The Stones Hold Our Memories

Pausing in silence and connecting to our memories through the four elements, especially stones and water is an age- old tradition. When we are still and let the voices of the stones carry us into stories, into our stories and the stories of our family, we are gifted with teachable moments and a sense of ancestral/familial support that is rich and meaningful. By extension, walking through the oldest section of a cemetery or strolling up to a park monument, gives us an opportunity to imagine the lives led by people whose names are carved in their stones- a humbling and moving experience.

Do you Know Who This Man Is?

I came upon this intriguing statue strolling through a park one day in May a few years ago. I had to ask a local who the man was that was represented sprawled across a rocky crag---in color no less.

Do YOU know who he is?

book recommendations, Celtic Wisdom, Celtic Spirit, travelJeanne CraneMay 24, 2021book, statue, author, travelComment

Devas of Form

Mother Nature is at work. This time of year, the signs of reawakening life are all around us. Given our recent Covid experience, being outdoors and with Nature brings even more joy and awe. I usually am in Ireland or one of the other Celtic Nations in May. This year I am home being reminded of how spring flowers, bees and green grass brighten spring wherever I am. And I am truly grateful.

The Fires of Beltane

I had never seen a bonfire built so elaborately. The huge mound of were for wooden doors, one in each direction, each with a beautifully painted animal representing that direction. While the fire was awesome, as soon as the painted creatures caught flame, there was a gasp from the crowd and a tear came to my eye- a tear not of sadness but of appreciation, appreciation for the seasons of our lives.

Mating season

The cycle of life comes to life in the spring. The Celts celebrated Imbolc (lambing) followed by the spring equinox Eostre (eggs and bunnies) and then Beltane (livestock driven through fire to cleanse and increase fertility). They were not only celebrating Nature bursting forth in new life but trying to assure that it be bountiful.

Celtic Spirit, Celtic Wisdom, Stone Circle, thin places, holidayJeanne CraneApril 19, 2021Imbolc, eostre, nature, heiros gamos, Divine Feminine, Avebury, fertilityComment

Do You Choose Animal Spirits or Do They Choose You?

I have a small red fox who runs through the woods with me during shamanic journeys. He is playful, quick, and game for adventure. These are qualities I need when I begin a journey and so I really appreciate his arrival and support.

For many years, when visiting western states, I would look admiringly at the tiny stone fetishes in glass cases. They were all so precious, but none spoke to me directly. I liked the idea of a spirit or power animal. I just didn’t know how to identify one. I tried meditation, I drew animal tarot cards, and I stayed alert for a roadrunner or other creature to pop up in my path announcing itself; but to no avail.

St. Patrick’s Day without a Parade

Cities throughout the world have come to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with great fanfare huge parades, and lots of green beer. And, although the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Dublin, Kilkenny and Killarney are now major tourist attractions, there was a time when parades in NYC, Boston and Chicago were much larger. St. Patrick’s Day for the Irishman who had left his beloved Ireland for America or Australia or some other part of the world became a day celebrating his Irishness and mourning his loss of home.

Why We Have Green Leprechauns

Here 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.

The Seven Wonders of Wales

Pistyll Rhaeadr, a wondrous site nestled in the Berwyn Mountains of Wales, is known for the absolutely magical waterfall. I got to view it from early morning until twilight from a charming balcony self-catering apartment at its foot.

Celtic Spirit, Stone Circle, travelJeanne CraneFebruary 22, 2021celtic lore, wales, st. winifred's well, pistyll rhaeadr, Stone Circle, travel in IrelandComment

Winter Solstice

Winter solstice is always magical but this year December 21 will be extraordinary. Jupiter and Saturn will come together in the night sky brightly and more closely than in 800 years. Thus, it is called “The Christmas Star”. Feels to me like we are having the opportunity to birth a new country as then and a New Earth as at the birth of Christ.

celtic blessing, Celtic Wisdom, Celtic Spirit, solsticeJeanne CraneDecember 21, 2020ritual, solstice, winter, winter solstice, seasons, light

Sound Health

Celtic Spirit, Celtic WisdomJeanne CraneDecember 14, 2020sound work, angel number, music, Stone Circle, Ancient Ones

Mouse Spirit

It will be not just mouse energy, but lion strength and lamb gentleness that are needed as we move forward into a new era of reunion. It will take the medicine of all our earthly animal friends and all the powers of Divine Love and Understanding to regain-or perhaps attain for the first time- inclusive Beloved Community.

Celtic Spirit, Energy, gratitude, Spirit AnimalsJeanne CraneNovember 30, 2020Animal Spirits, mouse, Covid 19, divine energies, earth, US Presidents