my day.  Until I read Sammy's signage more closely.  "My uncle is a gay warlock".  Hm. The word "warlock" kinda popped right out and hit me between the eyes (near the spot of "witches' honor" actually).  Because, you see, I've been attending lots of pagan lectures and classes recently.  And apparently, this word causes a lots of confusion and consternation.

The Free Online Dictionary gives this definition:
war·lock n.A male witch, sorcerer, wizard, or demon. [Middle English warloghe, from Old English for oath-breaker : pledge; see wr-o- in Indo-European roots + -loga, liar.] 

Wowee!  Okay, I need to first get over the fact that this entry essentially is equating witch, wizard, sorcerer with demon!  But after I calm myself down and take a swig of my latte, I point out the first bit of etymology, that it's from the Middle English for oath-breaker. And the roots lie where?  In the Indo-European word from liar.

Oh, my stars!!  Do we then consider Uncle Arthur a traitor?  What about Doctor Bombay?  And Maurice?  They might have been a bit mischievous at times, but lying, stinking traitors?  I think not!

In the circles in which I run, witches are called witches, be they male or female.  The term warlock definitely has some negative connotations.  However, when you dig deeper,the more I find out about the word's history.  It is a fascinating, albeit confusing one.  If you have the time, this link will take you to a very well-documented and thorough exploration:

http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=paganwiccan&cdn=religion&tm=91&gps=233_27_1257_709&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=4&bts=50&zu=http%3A//www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A4123946

Today, most pagans cast a jaundiced eye at the term, but I'm learning that, due to its long and storied past, some choose to embrace it, almost defiantly.

What are your thoughts?  Do you wince when you hear it used?  Or do you consider it simply a personal choice?





 

 

Excellent article on why NOT to become a pagan.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/PaganCommunity/tp/Ten-Reasons-Not-To-Become-Pagan.htm

http://thewiccalife.blogspot.com/2010/11/wheel-of-year-turns-on-and-on.html

If you're pagan-curious,  a craft "dabbler", or even a long-time practitioner, you'll find some great info and not just a bit of humor in this very well-researched and construct article on paganism.

We all have different paths in life.  And many of us have spiritual leanings which might clash with other people's long-held belief systems.  Or, wait, after some careful study, they actually might run parallel or even (gasp!) compliment them!

Yes, I'm being purposely obtuse here.  Because there are those who have difficulty with my particular spirituality.  But I know that God is in my heart, always.  And that he/she/Universe knows I am always coming from love, except when fear takes over and then I pray and meditate upon love and giving and gratitude.  And that's it.  I believe that all good comes from the same place: love.  And that everything else is fear.  And you don't want to go where fear resides.

Yep.  That pretty much sums it up.

And, on the way, Jesus is by your side, as are the good angels and prophets.  And Universe provides a beautiful world which we are caretakers of.  And the energies of that world are all God.  And God is good.

Yep.  Being obtuse again.  And perfectly, beautifully clear.

And magic does exist, in gratitude and giving and meditation and good intention.

Let's talk about it.  http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=paganwiccan&cdn=religion&tm=132&gps=368_45_1257_709&f=10&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=12&bt=1&bts=6&zu=http%3A//www.witches-tutorial.com/paths/cw.html

May Day! May Day!! Happy Beltane, May Day, "Good Lord, It's FINALLY SPRING!" Day!

May Day is Lei Day!

I didn't know there were so many different ways to celebrate May Day, until I did some digging.

For instance, in Hawaii, May Day is Lei Day (sure, go ahead, insert your joke here).  The first official Lei Day was proposed in 1927 in Honolulu by poet and artist Don Blanding. Leonard "Red" and Ruth Hawk composed "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii", the traditional holiday song. It was originally a fox trot, but now it's a hula song.  Which I'm thinking is a lot more fun.


The Romanians have a LOT of festivity today, and it's all about the mugwort (I know, mugwort, right?).  Celebrations are in place on May Day to insure good wine in autumn and, for people and farm animals alike, good health and protection from the elements of nature (storms, hail, illness, pests, the plagues of Egypt). Apparently, people would have parties in nature with lăutari (fiddlers), for those who could afford it. It is customary to roast and eat lamb, also eat new mutton cheese and drink mugwort-flavoured wine to refresh the blood and get protection from diseases. Men wear lilac or mugwort flowers on their hats.

Mugwort or Artemisia

France's celebration of May Day is particularly fragrant. On May 1, 1561, King Charles the IX  received a lily of the valley as a lucky charm. He decided to offer a one each year to the ladies of the court. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became custom to give a sprig of lily of the valley, a symbol of springtime, on May 1. The government permits individuals and workers' organisations to sell them tax-free. Nowadays, people may present loved ones either with bunches of lily of the valley or dog rose flowers (Note: lily of the valley was one of my mom's most favorite flowers; I believe I'll incorporate this custom into my own May Day celebration from now on).

Antique postcard featuring one of my Mom's favorite flowers.

And then, of course, you've got the pagan celebration of Beltane.  Wiccans use the name "Beltane" for their May Day celebrations. It is one of the yearly "Sabbats" of the Wheel of the Year, following Ostara and preceding Midsummer.  In general, the Wiccan Beltane is more akin to the Germanic May Day festival, both in its significance (focusing on fertility) and its rituals (such as maypole dancing). Some Wiccans enact a ritual union of the May Lord and May Lady.

Whoa.  This is where lots of people clear their throats and say, "Um, just what sort of enactment are we talking about?"  From what I've learned, yes, there have been enactments that, um, are actual physical unions.  Naked unions.  And lots of folks get turned off about attending Beltane rituals because they think everyone is going to be playing the roles of the May Lord and May Lady skyclad (that would be, without clothes) and there will be lots of prancing about near fires and copious amounts of mead will be consumed and then the police get called in and everyone's whisked off to the hoosegow.

The Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival.  These people know how to party.

But, frankly, that is not the norm for pagan ritual.  Most often, the enactment is mild and symbolic and beautiful.  Summer is recognized and greeted.  And then a wonderful meal is consumed, focusing on fresh vegetables and fruits.  Especially fruity desserts (yes, please!).

Which brings me to my own May Day or Beltane celebration.

First of all, I am a Pole, so you're welcome to come on over and dance around me.  It's fun, it's good exercise, and you might get lucky to have my beagle, Ivy, join in on the dance.

I'll go out to our garden and thank the little flowers that have finally sprung up for being there - and let them know they're invited to bring their friends along anytime they wish.

I'll walk in nature (I already have and it was fantastical), bless the flowering plants and trees, acknowledge the rushing streams and rivers for their might, wink up at the sun.

I'll help my hubby plan a refreshing cocktail like this one: (http://cocktails.about.com/od/cocktailrecipes/r/elderflower_ckt.htm) for dinnertime, and put together a fresh, flavorful meal consisting of lots of fruits and veggies in an array of colors.  More colors = more vitamins = more happy. 

I'll remember to recognize today as the beginning of summer in the pagan tradition.  It's the time right between the Spring equinox and the Summer solstice, when Summer is officially known to begin.  But why not just say, "Hey!  It's Summer already!"?  I'll sit out on our little deck and start planning the "summerfication" of the backyard, patio, and waterfall area.

And, since I've learned about it, it's time to track down some lily of the valley perfume.  Mom would've like it.  And who knows?  She might just want to stop on by...