Horning

From Traditional Witchcraft Wiki Project

At Weyhill fair, said to have its origins well back in pre-history, the intriguing ceremony of "horning the colt", similar ceremony to the horning rite, was used in initiating new shepards while a traditional song was sung during.

Swift is the hare, cunning is the fox, Why should not this little calf grow up to be an ox, To get his own living among the briars and the Thorns, And die like his daddy with a great pair of horns.

The references in the song are to bulls not to sheep and seem highly significant in view of the celtic bull worship and such rite is practised in some traditions within witchcraft.

There is also an verse from an old cornish ballard known as "Hal An Tow", which may have some reference to this rite:

Take no scorn to wear the horn, They were the sign ere you was born. Your father's father wore them, And your father wore them too!

The author Nigel Jackson also made this connection with the in his book "Masks of Misrule"

See also Swearing on the horns

References

• In Search of Lost Gods-a guide to British folklore by Ralph Whitlock
• Robin Artisson site-http://www.robinartisson.com/wy/elfhame/staglore.html
• Masks of Misrule by nigel jackson