Curious about a specific chant or song's roots? Read a commentary about each and find out more about its appropriateness and/or other notes there might be about its history, origin or use in our temple. Any recorded versions or other discographical materials I have tracked down are now listed here also - though they are by no means comprehensive or complete, and I'll be adding more sources as I find them.
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-AAA-
"Ah Way Ya Hey" - This is a chant written as a Native Aboriginal chant by Mujiba Cabugos. It could be used in airy rituals. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. It is one of the chants that make up their "Heal the Mother Spirit Medley" track arranged by Valerie Girard ©1991.
"Air I Am" - This is an elemental chant that is credited to Andras Corban Arthen ©1982. Click on the link to find out more about him and his music. Find a recording of it on the Reclaiming CD Chants: Ritual Music ©1987, available from their website "Reclaiming" Homepage.
"Air Moves Us" - This is an elemental chant credited to members of Starhawk's musical group Reclaiming; namely Cathleen Sheil, Moonsea and Prune. Find a recording of it on their CD Chants: Ritual Music ©1987.
"Alula's Element Chant" - This elemental chant was written by my spirit sister Alula (Isabeau) for a Sabbat celebration some time around the early 2000s.
"Ancient Mother/O La Mama" - A chant that tends to be sung like a dirge. The lyrics are a Pagan's lament of sorts at the current state of Mother Earth, and the lack of respect for nature in general. You can hear recorded versions of the English lyrics on the Circle of Women CD, ©1997 Earthbeat!® and on the Libana CD A Circle Is Cast ©1986. You can visit the "Libana" Homepage, for more information about their recordings. It also appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991, as a medley called "Ancient Mother/Isis Astarte". I have this listed as being either African or Aboriginal. This is pretty vague, I know.. I've not successfully found the answer to that question and am still waiting for someone who speaks this particular language to write a heated note to me about how I got it wrong.. meanwhile, deal with the fact that I don't have all the answers.
"Apapanno Irute" - Apparently this translates to "The Goddess returns from the West" though its origins remain elusive. It would not surprise me if it was indeed made up by a hippie in the 70s as someone's pointed out. Whatever. It makes a great dirge. It is pronounced "ah-pah-pah-no ee-roo-tay."
"AUM" - This known sound is pronounced "ah-oh-mm" or "oh-mm". It is considered a masculine chant that is used for grounding and Yogic meditation. The note is pushed out from the solar plexus and drawn out until all the breath has been exhaled. Use this in anything requiring breath work. It can be combined with the "MA" chant.
"Autumn Time" - This is sung at Mabon or Samhain. It is a lament for the death of summer and the birth of winter. There is a recorded version of this on the Libana CD A Circle Is Cast ©1986.
-BBB-
"Baby Blessings" - This was written by Chris (a.k.a. Jock McGregor) for his son Robin (the real name of it is "Robin's Song") I first heard it at another Ottawa couple's baby blessing rite for their son. It is spoken rhythmically as opposed to sung.
"Barge of Heaven" - This refers to the courtship of the Sumerian goddess Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth and her consort Dumuzi. Quite possibly, the word "barge" is a reference to female genitalia. The words are adapted by Starhawk from ancient Sumerian texts (tr. J. Jacobsen, Diana Wolkstein and Samuel Noah Kramer) and this version was arranged by the group Lunacy and was recorded on their self titled album. I am not sure which source Starhawk used, though an excellent read on Inanna and her courtship to Dumuzi can be found in the book Inanna, Queen of Heaven and Earth: Her Stories and Hymns From Sumer by Diane Wokstein and Samuel Noah Kramer (Harper & Row Publishers, ©1983. ISBN 0-06-090854-8)
"Beltane Chase Song" - This is a song that we sing at Beltane by alternating the female parts ("I" sentences) with the male parts ("We" sentences). It is a traditional British Isles chant, which speaks of the coy chase for mating. We use it yearly as our chant when we dance the Maypole. This song has a most interesting heritage in Witchcraft as some think it came from confessed "Queen of Scottish Witches" Isobel Gowdie and may in fact date from around 1662. Read about its lurid past here.
"Besom Chant" - Is spoken usually, rather than sung. It is the Besom chant used at most of our rituals by the Handmaiden to purify and ritually cleanse the space as she sweeps. This besom chant was written by Ed Fitch.
"Blessed with the Waters of Life" - This is a processional chant written by Alex DelBusso. It was apparently written at the Terre-Eau Festival in Montreal. I first heard it at Kaleidoscope Gathering. Hear an mp3 clip of it here.
"Breaths" - Is written by Sweet Honey In The Rock on their Breaths CD ©1981. It is often used by Pagans in the extended community as a deathing/funerary chant or as a final farewell to a loved one who has crossed over to the Summerland. It is actually a happy chant, as Pagans strive not to view death as a somber occasion but as a rebirth. Visit the band's website: "Sweet Honey In The Rock" Homepage.
"Blood of the Ancients" - This is good for rites where our ancestors are invoked, or where the Old Gods are called. My sources indicate that it was written by Ellen Klaven & Charlie Murphy, and was recorded on Canticles of Light, Charlie Murphy, Jami Sieber and the Total Experience Choir.
"Building Bridges" - A canon chant that can be helpful for bringing peace after a chaotic period in a temple by inspiring us to build bridges between ourselves.
"Burn Bright" - This is a great chant taught to me by members of a Druidic group in Boston. It is an energetic fire chant that would be perfect for either a fire ritual or an Imbolc or Midsummer rite. The author, Nicholas Sea, sent me this about it: "I composed this in the early 1980s in the mountains east of Seattle at a full moon in the Spring by a rushing stream and small camp fire with my drum in hand ... I wanted a song to drum to."
"Burning Times" - This is a powerful song written by Charlie Murphy. A recorded version of it appears on a CD by the Australian group Spiral Dance on their CD Magick ©1999. For more information on this absolutely fabulous band, visit their website here. Another recorded version appears on Elaine Silver's CD Faerie Goddess ©1997, Elaine Silver Music BMI. Visit her website here. Finally, Todd Alan also has a version recorded, though I'm not sure what album you can find it on. Visit his website here.
"By the Gods Above" - This is another great chant taught to me by the Druidic group in Boston. It is energetic, and great for using as a deity calling.
-CCC-
"Children of the Earth" - This is a Montreal favorite sung both in English and in French. It has been used at fests to unite the pagan tribes, usually at the beginning of a rite. The English part of the chant was written by Mz. Imani who I'm told is an American drummer and singer, and was brought back from Starwood to the Montreal community by Alex Delbusso (who may very well have written the French translation).
"Circles" (both versions) - This song seems to have gone around the Pagan community in various incarnations. We sometimes use the chorus as a chant. It is based on the song "Windmills" by Alan Bell and uses the same melody. The lyrics are apparently by Gwendolyn Lee Zak ©1979 but the first version appears on the album Carry Me Home by Todd Alan.
"Circle Fire Dance" - This is good for rites honoring the Sun like the Summer Solstice (Litha) or the element of fire. It is also used at Fest while dancing around the bonfire. It comprises two seperate fire chants that are interwoven (though you can also do them individually!)
"(A) Circle Is Cast" - This is a monotone chant that gets repeated over and over. You can vary slightly on the intonation and also sing it as a canon chant that you bring to a close by all joining together on the last few repetitions. It was written by Anna Dembska. A recorded version can be found on the Libana CD: A Circle Is Cast ©1986.
"(The) Circle Is Open" - This is one of Starhawk's apparently, and is a good closing chant that exists in various incarnations.
"Circle 'Round the Fire" - This is sung as both a tool to call the energies of the Sun and of the element of fire. It is also used around bonfires.
"(The) Circle Shapes Us" - This is a good repetitive chant that can be used for casting the circle. It was written by Deirdre Pulgram Arthen ©1984 and is recorded on All Beings of the Earth, by Mothertongue, Earthspirit Community, ©1991.
"Closing Song" - This is a good elemental song that is goddess or female-oriented and can be used as a closing chant or recessional. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"Cold Dark and Lonely" - This is a depressing little ditty sung as a lament during Winter rites (before happier chants) or up until we reach Summer Solstice (Litha), pre-dawn. As the darkness remains, it should be dirged, but then a happier chant welcoming the sun or reflecting the element of fire should replace it as the sun rises.
-DDD-
"Dark (Black) Mother" - The Sanskrit word "Kundalini" is a yogic term for sexual magick, and the word "Shakti" means "power" in Sanskrit. In Hinduism a shakti is the female counterpart of a god. The name Shakti is used particularly to refer to the female counterpart of Shiva. This chant is often chanted at fest for trance-dancing around the fire. Though I'm not sure who arranged this version, I recently found a recording by Lunacy that has the second verse in it. The portion of the lyrics "Dark mother Kali Ma Kali, Black mother Kali Ma" were written by Sparky T. Rabbit of Lunacy in 1982. The full song with addirional lyrics is on the album Lunacy ©1990.
"Dionysus-Aphrodite" - This chant is used sometimes to bless the wine or is sung while the wine is passed around. You can use the name of almost any deities to create a chant, but the ones that you choose will depend on the type of work you want to do. It is better not to mix pantheons, so pick two deities from the same one to sing to, preferably deities who are consorts.
"Dona Nobis Pacem" - Roman, meaning "Give Us Peace". It is sung as a three-part harmony round and is dirged. The word "Pacem" can be sung with either a hard "c" or a "ch" sound. This can be used at any time in the rite.
-EEE-
"EAO" - Pronounced "ee-ay-oh", it is apparently a Phoenician grounding chant that means "Pan is All". (This strikes me as improbable since Pan was not a Phoenician deity at all. The closest equivalent Phoenician deity to Pan would be Baal, the Lord of the Earth.) I doubt that this is older than the 70s. That said, it is used as a chant to the young God and used to help concentration. It also brings unity or aids in gaining a group-mind despite being dirged and/or drawn out.
"Earth Is My Body" - This is a popular chant that is known in most circles. It is good with a drum beat to get the group focused on the elements. It is sung at Dedications sometimes. Apparently there is a recorded version by Prana (I don't know if Prana is a group or individual) on Return Of The Mayflower.
"(The) Earth Is Our Mother" - A Hopi chant that Pagans use as an Invocation, a ritual focusing on the Earth or healing the earth. Find a recorded version of it on the Libana CD A Circle Is Cast ©1986.
"Earth Mother" - Here is another "feel good" healing chant.
"Earth My (Our) Body" - This is a variation of the "Earth Is My Body" chant but it is sung somewhat slower. I first heard this version on the Circle of Women ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD. Another recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. It is sung faster in this version, and with a drum beat.
"(The) Earth, the Air, the Fire, the Water" - This is a good energy raising elemental chant that is very common in the Greater Pagan community. Recorded on: The Circle Is Cast, by Libana, ©1986
"Eko Eko" - This is the chorus of a longer song by Kenny & Tzipora Klein. We use this excerpt as a repeating chant because it is easier than attempting the whole song in a ritual. Though it is beautiful and great for Goddess circles or child blessings rites. Though I have the full lyrics, I do not know how it is sung and thus have not posted the entire thing.
"Elemental Chant" - This is a chant that was penned by Cory Baumhouer, and was taught to me by Gina Ellis.
"Evening Breeze" - This is a lovely air that is nice in any part of a rite. It is good for a ritual where you are invoking Mother Earth or the element of air. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"Evo Kore" - This is Greek for "Hail Maiden" and is pronounced "ee-vo kor-ay." This grounding chant or Goddess chant can be used to call to a Goddess in her maidenly aspect.
-FFF-
"Fire, Fire, Fire" - We sing this one around a bonfire, at Imbolc/Candlemas or the Winter Solstice/Yule to raise energy. It is slightly different in melody from the "Fire, Fire, Fire" that appears as the back-chant to "Circle Fire Dance". It is apparently written by Pomegranate Rose (individual or group?).
"Fire Flow Free" - This is a little tongue twister of a fire chant. It is written by Ariana Lighteningstorm of Kiva.
"Flow and Ebb" - This is a circle dance or can be used for going into a meditation. It is also good for magickal/ritual weaving and embroidery. It is listed on other websites as "We Are the Flow" or "We Are the Weavers". It is written by Shekhinah Mountainwater. Find a recorded version of it under the title "We Are the Flow" on the Reclaiming Collective CD Chants: Ritual Music ©1987. A recorded version of it (partial lyrics) appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. It is one of the chants that make up their "Heal the Mother Spirit Medley" track arranged by Valerie Girard ©1991.
"Fly Fly Fly" - Is a good Autumn harvest dirge chant, that could be used at Samhain or near winter. The words are by Peter Erdely, and the music is by Lajos Boross. Find a recorded version on: "The Circle Is Cast," by Libana, 1986
"For Children" - This is a variation on a piece called "On Children" written by Kahlil Gibran. See the full and original lyrics here. This particular version was recorded on an unpublished tape by a group of women singers from Ottawa, and is the version I know how to sing. It can be used during birthing rites or at baby naming ceremonies.
"For the Beauty of the Earth" - I originally heard (and loved) the first verse and refrain in the movie version of Little Women at Meg's wedding (the one starring Winona Ryder). Upon researching it I discovered that it was written by Folliott S. Pierpoint in 1864, and was actually the beginning of a much longer song. I have since included most of the verses on my chant page, leaving out the last three verses that I thought were too Christian for a Pagan chant page. However, I feel justified in putting the rest of the song up because the verses are so earthy and not as overtly Christian. Thus, though it sings of the Christian Lord, a Pagan could think of it as a song sung to the Horned God. (There aren't many songs sung solely in His honor.. at least not as many as there are sung in Her honor!) For a midi file of the music and the full lyrics (which seem to vary depending on where you look), in all their Christian glory, click here. This chant could be used for thanksgiving or for a handfasting rite.
"From Every Direction" - This song, by an unknown author, may be shared but apparently it has been deemed unethical to write it out on paper made from trees because it is a song written in honour of the trees (despite that trees aren't actually mentioned in the lyrics). Anyway, is what I have been told. On a computer is okay or even on hemp paper.
"Full Moonlight Dance" - This is used as a three-part round sung outdoors at Esbats while dancing in a slow meditative trance dance. It was written by Karen Beth and recorded on her CD To Each One of Us. Visit Karen's website to order your very own copy of this and her other CDs. She also has a woman's songbook available. This chant was also recorded by Libana, it appears on Libana's CD A Circle Is Cast ©1986. A slightly different version of the melody (but with the same lyrics) can be found on the Circle of Women, ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD.
-GGG-
"God and Goddess Chant (Isis, Astarte)" - Apparently the goddess portion was written by Deena Metzger, Caitlin Mullin, Will Shepardson and Greenham Common while the god portion was written by someone named Lady Bridget. This is often used in our Dedication ritual for braiding the Dedicant's cord because it is very energetic. We sing it progressively faster while the cord is braided to imbue it with the group's collective energy. You can alternate the parts; the men sing the God names and the women sing the Goddess names.. though it usually ends up being a contest of loudness. It is listed on sites as the "Isis Astarte" chant. A composite recording consisting of the Goddess names only and other Goddess chants can be found on the Reclaiming CD Chants: Ritual Music ©1987. It is in the track entitled "Goddess Medley". It also appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991, as part of a medley called "Ancient Mother/Isis Astarte".
"The Goddess and the Weaver" - This is certainly one of my very favorite Pagan songs. It is by one of my very favorite pagan bands, the Australian group Spiral Dance. This track appears on their album Woman of the Earth, ©1996. The lyrics are written by the very talented Adrienne Piggott. I recently purchased all of their CDs via their website and let me tell you - if you ever decide to buy a pagan music CD or three, these are the ones to get. I was blown away by the depth of writing and the sheer talent of both the singing and instrumentation. Their latest album, The Quickening ©2006, has a song for each of the Sabbats of which some of the choruses would be great as chants - I may post some here at a later date.
"Goddess/Horned One Is Alive" - This is a short chant often sung as a back-chant, as it is repetitive in nature. It can be effective if blended with other chants, more so then when it is sung alone.
"Gods Bless Ye Merry Paganfolk" - This is sung at Winter Solstice (Yule) to the traditional Christmas version of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". It is both more pagan-friendly and more politically correct.
"Gods Rest Ye Merry Paganfolk" - This is a second version I had of the traditional Christmas carol, written by
Ellen Cannon Reed. This one is a bit easier to memorize.
-HHH-
"Hail" - A chant used to honor a particular deity. Insert any deity's name there instead of Isis. Use "Father of us all" for balance.
"Hal An Tow" - The Hal An Tow is a traditional Cornish (English) song that is linked to the May Day celebrations. It is sung as part of a mummer's play on Helston Flora Day (May 8) in Cornwall. It apparently dates back to the 18th century. Lyrics and melody vary from place to place. We tend to use only the chorus, but it is a favorite for Beltane festivities.
"Harvest Chant" - A lively chant best used for a harvest Sabbat like Lammas or Harvestide. It can be sung as a spiral dance chant for celebration and feasting.
"Hear Me Calling" - A woman's chant that is sung to both Mother Earth and Father Sun. The word "daughter" could perhaps be substituted to make it more gender friendly.
"Ho Spirit" - An interesting elemental chant with lots of energy. The lyrics are by Chris Leja. It was recorded on She Changes by Moving Breath, ©1991.
"Hold On Great Mother" - This chant was written by Anne Cheng, of Ottawa. It is a very nice earth healing chant.
"Homeward Parting Friends" - A very nice closing or recessional chant.
"Honored Maiden Huntress" - I like to think of this one as a chant about aspects of the Goddess. It could also be used as an Esbat chant since the moon is mentioned. A recording of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. It is also called "Silver Shining Wheel" with lyrics by Peter Soderberg. It is recorded as such on Chants: Ritual Music by Reclaiming Collective, Serpentine music, ©1987.
"Horned One, Lover, Son" - Yeay, a rare God chant. Also very fine for singing at harvest Sabbats. I've been informed that it was written by someone by the name of 'Buffalo'. It is recorded on Welcome to Annfwn by Deborah and Rick Hamouris (Nemeton), ©1986.
"Hymn to Her" - We sing this song in women's mystery rites, especially trimester rites. It was written and recorded by The Pretenders on their "Get Close", CD ©1986 and "The Singles", ©1987 CDs. In the US, it was released as "Hymn To Her (She Will Always Carry On)". It stayed on the charts for 12 weeks and reached #8. For lyrics and guitar chords, click here.
"Hymn to the Pagan (Russian) Earth" - Used for coming into temple, starting circle, as a statement of faith. The words are translated from Russian, hence the lack of grammatical correctness.
-IJK-
"I Am a Circle" - Another healing chant.
"I Give Thanks" - This chant was written by Christa Landon, ©1978. Christa Landon writes for "CUUPS-TwinCities: A Community Celebrating Sacred Cosmos For Pagan events in Minnesota". Visit "CUUPS-TwinCities Pagan News" page here. This chant speaks for itself but is often used in our temple at the end of a ritual where gifts of some sort were given/received either perceived gifts from the Gods, or actual gifts given by temple members to each other. Because we are singing in a circle, we often change the word "I" for "we". The chant was available on CD though it is currently sold out. A new CD will be available after the fall, which will include "I Give Thanks" and a lot more. For more information contact Christa at cuupstc@aol.com.
"In the Moonlight" - A two-part round to invoke the God and Goddess at an Esbat. Swaying meditatively while singing is very effective for this chant.
"Io Evoe" - Pronounced "eye-oh-ee-vo-ay". My sources indicate that it is a Phoenician grounding chant, and it means "All Hail". It can be used for hailing (greeting) any power or deity and is most effective when used with multiple varying harmonies - though some people must keep the base chant going for it to be effective.
"I Rejoice" - Is by Gladys Gray and was taught during the woman's rite at Kaleidoscope Gathering 2003. It seems to go well with woman's rites.
"I Will Be Gentle With Myself" - This is a good one for self-healing or cathartic work. Find a recorded version of it on Libana's CD "Fire Within" ©1990
"Kaleidoscope Bardic '97 Chant" (exerpt) - A most wonderful elemental chant written over the course of a day at Kaleidoscope Festival by a young woman whom I've forgotten both her name and the name of the chant. There is more of it, and at some point I'll track it down. It won the Bardic competition that year.
-LLL-
"Lady's Bransle" - Written by Glenn Turner and published poet Hope Athearn in 1969 to the tune "Nonesuch". It appears on the cassette "Songs For The Old Religion", by Gwydion Pendderwyn, ©1975. It is also listed as "O She Will Bring"; which is the first line of the chant. Find it under that title on the Circle of Women, ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD. It is a great little ditty with a line for each season. It is sung fairly quickly. As a side, "bransle" is pronounced "brawl".
"Light of the Mystery" - We've used this as a woman's chant though I suppose it is unisex. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"Listen Listen Listen" - Used at the end of a ritual, before a meditation or after a sharing circle. It is an address to the God and Goddess or to those you are close to.
"Lord of the Dance" (both versions) - The traditional and paganized versions have become Pagan anthems of sorts. It is traditional Shaker. Words and music by Sydney Carter ©1963 Stainer & Bell Ltd. London, England. Another version of the lyrics listed on my "songs" page is by Marty Hale-Evans.
"Lord's Bransle" - This version by Artemisia.
The male consort chant to "Lady's Bransle". The order of the seasons is different, but it is sung to the same tune.
"Love Is a Celebration" - a song often used by Pagans for handfastings and betrothals.
-MMM-
"MA" - Pronounced "mah". This is the feminine chant corresponding to the male "Aum" chant. It is also used for grounding and meditation, as well as a connection to the Goddess. This is also used in Yogic meditation as a more gentle breath control mechanism.
"Mabon Chant" - Okay, I admit, I heard this one on a Thanksgiving episode of the TV show Party Of 5 but I really liked it. This can be used in lieu of a spoken food blessing or for Thanksgiving Sabbats. I didn't know what it was called so I named it.
"Magick I Become" - A soft gentle chant sometimes used at dedications.
"Maypole Chant" - Is sung of course at Beltane for dancing the maypole. It was written by the lovely and talented Gina Ellis.
"May the Circle Be Open" - Is one of the many variations of "The Circle is Open". This one is recorded on the Circle of Women, ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD.
"May the Circle Be Unbroken" - This is sung to the traditional Grand Ole Opry song "May The Circle Be Unbroken"; which was reportedly composed in 1907 by Fanny Crosby and later sung by the Carter family in 1935. This version with pagan lyrics is by an unknown author.
"May the Love We're Sharing" - Another pagan love song with a pretty melody. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"May The Love That We Are" - Was performed by about a hundred Pagans as a spiral dance for Main Rit at KG 2003. Talk about building community! A lovely little chant that can easily be learned and harmonized to.
"Merry Meet, Merry Part" - This version apparently written by Pashta MaryMoon. Sing it 3 times as a closing (recessional) chant.
"Mill Of Magick" - I recently encountered this version of a chant I've been singing for years. I don't know if there is an associated melody, but since it is very close to the one listed below, at least I can sing it the same way.
"Mill (Wheel) Of Magick" - This chant is version 2 of "Mill of Magick". This is another one of those instances where the folk process has lead to differences in the lyrics. Which version is correct? I'm still researching that one. I include it here because it is the one I was always taught, though I have made it the second version as I strongly suspect the first one is closer to the original. We have always performed this as a spoken rhythmic back-chant. This is good for healing spellwork and energy raising.
"Millwheel Spin Chant" - A highly energizing chant that uses a back-chant for calling in elemental energy. Good for healing.
"Moon Phase Chant" - Was apparently learned at a Contradance workshop and brought in as a pagan chant. I learned it at Kaleidoscope Gathering 2003. It can be sung as a two or three part round.
"Moon, Sister Moon" - Good during women's Esbat circles, though men can certainly appreciate it too. I imagine "Sun, Brother Sun" could nicely be substituted or alternated. A recording of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"Mother Earth and Father Sky" - This is used as a statement of faith, an energizer for the group or as part of the wine blessing. It is used as well in handfastings and betrothals because of the words "married together". It was written by Gina Ellis.
"Mother/Father Hear Us" Another God/Goddess duality chant. This one is more devotional than energetic.
"Mother/Father of Darkness" - This is a great chant that can be braided as a medley with "We All Come from the Goddess" (find it as such on the Circle of Women, ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD.) Or use it on its own for honoring the gods and for rituals where the balance between night and day is key. It can also be used for energy raising.
"Mother I Feel You" - Another Earth Mother chant with a Father counterpart. Find a recorded version of it on Circle of Women, ©1997 Earthbeat!® CD.
"Mothers and Fathers of Old" - This is yet another lovely chant shared with us by our Druidic priesthood friends from Boston. It can be dirgy, or a little bit faster. Great for honouring our deities or our ancestors. This and other Druidry chants can be found on the Ar nDraiocht Fein: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) website. Visit their home page or their chant page.
"My (Our) Love Is a Garden Enclosed" - This is an excerpt from a song by Catherine Madsen, from her album "The Patience of Love", apparently recorded on vinyl in the 1980s and long out of print. This is a very nice love chant that could be sung at a Betrothal or Handfasting ceremony.
-NNN-
"Now and Forever" - Used most often in women's mystery rites. The music was adapted from Loreena McKennitt's song "Huron 'Beltane' Fire Dance" which is recorded on her CD Parallel Dreams ©1989, and these lyrics are apparently by Pashta MaryMoon.
"Now I Walk In Beauty" - This is a traditional Hopi Indian prayer, and apparently the tune is by Gregg Smith. It is recorded on Libana's Fire Within CD, ©1991, but is listed there as "source unknown".
-OOO-
"(The) Ocean Is the Beginning of the World (Earth)"- This is related to the use of water or new beginnings, like at trimester rites or a birthing rite. It can be braided with a variety of chants and is most often used for water rites or for meditative purposes. It has a back-chant that should be sung by only one or two people. It was probably written by Delaney Johnson and Starhawk. A version entitled "The Beginning of the Earth" can be found on the Reclaiming CD Chants: Ritual Music ©1987. In our temple, we have at times used the back-chant here included, as arranged by a woman named Naomi who used to be a member of our temple.
"Oh Ma Ma Ma" - A wonderful child blessing/naming lullaby chant that introduces the child to the gentler aspects of the elements.
"Oh Tell Me Why" - This chant was written by Raven Moonshadow. It is a great Lughnassad/Lammas chant.
"Old and Strong" - A favorite with womyn's groups. Apparently written by Naomi Littlebear Morena and is adapted from the song/chant "Like a Mountain". A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
"Old Ones Hear Us" - Was written by Mujiba Cabugos and is recorded on the She Changes CD by Moving Breath, ©1991. It is good for ancestor worship rites.
-PPP-
"Pagan Acapella" - This is a really fun acapella song sung to Good Old Accapella (I'm not sure who wrote it). These lyrics were written by Katya & our old chant group Circle Symphony. They have some really fun harmonies that work best if you have a fabulous, deep-voiced male singer (ours is named Favian!) for the background harmonies.
"Pentagram Glow Chant" - This one is apparently traditional with new lyrics written by Selena Fox, though I don't know what the "traditional" version's lyrics were. It is a favorite for energy work. It was apparently recorded on the cassette Circle of Magick Music ©1977
"Power from the Earth" - This one can be sung slow for grounding and fast for earth energy raising.
"Powerful Song" - Lyrics are by Pandora, Starhawk and Rose May Dance (1987). It is recorded on Second Chants by Reclaiming, Serpentine Music, ©1994. A great song to use in rituals involving weaving deities, like Ariadne or Athena. It is also good for imbuing power in magickal embroidery, sewing or any kind of needlework. It is good for energy and change.
"Powerful Woman" - A womyn's chant that is useful in rituals of self-appreciation and affirmation. Written by Valerie Girard ©1991. A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991.
-RRR-
"Reclaiming" - A basic element chant.
"Return to the Mother" - This one could be used at death rites as we all return to the earth upon death.
"Rise with the Fire" - A freedom/healing chant written by Starhawk (or Reclaiming). A recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. It is one of the chants that make up their "Heal the Mother Spirit Medley" track arranged by Valerie Girard ©1991. I have also seen this called "Fire Song", though I think the correct title is "Rise with the Fire".
"The River Is Rolling" - Traditionally sung by women for water rituals or women's rites. It is fairly dirge-like.
"(A) River of Birds" - Also known as the "Migration Song" it is used as a woman's chant for various women's rituals including rites of passages such as first blood and trimester rites. There is a slightly different version of the melody recorded by Libana on A Circle Is Cast, ©1986
"The River She Is Flowing" - (also entitled simply "The River"). The Lyrics are by Diana Hildebrand-Hull and is recorded on Songs of the Sacred Wheel, by Earth Dance Singers. It is a livelier variation of "The River Is Rolling" (I don't know which one came first) sung in women's mystery rites such as first blood rites.
-SSS-
"Samhain Fires" - This powerful Samhain chant was written by Lady Isadora and was recorded on her album The Queen of Earth and Sky (cassette) ©1990. On her cassette, she hums the full melody to the chant through first before singing it again with lyrics and harmonies. A drum beat played in the background makes this especially effective.
-TTT-
"Testimony" - Is a womyn's song written by Ferron, a pagan woman who once was part of our community. I believe it may have made its way onto a CD but I'm not sure which one at the moment. It is a fairly sad sounding chant.
"Turn the World Around" - Harry Bellafonte's fun song that appeared on an episode of The Muppet Show. Yes, we actually have used it in ritual because the words feel very pagan to us and it is a lot of fun. It has some great African harmonies.
-UUU-
"Unity Trance" - A meditative device used for inducing a unity mind. A bit of a tongue twister at first.
"Universal Elemental Chant" - This was used in ritual one time by one of our Priestesses, Aleta, and I thought it was interesting enough to include here. It is sung to the same tune as "The Earth, the Air, the Water, the Fire".
"Unknown Blessings" - This can be used at the end of a talking circle or gifting rite (i.e. giving thanks for gifts from the Gods).
"Ursula's Dedication Chant" - Written by Naomi for Genevieve's Dedication ritual (where she received her Craft name, Ursula). Genevieve is happy to share it as long as it is not dirged. We use it for the opening chant of many of our Dedications ceremonies.
-WWW-
"Walk with Wisdom" - A closing chant. The line "let strength be your brother" was not originally intended to have a female counterpart; "let strength be your sister" but this can however be alternated with the traditional line for balance. I recently discovered this chant on the Ar nDraiocht Fein: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) website's chant page, where it is credited to someone by the name of Sable.
"Water Chant" - This is a chant with simple words but a more complex melody that was written by one of our Neophytes, Cricket, who currently lives in Boston. She performed a lovely Druidic rite for our temple with her husband, a Druidic Priest, where we honoured the river Goddess that dwells in the valley of the river near our sacred ritual grove. This is the water chant that she wrote to our river Goddess.
"Way to the Well" - Is a song for the Celtic Goddess Brigid. The words are by Starhawk and Rose May Dance, and the music is adapted from a South African Freedom song. It is most often used as an Imbolc song and has some great harmonies. There is a lovely recording of it on Lunacy's album "Hand of Desire" ©1992
"We All Come from the Goddess/Hoof and Horn" - A good all-purpose chant that is most used at Lammas (Lughnasadh). "We All Come From the Goddess" is written by Z. Buddapest ©1971 and "Hoof and Horn" is by Ian Corrigan ©1997 (lyrics adapted). Find a recorded version of it on Reclaiming Collective's CD Chants: Ritual Music, Serpentine Music, ©1987. Another recorded version of it appears on Moving Breath's CD She Changes ©1991. "We All Come from the Goddess (/Horned One)" on its own can be combined with the chant "Mother/Father of Darkness". Begin by singing the first chant two or three times on its own, then braid in the second chant for two or three turns. Then drop the first chant and sing only the second chant through for another two or three turns.
"We Are a Circle" - A great little chant that has a fun harmony. We use this one for almost all parts of the circle. It was written by Rick Hamouris and appears in a recorded form on Welcome To Annwfn, Forever Forests, 1986.
"We Are A Circle Moving" - This was written by Marae Price ©1996 who was working on writing chants for use in A.D.F.-style druid ritual. It is a unity chant to express group unity at the beginning of the rite. You can download a midi file here for the true melody, which is quite upbeat and hear it as an mp3 on the Spiritfire Festival site on the Media Gallery page under "MP3 Clips". Marae also has a CD coming out soonish but in the meantime you can visit her website here and check out her tape entitled "Dreamsinger: Marae Price in Concert".
"We Are One/The One Chant (back-chant)" - This can be used as the back-chant to a multitude of chants and acts as a drumbeat created by voice.
"We Are Opening" - Is a chant by Gladys Gray that I learned at Kaleidoscope Gathering 2003, during the woman's ritual. We used it to cast the circle as a group. This can be sung as a round, with one group singing the first part over the second part and alternating.
"We Are (the/an) Old People (Women)" - This chant was apparently written by Morning Feather and Will Shepardson. This is a chant that gets adapted for all folks - I've seen it as "we are the old women/womyn". A composite recording consisting of a version of this and other chants can be found on the Reclaiming Collective CD Chants: Ritual Music, Serpentine Music, ©1987. It is the track entitled "Goddess Medley".
"We Are The Walking Breath" - This can be used in appreciation of the Earth. You can find a recording of if on Todd Alan's Carry Me Home CD.
"We Have Gathered" - A perfect chant for closing a rite that honored or worshipped deity.
"We Won't Wait Any Longer" - This song is *The* Pagan anthem. It was written by Gwydion Pendderwen and recorded on his cassette The Faerie Shaman ©1983.
"Wearing My Long Wing Feathers" - An Arapaho Ghost Dance (Traditional Native American Eagle Chant). This translation is used in a ritual where the focus is on the element of air. A recorded version appears on Songs of the Sacred Wheel by Earth Dance Singers. I don't know the copyright information.
"Weaving the Summer" - This chant is the chorus to a Beltane song that appears on the Australian pagan group Spiral Dance's album The Quickening ©2006. If you purchase any pagan CD online, BUY THIS ONE. I love it. You'll love it. Get it here.
"Wiccan Amazing Grace" - Sung to the classic "Amazing Grace" melody, these are the paganized lyrics that are somewhat amusing but seem to be appreciated by the Witch who has not forgotten the Burning Times.
"Worship to the Beat" - is an elemental chanson-à-répondre that is almost always accompanied by a drumbeat. This version was written by Gina Ellis.
-XYZ-
"You Who Are the Circle" - This is used at the beginning of circle, often as a healing chant.
-FIAT-
This page created May 7th, 2003. Last updated April 1st, 2007