On mornings such as this....

The vague coolness in the air captures my sensibilities, whispering the promise of the coming chill, the kind that permeates the bones and will not leave without the potion of hot, sweet tea and cream to chase it away. It's on mornings like this that I think of him, the manifestation of my patron god, and I wonder if he's preparing to roam the forests and connect to that primal spirit that stirs so restlessly within him. That ancient entity that is so strongly manifested in his heart that anyone who knows can see it shining from his velvet eyes.

One of my favourite personal invocations to my patron god, Herne/Cernunnos, was also a love song written for my soul mate. I've posted this before in my journal, usually around this time of year. Who am I to fight tradition?

SONG TO HERNE

I went a-walkin’ through the woods

one misty Summer morn

to hear the sounds of rustling leaves

that Autumn’s trees had shorn.

I went a-searchin’ down a path

concealed by moss and fern

for Him who will my lover be ~

the gentle hunter Herne.

I looked beyond the shady grove,

beyond the thicket green,

across the dewy meadow bright,

the crystal river clean.

I trod in silence by the willow,

standing sad and stern,

to find the Stag King’s castle

and the gentle hunter Herne.

I chanced upon a village

in the forest I did roam,

and I found a happy people

keeping happy little homes.

And in the eye of every man

I saw His spirit burn,

and I knew within their hearts

there dwelt the gentle hunter Herne.

At length I found His castle

in a ring of standing stones,

and I heard His voice calling forth

in mystic primal tones.

Within the halls I followed deer

who led me to His door

and, when I looked upon the God,

I’d seen His face before!

‘Twas the visage of my one true love

my spirit had discerned.

Forever had I loved this man,

this gentle hunter Herne.
                                      ~Lady Tinhuviel Artanis