Continuing on from the above post, this is part 2 of our interview with Christine Rose, author with her husband, Ethan Rose, of Rowan of the Wood, an exciting tale for Young Adults with a strong tie to Celtic Mythology. Gary:       Out of all the time periods that you could have chosen and still met Druids, why did you choose 592 AD as a time period for your book? Christine: Part of this book is exploring the subjugation of the old ways by the sometimes violent spread of Christianity at the time. It’s exploring the perception of a different people to whom Christians were the “bad guys,” destroying their ways of life and families. Then looking at the perspective today, living in a society that is predominantly Christian. It’s all about perspective. It’s also a way to raise awareness of the harsh reality of the way Christianity became so prolific.

Ruthie:        Yes, we are blessed to live in a society today, where you are free to live as a Christian, a Druid, a Buddhist or whatever. In fact, in  the first chapter of Rowan the crowd say the Awen chant used by modern druids today for inspiration – what inspired you to add this to the story?

Christine:    Exactly that. We also use the Awen symbol in the Celtic artwork, along with Futharc Runes, Ogham script, and the Green Man which we create for Renaissance Faires and Celtic Festivals.

Ruthie:        Wonderful! Do you mind if I ask a slightly more personal question?

Christine:   No, not at all – fire away!

Ruthie:        Something I guess that every author is asked about their main character, but do you or Ethan personally identify with your character Cullen Knight?

Christine:   Cullen Knight is loosely based on Ethan’s childhood. Ethan, too, was a ward of the court and grew up among the redwoods of Northern California. He lived in foster care, although more of an orphanage run by a monastic community rather than a family, but his greatest solace was found in books. Especially fantasy books.

Gary:            Yes, I think both Ruthie and I grew up between the pages of good books! When you were writing Rowan of the Wood, how often did you find the story taking you somewhere you never expected to go?

Christine:    Quite often really. Once you develop the characters, they take on a life of their own. It’s magical and they sometimes direct you more than you direct them.

Gary:            What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Christine:   Marketing it (laughing)!

All:                (Laughing in understanding)

Christine:   Hands down! Then finding time to write the second book while marketing the first.

Ruthie:        Ah yes, the second book! This book is the first of a series of five. Can you tell us a little about the next book in the series?

Christine:  The next in the series is called Witch on the Water, and it will take place off the Washington coast on an island as well as among the magical redwood forest. We’ll see another love interest introduced for Max.  Rowan and Fiana will of course meet again. Cullen is quite angsty. It’ll be fun!

Gary:            It sounds it! Which Character in your book would you most hate to be left on a desert island with?

Christine:   Fiana. We’d be lunch the first night!

Ruthie:         (laughing) What were you favourite books as a child? and did any of them help to inspire Rowan of the Wood?

Christine:   The Hobbit. The Prydain Chronicles (Alexander). The Chronicles of Narnia. Dune. I think everything we’ve read and enjoyed ultimately helped inspire Rowan of the Wood.

Gary:             They’re all wonderful books! Do you have a favourite fantasy novel apart from Rowan of the Wood?

Christine:     I adore the entire Harry Potter series. It brought magic back into my life during a very dark time. It paved the way to Rowan. Ethan’s favorite is The Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion because of the completeness of the fantasy world it created. He wanted to know the histories behind events and people.

Gary:               I can really relate to that! I had to teach myself Runes and the Elvish script after reading them. They influenced my development so much as well. So what sources of research did you guys use for writing the book?

Christine:    The internet. First and foremost. Also: A Celtic Miscellany (Jackson), Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race (Rolleston)

Ruthie:        Cool. When writing this book was there one thing that surprised you more than any other?

Christine:   (laughing) That we actually finished it!

Gary:           If you had to choose a favourite character from Celtic Mythology who would it be and why?

Christine:    Brigid. Ethan has a thing for goddesses (Big smiles) — after all, he married me! (with a big wink)

Ruthie:        (laughing) Oh yes, every man should see the Goddess in his lady! What have you most enjoyed about being an Author?

Christine:   Oh, defintely the writing. Also, meeting our fans and knowing something we created is entertaining people, especially during this difficult financial time has been really special.

Gary:            I can understand that. How has your life changed since becoming an author?

Christine:   Yes. Ethan is “off the roof;”

Gary:             Excuse me?

Christine:   (smiling) He does construction work much less now, as we’re on the road almost constantly. I’m happy about this because there is less chance he’ll have another run-in with a power saw. We’ve found the artist within ourselves. I now paint Green Men and Ethan is carving wood again. We travel all over the country in our Geekalicious Gypsy Caravan with our canine/feline family, attending Renaissance Faires and Celtic Festivals. Although we’re still in transition from the pre-author life to the author life, it’s a great life overall.

Because of your wonderful podcasts as well as Druidcast, we’ll be telling the Sorrowful Tale of Rowan and Fiana in the ancient bardic tradition, complete with lyre accompaniment, in the very near future. We’ve even composed an ‘epic poem’ as if it were an actual Celtic Myth handed down through the generations.

Gary:            That sounds a wonderful lifestyle and thank you so much for your kind words! Before you go, can you tell our readers and listeners where they can find the most up-to-date information about you guys and Rowan?

Christine:   Sure. Pop over to http://rowanofthewood.com/newsroom and you can find pictures, bios and all sorts of cool stuff!

Ruthie:       Christine, thank you so much for taking the time to come to our fireside – it’s been lovely!

Christine:  You’re welcome – thank you for having me!

Read the first part of our interview

Originally posted 2009-04-15 09:00:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

An artist’s impression of the hilltop fort dating from 1200 BC which was uncovered recently near Innishannon by archaeologists from UCC. Pic: Southern Star

ARCHAEOLOGISTS believe they have discovered what may have been Cork’s ancient capital, built 3,200 years ago at a time when Rameses III was pharaoh of Egypt. A team of archaeologists from UCC, led by Professor William O’Brien, have carried out extensive research that sheds new light on what is the largest prehistoric monument in Co Cork and the oldest dated ring fort in the country. Their three-year project, funded by the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences and the Royal Irish Academy, shows that huge wooden defense walls once surrounded the ring fort at Knockavilla, near Innishannon.

Radiocarbon dating shows that the ring fort was constructed about 1200BC confirming it as the oldest known prehistoric ring fort in Ireland, according to Prof O’Brien. This puts its importance on a par with prehistoric sites such as Dún Aengus on Inishmore and Mooghaun, Co Clare. Continue Reading »

Originally posted 2008-11-25 10:52:59. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

A new Welsh language service for children of nursery age has been unveiled by broadcaster S4C.

The service, which was launched at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Conwy, starts on 23 June on S4C’s digital channel, S4C Digidol.

There will be six-and-a-half hours of programmes for children of nursery age, compared to one hour currently.

It is the first stage of S4C’s plan to introduce a separate Welsh language channel for children and young people.

Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/7421720.stm

Published: 2008/05/27 12:44:32 GMT

Originally posted 2008-05-27 13:44:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pic: Elanorya

Spirals are some of the oldest known Celtic symbols. Prominently displayed on ancient artifacts dating long before the written word in Ireland, the symbols of the Celtic Spiral are second only to Knotwork designs as the symbols most associated with Celtic Art. These mythical spirals are among the oldest symbols associated with Celtic Art. They are believed to represent the spiritual balance between inner and outer consciousness.

Celtic Spirals
People from many lands herald Celtic symbols designs such as the cross, the spiral, and even knots as the emblem of their heritage because the people known as "Celts" lived in many areas of modern-day Europe.

The Spiral of Life
The Triple-Spiral, otherwise known as the "Spiral of Life", is found on many ancient Irish stone carvings – the most famous of which is Newgrange, found in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to 2500 BC. Most scholars believe the spiral of life represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Others say this deeply mystical symbol represents the male, female, and child on the path of life. Another interpretation is that it also represents the Triple Goddess.

The Triskele, or the Triskelion
The Triskele, otherwise known as the triskelion, is a three-pronged spiral, and is often used as a basis for more complex spirals. Some suggest ancient Celtic triskeles represented the Triple Goddess of the three ages of womanhood. It later came to represent the Holy Trinity in Christianity – God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Whatever its’ meaning, it is interesting that the motif is based around The Number 3 – regarded as a highly sacred number in many ancient cultures, not least the Celtic Druids.

Trinity Celtic Knot or Triquetra
The Triquetra, commonly known as the Trinity Knot, takes an individual strand and wraps it into and onto itself, such that it becomes a three-lobed, yet singular design (with no beginning and no end). This design symbolises the connection of the three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit. As above, to Christians, it illustrated the essential core of Christian belief wherein one God was Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For both beliefs, the Trinity knot symbolized the way in which the three separate essences were vitally interconnected.

Three is a Magic Number
Here are the various explanations and meanings of the number three as related to druid beliefs.

The Druids believed in three worlds and in transmigration from one to the other: in a world above this one, in which happiness predominated; a world below, of misery; and this world, the present state. This transmigration was to punish and reward, and also to purify the soul. In the present world, said the Druids, good and evil are so exactly balanced that man has the utmost freedom and is able to choose or reject either.

Then there are three objects of metempsychosis: to collect into the soul the properties of all being, to acquire knowledge of all things, and to get power to conquer all evil.

They are also, the Celtic Druids say, three kinds of knowledge: knowledge of the name of each thing, of its cause, and its influence. Three things that continually grow less: darkness, falsehood, and death. And three things that constantly increase – light, life, and truth.

The Number Three is a sacred symbol in many cultures all over the world.

Irish Astrology is about bringing awareness of the Celtic Symbols used in the Druid belief system. They were used as early as the Vedic, Greek, or Roman systems. Click here for more info on Celtic Symbols and here for lovely Free Screensavers

Author: Thomas O Donovan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Pic: Discovery News

Discovery News report that British archaeologists have unearthed an ancient skull carrying a startling surprise — an unusually well-preserved brain.Scientists said Friday that the mass of gray matter was more than 2,000 years old — the oldest ever discovered in Britain. One expert unconnected with the find called it “a real freak of preservation.”

The skull was severed from its owner sometime before the Roman invasion of Britain and found in a muddy pit during a dig at the University of York in northern England this fall, according to Richard Hall, a director of York Archaeological Trust. Continue Reading »

Originally posted 2008-12-18 09:46:16. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pic: Gary

The picture above is our very first wallpaper image and you can find the downloadable versions on our Wallpaper page. As the title says, it depicts a scene from the Second Battle of Moytura, or Magh Tureadh as you’ll find it in the old texts. This was the second tremendous battle that the Tuatha De Danaan fought to take and hold the Emerald Isle and shows the main characters up to their ears in deadly combat with the Fomori. You should be able to spot Lugh, the Shining One, Nuada Silver-arm, the mighty Dagda and Bridget on the front line.

I have depicted the Fomori in their dark and hideous form as we are given the impression that they are ferocious and ugly. Yet we are also given the impression that they can be incredibly beautiful and may in fact be part of the same species as the Tuatha De Danaan. Lugh was the grandson of Balor and one tale has Bridget as the mother of Bres the Beautiful; a Fomor.

I am planning more pictures (as time allows) including one that shows the arrival of the Fomori and the possible shape-changing that might account for this discrepancy. If you can think of any other scenes from the Irish Mythological Cycle that you’d like me to have a go at depicting in CGI art-form, leave the suggestions in the comments to this post and as time allows, I’ll see what I can do

My health has taken a turn for the worse, as you might have gathered and regular trips to the Hospital are called for which means even more of my precious design time for the show is eaten up by real life – strewth! What is a man to do ? So we have decided, to head straight on into the Samhain Holiday Special and put the Irish Mythological Cycle Summary Show on hold again. I’ve adjusted the counter on the main page to reflect this.

I think that’s all the news and should bring you up to date. I’d like to say big thank you’s for all of your wonderful heart-felt good wishes and I wish I could hug you all!

Until the next show,

Many blessings

Gary

Pic: safoocat

Celtic wedding rings are beautifully symbolic, and are completely appropriate to wear whether one has Celtic roots or not. Knot work designs are physical representation of the weaving together of two lives into one mysterious circle, which in itself is symbolic of a balanced, committed relationship.   Its practically impossible to find Celtic rings at local jewelry stores, and having them custom made can be cost prohibitive. When searching online, consider these two suggestions.

Celtic wedding rings are beautifully symbolic, and are completely appropriate to wear whether one has Celtic roots or not. Knot work designs are physical representation of the weaving together of two lives into one mysterious circle, which in itself is symbolic of a balanced, committed relationship.

Its practically impossible to find Celtic rings at local jewelry stores, and having them custom made can be cost prohibitive. When searching online, consider these two suggestions.

First, choose the style based on the quality of the design. For example, some patterns are about harmonious flow, while others suggest peaks and valleys. The meaning, which should be on the website, should match the nature of your relationship. The ring should have knot work that is clean and well defined. It should be available in 14K, 18K, platinum or some bi-metal, gold/silver or gold/platinum combination. Real jewelry designers can customize the pieces with diamonds or other precious gemstones.

Second, the company must have a proven track record with dozens of testimonials, a Better Business Bureau rating or something similar, and if possible, a brick and mortar location. The ring should be returnable and sizable. Workmanship must be guaranteed. Deal with companies from your own country with strong customer service. When ordering, you should be able to easily speak with someone.
The most important thing is that the rings should be beautiful, unique, and resonate with your own profound, sacred connection and commitment to your newly betrothed.
Marc Choyt

Marc Choyt Bio:

Marc Choyt graduated from Brown University in 1984 with a degree in English. In 1995, he received an MA degree in Humanities from St. John’s College. In 1996, he and his wife, Helen Chantler, founded Reflective Images, a designer jewelry company specializing in contemporary Celtic jewelry. http://www.artisanweddingrings.com http://www.celticjewelry.com Please send email requests to marek@celticjewelry.com

Author: Marc Choyt
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Pic: UCD School of Archaeology

Dean Edwards, from the Northwest Druidry group on Facebook, has discovered that this year’s Tara Symposium will be streamed live across the Internet, on the 23rd-26th October 2009. The stream can be found on the UCD website and there is a full programme available as a PDF. Facilities are available to overseas listeners to ask question via the symposium email address tara.symposium@ucd.ie. As the programme is compact, only a small proportion of questions will be relayed to the symposium auditorium.Featuring approximately forty papers by an international group of scholars, the symposium promises to be the most extensive review of the archaeology of Tara undertaken to date

. It focuses on the data from the two excavation volumes but extends to a wider consideration of research undertaken at Tara over the past twenty years.

Tara symposium overview (23rd-26th October 2009

Following the publication by Wordwell of reports on Seán P. Ó Ríordáin’s excavations at the Mound of the Hostages (Muiris O’Sullivan 2005) and Rath of the Synods (Eoin Grogan 2008), the UCD School of Archaeology, in association with the John Hume Institute for Global Irish Studies, is hosting a symposium entitled Tara – From the Past to the Future.Featuring approximately forty papers by an international group of scholars, the symposium promises to be the most extensive review of the archaeology of Tara undertaken to date. It focuses on the data from the two excavation volumes but extends to a wider consideration of research undertaken at Tara over the past twenty years. Themes include:The archaeology of Tara* Papers subjecting particular aspects of the archaeology of Tara to detailed scrutiny* Underlying question: What more can be mined from the archaeological data?Tara in its local and regional setting*

Contributions examining the locality around Tara and exploring how Tara interacted with its surroundings at various times in the past*

Underlying question: What was the settlement history of the landscape around the Hill of Tara?Comparative perspectives on Tara* A variety of speakers examining Tara from the perspective of other iconic places such as Stonehenge and Carnac* Underlying question: What is the international perspective on Tara?The significance of Tara through time* Addressing the distinctive qualities that have set Tara apart from ancient times to the present* Underlying question: What dynamics have influenced the emergence of the Tara phenomenon?

They have also set up a Twitter account, @tara_2009_ucd, and may possibly take questions from viewers to pose to the Symposium.

Pic: The Times

The Times Online reports that Ireland’s first farmers settled the island later than some sites from Ulster have long suggested, but did so in a short period which may also have seen parallel migration into western England and Scotland. Radiocarbon dates indicate that sites from Co Kerry in the South West to Co Derry in Northern Ireland were all settled within the century after 3700BC. The immigrants built rectangular timber houses up to a hundred square metres in area, cultivated cereals such as wheat and barley, used flint tools and made plain pottery bowls, Cormac McSparron notes in Archaeology Ireland.

Continue Reading »

Originally posted 2009-01-16 09:07:25. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pic: Crimthann Fid-Nemed

Swords were not effective weapons until the dawn of the Bronze Age, and truly became great tools of war during the Iron Age. Previous to this era, rough blades were fashioned from flint, wood, or other materials like bones and antlers. While these materials were effective for clubbing, cutting and piercing, metal swords are vastly superior to their ancestors.

It was not until man found copper around 3700 BC that swords could be considered truly effective. Copper on its own was very soft and swords crafted from this material needed frequent sharpening. Copper was smelted with tin to form bronze, which needed far less maintenance then their copper counterparts, and a new era was born. The great civilizations of the Middle East armed their large armies with bronze swords. Swords in early Egypt resembled oversized daggers, and were meant only for thrusting. The first cutting swords had a sickle-shaped blade and were invented around 2500 BC. The Assyrians of the era also carried bronze swords, which were fitted to the soldier’s belt and worn horizontally. These early swords were also rather short and very decorative for the time, usually featuring some sort of ornamentation below the grip. The Greeks of the Bronze age employed much longer swords used solely for thrusting. The earliest Greek swords took the shape of a cruciform , but slowly evolved to a slightly curved shape by about 700 BC.

A new age in the history of man was born with the discovery of iron, which was smelted as early as 3000 BC, thus the beginning of the Iron Age. The Hittites are credited as being the first to make swords from this new material, and they conquered vast areas of territory, easily conquering opposing forces using who were using inferior weapons. The swords created with iron were harder and more durable that those crafted from bronze, and created a far better weapon. Although iron had been known for a long time previous to its use as a blade material, smiths found it very difficult to work with. The Hittites discovered, likely by accident, that if carbon was heated along with iron, then put in water to cool, they could make a durable iron blade. They kept this secret closely guarded, and it was many years before this technology reached the Middle East, Africa, and the rest of the developed world. The Romans, famous for their swordsmanship, adopted iron weapons after the Battle of Cannae in 216 BC.

Although bladed weapons had been crafted before metal was around, they were crude and often ineffective at cutting or thrusting. Due to artisans furthering the craft of forging swords in the Bronze Age and the Iron Age, they became an absolute necessity for close combat. Whether mounted on horseback or engaging in hand-to-hand combat on foot, swords became a universal weapon to keep one’s enemy at bay.

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Author: Tim Breault
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