Holy Darkness

The Magic of the Goddess is manifest in the turning of the Wheel of The Year. Our rituals celebrate Day/Night, Heat/Cold, Dark/Light, and many other dichotomies. Bringing spirituality to our observances of these distinctions gives Pagan folk a new perspective. In this way, we begin to nourish appreciation of darkness, and acceptance of the many changes and manifestations we experience throughout our Spiritual lives.  

Appreciation of the Long Nights

At this point in the Wheel, we are cloaked by lengthy darkness and fewer hours of daylight. For many people, this is a recipe for sadness, as they miss the long, bright, warm days of Spring and Summer. However, I am an exception~ I find that I am temperamentally suited for darkness and cold weather. Summer is a trial for me, and I eagerly anticipate the shorter days of Fall, the low level of light, the increasing darkness and its blessings.

“Time to Sing of what the Dark may bring”

So many beautiful Pagan songs, stories, rituals and myths exist about the Sun, the coming of the Light, Lugh the Sun God, planting and reaping and the Harvest. A few years ago I realized that there are fewer testimonies to the gifts of darkness, the Winter Solstice, and the quiet, inward time given to us for reflection. Therefore, I was moved to write Darkness Holy Be, which was recorded and can be heard on our latest album, Seasons: A Pagan Journey around the Wheel. As stated in one of the verses, “It is the time to sing of what the dark may bring. Feel  the winter magic unfold”

The words of this song reflect so many aspects of the Dark time of the year, those things that are meaningful to the Pagan community. Some of these are gathering together to share warmth, the awe of star gazing, acknowledging the Cauldron of the Goddess, recognizing the journey of the Sun God through the Heavens. Let us rejoice in these precious and sacred gifts of this time of year.

The season offers opportunity for deep reflection

Darkness creates the opportunity to explore our Shadow side, that part of our persona which holds our grief, disappointment, sorrow and regret. Accordingly, we find the sacred in those feelings, transforming them all into understanding and acceptance. We are indeed incomplete if we deny these darker parts of our selves. Bringing them into balance is holy work. 

It would be a great honor if you alone or in your circle would choose to use this song as the basis for a ritual around Darkness. Perhaps it can be part of your Yule celebration, as the song refers to the Sol-stice, or Sun standing still. Here are a few ritual suggestions:

Creating a Darkness ritual

In your circle cast, recognize the gifts of the Dark Time of the Wheel, especially in the call of the directions. Begin with many candles held in your hands and on your altar. Your ritual might start by singing, perhaps only the first part of the song, Darkness Holy Be. On our album, I sang the solos in the chorus, but that could be a group enterprise.  Here are the lyrics to the first verse:

It is the darkest night, it is the longest night,
and the earth settles in.
We shelter from the cold, the secret tales are told
Let the deepest magic begin.
Darkness cover me, like a cloak of softest gray
Darkness cover me, stars, stars in bright array
Darkness cover me, whisper every word I say
Darkness cover me

music & lyrics © Marilyn Stacey Leftwich, 2017, recorded by the Crow Women on the album Seasons

Then, each member of the group might speak aloud of their understanding of the Blessings of this dark time. However, not by anticipating the coming of the light, but by focusing on the Darkness and long night in and of itself. As each member of your circle concludes, they blow out their candle. Finally, only the altar candle(s) remain- and then the Priestess or Priest extinguishes them. At this time, the rest of the song may be sung (or the track played), as participants stand alone in darkness, yet connected heart to heart and voice to voice. Here are the rest of the lyrics:

The Goddess turns the wheel, the seasons to reveal
and the sun stands still.
We feel the magic start as we stand heart to heart,
sharing warmth that defeats the chill.
Darkness enter me, in the cauldron we are blessed
Darkness enter me, once reborn, soul possessed
Darkness enter me, in the Goddess’ arms we rest
Darkness enter me

We feel the power build, the season is fulfilled
and the year grows old.
It is the time to sing of what the dark may bring.
Feel the winter magic unfold
Darkness Holy be, one with the night
Darkness Holy be, now I see with shadow sight
Darkness Holy be, through the veil I take flight
Darkness Holy be
Darkness cover me, cover me, oh cover me
Darkness enter me, enter into my life
Darkness Holy be, holy, holy, oh holy
Darkness Holy be

music & lyrics © Marilyn Stacey Leftwich, 2017, recorded by the Crow Women on the album Seasons

Take some time to dwell in silence in the dark. Feel  what our ancestors must have felt, as they gathered for warmth and support in caves, huts, cabins, castles or homes on those dark nights. They told stories, they made plans, they worked on crafts and repair of essential items. They shared food and drink. These are all experiences that could become part of your Darkness ritual.

Finding meaning in transitions

You might choose to end your ritual with an acknowledgment of the coming of the light. Speak of the gradual lengthening of days toward the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, growth, development, celebration. Or, you might conclude the ritual by maintaining your inward attitude of reverence and contemplation. Your intuition will guide you in this magical work.

I hope you choose to use this song in ritual or to share with others. May it bring you a true feeling of empathy and understanding of the gifts, the Majick, the Blessings of Winter and Deep Darkness.