Since ancient times, the owl has been a sacred animal and spirit guide in many traditions. I was first aware of Owl as an amulet and symbol from the Greek legends, notably the owl who accompanied Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. Native American, Norse, and Egyptian legends join our Celtic ancestors in honoring Owl for her wisdom.
Read MoreTwo dear friends and I have been working with this deck every morning for the last few months and I wanted to share it with you. It’s been wonderfully enlightening and helpful to us as we choose our respective card and then reflect on it for the day - or throughout the day, I should say. The messages are clear and simple, yet profound concepts to walk with through a busy day.
Read MoreIt has been a while since we've drawn a spirit animal card, You might think of this as just a card to ponder or meditate on for the day, or you might think of it as a spirit guide or as your particular spirit animal (totem). While I was shuffling the cards, I was thinking of the summer breezes and wishing they would bring in new vitality and insight into my next project.
Read MoreJuly is a great time to begin envisioning a new story for ourselves and our world. The monthly oracle draw gives guidance from the cards.
Read MoreLoch 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 vowed to return. I also realize there is so much more for me to research and learn.
Read MoreIt is rhododendron season, both here in the Finger Lakes of New York and in Ireland. Sadly, I can’t be in Ireland this spring, but I am fortunate to see a few of these beautiful bushes around my hometown.
Read MoreThis week it was warm enough and dry enough for me to walk my favorite local labyrinth. It sits high on a hill overlooking Canandaigua Lake which brings joy as well as serenity to my visit. This labyrinth is made of well-groomed grass. I get the added pleasure of seeing clover blossoms with the occasional bee buzzing around as I walk it (in shoes and socks). The only place I like better is a labyrinth along a white sandy beach where I can walk barefoot.
Read MoreNot only have we been given this card at the beginning of spring, the season of new beginnings, but our world is in a new place in so many ways, a place with new possibilities but also new dangers. The Major Arcana lays out the guides and experiences of Life’s Journey. This one does so using Welsh mythology and ancient wisdom.
Read MoreA friend reminded me of Saint David's Day on March 1st. St. David is the patron saint of Wales. It made me realize how often I shortchange Wales in this blog “of all things Celtic”. I am just not as familiar with this important part of Celtic lands even though I honor it as a stronghold of Celtic legend and tradition. Next year on March 1, I will buy daffodils, make potato leek soup and perhaps bake bara brith, the bread I have come to know through the Great British Bake-Off.
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 MoreYes, I say St. Patrick Week rather than day because when the 17th of March comes mid-week, it invites celebrations to start early and go through the following weekend. And, of course, it is not only about parades and green beer. Many places and events have Irish themes throughout the month. I know I am quite busy with Celtic presentations throughout March.
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