Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth

In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.

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Moon Horns

Shortly after sunset, the horns ring out.

These are the Moon Horns, sounding from the Tower on Witches' Hill, the highest point in the city, a signal from the official watchers. It can mean only one thing: New Moon!

The First Crescent has been sighted in the sky, marking the beginning of another month. Across the city, horns ring out in reply, passing along the happy news, washing out from the Tower in concentric circles like ripples from a lake-cast stone.

The Moon Call is broadcast on local radio and television as well. Everyone that can dons their finery and rushes out, facing West, to greet the First Crescent in the sky with the traditional incense, hymns, and libations.

Hail to thee, thou New Moon,

guiding jewel of gentleness;

I am bending to thee my knee,

I am offering thee my love.

Others hasten to light the bonfires in park and backyard where people will gather to welcome the return of She Who Shines by Night and to wish one another Merry Moon.

The sound of drums rises across the city. The parties will continue well into the night.

 Thou Queen, Maiden of Guidance;

thou Queen, Maiden of Good Fortune;

thou Queen, Maiden my Beloved:

O New Moon of the seasons!

 

 

 

 

 

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Tagged in: moon worship new moon
Poet, scholar and storyteller Steven Posch was raised in the hardwood forests of western Pennsylvania by white-tailed deer. (That's the story, anyway.) He emigrated to Paganistan in 1979 and by sheer dint of personality has become one of Lake Country's foremost men-in-black. He is current keeper of the Minnesota Ooser.

Comments

  • Sarah Israelson
    Sarah Israelson Friday, 24 April 2020

    I love this. I love the imagery it portrays and the longing that it creates in my heart.

  • Steven Posch
    Steven Posch Saturday, 25 April 2020

    Soon may we see it, Sarah!

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