Welcome the Winter Solstice 2018

The Winter Solstice comes upon us and we gather in celebrations, Alban Arthan (Celtic), Juul (Norse), Koliada (Slavic), and Yule (Germanic). Each in their own way reaching out to nature to turn the darkness to light, as we hail the return of the sun. We also share and reflect on the stories and myths of Yule, such as Nickolas, Yule goat, and the Yule log.
In Druid tradition, the Alban Arthan represents  the battle between the Oak King, or Divine Child (God of waxing Light) and the Holly King, or Dark Lord(God of waning Light), in which the Oak King wins and rules until he is defeated by the Holly King at the time of the summer solstice.

Furthermore, the cauldron of Dagda, symbolizing the promise that nature will bear fruit and care for all living beings on Earth, and Brighid, the bearer of the flame of inspiration, that penetrates the mind and soul, like the Sun that gives rebirth to the light and penetrates the darkest time of the year, reign upon the winter solstice.

Yule decorations are that of mistletoe, holly and evergreens which are displayed upon houses symbolizing that new life will return in the spring. Rituals are performed with candles to symbolize the birth of the new Sun. This is also a time of celebration, feasting, and rejoicing in the promise of a new Sun and the coming of Summer.


May the Solstice bring light to your path and your Yule be merry,

Wayne the Bard

The Patsy

Winter is upon us and there is nothing like settling down with a good book with a cup of coffee, tea, a drink and perhaps, a snack. May I suggest checking out my mystery/suspense novella--The Patsy. Available on Amazon/Kindle.

Litha 2018

We've come to the gateway of Litha or Alban Hefin (Sumner Solstice) where the Holly King begins his waxing reign into the dark of winter after defeating the Oak King who retreats into exile till the Winter Solstice.  Hence, on this celebration of "The Light of Summer," we engage in the ancient rituals of colorful and joyous festivals, women wearing wreaths of flowers and men oak leaves.

Collecting magical herbs of fern, rue, rosemary, St.Johns Wort, Mallows, foxglove, elderflowers, vervain, and yarrow are used for amulets to ward off evil and are hung in doorways for protection. Bonfires light the night sky, where people dance and sing or jump through flames for good fortune, and animals are paraded around the fires to ask for protection and a good harvest.

The Solstice is associated with  Fire which symbolizes, light, transformation, and energy. Fire is the element of strength and protection, it leads us to the purification of  Nature and our Self.

Litha is also one of the Three Spirit Nights of the year upon which the  veil between wolds appears
thin allowing ghosts and faeries to roam among us.

This day honors the sun in all its glory, bask in its warm light and enjoy the beauty of nature on this longest day. Celebrate with song and dance, lite bonfires for good fortune and protection.

May your Litha be bright and blessed,

Wayne the Bard

Renaissance 2018 Role of the Hearld

Don't miss my new article on Heralds in the latest edition of Renaissance Magazine. 
Here is an excerpt for your enjoyment:

" Throughout the Middle Ages Heralds (Heraldry) was a visual constant. From its military roots via symbols, banners, and pendants, it developed alongside Europe’s permeating medieval society. Every facet of medieval society, royalty to clergy to trades bore a herald designating rank, status, family, and profession.

            Origins and the Military

           The exact origins of Heralds are unknown, emerging around the time of the Crusades (12th century).  One of the earliest heralds was Bayeux Tapestry depicting the victory of William I, Duke of Normandy at the Battle of Hasting in 1066. Hence, its military beginnings started with symbols and colors embossed upon shields and progressed with the development of shields and armor, which were used to designate knights’ armies in battle and tournaments.

            Heraldic evolution included:

            Decorative swirling shapes on shields (C. 1066)

            First, wearing a loose-fitting surcoat worn over the hauberk with the knights own distinctive device, the first beginnings of heraldry (C. 1180)

            Increased use of plate armor for protection; smaller shield and the surcoat were reduced to a short, tight-fitting tunic called a jupon, which still displayed the knight’s coat-of-arms (C. 1360)..."

May May your days be bright and your path clear.

2018 Renaissance Love and Romance

Huzzah! Huzzah! Renaissance Magazine's edition of Love and Romance is at your local bookstore, and while your thumbing through the pages, look for my article, A Matter of Courtly Love, about the real  Ulrich von Lichtenstein (who is nothing like Keith Ledger's character in the movie, A Knights Tale).  Hence, I have included an excerpt for your enjoyment.

On the matter of courtly love, one the most obsessive affairs and excessively extravagant exploits were those of one of the middle ages most colorful characters-- Ulrich von Lichtenstein.

Born in Styria, Ulrich was a celebrated poet and jousting fanatic. Later in life, he lived a distinguished life as a lord, knight, and diplomat in his native Styria.

In 1255, Ulrich wrote his autobiography, Frauendienst-Lady’s Service. Written as a narrative poem it tells of his adventures attributed to his love for ladies;

“I’ll give my body, all my mind

and life itself to womankind
and serve them all the best I can.
And when I grow to be a man
I’ll always be their loyal thane:
though I succeed or serve in vain
I’ll not despair and never part
from them,” thus spoke my childish heart...

Whoever spoke of women’s praise
I followed, just to hear each phrase,
for it would make my heart so light
and fill me with true delight.
I heard from many a learned tongue
their excellence and honor sung;
they praised one here and praised one there,
they praised the ladies everywhere.”

May you have a blessed day,

Wayne the Bard