Appendix
The Lunar Keys
of Avalon—
A Teaching Song
Crafting poetic mnemonics and setting them to music is a bardic technique that assists in the memorization of lore and collectives of information. In this spirit, here is a teaching song to help seekers remember the names, associated herbs, and energetics for each Lunar Key of the Avalonian Cycle of Revealing in order. The lyrics are set to a reclaimed traditional folk tune from the British Isles perhaps best known as the melody to “In the Month of January.”
Full Lyrics:
The Lunar Keys: A Teaching Song
To the Tune of “In the Month of January” (traditional)
Capo 3
Verse 1—Time of Ceridwen
In the Moon of Initiation
Bitter Mugwort shows the way.
And in the Moon of Distillation
For Yarrow’s healing we pray.
In the Moon of Transformation
Wormwood’s second sight is found.
And the Moon of Germination
Earns us holy Vervain’s crown.
Verse 2—Time of Blodeuwedd
Though the Moon of Evocation
Broom’s cleansing can be gained.
And in the Moon of Activation
Meadowsweet soothes a spirit’s pain.
And the Moon of Revelation
Suffers Nettle’s strengthening sting.
In the Moon of Liberation
Clover’s balancing powers we sing .
Verse 3—Time of Rhiannon
In the Moon of Dedication
Burdock shields us from all harm.
And the Moon of Consummation
Dandelion is Sovereignty’s arm.
In the Moon of Purification
Thyme sanctifies the soul.
In the Moon of Reconciliation
Motherwort’s heart is whole.
Verse Four—Branwen and Arianrhod
In the Moon of Reflection
Woad shifts the mortal form.
In the Moon of Cycle, Queen Anne’s lace
Guides us through the inner storm.
These lunar pearls ’round Annwn’s cauldron
Guide us as we go.
Down sovereign pathways of the heart
To reveal our Priestess soul.