July (Æfterra Litha)

July (Æfterra Litha) 

Introduction

Here we use the nine herb charm as the point of entry into the workings of an Anglo-Saxon healer. Spells were sung over the herbs before they could be lifted with the root ball.

The stems were only cut at the last minute in order to conserve the energy of the plant. Spider spells were a popular method of applying a charm, these were sung nine times: three times in each ear and again three times over the head while burning incense.

July (Æfterra Litha) 

Summer’s warmest blessing, is fully here,

But let’s not forget, colder times of year.

Weaponmen cut wood, for the winter blaze,

As shorter are waning, the warming days.

While we start to cut, the winter’s firewood,

Greybeards spell crafting, as a wise man should.

Into the realm of spirit, he now be,

Medicinal trance spell, beneath the tree.

Later gathereth, nettle and poison's bane,

These he findeth, along the dusty lane.

Over by the ditch, crab apple and lambscress,

Chanting prayer to each, to charge and bless.

Into unmown mead, scented camomile,

Wicker bag on shoulder, over the style.

Mugwort and waybread, seen in fallow mead,

Only two more herbs, for him to proceed,

Taken by the root ball, fennel and thyme,

Intone and enchant, magic spells to rhyme.

The nine herbs to be, taken to his hut,

Before the stems can, finally be cut.

Late into the night, with elf struck Wifeman,

Ceremony and sacred, trance began.

His chanting galdor crafted, skills to use,

The nine herb mixture, ready to infuse.

Spider spell to sing, three times in each ear,

Helping healing spirits, elf shot disappear.

Then above the head, three times more to chant,

With way of Wyrd, there’s no belief in can’t.

On the mead bench, spell crafting in the air,

Wilt the coming winter, the greybeard spare.

But for now apples, ripen on the tree,

Drinking melomel, summer blessing thee.

Copyright Andrew Rea 2009