Alternatively, if they keep their back-catalogue of the podcast, it should remain for some time and the episode you are looking for is episode 3 – Basse Yutz Flagons.

A History of the World in 100 Objects

Director of the British Museum, Neil MacGregor, narrates 100 programmes that retell humanity’s history through the objects we have made. The series spans two million years of history and uses objects from the British Museum’s collection to tell a history of the world, from the earliest times to the present day. The 15-minute programmes are broadcast Monday to Friday on BBC Radio 4, and the podcast is published daily. Beginning in January, 2010 the programmes will be broadcast in three tranches through the year. 

Basse Yutz Flagons

The Basse Yutz Flagons – two bronze drinking flagons made by the Celts in Northern Europe 2,500 years ago and considered to be the most important and earliest examples of Celtic art. Writer Jonathan Meades and Barry Cunliffe help describe the Celts, dissect the stereotypes and consider their celebrated love of drink.

 Find out more about the podcast on the BBC site and more about the wonderful work on prehistory that happens on Ishtar’s Gate. Thanks to caigwynn on the Ishtar’s Gate forum for passing the news on in the first place

Pic: www.celtsand vikings.com

Many people of Celtic origin are intrigued by the history and meaning of the symbols found on Celtic jewelry designs. If you share this very natural curiosity about your ancestry, you may be interested in starting a Celtic jewelry collection of your own. It can be difficult to choose from the many stunning choices currently available in the marketplace. I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the common symbols found on today’s special pieces. With this useful outline, you can begin to decide on what means the most to you.

 The Insular Art Period -

The Insular Art Period was a rich period in Celtic art. During the post-Roman era in Great Britain, starting around 600 AD, Celtic artisans crafted unforgettable designs out of precious metals. Each piece was rife with intricate knot work, zoomorphic (animal) symbols, and delicate spirals.

As well as metal work, artisans also carved stone crosses and drew rich, illuminated texts, such as the Irish Book of Kells. The Insular Art Period lives on today in the spirit and quality of modern-day Celtic jewelry designs. For a truly authentic piece, look for jewelry that is handcrafted by the master artisans of Ireland itself.

Today’s designers take their cue from the Insular Art Period, referencing the High Crosses and Celtic crosses that stand in the churchyards of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. They use the influences of the past to create timeless symbols of spiritual faith and dimensional beauty.

Some Irish craftsmen spend years in apprenticeships before they are ever permitted to finish traditional jewelry designs. Their skill and passion add an heirloom quality to today’s collectible rings, pendants, and earrings.

Knot Work In Past And Present -

Knot work is a common feature on today’s Celtic and Irish jewelry – but what does it mean? The hidden symbolism inherent in the curving, never ending lines of traditional knot work has a mysterious quality that leaves us curious.

Celtic knot work is used to symbolize the interconnectness of all things, and the eternal nature of God’s own love. It is a feature on many art treasures, such as the Book of Kells, which features rich, gilded borders. The Book of Kells now rests at Trinity College in Dublin, where onlookers can enjoy its pictorial depictions of the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Celtic knot work is also known as interlace, and it is used to great effect in the Book of Kells. Rich, bold colors make the beauty of the interlace come to life.

On today’s rings, pendants and earrings, knot work is a common feature. It can flank engagement stones, or be found in the careful engraving on Celtic Cross pendants. Its beauty and versatility give great individuality to modern Celtic jewelry.

All over the world, the delicate, interwoven lines of interlace are recognized as uniquely Celtic. By choosing a starter piece of Celtic jewelry that features knot work, you will be choosing an ancient symbol that may have also been worn by your ancestors, thousands of years ago.

Zoomorphic (Animal) Symbols –

On ancient Celtic instruments, such as the Irish bodhran, there are often painted animal symbols that pique the imagination. But what do they symbolize? You may also have wondered at the zoomorphic symbols that appear on today’s Celtic jewelry designs.

Zoomorphic symbols have been used for centuries to illustrate the sacred animal symbols of Great Britain’s most illustrious families. The Clans of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales used animals because of the traits they were thought to possess. For example, the Book of Kells features both a winged lion and a winged bull.

Giving spiritual, magical qualities to animals is a tradition in Celtic art and mythology. Serpents are also a common zoomorphic symbol. The serpent was thought to be a facet of Pagan worship in the ancient times before Christ, when Druid beliefs were commonplace.

Animal symbols are often carved in interlace fashion, combining two time-honored symbols of Celtic history. Jewelry may feature interlace birds, reptiles, or other animals that underscore the Pagan belief in uniting with nature itself.

Shamrocks -

The Shamrock is found throughout Ireland, on objects as diverse as beer bottles, national flags, and gold and diamond pendants. The Shamrock is a symbol of the Patron Saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick grew up in the Pagan faith, but in his teen years he converted to Christianity. His life was spent in the service of Christ, and he spent thirty years building schools, monasteries, and churches that celebrated the power of the Gospel.

Saint Patrick used the trefoil, or three-leaf, design of the Shamrock to convert Pagans to Christ in Ireland. He felt that the three leaves were a natural symbol of the Holy Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). The dedication of Saint Patrick is celebrated each year on March 17th, as Saint Patrick’s Day parades and festivals are held.

In jewelry designs, Shamrocks are a potent reminder of Saint Patrick, and of Ireland. The Shamrock remains the most recognizable of all Irish jewelry motifs.

About the Author

L Maher is a content writer who writes and researches about gorgeous and extraordinary Celtic jewelry, as well as Irish culture and history. Get more information regarding Celtic jewelry.

Pic: Eco-Fairies

The Eco Faerie festival is a community celebration bringing music, art and environmental wellbeing together. We are turning environmental sustainability into positive action, bridging the community through celebration and taking faeries back to nature. This will be the 3rd annual faerie event at City Farm and it is set to be bigger, greener and more magical than ever.t

This years theme is ‘Trash to Treasure Recycle.’

What to expect:

All day music and dance entertainment by The Davs, Sambanistas, AKWAABA, The free spirit bellydance community and the Eco Faeries green faerie stage show for children.

And:-

free children’s activites
local artisan, fair trade and growers market
free workshops on composting, mulching, worm farming, raw food, sound healing and renewable resources
hulahooping and circus play
roving entertainment

entry is $5 with profits going to City Farm Project

Located at City Farm, East Perth off Lime Street, behind Claisbrook train station. City farm is a community garden oasis, education and training centre and farmers market. They are opening their doors to all magical creatures to come celebrate everything community and green. Dress your faerie best.

The Naked Club

We will be having a clothing exchange fiesta at the event. Bring 3 of your old favourites and exchange for 3 new loves. Men’s, Women’s and childrens clothing accepted. Left over clothing will be donated to an op shop.

Art Exhibition

Featuring local artists inspired by nature, community, spirit or the wild heart. If you would like to exhibit some of your work please contact me for details.

www.faeriecara.com

We are currently accepting applications for the artisans and farmer market holders, if you would like to be involved with the upcome event please contact Faerie Cara directly through mail@faeriecara.com

If you would like to be an Eco Faerie volunteer on the day please contact me as we’d love to play with you.

This is a City farm event by Faerie Cara proudly sponsored by the Department of Environment and Conservation Waste Authority Landfill Levy Fund.

Pic: mharrsch

The Celtic torc is crafted as a rigid piece of twisted metal that is open ended at the front. Produced in the period of the European Iron Age the ancients wore this adornment as an arm ring, a bracelet, a circular neck band or as a necklace. In the British Isles the Iron Age spanned from about 800 BC until after the Roman conquest in about the 5th century CE. This time span is testimony of the Celts superior craftsmanship during a time which is not depicted as the ‘civilized era’. Even after Roman occupation the Celts continued to develop their craft and became noted for their beautiful jewelry

. In fact their jewelry exceeded the quality of Byzantium wares. Celtic torcs became very popular throughout Europe from about the 8th Century and were worn as a symbols of power status. Since then and today the Celts are revered for their symbolic designs and beautiful patterns depicted in their jewelry.

Source: 

Pic: Tattoo Design Shop

Tattoos are as popular today as they were in ancient times, but for different reasons. We wear them as decoration the ancients wore tattoos as permanent war paint. Their tattoos were designed with one thing in mind and that was to instil as much fear in their enemies as they possibly could. Wars were fought hand to hand and in battle warriors bared their chests in order to make sure that their tattoos were highly visible to the enemy. Tattoos indicated toughness and fearlessness when faced with danger. Tattoos were also designed as a method of identification, much like soldiers today wear ‘dog tags’.

Popular tattoo choices

Celts once covered a large area of Europe and had their own languages and culture, not to mention religion. The symbols they used in those days are incorporated into the highly popular Celtic tattoos used today.

The Celts worshipped gods and goddesses, animals and the land, and as they were exposed more and more to Christianity, their symbols and shapes started to change into crosses and stars. One of the reasons for this adaptation was to avoid conflict with Christian beliefs. But, these adapted elements are what remains and what is most seen in traditional tattoos.

Celtic Knot Patterns

Although many traditional Celtic designs are copied in tattoos, perhaps one of the most recognizable and coveted tattoo is the knot. Knots resemble interwoven vines and are arranged to form a particular shape, for example a heart, but their shape can be almost anything a person can think of, from circles to the more complex star shape.

A Celtic knot also carries with it the symbolism recognizable by anyone who has even a slight knowledge of Celtic art which is that it represents continuous life as well as the season’s cycles and the complexity of nature.

Animals were very important to the Celts, animals such as butterflies, dogs and geese. Butterflies were especially held in very high esteem by the Celts because of their beauty. Dogs symbolize loyalty and good luck while eagles are linked with death, so are ravens and other birds. Horses were sacred to the Celts and a tattoo depicting a horse is linked to mystery and magic. Power can be symbolized by a Celtic art tattoo of a bear while the dragon is associated with both power and magic. Sometimes an animal will be the main focus in a tattoo while others may form on a part of the background.

The number three, 3, has always featured highly in Celtic designs and is typically found somewhere in the design, at times even hidden deeply within it. It can be small or large.

Cross

The Celtic cross is without doubt perhaps the most recognisable of all Celtic designs and is a very popular tattoo subject. They are highly religious in their nature and quite often Celts will wear the design as a proclamation of their ethnic roots.

The Celtic tree of life is quite self-explanatory, it follows the same style as the knot and the cross but it is composed of interweaving lines which form branches around a tree trunk. It represents the beginning and end of life and also the eternal nature of the world we live in.

Claddagh

A Claddagh, though maybe not as well known is popular and is perhaps more recognizable to those of Celtic and Irish heritage. Consisting of two hands clasping a heart covered by a crown. When represented graphically in the form of a tattoo, it stands for everlasting love and loyalty.

The beauty of body art

Celtic designs are beautiful when incorporated into a tattoo and there are a host of different choices suited to both male and female. Almost every tattoo studio will offer a wide variety of Celtic tattoo designs.

Celtic art in the form of tattoos is very often seen as bands around the arms or on the wrist. More recently Celtic designs are being tattooed on the lower back. Celtic art is usually always done with black ink and the lines can be a combination of thick and very thick. Celtic tattoo designs have their origin dating back several thousand years and their aesthetic value has grown ever more popular since then as they are beautiful abstract works of art.

About the Author:

Tim Lazaro is a Celtic Symbol enthusiast. Visit All About Celtic Symbols for more expert advice on Celtic tattoo designs, understanding Celtic symbols, tree astrology, and other topics you can use right now if you wish to gain a better appreciation of symbols in Celtic society.

Author: Tim Lazaro
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Creditcard Currency Conversion Fee

Pic: WOW Druids

We haven’t coverered or said anything about the World of Warcraft computer game so far in this blog as the game covers so much more than anything that is strictly Celtic linked. However, WoW Druids (as they are known) are a growing bunch of people who are actually becoming interested in modern Druidry and the Druidry of their ancestors as a result, so we thought it was time to include a Guest Blog by Brett Ganning to introduce us to some of the tricks of the trade.

In this World of Warcraft Druid Guide, you’re going to learn all about the Druid Class in the World of Warcraft universe. This and other WoW Druid guides contain tips that will help you get the most out of your Druid character.

The Druid class is one of the most versatile classes. Due to the skills available to the Druid, your character can behave like a warrior, rogue or a priest. Aside from being able to fight and cast spells, the Druid also has the ability to take the shape of an animal, mainly the bear or cat form. Basically, as a Druid, your character harnesses his power from nature. Due to these characteristics, there are limitations in terms of the race that you can belong to, the make of your armor, and the weapons you are allowed to use.

I’ve written this WoW Druid Guide to help you learn some of the important elements of being a Druid so you can get the most out of the Druid character.

A Druid can come from the Night Elf and Tauren races. Your Druid will get some traits specific to the race of your choosing.

A Night Elf Druid has the racial traits of Shadowmeld, Elusiveness, Quickness, Wisp Spirit, and Nature Resistance. Shadowmeld allows your character to hide in a sort of stealth mode which reduces the chance of enemies to detecting you. There is a two minute cooldown after this trait has been activated. Elusiveness complements the Shadowmeld trait as it further reduces detection by enemies since those at a higher level can have the chance of sniffing you from your hiding spot even if Shadowmeld is activated. Quickness increases your chance of dodging attacks whether in a melee or ranged by 2%. With Wisp Spirit, you get to be transformed into a wisp. In wisp form, your speed is increased by 75% until you are revived. Nature Resistance protects you from being hit by Nature spells by 2%.

If your Druid is of the Tauren race, he will possess the War Stomp, Endurance, Cultivation, and Nature Resistance racial traits. With War Stomp, your character can stun up to five enemies who are within eight yards for two seconds. Instantaneous with only half a second needed to cast, this is especially useful against other spell casters as this will interrupt them when they are casting spells with casting delay. Keep in mind though that this trait requires a two minute cooldown when used. Endurance provides Taurens with a 5% increase in their Base Health. Cultivation is a passive trait that gives your character fifteen bonus points in Herbalism. However, this will not mean anything to you if you are not interested in pursuing Herbalism as a profession. Nature Resistance of the Taurens are the same as of the Night Elves, giving the Druid a reduced chance of getting hit by Nature spells by 2%.

Whatever race you choose your Druid belongs to, he still has access to the shape shifting abilities available to this class. Shapeshifting to another form is usually done during fighting and it is up to you to learn which form is suitable for which fighting situation. When in shape shifted form, your druid will be considered a Beast. In order to cast spells and heal, you have to shift back to Druid form.

The ability to shapeshift starts at level 10. At this level, you have access to bear form. While in Bear form, your druid is treated as a Warrior and will behave according to this class. Bear form is best used when you want to have increased armor, attack rating, and hit points. When attacking in bear form, you have 30% more threat than when in Druid form. This form is also useful when your party needs to tank someone. Other abilities available in this form are Taunt and Stun. At level 40, you can achieve Dire Bear Form which is an upgraded version of Bear form.

At level 16, you get to be able to transform to Aquatic or Water Form. In Water Form, your character has increased speed when swimming and can breathe underwater. This is very useful when you are traveling by water. You can also shape shift to this form when you are engaged in an under water fight and about to run out of air. Just shift to Water or Aquatic form to replenish air, then switch back to Druid form. This is because you can’t use your other Druid fighting abilities or cast spells while in Water Form.

At the 20th level, you can shape shift to Cat form. This is best activated when you go soloing, want to sneak past enemies, or want to do more damage. In this form however, your threat is reduced when compared to other forms. This is also when your Druid is played out like a Rogue since your abilities when in Cat form are similar to Rogue abilities. When in this form, you have access to the following: prowl, claw, rip, shred, tiger’s fury, rake, dash, cower, track humanoid, pounce, feline grace, and ferocious bite.

At level 30, you have the ability to shift to Travel Form. In this form you have increased movement speed but you cannot use this form underwater or when indoors.

At level 68, you get to shape shift to Flight Form which allows you to have a 60% increase in speed when moving about in the Outland. At level 70, this gets upgraded to Swift Flight Form wherein the increased speed is at 280%.

Achieving the ability to shapeshift to these forms can be attained from the Druid Training or are rewarded after finishing a quest.

As a Druid, there are three talent trees available to you- Balance, Feral and Restoration.

The talents in Balance will appeal to you if you want more damaging spells. Talents are: Improve Wrath, Nature’s Grasp, Improved Nature’s Grasp, Improved Entangling Roots, Improved Moonfire, Natural Weapons, Natural Shapeshifter, Improved Thorns, Omen of Clarity, Nature’s Reach, Vengeance, Improved Starfire, Nature’s Grace, Moonglow, Moonfury, Moonkin Form.

In the Feral tree, your abilities while in animal form are enhanced. Talents are: Ferocity, Feral Aggression, Feral Instincts, Brutal Impact, Thick Hide, Feline Swiftness, Feral Charge, Sharpened Claws, Improved Shred, Predatory Strikes, Bloody Frenzy, Primal Fury, Savage Fury, Faerie Fire, Heart of the Wild, Leader of the Pack.

Lastly, the talents in Restoration improves your Druid’s abilities to heal. Talents here are Improved Mark of the Wild, Furor, Improved Healing Touch, Nature’s Focus, Improve Enrage, Reflection, Insect Swarm, Subtlety, Tranquil Spirit, Improved Rejuvenation, Nature’s Swiftness, Gift of Nature, Improved Tranquility, Improved Regrowth, Innervate.

I hope you’ve learned some good tips from this World of Warcraft Druid Guide. Seek out good WoW Druid guides so you can experience the best Druid gaming.

Brett Ganning is a keen gamer and World of Warcraft addict since 2006. Brett has written many articles, guides and reviews on all things related to WoW.

For reviews of all the best WoW guides and lots of other great WoW articles and guides just like this World of Warcraft Druid Guide, visit wowbestguides.com.

Author: Brett Ganning
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

Pic: Funs Tattoo

Celtic tattoos are one of the more popular arts in the tattoo world. They have a wide variety of different symbols and each symbol relates to the celtic heritage. Some of the celtic tattoo designs include crosses, symbols, and sleeves. However the celtic knot is probably the most popular designs included in the celtic art. Celtic tattoos which include the knot are made up of complex interwoven lines and these lines represent knots, mazes, spirals, and other figures.

Animals are also very popular in the celtic art and for certain reasons. The celts believed by painting a certain animal on their body they would some how inherit the animal’s characteristics. This is why animal symbols are so heavily used in celtic tattoo designs. The snake is one of the first animal symbols used in these tattoo designs. The snake represents being reborn because of the way snakes shed their skin.

Horses are also very popular in the celtic art and they represent elegance and strength. Other animal symbols frequently used in the celtic artwork is that of the dog and the rooster. The dog symbol represents divinity while the rooster represents a new day. Trees are another commonly found celtic tattoo design and they symbolize long life and good health.

The horn is also seen regularly in the celtic designs. The horn symbolizes renewal because it was believed when you drink out of a horn you were renewing yourself.

Finally, the number 3 is very important to the celtic art. The number 3 stands for the three transitions in life, birth, life, and death.

As you can see there are more than a few designs and ideas for you to use in the celtic art. A lot of people get these tattoos because each tattoo design represents something or has a meaning, but many other people get them just because they love the artwork.

For more Designs And Ideas for CELTIC TATTOOS, Click Here and check out the Best Tattoo Gallery online.

Author: Terreance Thomas
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card

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
Provided by: Canada duty

Originally posted 2009-10-28 09:45:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Pic: IRFT Radio

You are probably familiar with Sean Owens and the IRFT streaming radio site. His show, The Seanchaíthe, has featured our episodes for some time and he is starting to re-post the great Podiobook from Phiippa Ballantine, Chasing the Bard – wonderful Fey fiction. You probably also know that he plays more Celtic Music than almost anyone in the galaxy (slight exaggeration, maybe) and to celebrate St David’s Day this year the station is running an amazing spectacular for a full THREE days. Now that is what I call a feast of Welsh Music!

IRFT Radio say:

We will be running a 38 hour show starting on the 28th at noon (california time) and running until March 2 at 2 am featuring all things Welsh! all genres, in both Welsh and English!

They will be featuring over 50 mazing artists and if you pop along to their promotional page you can see who will be appearing, including Claymore, Robert Huw Bowen, Fflur Dafydd, selections from 40 Years of Sain Records and much, much more! We wish you the very best of luck with this amazing project, Sean, and if possible, we’ll see if we can send something along for your programme!

Pic: IRFT Radio

You can listen to IRFT Radio online and find out more about the St David’s Day spectacular on their website. You can also follow them on Myspace.

The Brittanica tells us that Breton is “a member of the Brythonic group of Celtic languages, spoken in Brittany in northwestern France. Breton was introduced into northwestern France in the 5th and 6th centuries by Brythonic Celtic refugees displaced from southern England by the influx of Anglo-Saxons. The language is closely related to Cornish and Welsh but has been influenced by French and perhaps by a continental Celtic language formerly spoken in the region.” [Brittanica] There are about 540,000 speakers of this Celtic language and a Welsh couple are helping to revive it.

Continue Reading »

Originally posted 2008-05-10 19:25:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter