From the recording Samhain - Banking the Fire
Guest Musicians / Festim Fanaj-Violin, Florin Fanaj- guitarThe Cailleach (cahl-yahk) or Old Woman is the guardian of Samhain. Her wisdom, gained by years of experience, demands our respect and attention.
Lyrics
When the year is getting older and the sun begins to pale,
On the last day of October Cailleach will lift the veil.
Then the ghosts of our ancestors; spirits that have gone before;
Sometimes call across the chasm see us through the opening door
Samhain fires light up the night;
Help us keep the dark away
Cailleach's eyes are burning bright
Brighter than the bonfire's flame
Now's the time to ask your questions,
Find out what the future holds.
While the spirits walk among us
Many things might be foretold
Will this be the year I marry?
What might be my husband's name?
Many are the divinations
In the guise of Samhain games
Soulcake may appeas the spirits
And the shadows of the dead
But your mask cannot protect you
From a truth you've come to dread
Cailleach just holds the mirror
Shows things you don't want to know
What you see you have brought with you.
Only you can let it go
Welcome now the gift of darkness
As the failing sun goes down
In the quiet nights of winter
There is wisdom to be found
Cailleach has stirred the cauldron;
Cailleach is old and wise
Listen for her endlaess ballad
Underneath the winter skies.