Sea Lochs of Scotland
Loch Seaforth, Scotland creates the border between The Isles of Lewis and Harris in the Western Hebrides, Scotland. Its extensive meanderings create much of the beauty and magic of the sacred landscape that centers around the Callanish Stone Circles. I have always lived in the Finger Lakes of New York where small glacially formed lakes are intimately tucked in valleys between hills. To have the hills and mountains surround me but with the added energy and force of the sea was new to me. As the winds strengthened during my visit, I was struck by the majesty of it all.
The picture is taken from a magical spot close to the sea when the day was still calm.
The picture is taken from a magical spot close to the sea when the day was still calm. My friends and I picnicked there, meditated and imagined the routes of ancient celebrants gathering from throughout the islands in their sturdy coracles or currachs. The hills and mountain range in the distance added a smoky purple-gray horizon in contrast to the bright, shiny blues of the loch. Of course, the clouds moved fast across the area and changed this scene as we tried to take it all in.
The mountain range is known as “Sleeping Beauty” and the legends of how the moon rising from behind the mountains aligns with the stones at the major Callanish Stone Circle intrigued us. Every 19 years, the moon rises from the belly of this stone profile of a giant pregnant woman lying on her back. Witnesses tell us for hours it looks as if she is birthing the moon. Of course, the goddess Cailleach, the Earth Mother, form of the triple goddess in winter is at the heart of the legends of this incredible place.
As I write this, I am realizing that I have written about it before and I have vowed to return. I also realize there is so much more for me to research and learn. The next lunar standstill will occur in April of 2025. How wonderful it would be to return to see it.
In my book Celtic Spirit there is a passage where Lily plays the harp singing Come with roses in your heart. We sang it that day. It was written by Gabriella Songbird.
Any plans for April 2025? Want to join me there?