Lammas 2004

Lammas was golden in every sense of the word. Initiate elders invited me to join them for the celebration of Lammas at Alderley Edge in Cheshire. Alderley Edge is a most magical and sacred site for Witches and those who follow the Old Religion. It is years since I worked there with large groups; one outstanding memory was of 1976 when the sun shone brilliantly for the Summer Solstice; We worked throughout the night until the first dawn when the priesthood processed from the stone circle to the high altar to perform the dawn ritual. Youth was on our side then and the magic’s were innocent and daring. Initiations were a regular event in the sixties; it is a wonder that the Initiates survived the ordeals that were part of the ceremony in those days. I wonder if the Craft is becoming a little too couth, precious, and cosy these days which inclines the magic to mind and what is wanted of the Craft rather than what it is.

I rather felt like Chipps in the old black and white film as names and faces of past students and Initiates flashed through my mind. The day was spent exploring the Edge, visiting Ladywell and the Wizards Well. This day we had money to indulge in ice cream and the teashop, whereas, in the sixties and seventies, every penny was saved for the train fares, and sandwiches were shared between us. We now have the luxury of tents and all the comforts of modern-day camping. We camped in a nearby wood, I don’t think the Edge warden would have been too pleased! We reminisced years gone by, including how one warden had waited till dawn before approaching us with his big gun and two enormous hunting dogs demanding that we leave the edge. He must have watched our circle from a considered safe distance during the night! These days I think they would find it strange if witches did not work there, although, the Christians often come the next day and leave the symbol of their cross in the middle of the circle. I’m afraid it is too late; the work has been done and we perform our own banishing.

It was the Full Moon at 6.06pm. We had made the corn dollies containing that which was to be cast away and those that would be with us for the next cycle. In bright sunshine, we worked at the high altar; from a respectful distance, curious eyes of walkers and holidaymakers watched us work the practical magic of the day; wine was consecrated in the old chalice and libations given to the Old Ones. One of the dollies was placed high in a tree; this was made possible by the transformation of my walking stick that stretched a great deal and by careful balancing the dolly found its way into the near heavens.

We had dinner in the Wizard restaurant, which is terribly expensive and worth it as the food is superb. Years ago, this was a one-room pub with sawdust on the floor, one long table with two benches either side; beer and cider were available and basic alcoholic spirits. This night we toasted Alex who had the top seat and a full wine glass. The moon was supposedly a harvest and blue moon, which was in Aquarius. She was as sharp as crystal. The rite that followed was not the formal one of Lammas but one that used the full focus of the moon and as a sign that ye be truly free, ye shall be naked in your rites. Dance and laughter flowed, and wine and the moon were drunk from the chalice. Blessed be and thank you.