The Magical Giftbringers of Yule:
St. Lucia & the Holly King (continued)
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Honoring the Magical Giftbringers
Many years ago, I was invited to the legendary Lucia Parties hosted each December by Helen Farias (creatrix and editor of the original Beltane Papers) and James Carrell in Clear Lake, Washington. I had never attended anything like it, where a Yuletide party with all its revelry was in full swing, then suddenly interrupted by the arrival of a magical figure with a story to tell and gifts to distribute. She or he then vanished into the dark night. These mysterious appearances brought everyone there closer to a sense of the numinous, an experience sorely lacking in most modern Yuletide festivities. Helen died in 1994, but her parties go on, hosted by friends in several different cities. The “voices” of Lucia and the Holly King in this article were originally written as lines for the actors who portrayed them at an annual Lucia Party, or in a ritual to celebrate Winter Solstice. By honoring the Giftbringers of Yuletide, we honor the Earth, the Sun and the rhythms of Mother Nature. We do not forget Her. We honor Her, and Her bounty is assured. The Sun will return. Seed time and harvest will continue. The warmth of Summer will come again.
Bibliography
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Helen Farias, “Divine Mothers of a Northern Winter,” TBP’s Octava, Vol. 3 No. 7-8, Clear Lake WA:1988.
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