THE MIDNIGHT VIGIL
Gathering at summer dusk,
almost gone eleven this solstice night,
we assemble as in days of yore.
Drawn from quarters far and near
we find our way to come here again,
acknowledge the all-embracing solar unity.
Companions from the almost forgotten past,
the newest candidate in her self made robe worn for the first time,
all join in greetings
before the procession forms.
A long line of robes, white
to represent purity of aspiration,
begin the ascent
along the old dirt track,
ley line rough with stones,
gullied dips often puddled deep with rain
from days before.
Up the ancient pathway
footsteps keeping pace;
breathing in and out,
balanced and even.
Slowly, steadily, calming the mind
as balanced breath
takes care of the body.
Step on step, breathe in, breathe out,
become the harmony of all life
going towards the good.
Spine alight, an inner staff
giving strength on the journey,
connecting the above and below;
uniting earth and the skies, bright
stars of yet-to-be with
mute earth which was and is.
Time for contact to build -
walking, breathing, clearing away.
Unwanted thoughts come of their own accord,
are let go with purpose of will.
Procession, movement, focus,
an energy gathering,
awaiting the call of the Ancient Watchers.
We turn from the well trodden path
to the seldom foot graced mound,
more used to cattle, nettles and timothy
than the once a year feet of
Druids, friends and guests:
the mound of the Midnight Vigil
recently scythed to make our
entrance more smooth,
our distractions less cumbersome.
A circle of light enclosing the
circle of white robed figures,
light radiating from
white garbed companions:
we seek protection during this work,
we wish to do our work,
your work, the great work.
Waiting with silent tuned mind
we stand on the mound of our forebearers
whose footsteps trod
the path of conscious growth,
converting experience into wisdom.
Soundlessly the wise ones return
to keep the unspoken bond,
the covenant of trust
with us still here
to live life's goodness.
In the quiet shroud-like darkness of midnight
we stand heart to heart, hand in hand,
listening with still mind,
ready to receive the inspiration,
the thought,
the guidance
which will bring light for the coming year.
Kaaren Whitney
Summer Solstice 2001
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