Yuletide with Covenant of the Goddess & Winter Poetry

Yuletide is here once again.  

Come celebrate with us!  For the next 20 days, we will be sharing the recipes, songs, crafts and other Yule treats from the festive halls and homes of  CoG  members.  For additional ideas and inspiration, look at last year's posts.  

We'll kick this year's celebration with a poem

Winter in Wisconsin

by Mari Powers (2010)

National Solitary

Wheel of evergreen, and lanterns aglow,

The Holly King walks among us,

as the wheel of the year turns to Yule.

Windy Oya blows cold from the North.

And from Her tundra,

comes the still silent snow.

The fairy folk gather on sparkling mounds of white

from Old Ashipin to Aztalan.

As the sun sinks lower every night,

it lights a rose and amber glow in the West.

The great hunt is done.

The Sidhe move to their winter mounds.

The corn king lies smoldering 

and the blue hag of winter

begins her long reign.

The sun retreats early.

The rose and amber glow in the west hurries 

to step aside for the moon.

In the early predawn on this winter’s solstice 

the full moon makes spider webs in the snow.

On this darkest night, the pine trees are spindles.

Deep in the woods, in a still grove of oak,

Cerrnunos raises the call across the frozen forest.

The fairy come out of the sparkling mounds of white

and gather to celebrate.

The north wind 

carries His voice over meadows of snow.

The fairy folk rise to the call.

They have no care for the cold that keeps us inside.

Dressed in their holiday best,

snowflakes glitter in their hair.

They are shimmering ghost lights in a circle.

The fairy queen spins the return of light

in the dark of winter beginning.

In the morning, we find circles of green mistletoe 

and red holly in their wake.

Covenant of the Goddess: Looking Back and Looking Forward

Samhain has come and gone.  The weather is cooling off and the leaves are changing color.  As the seasonal tides turn, so do those of Covenant of the Goddess (CoG). On November 1^st, the newly elected National Board took office to help steer the organization through yet another year of advocacy and adventure.  This date also marks CoG’s 38^th birthday having been officially founded on October 31^st of 1975.

Over the past year, CoG and its local councils found themselves doing incredible outreach work in so many areas. A very small sampling of this work included:

•        Financially supporting the Council for the Parliament of World Religions, Cherry Hill Seminary and Ardantane.
•          Attending interfaith conventions and working with local and national interfaith groups.  (For details see CoG’s own Interfaith Blog)
•          Acting locally as advocates for Pagan rights in cases of religious freedom. (e.g. Florida’s Kyrja Whithers and Pahokee Summer Solstice Festival) 
•          Communicating with the media and others to offer supportive information and corrective feedback at a national level (e.g. Fox News, CNN and Facebook)  
•          Representing Wiccans and Witches in Global forums and within our local communities.
•          Acting as chaplains in prison and military environments.
•          Working with and showing support for Lady Liberty League and The Pagan Federation International
•          Attending and sponsoring Pagan Pride Events, local classes and seasonal festivals.

In August, CoG held its yearly conference, Merry Meet and Grand Council, in the historic town of Salem.  During the event the members held an impromptu ritual to honor those killed in the name of witchcraft.  During that ritual onlookers gathered and some even joined in the work.  It was a high-point in the year for many of members.

Our social media presence has more than doubled since last year. In mid December we had 9,287 Facebook likes, no Pinterest account and only 37 followers on Twitter.  A year later, we have 21,332 Facebook likes, 217 CoGTweet followers and 125 CogPins followers.

As we move into the Yule season, we will begin our festive postings “Yuletide with CoG” to share the warmth of the season from our members to the greater community.  

For more information about Covenant of the Goddess, please go to our main website at www.cog.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.  If you’d like to donate to our members’ outreach work, you can do so through by contacting any of our local councils, our national officers or through PayPal’s Giving Fund or eBay’s Giving Works (both formerly called Mission Fish.)    

Yuletide with CoG #14: Winter Sword Meditation

Winter Sword Meditation

(submitted by Hawk, National First Officer)

The Sword in Winter

Moon:   Cold moon/Full Moon January

Incense:  Cedar, Pine, and Raspberry Leaves

Oil:  Frosted Holly or other mint based oil

Candles:  White and Elemental Candle for Sword Working

Before you, upon a wall of clean and polished white stone, hangs a tapestry.  The thread is polished and shining.  The tapestry is simple:  a wooden door with an ornate handle of gold.  The tapestry seems alive with movement and magic…and you reach towards it, focusing on the golden latch.  You are not surprised to feel the cool touch of the precious metal.  You turn the knob slowly to the right and hear a satisfying click as the door begins to open…

You venture out from your safe and warm abode into the chilled and frosty outdoors.  It is twilight and to the West, the winter sun settles beneath the horizon amidst a tapestry of fiery red, and orange.  To the East you can see the darkness of night approaching. Silvery starlight dances in the sky as a crisp wind begins to blow from the West.  The Moon is full and polished and riding on the sky in a dazzle of silvery light.  The wind seems to be tinged with voices…singing…laughing…weeping.

A path upon the frozen earth beneath your feet becomes clear.  It begins at your own doorway and unfolds into the West.  As you step forward, you feel a slight shift in the Earth beneath you.   Breathing deeply and feeling the strong beat of your heart within your chest, you take a second step.  Another shift beneath your feet leaves a tingling sensation…and when your vision clears, you stand at the threshold of a magnificent forest.  Clad in thick snow, the forest is silent as you stand before it.  Standing to either side of the path are two trees.  Tall and mighty, they look to be Oak, but then your vision blurs again for a brief moment and when it clears, the trees are Birch.  As you stand there, the trees continue to transform into what you now realize are all of the Sacred Trees.  You feel a beckoning to continue on the path and so you step forward again into the West.

After quite some distance, you see the path diverge into several directions.  One turns and leads to the North and another to the East.  Your path continues Westward and as you puzzle over where to go next, the wind comes forth again, bringing with it the voices that are clearer now and closer, it seems.  You continue West on the snowy path.  

Before you the forest suddenly opens to unveil a magnificent lake that seems to stretch for miles upon miles.  It is still night, even here, yet the starlight is brighter, more dazzling, and everything seems to be white or silver…and glowing.  You hear the singing again…a very high, melodic voice accompanied by the strings of a harp…but it is still far away, you think.  

The lake is frozen, you realize, and is such a startling blue color that you are certain that the ice is too thin to tread upon.  And yet…you place one foot on the lake’s edge and the ice is firm.  You step forward carefully.  The ice looks thin, but it feels thick and solid beneath you.  You look up from the frozen surface and see a flash to the North.  Up higher, against the starry sky, you see a shooting star streak North to South and then disappear in a blaze of gold and red.  You see the flash again and this time you are sure that whatever it is, it is farther out on the ice.

You walk towards the flash.  Within moments, you see an object sitting upon the ice that flashes and pulses, it seems, with the dancing starlight above.  As you get closer, you then see that it is a broken piece of ice….no….not broken…it is a small tower of ice that actually rises forth from the surface of the Lake.  Inside it, a sword rests.  You can see a jeweled hilt with dragons whose eyes blaze red and gold with each twinkle of the stars above.  

Take your time and look at the Sword…watch how it dances…feel its vibration…hear its song…

You silently thank the Lordly Ones, the Folk of the Lake, for this vision. 

(from the forthcoming "Arthurian Magic: The Tapestry of Winter" book by VC)

(image and header provided by~Magickal Graphics~)

Yuletide with CoG #13: Cranberry & Horseradish Sauce

Cranberry sauce with horseradish

(from the Midwest Regional Local Council holiday files)

1 bag cranberries (2 c.)
1/2 onion chopped
3/4 c. sour cream
2 tbsp. horseradish
1/2 c. sugar

Directions:  Rinse cranberries. Grind cranberries in blender or food processor until pieces are very small.  Stir all ingredients together.  Store in plastic container. Remove from freezer and thaw in refrigerator on Thanksgiving morning.
Special note:  This fascinating recipe is often mentioned by Susan Stamberg, longtime reporter for NPR radio station, but she admits that her mother-in-law's recipe was found in a New York Times article circa 1959.  

(header art provided by Magickal Graphics)

Yuletide with CoG #12: Birtilak Castle Incense

Birtilak Castle Incense 

(From Hawk, National First Officer, Dogwood Local Council)

Shelter, Guidance, Rest, Gifts from the Yuletide Spirits

Lightning Oak Chips

White Oak Bark

Cedar Tips

Sage Leaf

Dragon’s Blood resin

Oak Moss Resin

Combine equal parts. 

(From the forthcoming book, Arthurian Magic: The Tapestry of Winter by Virginia Chandler) 

(Header graphic provided by Magickal Graphics)

Yuldetide with CoG #11: Corn Chowder

Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder

(Submitted by Oberon Osiris, National Correspondence Officer

Midwest Regional Local Council)

1/4 stick butter

1 package dry vegetable soup mix (Lipton, Knorrs, etc.)

1 can creamed corn (white or yellow is fine)

1/4 to 1/2 half softened cream cheese (the more the creamier)

1 can chicken broth (optional)

Milk (2 cans, using corn can as your measure)

1- 6 oz can of chicken breast

Melt butter in medium saucepan. Then add soup mix.  Stir and saute a few minutes. Add creamed corn and heat to near boiling. (This will look like a strange paste-like mixture.)

Add cream cheese, keep stirring on medium to high heat.

When mixed and heated well, add broth,and milk.

Bring to boil/near boil.  Reduce heat to simmer.  Add chicken.  You can drain the liquid if you're using chicken broth. Let simmer, at least 10 to 15 minutes.

(top holiday graphic provided by Magickal Graphics)

Yuletide with CoG #10: Hot Spiced Cider

Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider

Photo by Jill Clardy at Flickr

I found this recipe at a local farmer's market holiday shopping extravaganza years ago.  Ever since, I've been making it part of my Yuletide treats. - Miraselena, NPIO, Dogwood Local Council

"Make some memories with the aromas of cinnamon, clove and lemon, mingled with hot apple cranberry cider.  If desired, float a fresh lemon slice in each cup."  

2 Quarts Apple Cider

6 Cups Cranberry Juice

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

4 cinnamon sticks

1 1/2 teaspoons of whole cloves

1 lemon, thinly sliced

In a large pot, combine apple cider, cranberry juice, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves and lemon slices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes.   With a slotted spoon, remove cinnamon, cloves and lemon slices.  Serve hot! 

Yuletide with Cog #9: Fruit Cake You'll Love

Great Aunt Eleanor's Fruit Cake

(Submitted by Diana Kampert, Spiraling Heart Coven Everglades Moon Local Council)

"Don't like Fruit Cake?  You won't after you try this recipe"

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. each cinnamon, ground allspice, nutmeg and cloves[1]

2 sticks of butter, softened

1 cup well-packed brown sugar

6 eggs

1 tbsp. vanilla

½ cup brandy

1 cup light raisins[2]

1 cup dark raisins

1 cup currants

½ cup each dried cranberries, cherries, pineapple, etc.

Nuts

Set oven to 300° oven

Butter a springform pan and line with waxed paper.  Sift dry ingredients together.  In a plastic bag, combine fruits and nuts with about 2 tbsp. of the flour mixture.  Shake to coat well.

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs one at a time, and beat after each.  Then add vanilla and brandy. Fold in flour by hand, then fruit and nuts.  Pour into springform pan and bake for 1 ½ - 2 hours.  If it browns too fast, cover lightly with foil and reduce temperature to 275°, after 1 ½ hours. 

To store, wrap cloth steeped in brandy, then in foil.  Place in air-tight container in a cool place.  Allow to age at least a month.

Notes 10/3/12

Greased the pan with Crisco and only lined it with 1 sheet of waxed paper instead of trying to wrangle two for full coverage.  There were just a couple of small gaps on either side.  These I later covered with a couple small pieces of the butter paper.  Then, I greased the inside of the waxed paper as well.  During the creaming process, I forgot to add the brandy and vanilla, so I added it halfway through the folding process, then used the mixer to cream a little bit more; then folded in the rest of the flour and added the fruit and nuts.  The cake fully baked in 1 ½ hours, no need to cover with foil, etc.  Also, the waxed paper came off much more easily, and no sticking in the cracks, etc.

---

[1] Original recipe called for 1 tsp. cinnamon and one tsp. of either nutmeg or allspice.  I modified to add 1 tsp. each, and also added ground cloves.

[2] Original recipe called for candied fruit.  I changed to dried fruit – much better!  Fruit and nuts proportions can vary.  Overall, about 4 – 4 ½ cups total.

Yuletide with CoG #8: Solstice Night Lyrics

Solstice Night 

(sung to the tune of Silent Night)

Lyrics Written by Banshee ShadowWolf, Circle of Wondrous Stories

Midwest Region Local Council
(art provided by ~Magickal Graphics~)

Solstice night,

longest night,

guide us with

divine insight.

Draw inspiration

from deep within.

Restore hope,

let magick begin.

The wheel of life again turns.

THE wheel of life again turns.

Longest night,

Solstice night,

the coming dawn

returns the light.

Mother Earth's

asleep under the snow.

Slowly she wakens

so all things can grow.

Welcome the sun's bright return.

Welcome the sun's bright return..

Solstice night,

longest night,

Now reborn--

the Lord of Light.

All arise,

sing his many names.

The world is warmed

by his splendid flames.

Solstice child, bring us peace.

Solstice child, bring us peace.

Yuletide with CoG #7: Bath & Body Gifts

Bath and Body Yuletide Gifts

Stachia Ravensdottir

National Publications Officer

Touchstone Local Council

If you can't find an airtight jar that's pretty, you can always use canning jars and a piece of pretty fabric between the lid and the ring.  

Calming Spirit Tea Blend

1 C Rosemary

1 C Lavender

1 C Spearmint

½ C Chamomile

¼ - ½ C Cloves

Blend all herbs thoroughly and store in an airtight container.  Use 1 tsp blend per cup of boiling water.  Steep and enjoy!

Brown Sugar & Honey Scrub

1 C Brown sugar

3 tsp. Liquid glycerin

1 tsp. Pure honey

3-5 drops vanilla or your favorite oil

Mix well and store in an airtight container.  Add more liquid ingredients if you prefer a thinner end product.  Use small amounts when scrubbing the nose, being careful not to get any in your eyes. Scrub elbows, hands, knees and feet.  Rinse in warm water, pat dry and apply your favorite lotion if needed.

  

Ginger Body Scrub

¼ C Sea salt

¼ C Cornmeal

a C Grapeseed oil

2 drops Ginger oil

4 drops Peppermint oil

3 drops Rosemary oil

Mix salt & cornmeal.  Add oils and mix thoroughly.   Use in the shower.  Apply in circular motions, working from the extremities inward, towards the center of the body and the heart.  Rinse with warm water.  Gently pat dry.  Your skin will feel smoother and have a nice glow!  Note:  you should never use salt scrubs on your face!

Fancy Foot Scrub

(from Rebecca Knolls on an episode of Good Morning America segment in 2001)

The scrub is great for softening the calloused areas of the foot. The oil will condition and invigorate the foot. Don't leave out the best part; the hot towels are the finale to this wonderful indulgence!   It makes a wonderful Yule present but make your gifts it in plastic containers as wet oily hands and glass could spell disaster in a shower.  To use, I recommend following the directions below and a large towel on the floor to catch any excess salt so you won't have to vacuum afterwards. 

Kosher salt

Olive oil

3 drops rosemary essential oil

2-4 drops peppermint oil

One hour before scrubbing, wet hand towels and wring out excess moisture. Roll up and place in a crock-pot that has ½ inch of water added to bottom. Cover pot and allow towels to heat. Fill wide-mouthed jar ¾ full with kosher salt. Add olive oil; enough to cover salt. Add essential oils and mix well. Scrub bottom of feet vigorously, concentrating on calloused areas. Leave mixture on feet then wrap tightly in warm towel. Wrap again with larger towel. Allow foot to rest five minutes. Unwrap, wiping off salts and massaging excess oil into foot.

Yuletide with CoG #6: Cranberry Relish

Cranberry Relish
Submitted by Diana Kampert
Spiraling Heart Coven, Everglades Moon Local Council

2 lbs. fresh cranberries

1 cup sugar

¼ cup Grand Marnier

1 orange, zested and juiced

Place all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor.  Pulse several times to break down the cranberries and incorporate the ingredients.  It should still be a bit chunky.  Allow the cranberry relish to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, to let the flavors marry.

Yuletide with CoG #5: Candy Cookies

Candy Cookies
 Submitted by Diana Kampert
Spiraling Heart Coven, Everglades Moon Local Council

(Grandma Kinney’s recipe)

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

3 tablespoons cocoa

Boil the above ingredients for 1 minute and remove from heat and add the following ingredients.

3 cups quick oats

3/4 cup nuts

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

Drop by teaspoonful onto wax paper and let cool.

Yuletide with Cog #4: Music of Lady Bridget

Yule in Twilight

by Lady Bridget

Everglades Moon Local Council

National Membership Officer

This song was originally performed by Lady Bridget and the Belladonnas for their second album "Voices of the Goddess."   Below are the lyrics and chords.  

Listen to the song. 

Chords and Lyrics for Yule in Twilight

by Lady Bridget

             

C                 Am      G7           C

Yule in the twilight, candlelight flickering

C            Am        G7        C

Softly reflecting on ivy entwined

C                   Am    G7                    C

Robes rustle quietly, incense smokes silently

C                   Am          G7             C

All mundane matters are now left behind.

F                                       G7

Welcome the Sabbat, the circle is cast

Am                                F           G7

Once more we enter between

F                                     G7

Here where the future is one with the past

       Am              F           Am      G7     Am   F    C   (repeat last line)

And all that was hidden is seen.

C                   Am        G7                    C

Call forth the elements, come now and celebrate

C              Am            G7               C

With us as we seek the Sun Kings return

C                Am        G7              C

Honor the Goddess, seeking Her bountiful

C                   Am             G7             C

Guidance and wisdom, so much yet to learn.

F                                       G7

Welcome the Sabbat, the circle is cast

Am                                F           G7

Once more we enter between

F                                   G7

Here where the future is one with the past

       Am              F            Am      G7     Am   F    C   (repeat last line)

And all that was hidden is seen.

C                 Am     G7             C

Yule in the twilight, candlelight flickering

C            Am         G7     C

Softly reflecting on ivy entwined

C                   Am    G7                    C

Robes rustle quietly, incense smokes silently

C               Am         G7          C

Listening closely, we wait for a sign

C                   Am           G7                 C

Here come the Mighty Ones, a chill is beside us

Am                                 F                 G7

Shadows are leaping as candle flames burn

F                                 G7

Goddess is immenent as we all realize

Am                  F                     G7          C  

Here we shall witness the Sun King's return.

C                 Am     G7              C

Yule in the twilight, candlelight flickering

C            Am        G7       C

Softly reflecting on ivy entwined

C                   Am    G7                      C

Robes rustle quietly, incense smokes silently

C                   Am      G7           C

Darkness of winter is now left behind. 

Yuletide with CoG #3: Winter Solstice Poetry

In Celebration of Winter Solstice

a poem by Mari Powers, Wisconsin

Yuletide turning, wheel of life

The sun is reborn on the darkest of nights.

Sweet pine, evergreen, festival of lights,

Ice fairy, winter land, and deep inner sight.

Quiet, then, and deep within,

Breath in the heady essence of silent forest green.

We walk together the way of the great mother bear

and feathery egret.

Soft then, we glide along snow-covered path.

As She leads us ever deeper into her crystalline lair.

In profound silence, we turn inward.

Deep in quiet, we turn 'round.

Friends and laughter, hands and holding,

wreath and carol, gift of giving spirit found.

Seeking ever friend and lover,

Yuletide gathering, poems and laughter.

Candles burning, kindred sharing,

Feast and fire and Solstice song.

Magickal Graphics

Yuletide with CoG #2: Athollbrose "Brew of Atholl"

ATHOLLBROSE

 "the brew of Atholl" 

Submitted by Lady Runach of Coven Trismegiston, Berkeley CA 

The legend goes the Laird of Atholl poisoned a well with this, which allowed him to overcome his enemies in battle, because they were so hung over.

I learned it from Sharon, one of COG's founding members and harpist extraordinaire of the Irish musical group Shiela-na-Gig.This is a traditional Scottish drink, excellent for the Pagan Mid-Winter holidays.  It fits well for Yule, Hogmanay, or Candlemas.  Anywhere where eggnog might fill the bill, Athollbrose will go very well.   And, no worries about Salmonella in the raw eggs, because there aren't any eggs in it.  It tastes like a liquid version of those white Italian honey-almond-nougat candies that come in tiny boxes at Yule.

The recipe is pretty much to taste, so the measurements are approximate.

Ingredients:

Water, 3 to 4 quarts

4 cups of rolled oats

1 fifth of Scotch whisky

honey to taste, have at least a pound on hand

1 quart of whipping cream or half and half

nutmeg, star anise pods

Boil approximately 3 quarts to one gallon of water with 4 cups of rolled oats. The idea here is not to make breakfast cereal, but to allow the water to become silky, thick, and nutty with the oat-starch. When the oats are cooked, strain them out with a fine-mesh strainer or sieve. Use the cooked oats for something else,and save the thick oatenmeal-water. Allow the oat-water to cool, then add either a quart of whipping cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version), and honey to taste--1 cup or more--and stir to combine. If you microwave the honey to warm it, it will dissolve more easily.

Lastly, add a fifth of Scotch (a blended whisky is fine for this--don't waste a precious single malt on poisoning a well.) If you are serving the drink hot, warm the other ingredients together and add the Scotch last.  You can

garnish the drink in a punch bowl with grated nutmeg and a few floating star anise pods.  Some folk like to add a little almond extract or amaretto, but such folk aren't Scottish. Serve hot, cold, or at room temperature. 

Makes about 5 quarts.