hexereiwitch:

She of moonlight and a thousand dreams,

Of flame and shade and glistening sheen.

Black crushed velvet and a satin kiss,

Dark, glowering eyes shrouded in mist.

Flames in each hand, a hound by her side,

Moths to her flame in her hurried stride.

A beckoning hand leads through the snow,

A spirit alive at the Crossroads.

A haunting song carries through the wind,

Voices so alive, a heartbeat so dim.

A chant, a spark, a whistling tune,

Spirits awake, night begins to bloom.

The chilling dead, the song of the Wren,

Give way to all, a blessed Samhain.

bean-chaointe:

themodernsouthernpolytheist:

goneintheriver:

lordognar:

themodernsouthernpolytheist:

That’s an excellent question! I think it depends on what you’re goin for. There’s always somethin simple like Sláinte of that works for you. I use it occasionally myself.

Somewhere along the way, I also picked up “An beannacht de beannachtaí ar Na Trí,” which translates to “The blessing of blessings on The Three.”* Lots of times, I use this as an opener and closer, honestly. And I can’t for the life of me remember where it came from, but it’s served me well, I think. This is really one of those things that seems to be fairly personal in Gaelic Polytheism and many Pagan and Polytheist practices cause so many of us come from Abrahamic backgrounds and like that concrete ending, but also don’t wanna use a word so inherently tied to those traditions, even when they’ve long been absorbed into our various cultures.

I’d actually love to hear if anyone else has words or phrases they use to open or close prayer?

*I am by no means fluent in Irish, so if someone knows this isn’t accurate, please let me know.

Whenever I see a reference to like three and shit i get wary because Wiccans. Is it for the Morrigan?

I believe the Three refrences the Gods, Spirits, and Ancestors. (I know some people use the gods and ungods)

Ah, I didn’t think to mention that, but yes, “Na Trí” references the groups @goneintheriver mentioned. Which for me, “spirits” applies in the broadest sense of the term to include land spirits, The Fair Folk, etc. I use Na Dé Ocus Andé, too, but usually when I’m referencing non-explicitly-ancestral spirits. Just my own preference/distinction.

@lordognar, Irish myth and lore set a solid pre-Wiccan foundation for the use of three. Folks like Robert Graves took a few concepts that had attested historical precedent, such as the triplification of deities – usually goddesses but not always – found in Irish, Gaulish, Greek, and other sources, but then ran off the rails with those concepts (Maiden, Mother, and Crone are Graves’ interpretation of that triplification). Unfortunately it’s the…creative twists that get remembered most often. Three as a sacred number isn’t unique to Wicca, or even Irish polytheism, for that matter.

I start my prayers with, “[deity/collective name], [some epithets either general or specific], [body of prayer],”

and then end with a simple, “Beannachtaí, [deity/collective name].” I just leave it at that unless special circumstances require more.

mistsbetweenworlds:

They call your blade Fragarach, the Answerer, and they say that when it’s held to the enemy’s throat, no lie can escape their lips.

Manannán, in this time of darkness and confusion, of “alternative facts”, of reporters being assaulted and jailed, we call upon you. Protect your own, as you have through the ages.

Help the truth, somehow, endure and be brought to light. Shatter the cups of those who would hide their corruption, and leave them parched. Merciful king, may mercy be shown unto us.