In Wales, the season between Yule and Twelfth Night was the time for the ancient procession of the Mari Lwyd. A group of men processed from house to house with a decorated horse skull held on a pole. The procession came to the door to engage in a poetic battle of wits with those inside. If the people inside the house could not outwit the Mari Lwyd, the party was let indoors and much chaos ensued. This custom was probably transferred from the Celtic New Year on November 1, the white or grey mare symbolizing the powerful Goddess of Sovereignty who ruled at this time of year. Take time to meditate upon the potent female energy present at the great turning of the wheel, the point of death, darkness, and creation. |
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