! Assembly of The Elder Troth - Poetry - Harvest

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The following work is Copyright of its' author. This work is currently specifically allowed to be presented anywhere as has been directed by the author as long as it remains intact and this Copyright notice is included.

Holy Harvest
(Autumn Equinox)
(© 2004 Rhonda Rogge-Turner)

Day's light dims and shortens---as Night grows and gains in length,
Wynn-seeds which were sown---yielded a Harvest of Harmony's strength.

Thus at this Even-tide time---we Hail the Vanir All!
Of the Wanes who ay abide---Four we now shall name and call.

Nerthus, known as Mother Earth---She of Wain and of Womb,
Great Goddess of Enclosures---of Birch-breast and Birch-tomb.

Njorth, Generous Wih-God---He of Water, Wind, and Fire,
Warder of Land-wealth and Weal---ever the Earth-Kin's Sire.

Freya, our Red-gold Goddess---the beautiful Earth-bride,
She of Seith-sorcery---Shall ay be Beacon and Guide.

Frey, God of the Green-woods---the Stallion God and Stag King,
Lord of Lust, Lord of Love---as Volsi and virile Ing.

All around us---North, West, South, East---Ice, Water, Fire, and Wind,
Mighty are the Brising's meeds---gifts that the Van-Gods send.

Kenaz candles are lit with love---in West windows all,
Tribute torch to Vanic-Ar---and first full night of Fall.

Flickering firelight draws---our ancient Deities of Earth,
As well as the sacred sounds---of merriment and mirth.

Within the woods we gather---sharing dance, a feast, and fun,
Ribald is the revel---of earthy jest, joke and pun.

Our laughter sheds light---on the shadows of Harvest night,
Rejoicing and regaling---in Their magic and might.

Hail to the Wise Wanes---Nerthus, Njorth, Freia, and Fro Ing!
Heartfelt love and loyalty---we happily shout and sing!

Ar--Old Norse for year, (good) season. Refers to Jera, the 12th rune of the Elder Futhark, some of its aspects being that of returned reward, the period of time as a year, and harvest.
Ay--Always
Birch--Referring to Berkano (GMC or Germanic for Birch Goddess), the 18th rune of the Elder Futhark. As part of it essence it expresses such key words as "Earth Mother," "birth-life-death cycle," and containment.
Brising--pertaining to Freia's necklace the Brisingamen.
Kenaz--GMC for torch. The 6th rune of the Elder Futhark, considered a fire rune that is controlled toward a willed result--such as a torch. The Kenaz candles mentioned, refers to small votive candles that I inscribe with Jera runes (or if unfamiliar with runes, unmarked candles). I then place one in each West window (candles are in sturdy containers placed upon a small glass plate) as a tribute to the Vanir.
Meeds--Rewards
Wih--Holy, sacred.
Wynn--Old English for pleasure, delight. Refers to Wunjo (GMC for joy), the 8th rune of the Elder Futhark. Some of the key words for this rune are harmony, well-being, and fellowship.

Rune references--"Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic" by Edred Thorsson.

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Last Update: Wednesday, December 7, 2005