St. Brigit Pic: Kildare Town Heritage Centre

Thanks to the wonderfully informative Kildare Town website, and in particular the section devoted to the Heritage Centre, we have some superb information about Saint Brigit for La Feile Bride or Saint Brigit’s Day on February 1st. The information they provide is also available in more detail in a book that you can get from their shop (although currently out of stock). They say: It is generally accepted that Brigid / Brigit established her abbey and church in Kildare around 480 AD, on the site now occupied by St. Brigid’s Cathedral. Some scholars suggest that her foundation may have evolved from a sanctuary of Druidic priestesses who converted to Christianity. Brigid the saint, inherits much of the folklore associated with the goddess Brigid, a dimension which contributes to her popularity.

It may be an exercise in futility to try separating the historical Christian Brigid/ Brigit from the goddess since, clearly, the two are so interwoven. St Brigid/ Brigit stands at the meeting of the two worlds. Neither the boundaries of Christianity nor the older beliefs can contain her exclusively. [link]

It seems that Brigid / Brigit held a unique position in the early Irish church and society of her day. As Abbess, she presided over the local church of Kildare and was leader of a double monastery for men and women. Tradition suggests that she invited Conleth, a hermit from Old Connell near Newbridge, to assist her in Kildare. Her abbey was acclaimed as a centre of education, culture, worship and hospitality in Ireland, and far beyond, up until the suppression of the abbeys in the sixteenth century.

Nothing remains today of the original Brigidine church and abbey which were probably constructed of timber or of mud and wattle. They were pulled down, rebuilt and enlarged many times as numbers grew in the double monastery for men and women. Cogitosus describes a remarkable building in Kildare in the 7th century.

Saint Brigid’s Early Life

There are many stories and legends relating to Brigid’s/ Brigit’s birth and early years. Brigid/ Brigit, we are told, was born around 453 AD. Although one story suggests Faughart, Co. Louth, as her place of birth, there is a strong local tradition in Kildare that Brigid/ Brigit was born in Umeras, about five miles northwest of Kildare Town. Her father, Dubthach, was a local chieftain whose descendants may now be called Duff or Duffy. Her mother, Broicsech , was a bondmaid in Dubthach’s household and tradition holds that she was a Christian.

Ancient Beliefs

To understand Brigid/ Brigit, the Christian saint, one needs to look briefly at the ancient beliefs that prevailed in Ireland prior to the coming of Christianity.

Male and Female deities, one of which was Brigid/ Brigit, were revered and worshipped in ancient Ireland. A great cult surrounded her. She is associated in Irish Folklore and literature with the gifts of poetry, healing and smithcraft, and is also identified with nurture, fertility and fire. With the coming of Christianity to Ireland, the power of the pre-Christian deities began to wane. Christianity slowly took root, assimilating features of the older beliefs and practices, including, for example, the use of sacred wells, the Celtic celebration of Imbolc and the use of fire. It was at this time of transition that the historical.

It is well worth exploring the Kildare Heritage website, there is a lot more information to discover and photos to see.

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Brigit, the Bright One Pic: Hanging Gardens

We’re proud to bring another post by Guest Blogger, Ishtar from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon blog and Ishtar’s Gate  about the ancient Celtic Goddess Brigit, Brighid or Bride. As Imbolc/Imbolg, the 2nd of February – which is the Fire Festival associated with her – is rapidly approaching, this is an especially relevant post! Thank you, Ishtar Ever wonder where the word ‘Britain’ comes from? It originated with Brigit of the Fae, whose name the Romans, for reasons best known to themselves, combined with that of another indigenous spirit, Ana, to create Britannia. They changed her sun disc into a shield and her wand into a sword, and thus almost managed to emasculate the true spirit of these isles.

I say ‘almost’ because they didn’t succeed. The spirit of Brigit is beginning to burn bright again as more and more people search to uncover their spiritual roots. In fact, Brigit is the key to one of the most ancient initiations into the Underworld going back many thousands of years … but more about that later.

I only mention it now in order to signal that although I will be explaining the origins of Brigit, and going into some of the ancient customs associated with her, this is not going to be one of those dry, dusty, fusty essays about folklore that don’t lead anywhere. I leave all that to the folk historians. I’m not the least bit interested in folk songs or Morris dancing or corn dollies or May poles unless I can trace the magical, transformative seed underneath — the catalytic spark that creates change through magical or shamanic initiation. There is a very good reason for all that Morris dancing and singing of ballads, but that’s the bit most folk historians leave out.

However, I won’t let you down… so let’s get moving…

First of all, who was Brigit? And where does she come from?

Etymology of her name

The name Brigit means Fiery Arrow or Bright One, which is another name for Lucifer (for more about this, see Lucifer, the Fae and Initiation into the Underworld and also Why Lucifer Must Have Been a Woman). Her oldest name is Briganti, which could be derived from the ancient Indo European Bhrghnti (or in Sanskrit Brihati), which means ‘exalted one.’

The Celts shared many sacred ritual practises with the ancient Vedic Indians. They migrated from across and through the Himalayan region after the last Ice Age, eventually arriving in Europe. The Brigantes were among them. Before becoming the largest Celtic tribe in the British Isles, the Brigantes had settled in Austria near Lake Constance in a place known as Bregenz.They had fire priests known as bhrisingrs after the bhrigus or fire priests of the Anu tribes.

Bridestones Pic: Hanging Gardens

Brittany in northern France was also named for Brigit, and she was also the inspiration for Brechin in Scotland, the river Brent in England, the river Braint in Wales, and Bridewell ~ both in London and in Ireland. The city of Bristol takes its name from Brigit. And Brenin, the Welsh word for King, meant consort of Brigantia.

(There’s probably loads more Brigit-inspired locations, and so if you know of one, please do add it in the comments.)

Brigit in mythology

In Celtic mythology, Brigit appears as one of the offspring of the Dagda and the Morrigen, (about whom you can read more in The Underworld Initiation of King Arthur by Morgan the Fae.) She was part of the Tuatha da Danaan, which is another name for the Sidhe, the Fae, the Little People or the Gentry.

Brigit was known as the patron spirit of healers, smiths and bards, and she rules the elements of fire and water. Brigid’s Feast Day is on Imbolc in February, which the Christians call Candlemass. On Imbolc, milk products are offered to her as the young Bride. Butter, cheese and milk are put out for her. People say that Bride herself is abroad on Imbolc Eve. So they leave out pieces of cloth for her to bless as she passes, and which are used later in healings.

One of her symbols is the serpent entwined around a white wand, predating Asclepius. Other important animals associated with Brigit are the white swan, the white wolf and the white cow.

Post Christian Brigit

Brigit, the Bright One Pic: Hanging Gardens

The Romans Christians, as was their wont, found a way to amalgamate Brigit into the Christian religion by adding her to their pantheon of saints. Her centre was at Kildare in Ireland.“Cill Dare” means “Church of the Oak”, thus betraying its Druid past, and it was in an area known as Civitas Brigitae, “The City of Brigid”.Brigit is found in the carving below within a wall of what remains of the St Michael church on top of Glastonbury Tor, milking a cow.

In this way, even within the Christian pantheon, she retains her association with her primary totem animal.

Brigit milking a cow
pic: Hanging Gardens

Because Celtic Christianity retained many of the indigenous spiritual practises, Brigit’s fire was kept alight day and night at the Kildare convent, by dedicated vestal priestesses, for centuries — until they were finally put out by Henry VIII’s shock troops of the Reformation.

The Way of Brigit

I’ve been getting to know the kind and gentle spirit of Brigit in recent times, and have been honoured to receive her initiation. She has taught me to follow her in an ancient route through the Underworld which, although well-trodden, is not so well used today, since the advent of the Western Mystery Tradition with its pathworking up the Kabbalah or Qabalah.

This way in which Brigit guided me is a much more ancient route. It bypasses the Abyss of the Kabbalah, with all its perils and pitfalls, by travelling underneath it. The Way of Brigit is part of a magical working known as The Mask of the Bright One, and it has also been called The Harrowing*.

Now that Brigit has taken me through this initiation, I’m ready and able to help any of those who feel that it’s the right time for them to receive it.

The Way of Brigit is for those who wish to quicken their progress in terms of self-transformation but also with regard to their relationship with the Land. It is about healing our place in the Land, and about how we stand in relation to all the other creatures on the planet. It is about breathing at One with All That Is, and taking back the reins of our own power as the glorious Beings which we truly are. It will also afford you the protection and guidance of Brigit and the Fae.

So if you feel ready for this next step on your path, do let me know.

* I’m grateful to R.J. Stewart for providing some of the material for this journey.

Further Reading: You can find reviews and books to buy on the Fae in the Faerie Tradition section of the Ishtar’s Gate Library.

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Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder treason and plot. We see no reason Why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot! The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605.

Pic: James Michael Hill

Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate.

Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations. Effigies of Guy Fawkes, and sometimes those of the Pope, graced the pyres.  It makes one wonder if the burning of effigies was an echo of  the early Celtic practice of burning a sacrifice during  Samhain and the other fire festivals. (See the film The Wicker Man for popular imagery).  Still today, some communities throw dummies of both Guy Fawkes and the Pope on the bonfire (and even those of a contemporary politician or two), although the gesture is seen by most as a quirky tradition, rather than an expression of hostility towards the Pope.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called “the Guy”.  There was an old tradition of children walking in the streets, carrying “the Guy” they have just made, and begging passers-by for “a penny for the Guy.” This tradition is less common today, although is still sometimes seen in small communities.

On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.  Traditional food is often served such as hot soups and potatoes wrapped in tin foil and cooked in the fire. Up to recent times it was common for people to set a fire in their gardens and set off their own fireworks with friends and family. Today there are many organised public bonfires and firework displays on or around November the 5th in England.

The extent of the celebrations and the size of the bonfire varies from one community to the next. Lewes, in the South East of England, is famous for its Bonfire Night festivities and consistently attracts thousands of people each year to participate.

Bonfire Night is not only celebrated in Britain. The tradition crossed the oceans and established itself in the British colonies during the centuries. It was actively celebrated in New England as “Pope Day” as late as the 18th century. Today, November 5th bonfires still light up in far out places like New Zealand and Newfoundland in Canada.

Source

Originally posted 2008-11-05 10:28:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

The Sixth Production Diary from The Wealdon and Downland Open Air Museum, Cuckmere Haven near Eastbourne and The Long Man of Wilmington featuring Damh the Bard. Here we can see separate scenes of the Gods as well as Damh appearing “as a man, alone on a hill…” and also giving a quick performance below the magical Long Man of Wilmington. Bit by bit we learn more about the film

Esther, Annie and George are 3 people whose lives have reached a crisis point. On the night of 31st October, all three find themselves drawn to a clearing in the woods. Secrets are revealed and nothing will ever be the same again as an ancient power emerges from the shadows…

As you know this movie was inspired by the works of Damh the Bard and the Director, Gary Andrews, has put the whole story together into something new and astounding, something with a powerful message for today’s youth and we are so excited to see the film’s launch sometime around the end of 2011.

The Albion Diaries tell the Behind the Scenes story of the production of the Spirit of Albion movie. Marq English of MEV Productions is producing these video diaries of the film’s production, so you can get some idea of what’s coming and how it has all been put together.

Video Diary Filmed and Edited by Marq English.

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Description Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
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The Stone of Uisneach (‘Catstone’) Pic: Festival of Fires

One of Ireland’s greatest living historians, Ruth Illingworth, is to give a guided walk and tour of the Hill of Uisneach, formerly regarded as the centre of Ireland, at 2pm this Saturday August 27th 2011. This is a rare chance to hear the real stories of Uisneach whilst walking Uisneach. Meet at the lay-by at 2pm.

In Irish mythology, it was considered to be the omphalos or mystical navel of Ireland, upon which rested a great stone (Ail na Míreann, which means “stone of divisions”) which was said to indicate the meeting point of the provincial borders of Leinster, Munster, Connacht, Ulster, and Mide (which was once a separate, fifth province). Tradition tells that the Hill of Uisneach was a site favoured for Beltane fires and Druidical ceremonies, and as a ceremonial site it was regarded as second only to Emain Macha. In the poetic history Lebor Gabála Érenn (Book of the Takings of Ireland), the Nemedian Druid Mide lit the first fire there. A fire was also lit on the Hill of Uisneach on the feast of Bealtaine. This fire could be seen from Tara, and when they saw it, they lit their fire. [Wiki]

We covered this story, which is usually known as “The Settling of the Manor of Tara” in Episode 18: The Judgement of Fintan. Fintan is called upon to decide how the land is to be divided and he gives his final decision or judgement by the Stone on the Hill of Uisneach at the Centre of Erin. This is the stone picture above – I would love to hear Ruth Illingworth tell the tale and what the Historians have discovered in the area!

The Festival of Fires and Uisneach

My impression is that the Festival of Fires organisation, recently formed and doing such worthy work in trying to restore the importance of Tara, Bealtaine and Fire in Erin, have arranged for this guided tour. They are certainly publicising it – if I’m wrong, I apologise and will happily credit the organiser(s). If you’re able to attend the tour, they have the following information and guidance:
It has been a very busy summer on the Hill of Uisneach and David and Angela Clarke and their family are to be commended on their courtesy and kindness to all visitors who check in with them before walking the hill. Uisneach is still very much a working farm so please follow the instructions on the signs at the parking lay-by if you intend walking it.

Hundreds of tourists from all over the world have visited the hill this summer and among those was the American musical group The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble. In Ireland to play with Prince, they took time off their busy schedule to visit the centre of the country and learn some its history before they continued their world tour with Prince, playing to hundreds of thousands across the globe. The band are back in the country in the Autumn with Damon Albarn and they are always welcome back to Uisneach.

If you have never visited Uisneach with an expert then this Saturday is a must.

Ruth Illingworth was a key member of the team at Festival of the Fires, giving tours and talks throughout the three festivals to date, and in historic circles in Ireland she is among the highest rated and most passionate historians. A widely published author and expert on all things in the midlands, Ruth is also a Mullingar Town Councillor. She has served as mayor of Mullingar on two occasions and were it not for Ruth’s voice being on the Council, much of Westmeath’s history would have been lost forever.

What is the Festival of Fires?

Festival of the Fires is a rekindling of Ireland’s oldest recorded festival, Bealtaine. The dawn of May will see Ireland illuminated as the festival returns to the Hill of Uisneach and selected sites nationwide.A cultural celebration on a national scale, the Festival’s epicentre is the Hill of Uisneach in Co. Westmeath. Started in May 2010, 73 other sites & communities joined in the main Uisneach celebration, with 14 international fires also lit in solidarity. In 2011 the festival is to grow, with a full weekend of celebrations planned…

The Fire Festiaval Pic: Festival of Fires

The dawn of May will see Ireland illuminated as Festival of the Fires returns with very special musical guests The Saw Doctors. From its Hill of Uisneach Epicentre, the festival will spread to communities across the country with over 100 hills all across Ireland uniting to welcome in the summer.

Celebration in 2010

The main festival takes place on the Hill of Uisneach, with a unique festival village featuring three musical stages, food & beverage villages, art installations, heritage trails, guest lectures, comedy, spoken word, debate, hundreds of horsemen and women, arts and crafts, and of course a spectacular night-time Fire Parade led by the multi-award-winning Luxe group from Donegal.

Musical guests will include the aforementioned Saw Doctors, playing their ONLY Midlands show of the year, and they will be joined by a diverse and exciting line-up which will be revealed over the coming weeks.

Tickets are on sale now from all Ticketmaster outlets and ticketmaster.ie priced €35. Camping tickets are also on sale price €40. Tickets are also on sale at selected venues throughout the midlands and major cities (see festivalofthefires.com)

Arts, Culture and Heritage – Reignite your passion with Festival of the Fires!

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You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
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Cotswold Morris Pic: Wiki

Plans to scrap the May Day bank holiday in England and Wales for alternative dates have been outlined by ministers. Under the proposals, the holiday would be moved to St George’s Day in April in England and St David’s Day in March in Wales, or a Trafalgar Day in October. Ministers said the move would lengthen the tourist season but trade unions said it would disrupt firms and staff.

Meanwhile, widely discussed plans to bring UK clocks into line with Europe were not in the tourism policy paper.

‘National day’

Tourism Minister John Penrose said that proposal had been “in, then out” twice from the final published document.

But he told the BBC that although many people in the tourism industry were keen on the clocks idea, the issue was not one just about tourism.

Mr Penrose said:

“That is not part of the tourism policy. The government is not going to take that forward unless people in Scotland and Northern Ireland are comfortable with it.”

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) policy paper includes proposals to move the May Day holiday to St George’s Day on 23 April in England and St David’s Day on 1 March in Wales – to create a “national day”.

A move to an October holiday in England and Wales could be either a “Britain day” or a national day to mark military victories such as the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Decisions about bank holidays are devolved in other parts of the UK.

Mr Penrose said he wanted to encourage more Britons to holiday at home and at the same time to get more foreign people to visit the UK.

“As a nation we are a little bit prone to underplay what we have on our doorstep,” he said.

Mr Penrose said the tourism industry also had a “fantastic chance to step up a further gear” by making the most of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and London Olympics next year.

Read the full story on the BBC website.

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
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The Wicker Tree Poster Pic: Dread Central

The Wicker Tree is a 2010 film by British director Robin Hardy. The film contains several similar elements to the 1973 film The Wicker Man, but is neither a sequel nor a remake of that film. It is due for release in 2011. Based on Hardy’s own 2006 novel Cowboys for Christ, the film focuses on Texas pop star turned gospel singer, Beth (Brittania Nicol) and her cowboy boyfriend, Steve (Henry Garrett), both devout evangelical Christians from the church Cowboys for Christ, sent on a mission to spread the word of God to the people of Scotland.

The Story

Young Christians Beth and Steve, a gospel singer and her cowboy boyfriend, leave Texas to preach door-to-door in Scotland . When, after initial abuse, they are welcomed with joy and elation to Tressock, the border fiefdom of Sir Lachlan Morrison, they assume their hosts simply want to hear more about Jesus. How innocent and wrong they are. [wiki]

Below is the Teaser to the film found on YouTube, but there is also a longer version that contains blood and nudity, so we can’t show it, but if you want to see it after our warnings you can see it on YouTube or the movie’s official website.

More Info

These days, The Wicker Man probably makes many think of derisive laughter, elated confusion and Nicolas Cage getting  attacked by bees. But the original 1973 cult film still holds up as a chilling, uncomfortably funny horror movie about the power of fear, desperation and faith. Its director Robin Hardy has been struggling for years to make a companion-piece, and now, more than 30 years later, the trailer for The Wicker Tree has arrived. Those scared of naked women wearing horse masks may want to look elsewhere today. Ah yes, it’s probably NSFW.

But before I get to the imagery, I want to get a few problems with this trailer out of the way. First, it’s hard to tell exactly how well this film will work, since anyone familiar with the film knows that the young Christian country singers who decide to visit that creepy Scotish island are doomed from the start. It’s true that the first film’s success wasn’t entirely due it’s shocking ending, but now that we know exactly how things are supposed to go down, it begs the question of what another movie could possibly offer. Also, I do not care how twisty and menacing they look – wicker trees are just not as scary or iconic as huge wicker men. [MovieLine]

A Possible Trilogy?

Film Junk has this to say about the new movie:

The May Queen? Pic: Film Junk

We’ve heard rumblings about a Wicker Mansequel for a couple of years now, but it was never really clear (to me, at least) whether or not this thing would actually get made. However, recently the very first teaser trailer for The Wicker Treearrived online, so apparently they found the money to make it a reality after all. Writer/director Robin Hardy has returned to this cult classic some 37 years later to continue the story, which is pretty amazing in and of itself. It seems to be more of a retelling of the original, with Christopher Lee playing a similarly evil role, although I’m not sure if it’s supposed to be the same character.

This time around there are two young Christians from Texas who foolishly bring their missionary work to Tressock, Scotland, where they fall victim to the pagan villagers. Nicolas Cage’s The Wicker Man remake has kind of turned this movie into a joke in recent years, but for obvious reasons Hardy seems determined to restore some credibility to the name. The original was loosely based on the novel The Ritual by David Pinner and the screenplay was written by Anthony Shaffer, but this movie is based on a novel that Hardy wrote himself called Cowboys for Christ. He actually plans to do a third movie as well to create a trilogy. Production on the film is reportedly complete, although a release date is still TBA. For more info, stay tuned to the official website.

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.
You can now also find an Android version of the App which works identically to the iPhone version. You can find it on Appbrain at http://www.appbrain.com/app/celtic-myth-show/tv.wizzard.android.celticmythpodshow841 or by using the QR code opposite.
If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Summer Solstice Sunrise over Stonehenge Pic: Wikimedia

Awakening As One exists for the sole purpose of inspiring and encouraging humanity to make the intelligent choice to unite and live for the peace and harmony of all, rather than for the material gain of the self. Awakening As One invites us all to join them this Summer Solstice (World Peace & Prayer Day) for the first in a series of events planned for this summer, where we can unite and shine our light for the world by sharing it on the streets of our own cities.

Our action of uniting to shine in public locations will allow us to find, and be found by, others who are seeking change in the darkness of this falling age, and by those whom we would not typically encounter because of our varied social backgrounds.

THE HEALING POWER OF PLAY

The Summer Solstice and other such Events will unite the voices and actions of their participants in public expressions of love and gratitude for the earth, her oceans and all living things.

And in accordance with “The Plan” acts such as this, where people Unite, to spread Truths, in Compassionate Service; will bring increased balance and healing to the world’s corresponding negative aspects of fear, ignorance, hate and greed.

Though a Summer Solstice Event could be ANY activity where people Unite, to acknowledge Truth, in Compassionate Service, we offer the following guidelines which will be used in a number of cities in Western Canada, and which anyone may adapt according to their own interests.

SOLSTICE EVENT SUGGESTIONS:

UNITE IN WHITE: Participants will wear white tops to symbolize the love, light and unity, which connect the individuals in their city with others around the world who are shining for peace, the planet and all living things.

ONE WORD GIFT: Each individual will write their one-word gift to the world (peace, harmony, fun, acceptance, etc) on a white balloon. This is an important aspect to the event because it allows each individual the opportunity to Serve by BEing their gift to the world through their embodiment of their offering.

THE PRESENTATION: Imagine if you will…. a silent single-file procession, where participants dressed in white hold white balloons displaying their one-word gift to the world in front of their hearts.

Silently embodying its offerings of peace, joy and playfulness, the procession brings a sense of upliftment to the space through which it moves, and peaks the curiosity of strangers stirred by the curious sight. Each of the silent participants carries cards that they provide to the curious onlookers.

On one side, the cards read:            “They may say that I’m a dreamer,  but I’m not the only one.”

And on the other:                                   This is “The Call” to Unite.       www.AwakeningAsOne.com

Before, the procession begins the group’s intentions will be aligned with those of others around the world who are uniting for World Peace & Prayer Day. (See info below.)

Please note: the above guidelines are suggested because they are simple, yet versatile, and because they provide each person the oh-so-important opportunity for self-expression, and personal service. We invite you to create your own format for bringing a vision of love, unity and service to the streets, and ask you to share it with us, through photos and video at: awakeningasone@gmail.com

EVENT VARIATIONS:

VARIATIONS: if the means lie within a city’s participants we heartily encourage the inclusion of Song and Music to the event, in addition to one or two roaming facilitators (people who are outside of the single-file procession & who pass out cards and/or interact with the onlookers.)

THE PLACE: The striking simplicity of a group of people united in compassionate service, with white balloons and tops, may be further expanded and explored by taking this basic concept and installing it in different settings.

It is one thing to weave the procession through a park or sunlit sidewalk teeming with weekend shoppers, and it is something similar, yet entirely new, to move the procession through soup kitchens, special care homes or through the chaotic streets of night-time revelers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: when deciding on a location for your event, each group must have safety as the number one consideration. It is also important to note that the nature of these events is NOT to mistaken for protests, rather they are meant as presentations of love and inspiration which occur to reflect the light inside of the people who experience them, and to open the doorway for them to find new information and interactions.

This event is timed to synchronize with hundreds of thousands people around the world who will be united in prayer for our Earth, her oceans, and for all life.

If you have any questions regarding this event please email awakeningasone@gmail.com

We are… Awakening As One

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WORLD PEACE & PRAYER DAY – June 21st, 2010

As we honor the Cycle of Life, let us call for Prayer circles globally to assist in healing Grandmother Earth (our UncπI Maka). We ask for prayers that the oil spill, this bleeding, will stop. That the winds stay calm to assist in the work. Pray for the people to be guided in repairing this mistake, and that we may also seek to live in harmony, as we make the choice to change the destructive path we are on.

As we pray, we will fully understand that we are all connected. And that what we create can have lasting effects on all life. So let us unite spiritually, All Nations, All Faiths, One Prayer. Along with this immediate effort, I also ask to please remember June 21st, World Peace and Prayer Day/Honoring Sacred Sites day. Whether it is a natural site, a temple, a church, a synagogue or just your own sacred space, let us make a prayer for all life, for good decision making by our Nations, for our childrenπs future and well-being, and the generations to come.

Onipikte (that we shall live), Chief Arvol Looking Horse

19th generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe

For more details and information visit  www.awakeningasone.com

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.

If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

The Sighthill Stone Circle. Pic: Nick Ponty Hearld Scotand

For centuries, a hilltop high above Glasgow (Scotland) has been the scene of solstice celebrations. Sighthill Park lies under the line of the midsummer sunset, with Glasgow Cathedral at one end and Summerhill at the other. The cathedral sits on an ancient Neolithic excavation. In the 1970′s, Duncan Lunan, an amateur astronomer and science writer, began construction of an aligned, standing stone circle to map the movements of the sun, moon and stars.

Over the course of several months, calculations were completed for the precise placement of the circle. Using photographs and astronomical charts, 17 of the sun and star stones were lowered by RAF helicopter flying off of the HMS Gannet.

The moon stones were too large to be transported by air. Lunan noted,

“Getting the precision right was the really hard part. And the winters of 1978 and 1979 were really terrible too, you could hardly see a thing,”

he said.
Lunan originally planned to create a replica of of the Stonehenge and Callanish stone circles in Glasgow. But, inspired by the unique astronomical significance of the setting, the project evolved into a true stone circle observatory. The project was a tribute to four faculty members at Glasgow University who advanced understanding of ancient astronomy.

“It started with Alexander Thom who, between the two world wars, was inspired by the falling moon over the Callanish Stones,”

Lunan said

“He became convinced that they used astronomy and mathematics on an advanced scale. This was at a time when most archaeologists wouldn’t go near this stuff, claiming that primitive society was not capable of such understanding. It is very fitting that this stone circle is in Glasgow, as a tribute to them.”

Thom’s work was continued by his son Dr. Archie Tom and two collegues, Dr. Ewan McKay and Professor Archie Roy.
The initial project was started under the Jobs Creation Scheme, but was not completed when funding was withdrawn by Prime Minister Maragaret Thatcher. Four of the circle stones still lie under a bush in Sighthill Park, waiting to be put into place.
Lunan now hopes to complete the project and revive the solstice celebrations. He regrets the fact that the project has become lost to the history of the city.

“There is still nothing up here to say who built the circle, who it was built for or how it works. I have been told that nowadays children are afraid of it, that they think it is linked to black magic, that sort of thing. That is something I want to change.”

He is hoping that the stone circle will become a major attraction in Glasgow, featured on the city-wide astronomy map. Plans include placing markers to represent each solar body using exact scale within the city limits. The stone cirlce would represent the sun, and Pluto would lie at the appropriate distance in Cathkin Braes. A lecture on the Sighthill Stone Circle is scheduled on June 21, followed by a visit to circle for the midsummer sunset.

Source

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You can also now download a Celtic Myth Podshow App from the iTunes store. This is the most convenient and reliable way to access the Celtic Myth Podshow on your iPhone or iPod Touch. You’re always connected to the latest episode, and our App users have access to exclusive bonus content, just touch and play! To find out more visit the iTunes Store or our Descripition Page.

If you come to the site and listen or listen from one of our players – have you considered subscribing? It’s easy and you automatically get the episodes on your computer when they come out. If you’re unsure about the whole RSS/Subscribing thing take a look at our Help page.

Pic: Wiki

Do you remember a post just recently in which we looked at some of the meanings of Yule, there was a picture of Father Christmas or Santa riding on a goat? Well, the Vikings must have some relationship to the more modern origins of Christmas because the most common symbol for Yule amongst the Swedish is the Julbock or Christmas Goat (see image below). In the town of Gävle, they erect an enormous goat (last year’s is pictured to the left, but the BBC reports that in the early hours of yesterday morning (26/12/2009):

A giant straw goat – the traditional Scandinavian yuletide symbol – erected each Christmas in a Swedish town has been burned to the ground yet again. The 13-metre (43-ft) high billy goat has been torched 24 times since it was first erected in Gävle in 1966.

The goat was set alight in the early hours of Wednesday morning in the city north of Stockholm. City spokeswoman Anna Ostman said the incident, which is being treated as serious vandalism, was "sad".

We had really hoped that he would survive Christmas and New Year’s.

she said. As well as being burnt, the goat has over the years faced other acts of vandalism including being run over by a car, having its legs removed and being smashed.

The Goat’s History

• 1966: The first goat is burned down – beginning the tradition
• 1970: It is set on fire six hours after being erected
• 1971: Schoolchildren build a miniature; it is smashed to pieces
• 1976: A car crashes into the goat
• 1979: Goat is burned down before it is finished
• 1987: Goat is treated with fire-proofing, but is still burned down
• 2001: Tourist from Cleveland, Ohio is jailed for burning goat
• 2005: Two men dressed as Santa and Gingerbread Man torch goat

The Gävle Goat on the Internet

The city’s website offers a bilingual blog and Twitter feed, as well as webcams to allow fans to follow the beleaguered goat’s fate.

In one of its last entries, the goat writes:

Terrible night! Slept so well under my beautiful snow blanket, when it suddenly became awfully hot. It was fire!!! At 0300 someone managed to set me on fire and destroy the amazing Christmas spirit in Gavle.

You can follow the Goat @gavlebocken on Twitter.

Pic: Swedish Christmas

Pictured left is the traditional Swedish Christmas Goat or Julbock that many homes have on display at Christmas time. The straw Julbock is a popular figure that Swedes like to place under their Christmas trees. It’s believed that these small Christmas Goats, were once made from the last shafts of the harvest crop and symbolized the power of rejuvenation and fertility. The Julbock, or Christmas Ram, preceded St. Nicholas as a Christmas figure in Sweden. You can also find Straw Ornaments hanging from the Christmas tree.  Go and see live what is happening on Goatcam 1 & Goatcam 2! The webcams were closed on December 29th – I guess until next year.

[Source]

[Gävle on Wiki]

[Official Gävle City website]