Calendar of the Moon 16 Gort/Puanepsion Day of the Blackthorn Tree Colour: Dark Blue Element: Earth Altar: Upon a dark blue cloth set a vase of blackthorn twigs, a single dark blue candle, a knife, a pot of soil, herb seeds, a bowl of water, and a bell. Several wooden staves lean against the altar. Offerings: Plant seeds. Face conflict. Daily Meal: Vegan Invocation to the Green Man of the Blackthorn Tree Hail, Green Man of the Autumn! Blackthorn tree of the hedges, Whose thorns dissuade cattle And intruders from trespassing, Tree of the walking staff Whose name is Strife And whose job is Boundary, You teach us that sometimes Guardianship can lead to battle, And that not everything can be held Peacefully, be it land or goals Or objects or rules or values. Sometimes there will be strife By the very nature of the universe, Which encompasses both equally And sees conflict as the necessary Adjustment that points out our blindnesses. Tree of thorns, hulking and sullen, You will not stand to be mistreated Or taken advantage; your nature Does not lend itself to yielding. We hail you, sacred blackthorn tree, Green Man of the Autumn, On this the day of your bloodshed. (Let one who has been chosen to do the work of the ritual arm themselves with a staff, and guard the altar. Each approaches the altar, and is swung at; they take up a staff and meet the blow with it. After this they are allowed to approach and plant a seed in the pot of soil, saying, "Hail Green Man of the Earth!" Water is poured onto the pot, and then the rest is poured out as a libation. Ring bell and dismiss.)
[source:paganbookofhours.org]
[Image:Green Man by markt3000 on DeviantArt]