Our tarot card for June is the Nine of Swords. It is drawn from the Knight-Waite Deck, a new deck designed by Michele Knight, a well-known British Astrologer who has brought modern images and references to the classic tarot. Interestingly, she has chosen to leave the NIne of Swords image stark, simple and like the original but has added a woman in despair.
Read MoreThe card I drew for July is called Seven Heavenly Virtues. Juxtaposed to the previous page is the card of Seven Deadly Sins. I liked the idea of turning the focus to a positive list.
Read MoreOur oracle card for October is the Hazel from a set of cards titled Portal to the Sacred Trees-A Celtic Oracle by Jane Burns. The illustrations are by Judith Bird. I have studied Celtic shamanism through Jane Burns’ programs on The Shift Network and have always loved her work.
Read MoreCeltic tradition connects the bunny and eggs to both spring and Easter, Both the hare and eggs are signs of fertility, birth and the season of spring not only in Celtic tradition but others as well.
Read MoreSpring is here and the salmon are running. The Oracle cards speak again with great timing. Not only is it seasonal, but it comes at a time when wisdom is certainly needed to navigate the change and turmoil we all face. I think everyone is weary at this point. A refreshing sign of hope and endurance comes with the image of salmon jumping as they head upstream.
Read MoreIt is hard to capture what I have learned about Celtic Wisdom in an hour presentation. I plan to hit the highlights:
The mystery and wonder of ancient stone circles, the mysticism of abbey ruins, the liminal thin places of Celtic lands all contribute to a certain palpable Celtic wisdom. It seems to come with a connection to the land, to the elements, to the rhythms of nature. Sages, poets, and storytellers; Druid bards, Grail legends, tales of The Little People; lasting symbols, rituals, and celebrations all contribute to capturing its essence. Thankfully, the wit and wisdom were recaptured by the Celtic Revival movement and are now expressed by modern-day writers such as John O’Donahue and poet Seamus Heaney.
Read MoreReaders so enjoyed the blog on The Floozy in the Jacuzzi, that I felt compelled to share more quirky, even risqué nicknames. Let’s start with the spire that replaced the floozy on O’Connell Street. See how many I know of, comment others that you know.
Read MoreI recently realized I was overwhelmed by the number of books, articles, blogs, links, even snippets from social media that I put in a “must-get-to” file which I never get to. That doesn’t even mention the two webinars that I paid for and still haven’t sat down to watch.
Read MoreHere I am kissing a (not wee) leprechaun in the National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, a great place of fun for young and young at heart as well. I took my Celtic Spirit Tour group there a few years ago and it was a great uplift after a visit to the Jeanie Johnston Famine Ship along the quay.
Read MoreIt is so exciting to find someone who shares your passion. I recently received an email from someone who had discovered my book Amidst the Stones of Celtic Ireland with a similar passion to mine for these sites of mystery and wonder. He sent some awesome pictures and briefly shared some experiences.
Read MoreMagic, mystery and mysticism are associated with Merlin. Legends of his shapeshifting, his long-life and many feats abound. Yet, he is best known as the mentor to King Arthur. In this deck, the card represents guidance, introspection and solitude. All great prophets are said to have spent time alone in the wilderness as a means of gathering strength and wisdom for the path ahead of them.
Read MoreUsually I am instantly amazed by the relevance of the card I draw. This time I was surprised then I looked further: The picture is of one of the most sacred of Celtic sites: Glendalough. I was supposed to be staying at the hotel just outside the scene in this picture on April 30. It would have begun the pilgrimage portion of my trip to Ireland. But, of course, there is no trip this year because of Covid-19.
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