Celtic Ogham Divination series

I've posted a new addition to my series on Celtic Ogham divination over on Beyond the Veil. Enjoy!

Welcoming the Crone Years

Tomorrow I turn 50. And you know, the more I think about it, the wider the silly smile on my face gets.

Tomorrow I will be eligible to join the Red Hat Society.

Tomorrow I will be allowed to sit at the virtual "adults table" with my friends at O.B.O.D.

Tomorrow I can begin calling myself a crone.

Far from a wizened, terrifying hag depicted in stories designed to keep little children shivering under the covers at night, the crone of the ancient Celts is Annis, the keeper of wisdom and the old ways.

She is Badb, an Irish shapeshifting warrior goddess, guide through the cycles of birth and death, of inspiration.

She is Ceridwen, keeper of the cauldron.

She is the Cailleach, the Scottish goddess of seasonal rites and weather magic.

She is Macha, the Irish wild woman who battles against injustice to children and women.

She is Nicneven, goddess of Winter.

And she is the fearsome Morrigan, the Celtic crow goddess who understands the nature of Death.

This has been a year filled with transitions. A daughter who returned home to temporarily roost until she attains the degree that will help her fly the nest. A son preparing to leave high school and navigating the stormy waters of first love. A new mother-in-law to take part in our family traditions and introduce us to a few of her own. And a father who passed from this life to the next.

Turning 50...just another transition. A good one. I figure every birthday that arrives and I'm still breathing is a good birthday! Since I was 5 and diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, every birthday where I'm still on my own two feet and able to flip the proverbial bird at this disease is a victory. :) Even if it does take a small medical army, a cocktail of modern medical pharmaceuticals, and a few spare parts to keep this body moving, I'm grateful.

I think that's the big thing. To arrive at this age grateful, unbowed, unashamed to show my grey hairs, laugh lines, and most of all, the scars life's battles leave behind.

This is a great age to be. In my 40s, the need to care about what others think of me began to drop away. In my 50s, I expect I'll lose it altogether. Hee! This is going to be fun! I know I'm supposed to be older, wiser, more mature...but in a way I'm returning to the freedom of the very young. Shedding the trappings - and traps - society has placed me in as a woman.

Now excuse me while the Morrigan and I go lift a few pints. We have a glorious battle to plan. :)

The Crone Years
by Judith TreeCrone

Contrary to the sanctions of a culture
that worships and glorifies youth
The crone years are not simply
the interlude between life and death
Oh no!
These are her omnipotent years
These autumnal years
when her womb is fallow
but she continues to give birth
from her fruitful creative self
Her nurturing spirit comes not from hormones
but from her wisdom of choosing to live fully
Both her inner and outer vision see new possibilities
Her awareness of her connectedness
to all of creation
is enhanced
She cherishes the poignancy of the sunrise
on the horizon of each new day
She embraces the quiet of the darkness time
when she shares her harvest of life stories
This is the legacy she bequeaths
Be who you are
Trust who you are today

Celtophile Monday

I'm out of town this week to be with my sister as she has surgery. But I've left you a wee tidbit to keep you busy!

It's BBC's Radio Scotland Zones, podcasts about Celtic stuff, comedy, new music, arts, and my favorite, history. The page is also stuffed full of fun links that'll keep you wandering for hours. Enjoy!

Thirteen More Lesser Known Celtic Deities

Addendum to this post. The well of fascinating Celtic subjects never runs dry! Enjoy!

1. Achtland - A queen whom no mortal man could satisfy. She solved the problem by taking a giant from the faery realm as her mate. Legend says that she took great pleasure combing his long, fair hair. Heh. Yeah. His hair. Riiiiight...
   
   
2. Belisama - Goddess of light and fire, the forge, and crafts. Wife of Belenus and goddess of the Mersey River.
   
   
3. Condatis - God of the waters. His sacred sites are wherever two rivers, creeks, or other waters meet. Like a door threshhold, these places are "in between" places that the Celts believe hold great power.
   
   
4. Dia Greine - A Scottish daughter of the sun, or possibly a sun Goddess herself. Tales recount how she was a captive in the Land of Women (a.k.a the Otherworld), and escaped with the help of the Cailleach who turned her into a fox.
   
   
5. Epos Olloatir - A horse God, either the male form of the Goddess Epona, or her consort.
   
   
6. Henwen (Hen-oon) - An English goddess much like the Welsh Goddess Cerridwen. She brought abundance to the land by "giving birth" to gifts in various spots, such as bees, grain, animals, etc. But she didn't distribute animals like dogs, pigs, horses or other animals that "belonged" to other deities.
   
   
7. Le Fay - Sea Goddess, and Goddess of Avalon. Drinking water she had blessed brought about healing.
   
   
8. Myrddin Wyllt - A God of the forests who could grow feathers and leap from tree to tree. Often associated with the Irish Suibhne.
   
   
9. Urien - A minor English God who married to Modron and fathered Owain and Mabon. As his wife killed him in a murderous rage (My guess? He came home after she'd had a hard day with the boys, and said the Wrong Thing...), he is associated with Samhain.
   
   
10. Tannus (a.k.a Taranis) - Gaulish thunder god. Offerings were made to him so he'd influence the weather.
    
    
11. Rosmerta - Gaulish goddess who was adopted into the Roman pantheon and given a husband - Mercury. She is often thought to be a goddess of hot springs, plenty, and fertility.
    
    
12. Nantosuelta - Gaulish goddess of streams, often thought to be a fertility and prosperity goddess; aso associated with the concept of rebirth.
    
    
13. Mala Liath - Could have been an alternate name for the Scottish Cailleach. She is said to have tended a herd of pigs that were sired by the wild boar of Glen Glass.
    

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Blessed Mabon!

Mabon - Autumn Equinox.

Today is a day of balance. The Oak King and the Holly King stare each other in the eye with equal ferocity as they vie for the hand of the Goddess. Since Summer Solstice, the Oak King's strength, has been waning but he has battled on against the Holly King for supremacy. But after today, the inevitable happens, and the Holly King begins his reign while his opponent retreats into the coming darkness.

But the Oak King's death isn't forever - he will rise again to fight another day. Such is the endless spiral of life and death... and life again. :)

"Mabon" (the name is actually a modern application - there wasn't much of a name for it in ancient culture) is one of the eight celestial milestones, and traditionally is observed Sept. 22 or 23. Many mark this holiday on the 21st because, I think, it's just easier to remember. :) The name may be derived from Mabon ap Modron, a figure in Welsh mythology, but its connection is unclear.

Mabon is a time of quiet reflection, of honoring the aging Oak King, and enjoying the fruits of your summer labors.

Mabon is the second of three harvest festivals, which begin with Lammas and end with Samhain. In historical Celtic culture, it wasn't considered one of the major holidays. Many of my Pagan and Wiccan friends don't do anything special for this day other than perhaps set up a harvest-themed altar.

Altars can be so lovely, especially if you have the room to do one outdoors. Here are some ideas for colors and objects you can include:

Symbols of Mabon:
Wine, gourds, pine cones, acorns, grains, corn, apples, pomegranates, vines such as ivy, dried seeds, and horns of plenty.

Herbs of Mabon:
Acorn, benzoin, ferns, grains, honeysuckle, marigold, milkweed, myrrh, passionflower, rose, sage, solomon's seal, tobacco, thistle, and vegetables.

Foods of Mabon:
Breads, nuts, apples, pomegranates, and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions.

Incense of Mabon:
Autumn Blend-benzoin, myrrh, and sage.

Colors of Mabon:
Red, orange, russet, maroon, brown, and gold.

Stones of Mabon:
Sapphire, lapis lazuli, and yellow agates.

Activities of Mabon:
Making wine, gathering dried herbs, plants, seeds and seed pods, walking in the woods, scattering offerings in harvested fields, offering libations to trees, adorning burial sites with leaves, acorns, and pine cones to honor those who have passed over.

Deities of Mabon:
Goddesses-Modron, Morgan, Epona, Persephone, Pamona and the Muses. Gods-Mabon, Thoth, Thor, Hermes, and The Green Man.

Enjoy the weekend!

Sources:
Wikipedia.com
Wicca.com

Gold mine of Celtic research...

I am officially in heaven!

CELT: Corpus of Electronic Texts

13 Scottish Myths and Legends

Thirteen Scottish Myths and Legends 1. Black Donald - the devil - who cannot disguise his cloven feet. 2. Boobrie - water-bird of the Scottish Highlands. 3. Brownie - good-natured, invisible brown elves or household goblins. The younger version of the "Girl Guides" in Britain at least, are called "Brownies" for that very reason! 4. Clootie - another Scottish name for the Devil. The name comes from cloot, meaning one division of a cleft hoof. 5. Fachan - one leg, one arm and one eye. 6. Fionn - Scottish/Pictish magician, warrior and poet. 7. Ghillie Dhu - a solitary Scottish elf. 8. Kelpie - a water devil. 9. Lothian - Lothian traditionally takes its name from King Lot and father of Mordred. 10. Monster of Loch Ness - mythical? Surely not.... First seen by St Columba in 565 a.d. 11. Red Cap - lives on the Scottish Border in ancient ruins of castles. 12. Scotia - a goddess but frequently portrayed as an old hag! 13. Selkie - a marine creature in the shape of a seal. 14. Shellycoat - a Scottish bogeyman who haunts the rivers and streams. He is covered with shells, which rattle when he moves. 15. Sidhe the Gaelic name for fairies in both Ireland and the Highlands of Scotland. Okay, so there's 15. Sue me. :) Rampant Scotalnd Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Dog's Eye View 2. Christina's Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7. Emerald City Guy 8. NJ Walters 9. Will Write for Food 10. Shelley 11. Qtpies7 12. Seeley Deerborn 13. Michelle Pillow 14. Philly Transplant 15. Bending the Twigs 16. On the Lake Front 17.

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Stonehenge vs. Olympics??

OK, I don't often get serious here in my bloggy, kilt-ridden playground, but this ticks me off. Politicians are politicians, no matter where you go.

A former Transport and Heritage minister is calling for Stonehenge to be removed from the list of World Heritage sites.

Salisbury's Conservative MP Robert Key says a failure to deliver long overdue improvements means Stonehenge no longer deserves the listing.

He claims money for improvements is being diverted to the Olympics.

He is writing to the UNESCO committee asking for the British government to be called to account.

Unique archaeology

"A plan is there which has been discussed endlessly but they've failed to make a decision," he said.

A £600m plan to drill a tunnel for the nearby A303 trunk road and build a major new visitor centre has been on review for more than a year after Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said costs had risen too far.

But those campaigning to preserve the unique archaeology of the region say the plan is the only compromise that could work for the area.

TV archaeologist and Labour Party activist Tony Robinson said he was very worried about the future of Stonehenge.

Cultural legacy

In an interview with the BBC's Politics Show he accused the government of "leeching" on the iconic image of the monument to win the bid for the Olympics.

"As a nation we're in danger of letting Stonehenge down badly. Most politicians don't get heritage, they think they can just leech on it, exploit it, that it doesn't need tending," he said.

English Heritage, the government agency that runs Stonehenge, do not dispute visitor facilities and access are inadequate, but still hope improvements will be made in time for the Olympics.

"It is a stated aim of Visit Britain and the government to maximise the benefits of hosting the Olympics," a spokesman said.

He added that the Stonehenge project would be a major contribution to the cultural legacy of the games.


Source: BBC News

Thirteen Lesser-Known Celtic Goddesses

Thirteen Lesser-Known Celtic Goddesses Pretty much everyone knows about Brighid, Cerridwen, Arianrhod, Epona and the Morrigan. The following list gives sheds a bit of light on some of the goddesses who reside in the better-known ladies' long shadows. 1. Abnoba - Goddess of woods and springs; protectress of hunting and beasts. From her name, the name of the English river "Avon" is derived. 2. Aeval - "Lady of Sexuality". Among the Celts of Ireland, Aeval was the Fairy Queen of Munster. She held a midnight court to determine if husbands were satisfying their wives' sexual needs, or not, as the women charged. 3. Aife - Scottish Warrior Goddess who stole a magick alphabet from the deities and gave it to humans. For this act and her meaness she was turned into a crane. Sacred to Aife: The crane, the lance. (The Celtic Ogham alphabet is said to be based on the images of cranes flying.) 4. Arduinna - Gallic Goddess of moon, woods and hunting in the Ardennes. The Ardennes Forest in France is named after Her, were Her special domain. 5. Beag - Mistress of the Well, owner of the Well of Wisdom. 6. Fotla - Irish Mothergoddess; one of the mothers of Ireland. 7. Scathach - She is the patron of blacksmiths and warriors. 8. Sulis - Goddess of the thermal-baths of Bath. She was also a goddess of the Underworld, Wisdom and Fortunetelling. 9. Druantia - "Queen of the Druids". Mother of the tree calendar; Fir Goddess. Fertility, passion, sexual activities, trees, protection, knowledge, creativity. 10. Habetrot - A "spinning" Goddess. Spinning is both Pagan lingo for spell casting and for the turning of the Wheel of the Year. Habetrot is best known for her powers of healing which were linked to her skills with weaving fiber. All who wore the clothing she made would never fall ill. 11. Nehalennia - Primarily associated with protection of travelers over the sea. Her known temple locations are always on the coast, and surviving inscriptions often praise her for successfully completed voyages, or implore her for similar journeys to come. 12. Stine Bheag O'Tarbat - This old woman, who lived near Tarbat Ness, was said to be very powerful, with special mastery over the weather. 13. Uroica - Goddess of heather and heather wine. (I think she's my favorite!) Sources: Joelle's Sacred Grove Celtic Realm Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Dog's Eye View 2. Christina's Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7. Emerald City Guy 8. NJ Walters 9. Will Write for Food 10. Shelley 11. Qtpies7 12. Seeley Deerborn 13. Michelle Pillow 14. Philly Transplant 15. Bending the Twigs 16. On the Lake Front 17.

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Thirteen Animal Allies

Thirteen Celtic Animal Allies The following list gives many of the animals known to the Celts and told of in their legends and myths. 1. Adder (snake) - Associated with wisdom, reincarnation, and cunning. The Druids carried an amulet called gloine nathair (serpent glass). In the Scottish Highlands, the adder symbolized the Cailleach's power. 2. Badger - This animal is unyielding in the face of danger and is noted for its tenacity and courage. The badger will teach you to fight for your rights and defend your spiritual ideasYou drank a bottle of pop and not a soda. 3. Bear - The bear was noted for its strength and stamina. It can help you find balance and harmony in your life, and the strength to do what is necessary. 4. Wolf - The wolf is a cunning, intelligent creature, capable of out-thinking hunters. It can teach you how to read the signs of Nature in everything, how to pass by danger invisibly, how to outwit those who wish you harm, and how to fight when needed. Sometimes the world, seen on a journey, will lead you to a spiritual teacher and guide. 5. Butterfly - Many cultures cal butterflies the souls of the dead and the keepers of power. They will teach you to free yourself form self-imposed restrictions and to look at problems with greater clarity. 6. Cat - The cat is a strong protector, especially when facing a confrontational situation. 7. Crane - The crane, with its colors of black, white, and red, was a Moon bird, sacred to the Triple Goddess. Magic, shamanic travel, learning and keeping secrets, reaching deeper mysteries and truths. 8. Crow - This animal is to treated with care. Along with the raven, the crow is a symbol of conflict and death, an ill-omen associated with such Goddess as Macha, Badb, and the Morrigan. It was also considered to be skillful, cunning, single-minded, and a bringer of knowledge. It is of value when trickery is needed. It also teaches you to learn from the past, but not hold onto it. 9. Deer - THe deer represents keen scent, grace swiftness, and gentleness. There are ways of reaching your goals other than force. 10. Dragon - The dragon symbolized the power of the Elements, especially that of the Earth, but also of the treasure of the subconscious mind. 11. Hare (rabbit) - Associated with transformation, the receiving of hidden teachings, and intuitive messages. 12. Salmon - The salmon teaches you how to get in touch with ancestral knowledge and put it to practical use. 13. Wren - A sacred bird to the Druids, its musical notes were used for divination. As with many other birds, the wren was considered a messenger from the deities. Source: Joelle's Sacred Grove Links to other Thursday Thirteens! 1. Dog's Eye View 2. Christina's Shoebox 3. Samantha Lucas 4. Amanda Young 5. Jenny's Wandering Thoughts 6. Off the Wall Thoughts 7. Emerald City Guy 8. NJ Walters 9.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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The Forgotten One

Read about the inspiration for my upcoming novella WILDISH THINGS on the FaE blog. Enjoy!