23 Comments

Wonderful piece of writing. While I read it this morning the radio pushed Hail Bright Cecelia by Henry Purcell. A wonderful piece which I’m sure Robin must have loved.

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Apr 7Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Wow, poetic and full of ancient history and wisdom! Robin ("Bright Fame", as you shared) is making Celestial music- the language of the spheres! Love and Peace to you, Dwina, I am grateful for your generosity on many levels! Dwina's Substack is a must read for curious minds and hearts! https://dwina.substack.com/

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Very rich scope of saintly lives and ancient wisdom here! I particularly liked the story about the underground meeting of the three Irish rivers. It reminds me of an Orphic myth that I shall discuss in a future post but also of Sarasvati, the river goddess of inspiration that links to the St Cecilia theme as well.

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I have Sarasvati as my Empress. When I was in Rajasthan, a curious thing happened in the desert. It is very arid throughout that region and water is scarce during droughts when cattle die. One of the Brahmans in meditation had a vision of an underground river of pure water near Mount Abu. They started excavating and now there is a supply of endless water in that region. It was thought that the legendary Sarasvati River had gone underground and now part of it was actively helping the people. xxx Looking forward to the Orphic myth!

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These martyrs clearly wanted to be heard, for they gather and almost jostle each other to appear. Cecelia and the others are like the song that never ceases to flow, and which Robin himself was aware of, because he heard that continuous stream that is ever present. Thank you

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I believe she became his Muse xx

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Thanks for this interesting post, and what a beautiful poem Dwina; heartfelt tribute for your beloved Robin.

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

It was mine too :)

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Apr 7Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Is Dwina writing?

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I am writing... just working on revising my Vedic Tarot that is coming out in September/October. Also researching my next piece for Substack. With you soon xx

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Mar 23Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Beautiful and informative piece of writing Dwina. I fondly remember your discussion about Saint Cecilia and Robin with me and so made sure to visit Basilica of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere when Julius and I were in Rome. It was a wonderful experience and very moving.

I love Rome and often used to go there to visit friends or work related. It's been awhile since the last time I was there, which was for the funeral of a dear friend Lindsay Kemp who was buried in

the Acatollica Piramide Cemetery in Rome, another amazing historical site. I look forward to visiting Rome again and will definitely visit the Basilica of Saint Cecilia again. I trust you and the family are all well. Much love Kim

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Dear Kim,

I am so glad you and Julius visited Trastevere. The marble statue f the resting St. Cecilia is so moving. Because Robin carried that little stone from her original tomb around, her head is now carved into his headstone. So many musicians and composers wrote music in her memory. I also loved Rome and Florence and so many cities in Italy. RJ and I travelled down to Puglia and the Amalfi coast when the Titanic Requiem composed by Robin and RJ was played there. I have never seen so many miles of olive trees in my life! Much love to you too, Kim. Glad to see you here. xxx

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

What an insightful piece. Love it! Leaned a lot from it. Loved hearing what and where Robin di things and how music inspired him. Thank you for all you do to keep us informed with your knowledge and wisdom. We truly appreciate it and so must of Robin.

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

A question out of the blue: Do you believe the levitations of Santa Teresa really happened?

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Miracles happen with Love.

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

They say Love conquers all....

I saved the picture of Santa Cecilia shown in your story. It is shocking! I imagine to see it in person!

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Mar 19·edited Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

OH my bad my bad! I refer to Santa Teresa de Ávila, also known as Saint Teresa of Jesus, was a Spanish nun from the 16th century. She is known for floating in the air sometimes, which is why she's known for levitations.

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

For the record: In 1974, when he sang 'I Can't See Nobody' in Melbourne, I saw it on YouTube... I was too little at the time!

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Mar 19·edited Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

Your post immediately caught my eye, especially the statue of Santa Cecilia lying there - it's just stunning. The pose she's in, so dramatic and beautiful, makes me wonder if she stayed that way after being buried. And the way her head turns with the veil... it's captivating. Your insights on the martyrs are really thought-provoking. It's interesting how in life, both adults and children often react oppositely - we say no, and they say yes... it really highlights the struggle against tyranny and the reluctance to conform.

On a different note, I couldn't shake the memory of that monk who self-immolated during the Vietnam War? It's a haunting image, terrifying and horrendous... and the thought of people strapping bombs to themselves to become martyrs is just chilling.

But then, amidst these grim thoughts, I couldn't help but think of Saint Teresa's levitation and her incredible poetry. It makes you wonder about the mind and the sacred - is it all true? Personally, I think the truth is whatever resonates deep in your heart.

Switching gears a bit, that picture of you, Robin, and your son when he was little - it's so charming. You're all almost sitting down outside your home... it's such a sweet scene. It's a shame I never got to meet Robin Gibb - he was quite the songbird, not to mention incredibly attractive. Who could resist his voice? I still remember when he sang "I can't see nobody" back in 1974 in Melbourne... it was just perfect! Dwina, your post has really taken me on a journey. By the way, after your husband passed, did you ever saw him?? like, for real? Oh, and I really need to check out those catacombs sometime soon. Love your posts...

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I have had vivid dreams of him, especially when important events were happening in the family, births of children, deaths of elders, even when his favourite wolfhounds died, and the dreams at this time also made me feel that all was okay. XX His grandmother lived in Melbourne at the end of her life, btw.

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Mar 19Liked by Dwina Murphy-Gibb

I love your writing, your poems, and for sure, there's so much we all have to share.

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Inspiring... It's what you give to others ...that's important to remember ... Your writing always brings so much light into history.

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I love the way you tell your stories :)

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