The Faerie Rade Pic: “Three Muses” by Liza Lambertini

The Fairy Raid or Rade, that time when the Fae are out and about in force on their borders, is a common theme of Fae belief and Thomas Keightley, in his great 1870 book describes it in the following manner. The Fairy Rade, or procession, was a matter of great importance. It took place on the coming in of summer, awl the peasantry, by using the precaution of placing a branch of rowan over their door, might safely gaze on the cavalcade, as with music sounding, bridles ringing, and voices mingling, it pursued its way from place to place. An old woman of Nithadale gave the following description of one of these processions:

“In the night afore Roodmass I had trysted with a neebor lass a Scots mile frae hame to talk anent buying braws i’ the fair. We had nae sutten lang aneath the haw-buss till we heard the loud laugh of fowk riding, wi’ the jingling o’ bridles, and the clanking o’ hoofs. We banged up, thinking they wad owre us. We kent nae but it was drunken fowk ridin’ to the fair i’ the forenight. We glowred roun’ and roun’, and sune saw it was the Fairie-fowks Rade. We cowred down till they passed by.

“A beam o’ light was dancing owre them mair bonnie than moonshine: they were a’ wee wee fowk wi’ green scarfs on, but ane that rade foremost, and that ane was a good deal larger than the lave wi’ bonnie lang hair, bun’ about wi’ a strap whilk glinted like stars. They rade on braw wee white naigs, wi’ unco lang swooping tails, an’ manes hung wi’ whustles that the win’ played on. This an’ their tongue when they sang was like the soun’ o’ a far awa psalm. Marion an’ me was in a brade lea fiel’, where they came by us; a high hedge o’ haw-trees keepit them frae gaun through Johnnie Corrie’s corn, but ‘they lap a’ owre it like sparrows, and gallopt into a green know beyont it. We gaed i’ the morning to look at the treddit corn; but the fient a hoof mark was there, nor a blade broken.”

The Fairy Raid: Carrying Off a Changeling, Midsummer Eve by Joseph Noel Paton

Perhaps one of the most famous images of the Rade is the 1867 oil painting by Joseph Noel Paton. The BBC describe the painting: Set at twilight in a dark wood this scene is less innocent than it first appears. While the large fairies are the conventionally beautiful and aristocratic figures of medieval romance, their smaller attendants are the grotesque creatures more often associated with folklore.

The Fairy Raid: Carrying Off a Changeling, Midsummer Eve Pic: Wiccan Together

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace in the US.
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.

Roman Brooch Pic: Wales Online

Cadw’s Community Archaeologist, Caroline Pudney, tells how a Roman brooch can change lives in our latest essay from Wales Online‘s Welsh History Month series. She says: Imagine my surprise and delight when this brilliant star-shaped brooch popped out of a very muddy field in Caerleon in 2010. Little did I know that this was the beginning of my journey to help others get a similar kick out of shiny objects.

It was all legitimate, of course. I was part of a team of archaeologists from Cardiff University and University College London excavating a field in the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon. The excavations revealed a warehouse building and a series of square rooms surrounding a large courtyard as well as some truly amazing objects, including this brooch.

Questions, Questions, Questions

As I knelt there admiring the craftsmanship, I began to ask the sorts of questions everyone asks. Who wore this brooch? Whose cloak did it fasten? Was it one of the soldiers of the Second Augustan Legion who was stationed here? Was it a prized possession perhaps? A gift from a loved one? The intricate design and enamelling would surely have made this an expensive object. Or did it belong to one of the officer’s wives or a local girl from the tribe of the Silures?

So far, so good; lots of questions but no answers. The excavations in Caerleon, however, not only trained undergraduate archaeology students but also gave volunteers a chance to get involved, especially people from the local community who might not normally be interested in archaeology.

I then began to really understand that the past has something for everyone and that community engagement is not just a buzz word but a way of helping people learn and care about their history. It doesn’t matter that we don’t have all the answers; what matters is firing the imagination to ask the questions in the first place. For me this was the beginning.

Now, as community archaeologist at Cadw, I can help to create opportunities for everyone to experience archaeology, discover beautiful objects like this one and question what the past means to them.

The Birth of MORTARIA

Taking this Roman brooch as inspiration, the MORTARIA project was born. MORTARIA stands for Motivating Offender Rehabilitation Through Archaeological Recording, Investigation and Analysis. It’s a fitting acronym because mortaria is also the name for Roman versions of mortars (from a pestle and mortar) and Roman objects provided the inspiration for this project. This innovative project was designed to contribute towards the rehabilitation of offenders at HMP & YOI Parc, Bridgend.

One participant recalls:

The archaeology course was very interesting with a lot of different aspects to it. The lessons themselves were not too intense which promoted the students to learn easier and pick up more information about things like the Roman military [formations, structure and hierarchy of legions].

By taking this cross-disciplinary approach – using archaeology, photography, cookery, IT and art – we were able to devise a range of activities that could improve numeracy, literacy and communication skills in particular. We also helped participants to develop their observation and analytical skills, and learn to work as part of a team. And we encouraged participants to understand how their behaviour impacts on others – all valuable lessons to help people find jobs and lead fulfilling lives.

A Roman Star-Shaped Brooch

This beautiful enamelled plate brooch is in the form of a six-point star. At present, it is without parallel, but this is not unusual in the case of plate brooches. Found in the Roman fortress at Caerleon, the pattern is likely to represent a fusion of native and foreign designs combining Celtic and Roman influences. This suggests the craftsman who made itthis brooch was familiar with the traditions of both the local civilian and soldier populations.

The brooch probably dates from the 2nd century AD, making it around 1,800 years old.

For more information about MORTARIA, Cadw’s community archaeology projects, visiting Caerleon Roman Fortress, and Welsh History Month go to cadw.wales.gov.uk.

To read the full article go to the Wales Online website.

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace in the US.
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.

World Drum Ceremonies Montage Pic: Matthew Holbrook

Philip Shallcrass, Greywolf, Chief of the British Druidry Order says that the World Drum is a remarkable shamanic instrument created as the result of a vision given to Norwegian shaman, White Cougar. White Cougar heard the call of Mother Earth asking for the Drum to be created and sent out around the world carrying the message that it is time for all the people of the world to awaken to the harm we are doing to our Mother Earth before it is too late, and that as part of this re-awakening we must put an end to war and hatred. The drum was made by Sami drum-maker, Birger Mikkelsen.

It was first played in ceremony outside the Norwegian parliament in 2006. Since then, it has visited six continents and been played at over 500 venues.

The Drum is a wakeup call, walking from hand to hand, from land to land, joining people across borders, ethnicities, political and religious views. It is the manifestation of a vision, a symbol of the circle of life and that we all are connected in a common struggle for humanity and Mother Earth.

Although a Sacred drum, this drum is to be enjoyed and played by all. No matter who you are or who you have been, we are all related. In its seven year journey, the Drum has visited five continents, its heartbeat being heard in sacred ceremony at 500 locations. As the World Drum travels from country to country, people to people, and from hand to hand, its heartbeat grows stronger each day, calling us to reinstate our spiritual relationship to Mother Earth.

Speech for Mother Earth

We are all human beings, all people, you, me, our neighbours. No matter where you live in this world, if it is in Africa or South-America, if it is in Asia, Europe or U.S.A, we are all sisters and brothers in humanity. All people of the world. Whether rich or poor, whatever colour, religion or political thinking, we are all residents of this one planet, Mother Earth.

While the World Drum is played, Greywolf reads the Prayer to Mother Earth Pic: Wendy

The time has come to answer the questions.
Do we really want to destroy our home?
Do we really want war, hunger or disasters?
Do we really want to give our next generations
a planet in such a condition that there will not be any hope for survival?

Mother Earth is crying.
She is shivering in fear of losing all her entrails,
as we dig and drill to get hold of what we think is our right
towards a better wealth.

Mother Earth is crying.
Soon she will not have any tears left,
and then it will be too late.
The time has come to unite and stand together.
Please, I ask you,
take each other’s hands,
lift them high and make a prayer
while The World Drum sings her song
and we feel her heartbeat.
It is the heartbeat of Mother Earth.
It is our heartbeat,
from each and one all over the world.
It is the heartbeat of life itself.

Let us join together as one that this heartbeat may continue.

Morten Wolf Storeide, Norway 2006

The Celebrations at Wildways

White Cougar will be at Wildways Pic: nordlys.no

This event combines our farewell to the World Drum with the launch of the Druid Hedge Schools Project, a joint initiative between the British Druid Order, the Druid Network and the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids that’s aimed at bringing low-cost, high-quality Druidical teachings to venues around the UK. It’s also a great chance for BDO members and friends to get together, as most of our core team and tutors will be there all weekend…

Also joining us for the weekend will be two very special guests, White Cougar, the shaman whose vision inspired the creation of the World Drum, and Morten Wolf Storeide, who oversees the Drum’s many journeys across cultures and around the world.

We begin on Friday with a ‘meet and greet,’ followed by a ceremony with the World Drum, hosted by White Cougar and Morten Wolf Storeide, using a sacred healing plant called chaga. Saturday morning there will be a short introduction to the World Drum for day visitors who weren’t there for the Friday evening ceremony. This will be followed by a short introduction to the Druid Hedge Schools Project. On Saturday, we’ll be offering sample sessions from Druid Hedge Schools’ teachers, including BDO chief, Greywolf, on Saturday morning, continuing throughout the afternoon with:

Anne Marie Langham on Celebrating the Year, Country Wisdom & Folklore;
Cara Moore on Crystal Healing;
Elen Sentier on Chakras;
Kaarina Vanderkamp on Herbs;
Mark Buxton on Personal Practice (Daily Druidry);
Brochfael on Iron Age Britain.

Saturday evening will kick off with a majorly cool eisteddfod session in the big yurt, featuring a set from legendary bard, and one of Britain’s finest singer-songwriters, Robin Williamson which is definitely not to be missed! Robin’s many fans include The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. There will also be a set from Greywolf, showcasing songs from ‘The Sign of the Rose’ cd and the upcoming ‘Lord of the Wildwood’ cd. We’re delighted that Andy Letcher, lead singer and songwriter with ‘darkly crafted folk’ band, Telling the Bees, will be playing for us, as will local legend, Jake Thomas, and possibly another guest or two. We shall party ’til bedtime!

Sunday, we have more Hedge School sessions in the morning, then a shared lunch and a bring-and-buy market. On Sunday afternoon, we shall hold our last ceremony with the World Drum to bid it farewell on its continuing journey, bringing peace and blessings to our Mother earth and all her children.

The cost for the whole weekend is a mere £55 per person to include catering on Saturday evening, lunch on Sunday and basic breakfasts. Bring and share lunchtime food on Saturday. For those not staying onsite, there will be a few day tickets available at £21 per person to include bring-and-share Saturday lunch evening meal and the evening concert. Booking is available by Paypal or by contacting Elaine Wildways via her facebook page or ‘phoning 01746 861992 Or just send a cheque (made payable to the British Druid Order) to: Elaine Wildways Weekend, Wildways, Borle Mill Bank, Highley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6NJ, UK

Sadly, we won’t be able to make it to this really exciting event – but if you go, don’t forget to put up some photos and let us now how it went!

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace in the US.
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.

Bronagh Celtic Knot Wedding Ring Pic: Celtic Wedding Rings

Irish Celtic rings are trendy and much sought after today, the most common being wedding bands, engagement and promise rings or rings given in the spirit of friendship, yet their intricate designs and patterns that include spirals, knots and scrolls can still not be accurately explained. The origin of the Irish Celtic people, their customs and traditions were orally passed down from generation to generation through folklore and legend and nothing about this ancient culture was ever written down. However, the patterns and designs that exist in their art could be looked at as a unique form of writing that has managed to capture their cultures, beliefs, and traditions. The challenge lies in deciphering them accurately and today the symbolism of Irish Celtic jewelry is mostly assumed.

What is known is that Irish Celtic rings date back to about the 1st century BCE. In light of this it is hardly surprising that the meanings attributed to their design has changed over time.

The Celts left a depiction of their life in etchings found in caves as well as carved into stone structure, and even passed their unique and beautiful patterns to the Christians who immortalized them in their books, notably the Irish Book of Kells which is richly decorated throughout with abstract Celtic designs. It is these designs that are emulated in today’s Irish rings.

Ancient history shows that due to persecution the Celts migrated to different lands, one being Ireland. These Irish Celts were later influenced by Christianity and so there are two separate views or meanings that can be attributed to Celtic jewelry. The original meaning is based in the shape of their jewelry. This changed after their conversion to Christianity when the meaning attributed to them stemmed from their designs and patterns. This has also led to Irish Celtic jewelry being dated in two ways; one going back to the time of the very ancient Celts and the other to the time after Christianity.

Significance of Rings

For the ancients, Irish Celtic rings held a much cherished tradition as they considered them to be one of the strongest symbols of marriage and they were able to convey traditional messages of never ending love either between God and humanity or between man and woman. They were beautifully crafted in precious metals such as gold or silver which themselves conveyed a message as precious metals such as these illustrated not only the wearer’s social status but also their financial status or political status. More common though, these symbolic rings were wrought from bronze or iron but even these were intricately decorated with knot work and spirals and even animals and were so carefully crafted that they too became items of great beauty. Their symbolic meaning of long lasting love or friendship stands today.

Celtic Triquetra Ring Pic: Engagement and Rings

There are perhaps many symbols that have been lost over time but the ones in vogue today reflect patterns such as the un-broken Trinity Knot also known as the Celtic triskelion, which has three sides. The number three was very sacred to the ancient Celts and it is believed that this design originally signified the three stages of pagan goddesses which are maiden, mother and old woman, or crone.

After their conversion from Paganism to Christianity the significance changed and became instead a symbol of the Holy Trinity, the father, son and Holy Spirit. Today we can attribute the meaning of love between God, man and wife and even the three way tie between God, the giver of the ring and the love they hold toward family or friends. What is evident is that the ancient Celts captured in these intricately designed rings the faith and reverence towards and their belief in everlasting love.

Claddagh Irish Rings

Gold Irish Claddagh Ring Pic: Jewelry Zen

The Claddagh ring is a modern day interpretation of these ancient Celtic rings and it holds its own significance. Although The Claddagh is shared by all Celts, in Ireland it was derived from a much older ring called the “Fede”, or faith ring. The “Fede” ring dates back to Roman times and was traditionally worn as either an engagement ring or a wedding band that was traditionally passed down from mother to daughter.

Tim Lazaro is a Celtic Symbols enthusiast. Visit All About Celtic Symbols for information on celtic jewellry (http://www.allaboutcelticsymbols.com/CelticJewelry.xhtml)  and other resources you can use right now to gain an understanding of Celtic Symbols and jewelry.

Author: Tim Lazaro
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
iphone 4 antenna problem
This is where the body of the post goes. Underneath is the standard advert for each post…

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace  in the US.
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 CMP Logo Pic: Celtic Myth Podshow

This is the second half of our super show celebrating the Spring Equinox and Ostara! We’ve got another 4 great pieces of music, a charming piece from a book by W.B. Yeats called Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry (and published in 1888!) about the Fairies and a man called Frank Martin who has ‘The Sight’ and our amazing story by Ceri Norman from her superb book, Celtic Maidens. You’ll hear an amazing poem by Rick Allen, as well as music by SJ Tucker, Damh the Bard, the Connemara Stone Company and James Olin Oden! We also announce the winner of the Competition for the Celtic Twist CD, The Visit, that we set in CMP SP34, the Imbolc Show..

How to Listen

The Episode is available for subscribers on the feed, or you can download it or listen to it from our Episodes page. You can find the Shownotes for this episode in the Shownotes section. 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.

You can now also hear our show on Stitcher Radio – whenever you want to!

We hope you enjoy it!

Gary & Ruthie x x x

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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.

Star of Caledonia Pic: STV News

Plans for a new Star of Caledonia landmark on the border between Scotland and England have been approved reports STV News. The £4.8m public artwork would be located in Gretna in Dumfries and Galloway and has been designed by artists Cecil Balmond and Charles Jencks.

On Wednesday, the Gretna Landmark Trust announced that Dumfries and Galloway Council had given the planning application for the feature approval.

The artists behind the sculpture revealed that it is inspired by inventors and innovators in Scotland, including the electro-magnet theory of physicist James Clerk Maxwell.

Landmark trust chairman Alasdair Houston said:

As an opportunity for a country to herald its border, this is remarkable.

The Star is a timeless work, which for 365 days a year will be a bold and confident statement of Scotland’s innovation and energy.

The landmark will be 131ft (40m) high, double the height of the Angel of the North, and it will be able to be seen from just north of Carlisle and from roads approaching Gretna from the north, south and west as well as the West Coast Mainline railway.

Read the full article on the STV News website.

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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: Celtic Myth Podshow

This is the first half of our MONSTER show celebrating the Spring Equinox and Ostara! Be prepared for 4 super pieces of music, a fascinating piece about the Loughcrew Passage Tomb that shows that the Iron Age Celts did regard the Spring Equinox as significant, a wonderful Ostara piece by our resident bard, Chris Joliffe and as a super, special surprise – a listener submitted story, with Audio that he’s recorded himself! And this is only the first part! The next part of the show will be following hot on its heels!

How to Listen

The Episode is available for subscribers on the feed, or you can download it or listen to it from our Episodes page. You can find the Shownotes for this episode in the Shownotes section. 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.

We hope you enjoy it!

Gary & Ruthie x x x

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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 World Drum Pic: British Druid Order

In March and April the British Druid Order are honoured to be hosting The World Drum for a series of open rituals and special events in England and Wales. The focus of the events is the message of the World Drum, which is of respect and reverence for our sacred Mother Earth and for global peace. The World Drum was created from a spiritual viewpoint of life and is a Shaman drum made in the Sami (indigenous people of Norway) traditional style. The Drum came to life after a vision received by Norwegian drummer/shaman, White Cougar. There was to be a drum made for Mother Earth to speak Her cause in ceremonies all over the world.

Why is the World Drum all about?

The World Drum Project is an idealistic, non-profit organization founded in Norway in October 2006, with focus on peace and environmental issues. The World Drum itself was created from a spiritual vision and is a shaman drum made in Sami (indigenous people of Norway) tradition style. The World Drum is a symbol of the circle of life and that we all are connected, and is meant as a wake-up call to humanity. The vision is to bring people together across race, religion, borders, cultures, ethnicity, colours or political conviction in a common struggle for humanity and Mother Earth. As the World Drum travels from country to country, people to people and from hand to hand, its heartbeat grows stronger each day. It is a call to reinstate our spiritual relationship to Mother Earth. For the last six years, the Drum has been played in ceremony around the world be people of many cultures. See the World Drum website at http://www.theworlddrum.com

The Drum goes on Tour in Albion

The British events begin on March 30th with an open rite at a place beloved of many BDO members and friends, the Avebury henge in Wiltshire. In the words of the original Avebury Gorsedd rite, “All who come in peace are welcome.” The next day, March 31st, the World Drum will be atop Glastonbury Tor for another open rite for peace and our Mother Earth. Again, all are welcome. Next, on April 3rd, we will sound the World Drum for our Mother at the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Ironbridge in Shropshire. On the weekend of April 5th, 6th & 7th there will be a series of events centred on the great hill of Titterstone Clee in Shropshire.

The next weekend takes place in North Wales at the beautiful retreat centre of Cae Mabon and at the prehistoric tomb-shrine of Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey. First, a little bit about the Cae Mabon venue. At the heart of Cae Mabon is a thatched Celtic Roundhouse. With a fire in its hearth and smoke rising from the thatch it’s been the home of many convivial evenings of song, story and chat. Cae Mabon can only accommodate 30 people and booking is required, but the Bryn Celli Ddu rite is open to all. The final weekend takes place at another beautiful retreat centre, Wildways in Shropshire, and is a bit special. There will be rituals, of course, but there will also be workshops on many aspects of Druidry from a number of guest presenters, hosted by Druid Hedge Schools, plus evening music sessions from some special guests.

Cae Mabon Roundhouse Pic: British Druid Order

The BDO say:

We hope to see many of our friends at these events and to meet new friends while spreading the World Drum’s message of peace and reverence for our Mother Earth. Please join us and spread the good word through the magical heartbeat of the Drum.

If Life and the Gods allow it, Ruthie and I will be looking to attend the final weekend celebrations at Wildways – so if you get a chance come along and say hello to us! It’ll be a wonderful time!

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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 Book of Kells for iPad Pic: Book of Kells.com

The Book of Kells is one of the world’s most famous illustrated manuscripts and the most elaborate manuscript of its kind to survive from the early Middle Ages. A copy of the four gospels, it was written by Irish monks in the 9th Century on calf-skin, with spectacularly intricate designs. Today, it is on display in the Library of Trinity College Dublin and seen by 500,000 visitors each year.

Now we can explore each of the pages in high-resolution detail on our iPads. The iPad app contains all 680 pages of the manuscript allowing the user to scroll through the manuscript page by page. High resolution images of the most highly decorated pages are included at up to six times their original size.

The Book of Kells for iPad was designed and developed by X Communications in partnership with Trinity College Library Dublin. This publication follows on from the award-winning CD-ROM which was published in 2000 and then later replaced by the DVD-ROM in 2006.

The images used for the iPad app were digitised by The Digital Resources & Imaging Services in Trinity College Library from transparencies provided by Faksimile-Verlag Luzern who published a facsimile of the manuscript in 1990.

X Communications is a campus company founded in 1994 by Marie Redmond from the School of Computer Science & Statistics. The company is an award-winning digital media agency and has produced interactive installations for The National Museum, The National Library, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and the National Gallery. The Book of Kells for iPad took six months to complete; the designer is Stephanie Francis and the programmer is Killian Walsh.

All images on the app are protected by Digimarc® for Images which allows invisible persistent digital watermarks to be embedded into images to show ownership and copyright and any use of the images on the Internet is monitored.

For details on the Technical Specs for the App and how to buy it, pop along to the App’s website at BookofKells.com.

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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.

Still from Beneath the Waters of Llyn Coch Pic: Star Now

‘Beneath the Waters of Llyn Coch’ is a short film based on the ‘Fairy Bride’ legend associated with the lake ‘Llyn Coch’ is a short film of a Welsh legend of love found, lost and found again. Being made now (2013), it is co-produced by and stars Rebecca-Clare Evans, pictured left, and is directed by Natalie Smith. You can follow the progress of the film on their Facebook.

A young farmer ‘Talfryn’ had heard of the old Welsh folk tales of another magical land beneath the waters of Llyn Coch but never did he imagine such things could be real, until one morning whilst fishing he sees a vision of a small man in the middle of the lake on a wooden ladder.

Talfryn becomes infatuated with the lake visiting daily but doesn’t see anything as magical as he did that day. What he doesn’t realise is, he was also being watched from beneath the waters.

The fairy princess of the lake falls in love with the farmer. Breaking her people’s rules, she allows Talfryn to see her, he instantly falls in love but he doesn’t understand why she wont tell him her name or even come out of the waters to talk to him.

After a visit from his neighbor Mrs Williams, he reluctantly confides in her thinking she will laugh at him as did his fellow farmers, to his surprise Mrs Williams believes in the old folk tale and further more tells him secrets on how to catch the fairy maiden.

Why and how does Mrs Williams know so much about the magical kingdom? Do Talfryn and the Fairy princess live happily ever after?

We can’t wait for this film! The beautiful Welsh folk song, Dacw ‘Nghariad, is an ancient song and the writer is sadly unknown.  Eve Goodman, the singer of this wonderful song, has kindly told us that she has written a brand new song for the Film, called Fairy Call, but it is, as yet, unreleased!

We’ll keep you posted as more develops!

———————————

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 Handster at http://www.handster.com/celtic_myth.html or by using the QR code opposite. It’s also found on the Opera Marketplace as well as AppBrain in the US.
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.