The Holly and the Ivy VI
Oh the Holly and the ivy when they are both full grown
In wintertime when all is dead they bear the living crown
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
Oh the ivy is the maiden, the holly is her love
As they entwine at Yuletide the Lady smiles above
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
The Holly blooms in glory when the solstice day is near
We burn the yule log to make the new-born Sun appear
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
'Tis at Yule when the Mother gives birth to the coming Spring
In the midst of winter cold; the new-born Sun, Holly King
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
Throughout the land she wanders with the new day-lit god
And in the Spring sweet love is made where'ere Her foot has trod
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
She is in all our loving, in all we love and fear,
How wondrous is the way in which our Lady doth appear
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
Praise the Queen of Air and Earth, of Fire and Water
All poetry's our Lady's art, all music sings to her
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
All in the holy Circle, hand to hand we pass the blade
To invoke the Lady's power unsheathed by the Ivy Maid
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
Now Blessed be the Earth at rest beneath our feet
As we have hope of rest one day, our Lady for to greet
Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year
Out of Darkness shall come dawning, out of Winter shall come Spring
Out of the toil of striving comes the peace our Lady brings