I just returned from the Isle of Wight so I left my computer and iPad behind and did not write for a week but catching up now! My favourite Tarot was always the Aquarian deck because I loved the colours and the feel of the original deck of cards. My deck is not out until the end of the year. It is a very East West deck with spiritual insight based on three ancient alphabets. Amazon are doing preorders. The Waite deck is also a good one. X
The sun falling upon the Cloch Oir is a wonderful thing - those Horned Cairns seem to have been the places where the dead were ancestralization by the sun's activation at the equinoxes, just as they are enshrined as ancestors at. the midwinter sunrise at Brú na Bóine and at. the midwinter sunset at Maeshowe on Orkney.
Had fun with this one, all the places so familiar to me and appreciated more now! During the 'Troubles' we did not venture into mountainous territory or offbeat places.... cant wait to go back!
Yes, you remind me there is another passage-grave at Gavr'inis in Morbihan dedicated to the midwinter sunrise. Aubrey Burl mentions that this is the only Breton passage-grave with carved spirals, as in the Irish motif. There appear other motif connections. Curiously Gavr'inis also has an an example of the re-use of carved stone from a menhir of earlier era. Am vividly reminded of a great bike/camping tour 30y ago with then teenage daughter round the other pole of that ancient civilisation..
Some of the stone circles in Ireland unfortunately got recycled into barns, houses and byres! I would say that as many as we see now, there may have been twice that before. Although having said that, there is also great reverence for them by others who strive to preserve them . I found an incredible one in Tipperary that was difficult to find but unforgettable once having entered it.
I love the passage tombs that I believe are initiation chambers also... I was born on the Winter Solstice so these places are special to me. I have not been to Morbihan in Brittany but love the architecture and the Islands nearby. On my visit list this year. Thank you Philip for that information. ***
Thank you, Nancy. I grew up in the middle of them, surrounded by poets, storytellers, comedy, tragedy, ... childhood was an adventure like no other. xxx
Loved this especially turning the coats inside out I bet Robin loved this especially when it was brought to his attention. He seemed to have that kind of humor. Wonderful and very informative. can't wait for the next one. I am learning so much.
Robin was very witty and quick. I was travelling to America with him and also researching books how to make clocks for a novel I was writing about an Irish Clockmaker. The stewardess said they were discussing it in the cockpit if this was a hobby of mine. Before I could speak, Robin said: “Oh, Yes, she makes all our clocks!” So a small crew of the Concorde believe to this day that I am a clockmaker!
It's of the coast of Dorset, a very short ferry ride and very small island, I fell asleep under a pine tree to wake up face to face with a red squirrel, we seemed to both be startled!
I love that! Yes they do like the pine and fir trees. I now know where that island is! It has a castle I think on a hill. I have seen pictures of it! Love you waking up face to face with the red squirrel! They scamper through the firs on the IOW xxxx
What a wonderful share! I'm intrigued by all things Irish. I've always felt a connection. My father's family, I believe, originated from Wales, and then made their way around before coming to the States, spending time in Ireland and Scotland. I've been told they dropped the "O" in their name upon arrival (my maiden name is Henry, so it was O'Henry) My dad and both his brothers have red hair... the signs are there, but I have yet to be able to visit the land. My dream for one day! We have fools gold here, mainly found around the rivers, and tales of the faerys and their ways and mischief is so intriguing! Robin with his jacket inside out, I had a visual when reading that part, and could just see his smirk and twinkle in his eye with his response to the gentleman. Very much enjoying your writing! xx
I meant to ask you last time if there is a charm from the Irish culture, or from your personal experience or traditions, for bringing positive events. Lately, I have been interested in this and have run out of creative options beyond positive thinking, time, and love. What does that Irish wisdom recommend?
Oops, the reply shot away from me there. In Ireland, people often carried a worry stone in their pocket, sometimes a smooth piece of Connemara marble that has turned into a more commercial thing now, but even children will search for a little stone or shell to keep in a pocket and worrying it in their hand seems to give them ease. Xx
I love this piece Dwina and have myself been in time travel thanks to faery warps. Thank you for the tip to turn my jacket inside out! I’ve been trying to write a piece based on these experiences specifically around the faery activity at a hawthorn tree that is in the field next to my mothers’ cottage in Kerry. I also love the idea of the gold stone juggling poetic words to those that listen and also wonder where it might be making mischief. Looking forward to reading more. Also the photograph of the woman in the wishing chair is fabulous 💫
Kerry is such a magical and beautiful place. Your mother must love it there. The hawthorn is a very valuable tree. Hawthorn tea is very good for the heart. Huathe is a special Ogham in the tree alphabet. Protection and Purity. They always say you should only speak truth near the hawthorn or the faeries might take umbrage. I like the tea.
Yes Kerry is special with magic still to be found and very beautiful places. I haven’t tried Hawthorn tea although I did know it was good for the heart, I will brew some when she fruits. Now the Hawthorns are blooming and along with Rowans and Elders looking freshly bridal in the hedgerows. The sun’s out and there’s a late Cuckoo calling.
Wonderful and great fun ... am looking forward. I did not know about Carleton. Yeats also refers to his contemporary JM Synge also imbued with knowledge of the language and story traditions. Isn't it great though that something more than old tales still emanates from the landscape despite the overlay of troubled histories. This is fainter on the mainland but still discernible in places. PS CS Lewis has some fun with mediaeval Faery in his lecture series 'The Discarded Image'.
I think most poets and writers will touch on the mysteries of the myth, history and folklore. Difficult to avoid the ancestral past when searching for the Muse. I wanted to list other writers but there were too many. Synge was brilliant and caused quite a stir with his plays. Alice Milligan from County Tyrone was another one.... Yeats was quite an admirer with a touch of jealousy I believe of Alice. Her sister Charlotte documented the Blind Harpers. I must look up The Discarded Image lectures by C.S. Lewis. Thanks for that. ***
I just returned from the Isle of Wight so I left my computer and iPad behind and did not write for a week but catching up now! My favourite Tarot was always the Aquarian deck because I loved the colours and the feel of the original deck of cards. My deck is not out until the end of the year. It is a very East West deck with spiritual insight based on three ancient alphabets. Amazon are doing preorders. The Waite deck is also a good one. X
The sun falling upon the Cloch Oir is a wonderful thing - those Horned Cairns seem to have been the places where the dead were ancestralization by the sun's activation at the equinoxes, just as they are enshrined as ancestors at. the midwinter sunrise at Brú na Bóine and at. the midwinter sunset at Maeshowe on Orkney.
Had fun with this one, all the places so familiar to me and appreciated more now! During the 'Troubles' we did not venture into mountainous territory or offbeat places.... cant wait to go back!
Yes, you remind me there is another passage-grave at Gavr'inis in Morbihan dedicated to the midwinter sunrise. Aubrey Burl mentions that this is the only Breton passage-grave with carved spirals, as in the Irish motif. There appear other motif connections. Curiously Gavr'inis also has an an example of the re-use of carved stone from a menhir of earlier era. Am vividly reminded of a great bike/camping tour 30y ago with then teenage daughter round the other pole of that ancient civilisation..
It's generally known by archaeology that many earlier sites get recycled in the building of the newer one.
Some of the stone circles in Ireland unfortunately got recycled into barns, houses and byres! I would say that as many as we see now, there may have been twice that before. Although having said that, there is also great reverence for them by others who strive to preserve them . I found an incredible one in Tipperary that was difficult to find but unforgettable once having entered it.
Thanks. Makes sense I guess. I suppose in some sense it could indicate either / both 'closure' or 'continuity'. Burl speculated about this one a bit.
I love the passage tombs that I believe are initiation chambers also... I was born on the Winter Solstice so these places are special to me. I have not been to Morbihan in Brittany but love the architecture and the Islands nearby. On my visit list this year. Thank you Philip for that information. ***
So love your stories. They paint such a vivid picture of other times and places.
Thank you, Nancy. I grew up in the middle of them, surrounded by poets, storytellers, comedy, tragedy, ... childhood was an adventure like no other. xxx
Loved this especially turning the coats inside out I bet Robin loved this especially when it was brought to his attention. He seemed to have that kind of humor. Wonderful and very informative. can't wait for the next one. I am learning so much.
Robin was very witty and quick. I was travelling to America with him and also researching books how to make clocks for a novel I was writing about an Irish Clockmaker. The stewardess said they were discussing it in the cockpit if this was a hobby of mine. Before I could speak, Robin said: “Oh, Yes, she makes all our clocks!” So a small crew of the Concorde believe to this day that I am a clockmaker!
Thank you for your informative and inspiring articles, love it!
Just got back from Isle of Wight. You would love it there! Saw red squirrels. Xxxx.
Wonderful, I remember seeing red squirrels on Brownsea Island xx
Where is Brownsea Island?
It's of the coast of Dorset, a very short ferry ride and very small island, I fell asleep under a pine tree to wake up face to face with a red squirrel, we seemed to both be startled!
I love that! Yes they do like the pine and fir trees. I now know where that island is! It has a castle I think on a hill. I have seen pictures of it! Love you waking up face to face with the red squirrel! They scamper through the firs on the IOW xxxx
Hello Dwina!
Is your Tarot card deck available yet? Which one is your favorite deck? I need a deck, Dwina.
Looking for you.... :)
AC
Really enjoying thanks
What a wonderful share! I'm intrigued by all things Irish. I've always felt a connection. My father's family, I believe, originated from Wales, and then made their way around before coming to the States, spending time in Ireland and Scotland. I've been told they dropped the "O" in their name upon arrival (my maiden name is Henry, so it was O'Henry) My dad and both his brothers have red hair... the signs are there, but I have yet to be able to visit the land. My dream for one day! We have fools gold here, mainly found around the rivers, and tales of the faerys and their ways and mischief is so intriguing! Robin with his jacket inside out, I had a visual when reading that part, and could just see his smirk and twinkle in his eye with his response to the gentleman. Very much enjoying your writing! xx
Thank you. Robin was such a comedian. All the brothers were when together. Good fun!
Well I am going to get a boulder and put it in my garden 🤣
Hello Dwina,
I meant to ask you last time if there is a charm from the Irish culture, or from your personal experience or traditions, for bringing positive events. Lately, I have been interested in this and have run out of creative options beyond positive thinking, time, and love. What does that Irish wisdom recommend?
Thank you, Astrid
Having a positive attitude is just thinking that whatever happens will ultimately be good, no matter how it may seem in tge present.
Oops, the reply shot away from me there. In Ireland, people often carried a worry stone in their pocket, sometimes a smooth piece of Connemara marble that has turned into a more commercial thing now, but even children will search for a little stone or shell to keep in a pocket and worrying it in their hand seems to give them ease. Xx
I love this piece Dwina and have myself been in time travel thanks to faery warps. Thank you for the tip to turn my jacket inside out! I’ve been trying to write a piece based on these experiences specifically around the faery activity at a hawthorn tree that is in the field next to my mothers’ cottage in Kerry. I also love the idea of the gold stone juggling poetic words to those that listen and also wonder where it might be making mischief. Looking forward to reading more. Also the photograph of the woman in the wishing chair is fabulous 💫
Kerry is such a magical and beautiful place. Your mother must love it there. The hawthorn is a very valuable tree. Hawthorn tea is very good for the heart. Huathe is a special Ogham in the tree alphabet. Protection and Purity. They always say you should only speak truth near the hawthorn or the faeries might take umbrage. I like the tea.
Yes Kerry is special with magic still to be found and very beautiful places. I haven’t tried Hawthorn tea although I did know it was good for the heart, I will brew some when she fruits. Now the Hawthorns are blooming and along with Rowans and Elders looking freshly bridal in the hedgerows. The sun’s out and there’s a late Cuckoo calling.
The cuckoo has been late everywhere this year it seems. We heard one a few days ago. Xx
Wonderful and great fun ... am looking forward. I did not know about Carleton. Yeats also refers to his contemporary JM Synge also imbued with knowledge of the language and story traditions. Isn't it great though that something more than old tales still emanates from the landscape despite the overlay of troubled histories. This is fainter on the mainland but still discernible in places. PS CS Lewis has some fun with mediaeval Faery in his lecture series 'The Discarded Image'.
I think most poets and writers will touch on the mysteries of the myth, history and folklore. Difficult to avoid the ancestral past when searching for the Muse. I wanted to list other writers but there were too many. Synge was brilliant and caused quite a stir with his plays. Alice Milligan from County Tyrone was another one.... Yeats was quite an admirer with a touch of jealousy I believe of Alice. Her sister Charlotte documented the Blind Harpers. I must look up The Discarded Image lectures by C.S. Lewis. Thanks for that. ***
Another treasure trove... Loved this.
That’s beautiful. So love these stories 💙💫
Research and memories of a loved place! xxx