The Holly and the Ivy I
adapted by Susan M. Shaw
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry tunes
As we Pagans sing with cheer
The holly bears a blossom
White as the lily flower
The Goddess shares the Solstice Sun
Days grow longer with its power
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
We celebrate with joyous hearts
The Wheel of the Year
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
The Goddess brings the Solstice Sun
To allow our hopes to bud
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
These blessed signs of life's renewal
Will banish any fear
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn
The Goddess lights the Solstice Sun
As we welcome the new morn
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The Green Man and the Holly King
Are always welcome here
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall
The Goddess gives the Solstice Sun
For the wonder of us all
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
In perfect love and perfect trust
May our hearts be ever clear
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry tunes
As we Pagans sing with cheer