Isaac Bonewits wrote Real Magic, the seminal book on modern magical and psychic practice, and was a founder of the modern American Druid movement. He also wrote some of the rst Pagan songs of the last half-century. This is one of his best, his hymn to the Neopagan movement.
I remember singing it for a May Day/Beltane ritual he led in the Berkeley Rose Garden; between the music and dancing and theater, it was one of the most beautiful and e ective ceremonies I’ve ever seen.
lyrics
Hail the day so long expected, when the Gates are opened wide.
Magicks, old and new collected, have restored the ancient pride.
Throughout Faerie’s wide dominion hear the trumpets swoop and soar.
Avalon is risen, is risen, is risen.
Avalon is risen, to fall no more.
All of us now stand in wonder as our visions come to pass.
Old Earth Mother and God of Thunder, Huntress, Weaver, join the dance.
Swell the sound of joyous laughter, hear immortal voices roar!
Though some thought that all their hating had sent Her beneath the waves,
Avalon was only waiting, for Her folk will not be slaves!
Now the day of freedom’s dawning brings them back forevermore.
Hark, all ye in beds and bowers; Pan has come another time –
Ruling with a rod of flowers, giving us the bliss sublime.
Frigg and Frigga now shall guide us, Danu be our counselor.
Listen warriors of the Old Gods, as the Wild Hunt’s horn does sound.
All their works shall fall before us, and the evil ones be bound.
Raise the shield of bright Athena, swing the hammer of great Thor.
Hear me now, each dree and bandree, Brahman, volkhvi, flamen too,
Priest and priestess, poet, godhi, runemaster and shaman true:
All your faith is now rewarded, prophets of the ancient lore.
Some of us shall yet go a-sailing, through the void so deep and far.
They will come with us unfailing, plant the seeds from star to star.
Hear our children’s children’s voices, join with those from days of yore.
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