The Holly and the Ivy I

Traditional Carol

words 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