Aontacht V4i2draft

Volume 4, Issue 2

Magick of Druidism

Brought to you by the communityAontacht of • Druidic 1 Dawn (www.druidicdawn.org) Volume 4, Issue 2 aontacht Zcreating unity in community

9 Con Connor from the 35 The Path of Druidry Druidschool of Ireland 36 Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore Feature Interview 37 Indo-European Poetry and Myth

17 Magick of Druidism 3 Contributors Page

21 Nature Magick in the 21st Century 6 From The Desk..... 8 News from the Druidic Dawn 31 Three Magic Treasures of Ynys Pydrain Management Team 39 Community Calendar

42 What is in our next issue 19 Contribution from the Canadian Celtic Gathering 2011

30 Rosemary and Thyme

27 Rivers 28 The Waddies 29 Samhain O Cover photo: Harmonyeris among the Circle of Fire Spirits © Don Searle

Aontacht • 2 Volume 4, Issue 2 aontacht Contributors creating unity in community

Editor Con Connor is an active Arch Druid of the Interim Nigel Dailey Co-Editor Dark Moon Grove, a member of the Trib- Richard Fox ann Council of Ord na Drui; and the Holy Druidic Dawn Rep. Council of Sages of Celtia. He is the main Nigel Dailey teacher at the Druidschool of Ireland and a Graphic Designer member of the World Druid Order. Interim Nigel Dailey Feature Editor - Formulary Faye Boyd Feature Editor - Poetry Sarah Ward Debra Lewis originally from Nova Scotia, Publisher Canada and has lived in the Northwest of Druidic Dawn, CIC England since 2005. Currently studying the Original Layout Design Ovatic path of Druidry with the Order of Aestas Designs Bards, Ovates and Druids, Deb also works ( aestas.dieromantic.com ) as a medical laboratory assistant with the General Inquiries NHS. All questions, comments and et- cetera can be sent to the following address: [email protected] Richard Fox is an earth magick Advertising practitioner, fire Druid and a warrior poet At the moment we are offering ad who lived mostly outdoors in the forests of space. To the community of Druidic Dawn. This is subject to the U.S. for more than 18 years. During that change. time he planted more than 700,000 trees Aontacht is published four times and supervised the planting of more than a year by Druidic Dawn, CIC. 26,000,000 additional trees. Today he Aontacht, Volume 3, Issue 1 © 2010 Druidic Dawn, all rights re- works with Native Americans from 14 served. All contained content is tribes on major renewable energy projects, copyright to its respective owners, including art and photos. The including solar heating and electric and contents of this publication may wind turbines with a base among the not be reproduced in whole or in Lakota on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud part without the consent of the copyright owner. reservations in South Dakota.

Environmental Benefits Maya St. Clair resides in Kuwait, is an Irish Statement Aontacht magazine is only Polytheist, and a mechanical engineer with available online as a free .pdf a love of history, mythology and culture. download; thereby saving She is editor of the Oran Mor, the official trees, water, solid waste and greenhouse gases. It is de- newsletter of the New Order of Druids. She signed on an Energy Star rated also serves on their Council. Maya is an computer. Irish Gaelic student and regularly writes a Opinions and views expressed wide variety of articles and book reviews are not necessarily those of on Celtic and religious topics. the editors, publisher or staff. OAontacht • 3 Volume 4, Issue 2

Editorial Notes

Contributors You do not have to be a member of the Druidic Dawn community to submit to the Caroline Queen of Celtica has a great love of magazine. nature and meditation, and lives in Y Drenew- ydd in Cymru, in the beautiful Welsh moun- Please submit contributions tains. Presently runs the record label Great directly to the editorial staff via email to: Oak, with a mission to create a sustainable [email protected] green Celtica, filled with Great Oaks and High Consciousness. Refer to the last page of this issue for writer’s guidelines and even more information, before you submit inquiries or contributions. Dafydd Monks lives in Gwynedd, North Wales. He is a student of Herbal Medicine and has a Below are our upcoming issues. Be sure to specify to strong interest in the Welsh language, the Welsh which you are submitting. tradition of Druidry, and their place in the 21st century. Volume 4, Issue 3, “Storytelling” Deadline Nov 15, 2011

Penny Billington is a Druid celebrant in the Or- The Art of Storytelling plays an important role for ancient der of Bards, Ovates and Druids, and edits the and modern Celts or Druids Order magazine, Touchstone. Author of the as a medium, which passes ‘Gwion Dubh, Druid detective’ series and has on knowledge and wisdom contributed to Philip Carr Gomm’s ‘The Book of teachings to explore. What English Magic’ and to the Druid Grade Gwers. stories do you have and wish to share with Aontacht read- Her Druidic experience includes conducting and ers? What hidden knowl- arranging a variety of events over the years. edge do they contain?

Volume 4, Issue 4 Shaun William Hayes has been aware of his “Sacred Places ” path since the age of 18 and has studied healing Deadline Feb 15, 2011 and the Western mystery traditions off and on Tribal Celts and Druids most of his life. His qualifications are in counsel- had their sacred places ling and hypnotherapy and he has practised past within the local landscape life regression. For the past ten years he has been and further afield, which a member of OBOD and he is now studying in held specific meanings and the Druid grade. Phagos co-founded the Sylvan spiritual significance. How does those relate to con- Grove five years ago, and is one of four facilita- temporary Celts and Dru- tors. They meet regularly in the New Forest near ids? Do they hold the same the historic village of Burley, UK. essence as in times past? What makes a modern “sa- vcred place”? Aontacht • 4 Volume 4, Issue 2

Production Team Positions Available: Contributors

Editor

A vacancy is available for a Volunteer Editor to lead a very Nigel Dailey resides in North Wales and successful team of dedicated has a variety of interests ranging from Ar- volunteers which brings this magazine to the wider com- chaeology, Anthropology, Archaeoastron- munity. If one have the time to omy, Astrology, Druidry, History, spare and wish to actively be Mythology and Smallholding. All has been of service to this and the greater Celtic and Druid internet gained while travelling through the jour- community. ney human beings call "life." Email [email protected]

Graphic Designer A vacancy is available for a Volunteer Graphic Designer Faye Boyd has been interested in Nature to oversee the Layout and and all things Celtic for many a year. She is graphic needs of the Aontacht Magazine. If one have the time a member of OBOD, Druidic Dawn, Ord to spare and wish to actively Brighideach International, Celtic Reiki Mas- be of service to this and the ter, Hot Stone Therapist, Guided Medita- greater Celtic and Druid internet community. tions and is a spoken word artist. Fae resides in Canada. "Wild Earth" Feature Editor The "Wild Earth" Feature Edi- tor will manage our newest forthcoming feature on "Wild Earth". This position would entail writing a short, succinct and relevant piece on any number of topics related to the Earth for each issue. We are looking for diversity of experience and understanding, as well as a clear writing style that is both intelligent and practical. It is possible that if the individual is unable or un- comfortable with writing regularly, instead he or she may procure an appropriate sub- mission on an eco-related theme each issue. The Produc- tion Team is flexible and interested in working with the Feature Editor in developing the "Wild Earth" feature into something fresh and unique. For more details on the "Wild Earth" Feature Editor position and what it involves, please contact us at the email below.

[email protected] rAontacht • 5 Volume 4, Issue 2 News from the Aontacht Production Team

We know now that Druidry can survive. The the old ways and a better understanding of their question is whether it will choose to flourish. We place in the universe. can look to the Christian model and choose to split into more factions, argue among ourselves and But they need help. diffuse our power. Or we can admit the limita- tions of our knowledge and promote a wider fellow- Many of them have grown used to having an ship and in doing so accept a wider spectrum of intermediary between them and the One Source. beliefs and embrace that we are all seekers of truth They have been told even exploring other spiritual and explorers on the path of life. paths is a sin and they need the help of a fellow travellers to tell them that the path is clear, that Druidry requires that we adapt, that we seek there is no hell to fear and nothing will jump out knowledge in many forms and in many places. of the bushes at them. We are guided by what we know of our ancestors and the customs, practices and rituals of the past. Druidry is a personal path chosen by individuals Yet, we must forge our path into the future built through the journey of life, and given the essence on a ongoing living and respectful relationship of what Druidry is, the written word is unable to with this planet and a caring for all life. fully encompass the experience and insight that practicing Druidry provides. We who already The opportunities for Druidry - for all earth based walk our path are not superior to others just start- spiritual based paths - have never been greater. ing, but are fellow travellers on a remarkably long People are pouring away from traditional reli- trail in an impossibly infinite universe. We can gions that are based on fear and dominion over encourage others, show them places to stop and other life forms. They are tired of being told their learn along the way. We can offer them spiritual God is willing to damn them for all eternity for food and drink that nourishes them instead of infractions of rules that were made by men and poisoning their minds and crushing their spirits as enforced by a priesthood that is rotting from with- they have found on other paths. in. At the Druidic Dawn, we try our best every day to People seek the embrace of their Mother and her serve the needs of the global Druid community. unconditional love. They seek a way back home to Our web site continues to expand, we experiment our rightful birthright that we earned as a species with new activities as our reach extends further that evolved on this planet over millions of years. and our magazine Aontacht has become one of the More and more people seek a new way to honour premiere Druid publications in the world.

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The Druidic Dawn mission is to foster understand- to the greater good and to the knowledge of the ing, through shared knowledge, of the various ancestors? strands that make up the fabric of what we now know as Druidry. You have many resources and skills that were built upon the foundation of caring and sharing of those We are a social enterprise celebrating Druidic di- that came before you. And there are many ways versity, at the same time honoring the different you can help at this critically important and pow- established Druidic paths, which we highlight erful time and I hope you will do so, as we greatly through our community portal, our projects and need your service and contributions. our activities. Right now for instance, we are recruiting for our Back not too long ago, we polled our members core Druidic Dawn Management Team which from many different organizations and groves guides our many interests and paths of service. from all other the world and determined some of the pillars of Druidic Values. Simply put, they are: We realize that to continue to grow, we must continue to adapt and change and bring in new people Respect with different skills and interests. We also have Life, yourself, others, nature that surrounds us, several spots open on our magazine Aontacht in- the universe that encompasses us, cluding the main Editor position. the ancient ways, and our ancestors. We hope that every one of you will stand up for Protect your beliefs. Stand up for what is right and just Nature, others, the balance of life, and make a difference with your lives. We hope and the ancient ways. that you will serve the greater Druidic community wherever you are located and that some of you will Realization join us at the Druidic Dawn in our global adven- Nature that surrounds us, ture. We need your support - your contribution of the universe that encompasses us, volunteer hours and your donations in our effort and the other which is beyond description to unite Druids, and provide resources to those who walk the path of respect for all life. Understanding Learn from others and our experiences, If you are interested in knowing more about the pass on what we know, Druidic Dawn Management Team or the openings and build upon the knowledge of our ancestors at our magazine Aontacht, please contact us at [email protected]. And remember, as we Regarding this last one - Understanding - many of sow, so shall we harvest....and the more you give, you have benefitted from books written by some the more you have to give. of our members and many others, or have been inspired by a poem from a bygone age or attended Blessings upon each of you and I look forward to a recent workshop, ceremony or celebration of the hearing from you! Turning of the Wheel.

They are all a part of the great passing on that is an essential part of what we are. Co-Editor I ask each of you, what is it that you have... or will pass on? What is it that you can and will contribute

Aontacht • 7 Volume 4, Issue 2

Welcome to Autumn & Spring of 2011! Druidic Dawn behind the Scenes

A lot has been happening at Druidic Dawn, and The Management Team which facilitates Druidic we like to keep our readers updated on what’s Dawn web site and associated projects on behalf of been going on. the community is presently being restructured. If you are a member of its community and interested Druidic Dawn working in the Community in volunteering your services, to guiding this community into the future, [email protected] The 2nd Celtic Gathering was held in July 2011 at would like to hear from you. the beautiful Mansfield Outdoor Centre, North of Toronto, Canada. A select group of participants In a similar situation Aontacht has three vacancies from Canada, USA and Wales, enjoyed a relaxed at present for an Editor, a Graphic Designer, and and informative weekend. The Highlights were Wild Earth Feature Editor. Details of which can be talks on the Thirteen Treasures of Britain, the Lore found in the past columns on the contributor page. of the Celtic Goddess and a workshop being an If you are a member of the Druidic Dawn commu- adventure which covered various aspects of the nity and have time available to volunteer your elements and spirit. The final group working was services to the magazine. The Aontacht production a gentle, blissful meditative journey, held on a team [email protected] would like to grassy hillock with shady trees, which embraced hear from you. the love and life of Mother Earth and the Spirit of Place. On Behalf of the Management Team

Plans for the 3rd Celtic Gathering are underway; to be held in Early Autumn 2013. So make a note in your diaries and keep a look out for further details on the Celtic Gathering Website. Aontacht DD Representative

Aontacht • 8 Volume 4, Issue 2 Druidic Dawn Feature Interview

Aontacht • 9 Volume 4, Issue 2

Con Connor is the main teacher at the Druidschool in Ireland. Working with Niamh, Red John, Clive and others, Con provides a wide spectrum of ceremonies, healing and counseling, as well as diverse onsite and online training courses. Con is the Ard Draoi leis an Doire Geallach Doracha (Arch Druid with the Dark Moon Grove), a member of the Tribann Council of Ord na Drui, and a member of the Holy Council of Sages of Celtia. He is also a member of 'Ga agus Claoimh' - an Irish and Viking age re-enactment group and a member of The Irish Society of Diviners.

Con and his exceptional associates are building a new Druid center of power - one where people learn to restructure their lives through hands-on activities, service and study.

DD: Thank you for agreeing to this interview with the Druidic Dawn (DD). We appreciate your time and willingness to share your work and beliefs. Can you tell our readers when you first became interested in Druidry? Was there an event, or set of circumstances that first led you to this path?

Con: I reckon I first felt the stirrings of spirit when I was about 7 years old. I can remember hearing my higher self, as if a wise older version of me was giving guidance to the young me. I was looking out my bedroom window to a low flat hill that I now know to be Tallaght hill. It has a complex of ancient monuments that are part of the oldest landscape temple calendar in Ireland. I have re-discovered many lost monuments on that hill and these have been added to DD: How many Druid teachers are active and what the list of National Monuments Records. I have lived subjects are available at the school to study? on 4 sides of that hill and it has taught me much, when I was able to listen... I never thought of it as Druidry Con: I like to think that everyone and every experi- at the time - I just saw it as waking up to and connect- ence can be our teacher if we but have the wit to ing to my Spirit. listen... I’m the main teacher, but Niamh, Red John and Clive also play important roles. We have special- DD: When was the Druidschool in Ireland created ists in Bushcraft, Native Woodlands and Natural and what was its original mission? Has that mission Healing who also do workshops for and with us. The changed much over time and if so, how? range of subjects is wide but they all combine to empower students in awareness of the self and our Con: As an idea it began for me in 1993, but I called connection to Nature and to the Gods. We call this it HAG (Heritage Awareness Group). I now have, process ‘Spiritual Alchemy’, the high magic of self- with my partner Niamh, secured a small farm in the transformation when you nurture the spark of soul west of Ireland where we host ceremonies, healing within you to be a shining Light. and counseling and our many training courses. My original mission was about helping others to re-con- DD: Can you expand on the activities of the Dark nect to their ancestral awareness and I like to think Moon Grove? Is the grove interlinked to the Druid- that I’m still doing that. school or are their activities separate?

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Con: An Doire Geallach Doracha is the name of our DD: What does being an Arch Druid in Ireland mean grove. In English this means the ‘dark shining oak to you? circle’ or simply put - the dark moon grove. There is a stage in the cycle of the Moon when no waxing or Con: Ard Drui in our language is slightly different to waning crescent is visible and this is when the Sun and Arch Druid... If you understand that the word Druid Moon and the Earth are in alignment with the Moon in was never used in the past in Ireland to describe the the middle and when this is exact we get a dark moon group that included those who held higher awareness, eclipse with the Moon between the Sun and the Earth. the intelligentsia, the astrologers, the healers, the al- The other type of eclipse is a full moon eclipse which chemists, the law keepers, the engineers etc... in a has the Earth in the middle. The start of the Celtic New sense you have to abandon the word Druid. Instead we Year is when this Dark Moon alignment is nearest to had the words - Drui, Draoi, Draoithe and so on and 10* of Scorpio as this connects to the star Antares, one this is usually interpreted (by catholick scribes) as of the four bright stars that make an equal arm cross wizard, magician, spell caster and as anyone who within the belt of stars that make up the Zodiac. That displeased or did not obey the dictates of the church. means there is an alignment from Antares, Sun, Moon For me today in Ireland being an Ard Drui means that to the east of Ireland near Dublin, where this Sunrises I seek the ways of understanding that our ancestors over an extinct volcano before it connects to Cairn used, their ways of comprehending and connecting to ‘L’ at Sliabh na Callighe with its passage and chamber Nature, the methods that support harmonic balance in and its unique man sized quartz free standing stone people and with the land and in so doing that I can inside. A fantastic alignment to start the Celtic New present as teacher, healer and guide to those who want Year, sacred to the Goddess Tlachtga. to walk a Celtic Path to the Light. It also means that I as an Ard Drui try to look after the Dark Moon Grove as a sort of parent / guardian and in that it may be very similar to the responsibility of an Arch Druid with his or her grove. But maybe the most important responsibility of an Ard Drui in Ireland today is to recover the indigenous knowledge traditions of this beautiful country and to share them to seekers.

DD: Why did you decide to join the World Druid Order?

Con: The World Druid Order asked me to join as an Ard Drui. I read their “Charter of the World Druid Order” and “Universal Primordial Tradition” and We meet as a grove and hold public ceremony to knew that they are holding a true connection to the honour the Full Moon, the Gods and to call a healing primordial tradition and that their intentions are for the circle and to ask for continued connection to our teach- highest good for all, so I felt honoured to have been ers, guides and ancestors. But only grove members can asked and accepted their request with pleasure. join us for our gathering / ceremony on the Dark Moon. Our grove is separate to the school. Many DD: How has attendance changed, if any, in the last friends have stood with our grove at the full moon few years at the Druidschool and the events you put without being members of the school. Since the Spring on? Do you see any increase in the movement away Equinox 2003 I have facilitated at over 100 full moon from other religions and coming to the earth based ceremonies on Tara where we have been honoured to ways? have had many experienced Lightworkers and many seekers join us. Red John now facilitates the ceremony Con: Yes, Ireland’s Druidschool has quite a presence on Tara for the full moon and Niamh and I host a full on the internet and it brings many people to study with moon ceremony here in our purpose built ceremonial us from all over the world - Australia, Alaska, Brazil, enclosure - the Torc. England, France etc as well as from Ireland. This

Aontacht • 11 Volume 4, Issue 2 reflects the reality that we are not just an online pres- “As above, so below” is a well known phrase in mod- ence but actually have a university with a campus and ern magical practice, but maybe for us the new phrase accommodation in a quiet remote farm west of the could be “as within, so without”... The Aislings (guid- Shannon. We have just expanded our range of courses ed dreaming / vision questing) of Imramma, Eachtra and as various projects get completed we will offer and Imbass are connected to the 3 Realms without and more courses and increase accommodation from 4 to the 3 Cauldrons within. The “Three Celtic Dreams” beds to 8 beds. We share the Celtic Path with our can be seen as shamanic journeys to gather personal students, this is our understanding of the indigenous understanding and experience of non-ordinary reality - tradition of this land from the Stone Age right up to the this is when you get your own personal message at present. We respect Wica, Masonry and other forms of three levels. This often done in the Torc, our purpose Cabbala (having many friends who practice and walk built ceremonial enclosure, or sometimes it’s in the these paths) and we find that some people on these Hemp Hall in the main building. Each journey allows paths are seeking a ‘Celtic’ spiritual understanding many experiences but the focus is to collect an Oghan instead of variations on a foreign magical discipline. symbol (ancient Irish type of Runic scripting), each Ours is a practical hands on approach, not just philo- symbol from each journey is interpreted in relation to sophical conjecture - that is to say we chop wood, its realm / cauldron. This is the unique 3 part message carry water, plant trees, grow fruit and veg, clean holy for each seeker, later on this may be carved on a staff wells, host medieval camps, clean sacred sites, protest to remind one of the experience but I (being a leather on the ground against wanton temple destruction and craftworker) will carve / emboss the 3 Ogham symbols corruption etc - we get our hands dirty... onto a vege tan leather key fob as a permanent reminder. When people are in a religion it’s because it serves a need they have. We do not promote a religion, we DD: Can you tell us about divining the subtle energy share techniques and guidance for seekers to find their currents with brass rods and how this relates to the own connection to source and then self transform design and layout of the ancient temples of Ireland? through choices into the best expression of their higher self. Sometimes this disappoints people because they Con: The subtle energy of mother Earth can be found are seeking a Celtic religion - but that’s not what we by many types of diving techniques. I start students on teach or do. this part of their studies with brass ‘L’ shaped rods and then move up to pendulums. Advanced students learn DD: Can you explain the concept of the Three Caul- how to interact with subtle energy currents using just drons - Warming, Vocation and Knowledge? their awareness. The ancient temples are located over nodes of this apparently hidden energy. Churches, up Con: Yes I can and do, but please understand that this to the 1800’s were often built on top of ancient temples is part of the oral teaching that makes learning with us to utilise this fact. Each student of this skill first needs special. To write it down would limit it to the written to learn diverted thinking and then to progress on to not word but to speak and share it in the best way at an thinking at all - to divine is to seek the Source and we appointed time and in a sacred space is what gives the need to get our thinking minds out of the way to do this. listener great value. Simply put - see the Cauldron of Just like we have veins of blood carrying life force Warming as the belly area, Vocation as the chest and through our bodies and trees have sap doing the same Knowledge as the head - but that does not tell you job, mother Earth has underground streams of water much, does it? Each of us has our own 3 cauldrons so carrying life force through her body too. Our ancestors any single description or use of excessive complicated knew this and built temples over nodes (crossing points vocabulary would be counter-productive. of two or more streams) to enhance the potential so we could benefit and this is why we have the idea of sacred DD: Can you give more details about students partak- space. ing in the Three Celtic Dream Journeys - Imramma, Eachtra and Imbass and how they are connected to the magic of the Three Realms?

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In the past this stream may have been called after Edain Eachraidhe aka Etain of the White Mare - the Goddess symbol of the Iron Age in Ireland, Rhiannon in Wales, Epona in France. The previous age had the White Cow as Goddess - Boann aka the Boyne and Tara’s little river joins the Boyne exactly where they placed the un-needed troll road bridge. Opus Dei protected the graves of the Black Friars (1200ce) from the line of the forced troll road and in so doing caused the forced troll road to move east cutting into Rath Lugh and causing the discovery of the wood henge. Incredible though it may seem - this discovery of a huge post circle with its high status female burial with attendant horse and dog did not stop the frenzy of destruction because there was no political, judicial or media will to protect it. If they had protected it - this DD: Tara was the royal city and ancient capital of would have long term effects on the invisibility of Ireland and served as the residence of supreme kings Opus Dei at Tara because their building complex is from ancient times. Your work to understand and about 250 yards from the wood henge. Such is the protect Tara from development has inspired many power of the fascist regime and its church in Ireland. around the world. Can you tell us about that struggle and specifically the role of the fundamentalist sect, Opus Dei and their activities in the sacred site of Lismullin?

Con: Thank you for your kind words. Tara is special, very special. We are blessed in Ireland even with 1,500 monuments being destroyed every year we still have hundreds of thousands of ancient temples and fortifications left. On my website under the Tara na Ri and Fascism tabs I tell many stories and share many images of what has happened recently at Tara. The media, politicians and judiciary are guilty of a most serious crime against our glorious heritage and culture. Opus Dei means the ‘work of god’ but I do not believe it is the work of any god to destroy the indig- It is probable that a Queen or High Druidess at Tara enous beautiful tradition of the native first peoples of from the time of the wood henge was buried there due this land - it is the work of men, greedy men who seek to her importance and connection to place. She, her to control and limit our freedom of spiritual expres- horse and dog are currently in plastic bags in a storage sion subverting Article 44.2 of our constitution. Opus unit in Drogheda (15 miles away). Opus Dei say Dei has built an E10m (cost in 2000ce) complex in a nothing at all about all of this as they quietly continue sacred site called Lismullin in the very heart of Tara. to promote their extreme fundamentalist one god This is a huge story and I hope someday to work with order. Theirs is the only part of the catholick church a film producer and crew to expose what really hap- in Ireland to have new priests in training. Their cover pened so the repair work can begin. The forced troll is as a cooking school with dormitories but they have road now encloses in a culvert, the stream that was the 2 underground halls and an upstairs church laid out in life blood of Tara, today this stream is called Gabhra. true Masonic style, while the ground floor windows This is a bad catholick joke as this translates to Goat all have steel bars to protect the activities within. But which is their Devil. they foolishly believe that they will stay invisible and survive. There are 4 other churches in the Pagan City

Aontacht • 13 Volume 4, Issue 2 of Tara named after Patrick and Columba and they are lives as reasons for what I do now. I love my life and all roofless, abandoned and in ruins. This happened Niamh, my beautiful woman. Every morning I give because the regime that supported them faded and cut thanks to the Gods for a new day and every day I try their money supply - Opus Dei’s money supply comes to be more complete that I was the day before. from the stud farm owners who do not pay tax, the corrupt politicos, the fascist judges and the owner of DD: Can you tell us your thoughts on cleansing and the written media monopoly. But, crazy as it may seem energizing a sacred site or the charkas or the Aura and we have to thank Opus Dei because what they have the methods you use to remove blocks and facilitate done has caused a generation to become aware of the renewed healthy energy flows? Goddess and inspired many to stand up and say NO. Con: It’s all about the blockages and finding what’s DD: You have stated that an increasing number of needed to move those blockages, it’s about finding the people are becoming no longer dependent on interme- natural harmonic again. You start off by recognizing diaries and are increasingly making a direct connec- what’s causing the problem, disharmonics etc. then tion to nature. Do you see this happening as part of a you take a good hard look at the effect. In between global spiritual transitioning? cause and effect is the energy field of place or person where this is manifest and then you work with the Con: I hope so. People who need religions can find strong points with an intention of clearing and restor- them easily - various new religions come with many ing balance. Various technical supports are used comforts. But for many seekers no religion can fulfill throughout but they all have a common factor in that their needs. Spirituality is very different when its out they all facilitate the moving of energy. A simple in Nature as opposed to inside a church with their lies, example, a woman who cannot express herself i.e. her rules, tithes, punishments and so on. As an Astrologer power - she may have a compromised throat area, part for 35 years I see group incarnational patterns empow- of the treatment for this would be the wearing of a blue ering more and more people with the potential to wake scarf and beginning to sing quietly and practicing head up to their divine nature. The greatest example of this exercises to strengthen neck muscles. Each person will has to be the flower power generation - putting flowers have his or her thing to let go of and new thing to bring into the rifles of the army ... no way... but they did and in and I do my best to help interpret this and work with it changed everything. There are so many movements the person or sacred site to clear blockages and to let worldwide seeking truth and honesty, so many people the light flow again. We are Light beings and we glow opting to be ecological environmentalists, so many at sacred sites when those sacred sites are working. books, teachers etc that have similar hopes and dreams that we are clearly past the beginning and currently DD: There are those who want to restore the ancient moving to the stage when the reins of power shift to a oak groves and other natural sacred sites. Do you new grouping giving bright hope for us all. I always believe that these powerful locations hold the memory smile when I recall the famous phrase - ‘you don’t and power of the old times and ways and they can be need to follow anybody, you’re all individuals’ but it accessed by true seekers today? really only works when the individuals are awake. There is a critical mass equation that suggests a Con: All powerful locations hold memory - perhaps percentage of a population holding a similar con- that's why they are power full. A message I often share sciousness causes a shift in the entire group. We are about the Druid’s Path - it does not go anywhere but there, almost. you have to walk it all the time. It’s the experience of the Pilgrimage that often gives the lesson and the DD: You are now 53 years old. How has the aging location is sometimes not up to the same standard as in process changed you as a spiritual person? the dream... Restoring the great forests and our connection to them is of great importance to survival of Con: Ha, I’ve become more cynical, but I’ve learned humanity. They are the great terra formers generating to let things (such as anger, expectations of people, a place in the multiverse where we can sustain our etc) go, I like to think I can see the bigger picture more selves. Trees have their branches in the sky, their trunk clearly, I reckon I am very aware of some of my past is solid as the land and their roots lift and hold the

Aontacht • 14 Volume 4, Issue 2 water table - we live under the protection of the trees. Con: Everyone can have their own totally unique Children should be involved in tree planting as much personal ‘feeling of communion’ with the energies of as possible. Even without land, everyone can find tree the invisible worlds. I reckon that the quality and level seed and plant it anywhere and everywhere - a type of of your hydration with living water may be a serious eco gorilla planter strategy. determining factor, this, along with the ability of ‘not thinking’ or at the very least the practice of ‘diverted DD: You have been an astrologer for more than 30 thinking’ facilitates progressively stronger connection. years. Can you explain how people can utilize astrol- Familiarity with and access to sacred sites can boost ogy to realize their incarnational potential? How is it your Lightbody by harmonic resonance - this is the that we can work with challenges and consciously place where you feel best, you’ll know. A place that work to transmute/transform them into gifts? feels bad is bad and not every sacred site is in harmonic sympathy with human needs for balanced lifeforce Con: Imagine a tarot reading as a conceptual poster for your very own movie, now think of your movie trailer showing the main events, leading lady / man etc - this is your astrological transits looking a various chapters. The plot is the classic of the prince / princess who has lost connection to the title and just lives happily. One day... a desire to wake up and reclaim divinity becomes an all encompassing need. The lucky ones connect with a kind Astrologer who may be able to explain the plot of the movie to the newly awakened... One of the ideas that the Astrologer might share is about the person standing on a beach with his back to the huge incoming wave. The wave will pick up the person and bring him where ever the wave wishes, dumping the tossed person in the most unpleasant situations... But the lucky one who listened to the clever Astrologer has a surf board of attitude and is there waiting for the Part of the training we offer is ‘Lightworker as Temple wave with a mad glint in the eyes, willing to surf life Builder’ and on these 4 weekend workshops we give and go with the flow and when he’s ready - climb theory and practice to students to empower them to down and take it easy for a while... It’s all about erect new sacred sites that work with and enhance the choices, informed choices are best and it is always invisible life force energy. Turn the Lights on, now good advice to find out about what's going on so you turn them up a bit and may the force be with you.... can have a better chance of making the best choice for you. You can re-write the next part of your movie DD: In your work as a healer, you use physical and script any time - best to do this before the wave hits.... spiritual approaches to clear internal blockages in the etheric bodies of men and women. Can you tell us Con: DD: Each card of the Tarot portrays a different some about the nature of those blockages, how they are aspect of the Universe. How can the Tarot be utilized attached to the person and what is required for them to to understand the complex forces at play at any mo- be unattached? ment and guide us to a higher awareness of ourselves, our work and our place in the Universe. Con: So many stories to tell to answer that question fully! Firstly listen carefully and make no judgments. See answer above. Take multiple viewpoints of the problem, see the whole person and find the cause and see the potential DD: As a Diviner, you have worked with energy lines effect of the balancing. Get the person to see the cause and underground streams at different locations. Can and to want the effect of changing things. I may use you give a sense of that feeling of communion and many techniques here, including but not limited to - what is required to alter those streams to transform the body language, personal hygiene / demeanor, eye con- unbalanced energies into harmonious balance. tact / speaking clarity analysis etc, but I will often use

Aontacht • 15 Volume 4, Issue 2

Tarot and or Astrology to help determine the negative religion and power in Celtic Ireland, by Mary Condren. cycle (cause) and ways to escape it to proper balance Books by and about Bill Mollison, Victor Schauberg- (a new effect). Every client is totally different so this er, Wilheim Reich: masters of the 3 realms. is rewarding work and experience. I have in the past refused to continue to work with certain individuals DD: Do you have a website, blog etc for those who who would not change but wanted stress relief instead want to know more about you and the work of the - I tell them why I’m saying NO and then they make Druidschool and the Dark Moon Grove? another choice - “stay stuck or escape and go live free on an island” are the options. I can only help when the Con: The main online presence is our person is ready to grow. druidschool.com website of over 550 pages and 500+ graphics with our free monthly newsletter. This is DD: What are your future plans, both personally and supported by our Irelands Druidschool Facebook page professionally for the Druidschool? and our Roscommon Sword Facebook page which show photos of my medieval leather footwear etc. Con: We have a small farm in the west of Ireland near the source of the River Suck. The buildings are over DD: Do you have any closing comments that you 200 years old. The property was derelict for nearly 20 would like to leave with our readers? years when we put our deposit down. My plans are to do as much construction as I can with the resources Con: Watch all the Monty Python and Terry Pratchett and volunteer and student support we get each year for movies that you can get, watch them many times. Sell up to 5 more years. There are so many parts to list that your TV. Drink the best water you can get, eat fresh this becomes a job in its self so I focus on short, organic produce and help to plant trees. Even if you medium and long term plans all at the same time. We only have a one room flat with one window that takes already provide a range of services to Pagans such as the Sunshine - grow an herb box. Shine brightly and facilitators for handfastings and baby namings a serv- always remember that the last laugh is on you! ice that we would like to develop is facilitating passing over ceremonies, we have dedicated a one acre field Thank you for your obviously applied study and qual- ‘The Urn Field’ for this use. We are almost finished ity questions. re-roofing the 200 year old cow barn that will be our Teampaill na Tri Coire (Temple to The Three Caul- Grá, Solas agus Gaire (Love, Light and Laughter) drons). We intend that ours becomes a place where more and more people from all over the world come to Con learn about our Celtic Spirituality. Feature Interview Images All Rights Reserved DD: Of all the books you have read, can you recom- Druidschool.com mend five to our readers? Con: The Celtic Gods: Comets in Irish Mythology (Paperback). Mike Baillie and Patrick McCafferty. The Serpent and the Goddess, a study on women,

NextInterview upcoming

Grove of the Pamela Meekings-StewartSummer Stars New Zealand

Aontacht • 16 Volume 4, Issue 2 Magick Of Druidism By Debra Lewis

The magick of Druidism lies in it's uniqueness for actual flight is over a rather large body of water, each individual. It's a unique spirituality in that it the Atlantic Ocean, and for reasons unknown, this doesn't expect you to take other's truths as your particular time I was nervous about flying over it. own. But that's a superficial thing really. I did it regardless. When we were in Nova Scotia, we went on a little excursion to a very well known For me the real magick is The Quest. For each and paganism/witchcraft shop in the city of Halifax every aspect of druidry you have a Quest to com- called Little Mysteries. There I found a pendant plete before you have understanding of it. If you dedicated to the goddess Nehalenia. Of course, I want to learn about faeries, you actually go out bought it. Finding the pendant, led me to re- looking for them - ask the faeries themselves about search her further and I found, ironically enough, themselves. Don't just read about it in some elder that she is a Goddess that merchant shippers in member's works, however accurate they may be. ancient times would pray to, and offer barrels of Again, with the Gods, if you want to learn about apples to, in order to ensure safe passage over the Odin, or Brighid, or any number of the myriad of water. deities that exist from all cultures in the world, it is encouraged that you seek out the information Where did these seemingly random occurrences yourself. Seek a relationship with the deity your- come from? Is it the fact that they all happened in self and even develop your own rituals to honour a short space of time that makes them seem more that god. Don't read about them in some ancient mystical? Were they coincidence? Or perhaps manuscript or poem or try to copy someone else's one of life's many patterns? In my mind Nehale- ritual. This will usually feel alien and, well, not nia has made herself known to me and she has yours. become one of the deities in my pantheon. I have made a point of eating apples even though I don't Another quality to Druidry's magick is in the actually like them very much because it's a bit of a patterns. Sometimes they're more obvious such as nod to Her. And when I make offerings, an apple the wheel of the year, and the wheel of life. At is part of the sacrifice. Every time. other times they seem innocuous and incredibly subtle. Another pattern that's emerged, however, is over a much longer time span. It cover's my friend's Last year I was due to go on a long flight home to entire life. She is not a Druid, but a Buddhist. She Canada. Before the journey I kept having visions has had a life of pain and anguish, starting at a of apple trees and apple dryads when I was in very young age in foster care. She over came it meditation. So I studied up on the tree a little bit and challenged people in Court so that they could on the internet and stumbled upon a little known not cause pain to others. She protected her sib- German/Dutch Goddess called Nehalenia. The lings when they were in harms way. She helped Aontacht • 17 Volume 4, Issue 2 ease the passing of another sibling into the Sum- Yet. The human mind has evolved to recognize merlands when no other family member would or patterns. Why? Survival? Probably. It's clearly of could. She has overcome the suffering of a mar- some use to us. That is how omens have come to riage to an abusive drug addict and is now a single be, both accurate ones and not. Ever hear the mother of three vivacious children. Now she has saying "drop a fork and someone's coming to "suddenly" decided to make her refuge vows in visit"? Ever try it? It's funny. I've dropped lots of Buddhism. Suddenly to others perhaps, but it's an forks and not thought twice about them, but sure obvious choice to me. She is dedicating her life to as I start to pay attention to my fork droppings I overcoming the suffering of herself and others. can link them to an event. Is it simply because I'm thinking about it? In my druidic view, she is simply following Even this whole series of questioning is part of the the pattern of her life. magick of druidry. It is a constantly evolving It seems natural to me quest for knowledge; to understand the human for her to become a spiritual psyche; to understand my own link in the Buddhist. It makes great pattern of life. perfect sense. To me, her whole life is one Yet another part of my questioning (questing?) is massively spiritual put rather succinctly by JK Rowling's character event. Albus Dumbledore "Of course it is happening in your head, Harry, but why on earth should that As someone raised athiest and a student of the mean that it is not real?" (From Harry Potter and sciences in university, I am drawn to question all the Deathly Hallows, 2007.) of this. All of it is quite suspect of being an experience that has happened only in my mind. The beauty of druidry; the magick of druidry in It is possible that these events are actually truly this space and time is that a person can be as random sequences of events, but because the hu- skeptical as they like and it's still a beautiful and man brain is designed to recognize patterns we mystical event. link the events together. Debra Lewis

Aontacht • 18 Volume 4, Issue 2 The Wild Earth Stories of our World

Shared collective workings from the attendees of the Canadian Celtic Gathering 2011

The Messenger Speaks

I am a memory of a Cornish sea cliff, And a time of a high Avalon wind, I am the vision of Tibetan mountains, Spiralling me down to an underworld cool, I am a memory of a Canadian child, Who collected the sounds of the Raven, The sacred tor too, brought them calling, Till the power of a birds took me circling, Like the blossom that dances away from the cherry tree.

The Alchemist Sees

Imagine being the spirit of wolf, Within the circle of all wolves, All creating the power to manifest the emotions, A collective, How do you get things apart? Is it simple? It is, and why? Because you can, So how deep is the root of a mountain? See it, with the root of a mountain, And know then where you are. Welcome home. Aontacht • 19 Volume 4, Issue 2

The Dreamer Experiences

How cold and lonely can an ocean bed be? Not like the lake with the water snake, Can you dream like a child, which swings bird like, Into a silvery splash, or the magical movements of a seal at play, Would you chase through the bulrushes after the jumping frog, Or face the upstream challenges of a salmon, Lake, ocean, river and pond, their depths are your future.

The Magicians Touch

Walk with the magicians to a sacred grove, A woodland, glen, a forest of giants and silver ladies, Follow them over the stone walls and across the rivers: Knowing they are walking to the world of wonders, The scent of earth is all around as the sun sprinkles down through the branches, The magicians are now seated upon moss covered logs, Their feet are dirty like the roots they rest on, all is peaceful, Through the trees the creatures come to greet the magicians’ of the land, Fox, Snake,Wolf, the mountain Goat and the grizzly Bear, While the sentinel Raven watches from above, Look at the magicians carefully, A ball of light; a coil of Snake, a flash of white Wolf, The Magicians’ walk the land.

Spirit Listens

Like the blossom that dances away from the cherry tree, Know then where you are, The depths of your future are in, The Magicians that walk the land.

Aontacht • 20 Volume 4, Issue 2 Nature Magick in the 21st Century

The Difference Between Magick and Science

I love science. It provides us with so many incred- Science has brought us an amazing cornucopia of ible insights and opportunities and great inven- knowledge about how the world, and to a lesser tions, medicines and toys. degree, how the universe, operates.

I also love Magick. Because it helps me to commu- But science by its very choice to build on the twin nicate directly with this planet and all its natural pillars of repeatability and predictability, has largely forces and that helps me to better understand avoided looking into large and significant other myself and my place and role in the universe. aspects of nature that are not structured that way.

There is though some significant differences be- And therein lies the Realm of Magick. tween the two approaches to understanding and using the forces of Nature. Magick is certainly a deep and broad topic, with many schools of thought and directions. For the Science deals with the physical characteristics - the purpose of this discussion, let me mostly confine qualities and properties of minerals, chemicals myself to the arena I know best - Nature Magick. and a myriad of different objects in the universe. I was fortunate to live outdoors in the great west- For instance gas will instantly ignite every time it ern forests of the United States for most of 18 comes in contact with a flame. It's characteristics years. I was a social activist from the 1960's who guarantee that interaction every time. Water will was part of building a forest based cooperative respond to gravity and flow downhill. These phys- movement that tended to the forest including ical characteristics acting out in reality provides an planting more than 27 million trees in 17 states. absolute certainness that science used as it has Truth is I would have agreed to be an indentured evolved. It became the platform on which the servant for the opportunity to live out in remote foundation of science was built. All science is forests for all that time. It was a time of great work based on a relationship built on this guaranteed efforts often conducted under very harsh and repeatability that then creates corresponding pre- difficult conditions. Beyond the work aspect dictability and therefore gives humans an ability to though, it provided an incredible Earth Magick predict the behaviour of natural forces - so we can training ground where much teaching, training create electricity, keep food safe, make medicines and experimenting took place. and everything else that science has produced.

Aontacht • 21 Volume 4, Issue 2

I learned that within nature, every object is imbued ply put, the coalescing entity begins to have the with a life force and each of these living entities is ability to make choices. imbued with varying amounts of intelligence.

Many small creeks become a lake and the lake All objects in all their myriad forms are ultimately generates a higher level of intelligence - somewhat built from the primordial matter that makes up the separated from the intelligence of the creeks... but universe and many would say - the multiverse of yet inter-connected with those intelligences. In this all possibilities. While its origins are still a mys- way, segments of nature coalesce and become in- tery, all matter also comes with a small amount of dividualized even while still being directly con- Primal Intelligence that was either there as part of nected into the overall Earth network of life. the creation of the multiverse or has evolved over time...perhaps as a result of matter moving through vast lengths of time and space. And this interconnectedness with the component intelligences continues along as nature systems become more complex and they develop into a In any case, the very matter... the material used to greater network of ever-increasing intelligence create a hill... comes with some small amount of and life forms. inherent intelligence. Individual rocks and trees have a relatively limited amount of intelligence... an amount generally equal to that which is neces- As the ability to make choices continues to grow, sary to perform its ecological function. there is a corresponding growth in self consciousness. It is here where humans first evolved what is called Nature Magick. Moving upward from individual objects of nature, concentrations of natural properties increase that intelligence making every place in nature, ever In the old times, people sometimes formed rela- meadow and grove and pond a unique living enti- tionships with a creek or pond they used often, or ty created by the mingling of the intelligences with stands of forests. They gave offerings and inherent in the elements that make up their biolog- regularly petitioned for positive desired outcomes. ical composition. Humans sometimes found special places, where the intelligence had gathered more strongly and a stronger connection could be made with the life As natural systems become more complex, more force there. intelligence is created and the entity has more of an ability to sort through higher amounts of information.

It is also important to understand that as intelligence increases, more information can be processed and the intelligence becomes more organized. As some point in this intelligence building and organizing process, the beginnings of volition is achieved . This is where the intelligence develops a will that counsels the process of Over time, these places became known as our performing more complex natural functions. Sim- sacred places. For the Druids they were the aged sacred oak groves. There are other locations, like

Aontacht • 22 Volume 4, Issue 2

hot mineral springs, where the concentrated na- single watershed, all the water in a geographic ture energy could be directly absorbed into the mass like North America has a higher level of human body and thus have an healing experience organized intelligence and somewhere along the which is another form and example of having a line the Lords of Water are formed. Similar building relationship with nature that results in a positive also takes places in the other natural realms -air, desired outcome. earth and fire.

Sometimes we can see this higher intelligence in Living entities... beings with intelligence and both action in nature. We see it in the behaviours of will and volition. bees, ants and birds, where the "group mind" is more intelligent than any individual ant, bee or bird. And even among them the level of intelligence and individualization and the ability to make choices varies greatly. This is not a linear or strictly hier- And this same "gathering of intelligence" from archal situation, but more of a layers and levels many individual entities carries on upward into situation where the separateness of consciousness nature, forming higher levels of intelligence, some happens, yet the entity is still functioning as part of which can be observed or communicated with of the whole Gaia complex. Some of this is mir- by humans. rored by humans in that some humans are more intelligent than others and some are just more willing and able to communicate than others. So a creek is alive and has intelligence. All the creeks and rivers in a watershed are each individ- ually intelligent... but together they generate a This volition is critically important to Nature higher intelligence with more ability to interface Magick. Ultimately, this is the fundamental differ- with the world, including humans. Beyond any ence between Science and Nature Magick. Science

On completing his assessment of the course, Professor Ronald Hutton said: "I am now convinced of the conclusion which I was already reaching tentatively when I sent my interim congratulations, that it is the most intelligent and erudite sequential introduction to modern Druidry available."

Aontacht • 23 Volume 4, Issue 2 depends on utilizing the physical characteristics There was no set path... no consistent chemical of objects in nature and its ultimate predictabili- reactions to depend on... no sure way to accom- ty. plish Nature Magick. It depended instead on In Magick though, there is an additional ingredi- understanding, respecting, communicating and ent that alters the outcome of the experiment working directly with the forces of Nature. and does not work within the parameters of predictability. And that is the capability and Today, much of humankind believe they have willingness of intelligent life forms to communi- left the natural world. That they have evolved cate with humans and then its capability and from the mammal chain of life, but somehow willingness to utilize its power of volition to severed their ties with Gaia. But it is not so. We affect a desired outcome. Ultimately, Nature are still connected in a variety of ways. We think Magick depends on having a positive, live, co- we are the rulers of our bodies and minds, but in herent and ongoing relationship with Nature actuality we are a part - a very key part indeed, intelligence through its various levels and forms but just a part in the ongoing decision making of entities. process that determines what we experience each day. Magick depends on contacting and communicating with nature entities, and then having that In my understanding of the mechanics of the uni- entity agree to do what is requested or desired. verse, there are four primary influences that de- That is why it works.. and also why it is not termine what a human will experience at any always as repeatable and predictable as science, particular moment. as living forces of nature must agree to cooperate with you. And that is just not always possible for a host of reasons, including the practitioner There is certainly the first party actor ME - the not having the right understanding, not enough me that is this incarnation, this version of me in personal power or more likely that the nature the multiverse. The ME that is cognizant...is entities involved just choose not to connect or to utilizing my intelligence and emotions etc to participate. It is what provides the variability of make decisions every moment of every day. Magick and why it is not repeatable upon demand. There is also the influence of GAIA that has an influence and impact on every decision we make. Historically Nature Magick has played a power- Our bodies come from this planet, where the ful part in older Druid and Earth based religions. intelligence that built up over many millions of Much can be said, but very little known about this years of evolution and experimenting, has hard- early Earth Magick, as almost nothing was writ- wired herself into our brains and bodies and ten down about it. Perhaps this was intentional utilizes this connection to have an impact on our and a way to remind us that it was about rela- decisions and perception of reality. As an exam- tionships with nature, not written words that ple, think of the "autonomous" aspects of our make magick happen. A reminder indeed that body's functioning - the digesting, the hormonal ceremony is a way to focus the mind and set the and chemical balancing, the disease fighting, stage, but ultimately it takes a genuine commu- even the breathing we do that is ongoing every nion with Nature for magick to occur. second, but requires almost no direction or decision making by ME or US. It just "happens" and we very rarely ever question it or how and why

Aontacht • 24 Volume 4, Issue 2

it happens. This GAIA influence has other abilities People have forgotten the old ways, the old con- that often sit in the background while ME appears nections from our species history. Pathways and to be the decision maker, but at times GAIA can processes that put us in touch with Nature and our effectively take over the decision making power. greater self. Most people have forgotten the cere- This is most easiest seen in her role in promoting monies that connected us with the gods and god- some of her fundamental agendas - species evolu- desses of nature and allowed us to tap into vast tion and propagation. amounts of energy and information about the world.

There is also the influence of KARMA. The karma that travels with us over time... lessons learned, But these pathways are still there. We don't have to past relationships, our teachings and lessons we learn the old ways. We need to make new ways that need to learn along the Path of Life. This influence honour the old ways. Ceremonies that make sense on our decision making is always present, always for us - here and now. Admittedly, some schools manifesting its influence into what we experience of Magick have largely been forgotten... the path- and what comes our way. KARMA is often played ways even to get there obscured over time and out by a life-long series of seemingly random, even the sought after outcomes forgotten... but unpredictable events in our lives that often deeply they can be remembered or revived and brought impact our lives. back into the world. For the earth remembers and all the natural processes are still there waiting to be tapped into and the living entities of nature still Finally there is the influence of the UNIVERSE on are capable of communicating with us. And us. Theory has it that all energy and matter mani- yes...even the old gods and goddesses are still fested at the time of the Big Bang. Ultimately this there - forgotten by most, but still expressions of means every living somewhat intelligent atom in nature and natural processes worthy of our re- our body has always been present and has a long spect and honouring and well within our magickal history that far exceeds its miniscule role as ME or reach. US. The UNIVERSE is hard wired into our psyche and has an influence on our decision making also. Our sense of our place in the universe... our role in Our sacred places are still full of power and ener- the universe helps guide our decisions and as our gy. We have just forgotten how to reach them and perception of our role changes, so does our under- use them. The pathways to them are now over- standing and perception of reality. The primal grown and few walk those rough trails, except for intelligence that has grown up over the entire a few Druids and earth friendly priests and priest- evolvement of reality may well have levels of in- esses who do not fear experimenting and treading fluence on us that we cannot fathom as we walk where few have traveled for so long. the earth, on a small planet that is part of a incom- prehendably vast, diverse and complex multiverse.

Ultimately, these four influences can be seen as a conduit between us and other parts of our connected reality. A conduit that can also be used in both directions, giving us a way to understand the information being processed and shared and allow- ing us the possibility of having an impact on each of them as well. Aontacht • 25 Volume 4, Issue 2 Those who embrace their natural heritage realize there is nothing to fear. Those who understand that they are a small immortal mote of the Primal Intelligence, know they have nothing that can truly be taken away from them or lost. And through their efforts they work to reconnect humankind with their birthright as a very complex and intelligent creation of Nature. Eventually practitioners can truly arrive at the realm of Nature Magick. It ‘s borders are vague Indeed, reading and studying and doing cere- and undefined, but it is as real as Bardsey Island monies are very important to understand our (aka the Island of Avalon) and still well hidden by role in the universe. But they too often have the Mists and treacherous currents. Sometimes become an end in themselves, not the preparation the crossing is intentional... other times not, but for the Great Work of actually being in commu- it is always an adventure. nion with Nature and being an active part of the global Gaia Network. The further on you travel or are pulled into that realm of magick... the more profound the experi- In conclusion, reality is affected and can be al- ence. tered by different combinations of scientific practices... but this can also happen through Nature Magick. And more than ever the Earth is calling forth the new orders of Druids and other earth based approaches that are built on respect and love for Chefs use scientific formulas (aka recipes) to cre- this planet. And Gaia offers, as she always has, ate masterpieces of food made from individual her unconditional love...a love that has grown ingredients. Magick utilize recipes also. We find from being our Mother for millions of years of ways to focus our minds on a desired outcome, evolution. She offers no condemnation, no eter- and then we open a communion with Nature nal Hell or need for fear and domination...only that could favourably impact the sought after her constant love and her willingness to share outcome. We use scents and sacred objects to her resources. focus the mind. We use ceremonies to build the stage and mindset and to invite the ancient play- ers and to open the doors to the selected intelli- Working with HER has never been easier...nor gent, volitional, nature entities. And in doing so, more important... for all of us who walk a path of we create masterpieces of Magick made from all respect and love for all life, but also for every these individual ingredients. member of our species. Many of our species have wandered far and found the new religions and ways of life a bitter experience. Best that we As we advance in Magick, just like in human take up the old ways and find our way home social settings, we gain access to nature spirits once again. with greater intelligence and higher capability to impact the physical world. We literally become on a first name basis with them and develop bonds and active relationships with them and as a result our recipes become more complex and Renard powerful.

Aontacht • 26 Volume 4, Issue 2 hBardic Whispers Expressions from the Soul

River

Leanin gainst a tree, river brings the joy of a child.

Oh how the reach of the green, brings the view of the wild.

Dear flow, from the source, from a many mile before,

Grace, many tears soothe, the flower blossom to the heart.

Sweet breath of the peace, moments of life nurtured true,

By the haven of the crystal waters, wonders of life bring smiles for you.

Aontacht • 27 Volume 4, Issue 2

The Waddies

Exuberant luxury in the quivering waves of sand.

Thrown from the horizon, rise those stark mountains, draped in the robes of jungle’s splendour, dripping, thick, green life, held by the deep, cavernous waters below, filled by the gushing, sudden rain.

A cave so high, once the sabre tooth lived there, crawl up those dusty rocks, hot, from the easing river below, to a blistering, swaying sun, dripping wet, to peak.

Desert, as far as the eye can see.

Photo Credit Darko Tepert 2005 A view from over Wadi al-Qelt

Aontacht • 28 Volume 4, Issue 2

Samhain

Samhain swirling round my soul Old Lady in her jet black stole

Magic, Magic all around Silently creeping, without a sound

A blessing to all from both sides of the veil

Ancestors remembered as we drink from the grail

Gwyn Ap Nudd, the escort of the dead

Is out with the Wild Hunt, so best keep to your bed

Cernunnos and Herne also follow the hounds track

But all bow their heads low to the one called Callieach

So eat, drink and play with season’s merriment

But never forget those whose lives have been spent

Their lives and their stories confirm who we are

They come to us now, by the light of the star

Shaun William Hayes Oct 2008

Photo Credit: John Parker: Cae Mabon 2007 Aontacht • 29 Volume 4, Issue 2 The Formulary Recipes from the Community

Rosemary and Thyme Room Freshener: (I use a diffuser)

I am sitting here at my desk, wondering how we Use 4 drops of each and diffuse into your home went from 30º C to 10 º C in just over 36 hours. to reduce infectious air born micro-organism, This triggered thoughts of winter, cold and flu great in cold season. season. So I thought that perhaps in this issue of Aonatcht I would cover two of my favourite es- Inhalation: (bowl of hot water and a towel are sential oils. We all know that these two herbs are required) very tasty indeed, over the years it has been 3 drops of each oil will aid in bronchial infec- used in a variety of cooking. tions as well as sinus congestion.

I thought today we could take a look at these For cleaning your floors: two in a different way. Putting no more than 7 drops of each oil in a bucket of hot water to clean your floors will Historically, Rosemary has been used by the an- leave your home smelling nice, and disinfect the cient Egyptians in the wrapping of mummies as floor as well. You could also use distilled water a preservative. The ancient Greeks claimed that in a spray bottle with the added oils and spray it stimulated the mind. The Romans used it to your carpets lightly. stimulate the heart and circulation.

Rosemary has scientifically been proven to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Thyme historically was used by the Romans as an infusion to apply to the forehead to relieve headaches. Thyme has also been scientifically proven to be Thyme anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Now to some exciting uses for these two magnif- On its own is a great remedy for athlete’s foot. icent oils: Mix 2-3 drops with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and rub into the affected area.

Photo Credit In and Out these two herbs are Rainer Zenz 2006 amazing. Thyme, oregano and rosemary. Aontacht • 30 Volume 4, Issue 2

Thlws ar Ddeg Ynys Brydain - The Thirteen Treasures pulled from a stone having been filled with liquefied of Britain has been duly recorded in manuscripts for alchemical metal mix? White Hilt could be similar around about seven hundred years. While in in recent to King Arthur's Sword Excalibur which was pulled times Welsh Historians have expressed an interest from the stone or taken from the hand on the lake. concerning the treasures. The publication of Terioedd Both magically materialises from the gods and god- Ynys Prydein – Triads of the Isle of Britian, by Dr. R. desses of the land. Bronwich in 1961, brought to light the work of Row- land Lewis o Fallwyd in the 17th Century. The Thir- Rhydderch the Generous, we know from the sources teen Treasures of Britain were previously known as as Rhydderch Hael or Rhydderch Hen the Old. The the ‘Thirteen Rarities of the Royal Regalia’ in the monk Goeffry of Monmouth wrote the History of Bardic Museum published in 1802, and written by Kings of England in the mid 1100’s AD. Here it’s Edward Jones. Who collated two manuscripts togeth- indicated that Rhydderch is the king of Britain related er; one belonging to the antiquarian Edward Llwyd, to the 2 BC, he too is the 21st generation of kings after the other is not named. There are indeed similarities the accession of Beli Mawr, being an ancestor and a between Edward Jones and Rowland Lewis versions. form of an ancestor God. Geoffrey writings may not be taken seriously today yet in any exploration, one Researching on the internet for additional information needs a starting point. In the Early Welsh Genealogy about these treasures can be helpful. Indeed there is Tract and the Brut y Brenhinedd the name of Rhyd- abundant information available, most of which list the derch is recorded but no other information is availa- treasures. The lists, albeit on the internet or in pub- ble. So one has to dig deep and explore wide to find lished form vary; as treasured items become swapped the information ones seek. over or two items become a single trio. What appears to be wanting is an elaboration on their magical aspect, Rhydderch Heal seat was at Alt Clut in modern day and information about their owners were lacking in Dumbarton – “Fortress of the Britons” This is a two some cases. Taking a multidisciplinary approach and rock pointed outcrop where one side has a long using Dr. R. Bronwich English translation of Rowland record of inhabitation. Rhydderch is an interesting Lewis o Fallwyd recording. There are up to fifteen character associate to history and legend. He has been treasures, but as we journey, I’ll explore only the first referred to as a champion of early Christianity, having three. been baptised by St. Patrick according to Irish sources. Rhydderech also granted land to St. Kentigern in Dyrnwyn, gleddyf Rhydderch Hael: White-Hilt, the Glasglow and was a patron to this Celtic Saint and Sword of Rhydderch the Generous is the first one early Christian church. listed. Being described as;if a well-born man drew it himself, it burst into flame from its hilt to its tip. And Additional associations relate to battling with the everyone who used to ask for it would receive; but early Anglo Saxon invades on the Northeast Coast of because of this peculiarity everyone used to reject it. Britain in present day Northumberland, an area And therefore he was called Rhydderch the Generous. known as Bernicia. This is referred to as the Battle of Morcant Bulc where an alliance of tribal leaders Where can a sword named White Hilt be found. participated. This alliance included Urien of Rheged Perhaps from a blacksmith in earlier times, when they where he lost his life through treachery and assigna- held prestige as being magical people? Is White Hilt tion. Aontacht • 31 Volume 4, Issue 2

Taking the legendary point of view Gwyddno Garanir is from way back in time and space. He is a sovereign leader who ruled over an area known as the "Bottom Hundred" or Cantre'r Gwaelod. The Bottom Hun- dred is a submerged kingdom which is first mentioned in the Black Book of Carmarthen dating to the 13th century. Within it a conversation between Gw- yddno Garanir occurs with Gwyn ap Nudd in poetic form, which hints at why the kingdom became lost to him, with only a quarter remaining having been in a battle. Even this quarter or the whole lower hundred was to become lost after a feast of some kind where a maid named Mererid or Margaret described as a Fountain cup bearer released the sea from behind the flood gates which flooded the remaining lower hundred.

North of Dumbaton during the early Irish colonisa- It’s been suggested Margret was a keeper of a cover tion of modern day Scotland was an area known as to a magic well, located in the lower hundred. The Dal Riata, Rhydderch battled with Aedin mac Gabr·in cover was not place over the well correctly as the one of the early rulers of that area. Rhydderch has also uncontrolled water gushed when being in the power been suggested to have participated in the Battle of of the gods. In relation to the Lower Hundred this Arfderydd, where Rhydderch gave battle against his became the case which submerged the land. This kinsmen Gwenddolau ap Ceidio, who held the lord- suggestion is rather modern and came about in the ship at Elmet. This battle is associated with a northern last 110 years through the studies of Sir John Rhys, a conflict over a larks nest in the literature. Gwenddolau Celtic scholar. Comparisons with other stories of falls in this battle his war band fights on earning submerged land being the result of a well cover not immortality in the traids. As they become the most replaced properly. It might be interesting St Colum- loyal and faithful war bands of Ynys Prydain. However bia of Iona in his travels in Scotland when converting within the Genealogies the name of Mryddin pops up the Picts, not only informs us about the Loch ness as the Bard Tulu of Gwenddolau ap Ceidio war band monster, but also speaks of its formation occurring from Elmet. Who would have been present to sing of because a well cover was not replaced. the bands exploits. However legend informs he was affected by the loss and in time became temporarily Nonetheless, legends or stories of submerged land mentally deranged in the forest. exist all around the coast of Wales, Ellis Gruffudd and Lewis Morris in the North at Conwy this was the Disregarding the sword Excalibur from the Arthurian location for the lower hundred. Additional research tradition, the owner of a sword holds authority and has revealed this was Llys Helig; the court of Helig ap power. Interestingly it would appear, a sword handed Glanog which became submerged due to his not so down from a common ancestor or god or materialised pleasant antics of Helig being a unpleasant ruler. from the spirits of the land held some form of power associated with it. In the south IoIo Morganwy located a submerged land as being off the coast of Dfyd, modern day Pembroke- Hamper - Mwys Gwyddno Garanir: The Hamper of shire. The ruler of this kingdom IoIo names Seithen- Gwyddno Long-Shank: food for one man would be inin. put in it, and when it was opened, food for a hundred men would be found in it. Additionally in the west lands associated to Gwyddno is cited in various locations in Wales between Aberd- Gwyddno Garanir is a legendary person or an histori- fri and Aberystwyth which relates back to a bardic cal figure in the genealogies it appears to be either poem written by Phylip Brydydd in the mid 1200', or Gwyddno ap Clydno or Gwyddno ap Cawrdaf. mid-13th century. At specific annual low tides today, at either the north or in the west cited locations. In Aontacht • 32 Volume 4, Issue 2 one case petrified stumps’ from long submerged for- from of "mab" being similar to mab in the Gaelic ests is also evident. But also the remains of low stone tradition to indicate "son of" subsequently we arrive walls with a scattering of stones can be seen. These are at Gwyddno ap (son of) Clydno ap (son of) Gwirw perhaps quite different in size today when viewed Farfdrwch dating to the 560 of the 6th century. If we compared with the detail recorded by Lewis Morris in work with the genealogy tracthe was the Prince of the early navigation sea charts which he produced. A Mierionydd and Farther to the historical Idris associ- very strong case exists for either the west or the north ated with the Giant and the mountain named Cadr Wales location via the place names, although popular Idris. The association appears to be faulty even culture prefers the western site in Cardigan Bay. though it’s in the area near to the west coast of Wales associated to the Lower Hundred. This association If we pause and turn towards archaeology and oceanic evolved from early antiquarians in the 17th and 18th studies of raising sea levels, present empirical evidence centuries. The other historical candidate is Gwyddno for core samples indicate sea levels began to rise circa ap Cawrdaf, if one recalls from earlier mentions of the 8,000BC. It is after land became lost, England and 13 Treasures derive from the North. Gwyddno ap Scotland becomes detached from present day Europe, Cawrdaf is associated through the genealogies with Ireland becomes detached from the Great Britain land the Northern Britain and also of being an owner of a mass. Dry land, forests, sacred places such as Tree wier/port named Cored Wyddno. Addition versions hendge on the east coast of England became lost. of the name Elffin as the son of Gwyddno ap Cawrdaf Indeed along most coasts which surround Great Brit- appear in the northern genealogies. If we then take ain? the historical view from the surviving written evidence, everyone here has to decide whether this is the Even in the case of IoIo Morganwy which some might owner of Cener'r Gwaelod. consider the land he mentions as being a figment of his imagination, or the results of his laudanum addiction? To understand the historicity of Gwyddno from the The submerged land mass has to some extent been north, with scant information available we have to verified through published scholarly research. Where think about the movement of tribal people which 30,000 years ago the cave which held the incorrectly occurred in post Roman Britain from the North to named Red Lady was on high ground, which was and present day Wales in relation to the recorded regional I still believe the earliest available archaeological evi- founders. This could explain why there is this associ- dence in the UK of ritual being undertaken in respects ation with the historical figure together with that of of a deceased ancestor, but I have digress. his son Elffin. What about Cantre'r Gwaelod, the Bottom Hundred; or the hundred Vils which made Returning to the treasure of this magical hamper, at up a Cantref under Gwyddno ruler-ship. The cantref, this point there is a need to introduce the Story of is a medieval term from the 11th century onwards Taliesin. We may recall the battle with Ceridwyn, and relating to land measurement. At this moment in the final form taken by Taliesin was that of a grain of time it suggests there has been a fusion of North corn which Ceridwyn swallowed when in the form of genealogies with local oral knowledge and the sub- a hen. The corn grew inside Ceridwens female form merged land could be in the North or in Wales. to produce a male child which she casts out to drift on the sea in a woven basket. We also have Prince Elffin But who is Gwyn ap Nab, and how does he fit into ap Gwyddno who came to fish for salmon at his this. As we may recall he is a figure associated with fathers weir. Here Elfin retrieves the basket and the the underworld of Annwn, the children of Annwn, child who we know became Bard known as Taliesin, the hounds of Annwn and the Fairy folk. The battle the radiant brow. relating to this specific treasure one might conclude it refers to one where the sea is controlled by a deity Let us hold this information and all the associated from the underworld. The outcome of this fight connections in our minds about this second treasure. leaves a third of the land to the sovereign owner. Specifically as we move Gwyddno Garanir from a Later version of the loss in poetic form, removes legendary aspect into a historical view. Two candi- Gwyn ap Nab and replaces his name with the Chris- dates have previously been mentioned being Gw- tian God as the old perspective of viewing the world yddno ap Clydno and Gwyddno ap Cawrdaf. The becomes blended and altered as the new ways taking correct title is Gwyddno ap Clydno. The "ap" is a later precedence.

Aontacht • 33 Volume 4, Issue 2

Looking at the Magical Hamper with the food it becomes the key to them all. All the treasure owners produced would be magical indeed. Another explana- will only give theirs up if Bran the Niggard does, tion may lie in the cultural memory of the fertility and which of Mryddin achieves. Subsequently the treas- agricultural productiveness of the land lost. It could ures are placed in the Glasshouse for safe keeping or also relate to the produce of planting a single seed. The eternity. abundance of produce would be enough to feed many. Additionally an alternative interpretation from the It is historically from this one written comment the ealey 1800's suggested, the hamper could have been a Tradition and association to Bardsey Island appears to fish basket, which became baited and placed in the derive from. However the horn itself was not located weir. The single piece of bait it would catch and in the North but linked to Caerllion in South Wales, produce enough fish for a hundred people. again to understand why it was there, one has to return to the migrations of people from both Horn - Korn Bran Galed o'r Gogledd : The Horn of Strathclyde/Rhegad and Gododdin all Post Roman Bran the Niggard from the North: whatever drink and early medieval areas associated with the borders might be wished for was found in it. of Scotland and rightfully places the treasures in the North. For this connection to have been written Similar to the Hamper which magically multiplies the down suggests two things. Firstly, it was only the quantity of food place in it, there is now a horn which writer’s opinion which became recorded which is will give any drink required by its owner. Very little doubtful as Lewis Morris is from the antiquarian can be learnt about this treasure, there is small refer- school of thought. Additionally being well travelled ence which associates the horn to the Greek Hercules as already mentioned and illustrated to his cartogra- and Centaur which he slayed. The horn of Bran the phy recordings along the coast. Secondly, it become Niggard becoming associated with the horn cut off the questionable whether an oral tradition existed at that centaurs head. This in itself could be disregarded. time, which is difficult to substantiate. Thirdly, the However there could be an association with a magical oral tradition transferred with the people of the north horn from the Gaelic folklore tradition from Ireland, to its new location. where there is a magic bull horn which can supply both food and drink mentioned in folklore. An interesting parable is to compare the Horn of Bran to those of the drinking horns associated with a Bran Galed is prompted as being from the North, so medieval sovereign court in Wales specifically from perhaps he too is a historical person? Various attempts the late 11th century onwards, which is where an have been made to link Bran to an individual linked increase and proliferation of historical records such as with Rheged and in the court of Urien named Bran ab law tracts become available. Each court had three Ymellyrn. As the only reference which exists is a few drinking horns. One of which is the banqueting horn lines in poetic verse, in some cases he is considered to used for court guests, which would be filled and be at present a legendary figure. Perhaps at this time supply any drink requested. Maybe every rightful it’s interesting to note from the earliest recording of ruler was in the procession of a Horn belonging to the 13 treasures by Gwlym Tew in the mid 1400's who Bran the Niggard. originally listed the treasures by name only. Later editions elaborate on this, and indeed as we have Having looked at three treasures in detail it might possibly deduced names also become altered and even sound like they have been thrown out with the bath changed too. Subsequent scholars suggest this particu- water! On the contrary, all appear to be associated to lar treasure may be associated originally with Bran an the spiritual ancestors of the land of Ynys Pydrain; old sea god related south of Gododdin in Northumbria. their memory becomes fused with objects holding magical power. What that power is or was, or even Similar to the Merlin connection with Rhyddech and will become is all part of the Druidic journey of the sword, Bran the Niggard appears to have a connec- discovery. tion with Merlin too. From a note on one of the manuscripts (pen.147) dating to c. 1566, a reference is recorded relating to the Welsh Mryddin task of col- lecting all the treasures together. Once gathered these are placed in a "glass house" for safe keeping. Bran horn

Aontacht • 34 Volume 4, Issue 2 ReviewsJ "Druidry root and branch offers the best kind of guide to being a Druid today: it is wise, compas- sionate, friendly, amusing and ecologically sound. It is fully aware of the past (mythical and historical) while dwelling in the present and looking to the future of a world that is worthy of more respect and celebration than is common today. All of this is offered at the right time and in the right blend. This is a powerful but easily digested po- tion that will lead to an increase of delight for those who seek to be companions among those whose journey is taking them back to intimacy with the living world.”

Graham Harvey, Reader in Religious Studies for The Open University and author of 'Listening The Path of Druidry; People, Speaking Earth: Contemporary Paganism' Walking the Ancient Green Way by Penny Billington At last - a really down to earth book about the practice of Druidry from someone who not only ISBN-10: 0738723460 knows the material well is actually a practicing ISBN-13: 978-0738723464 Druid! Penny Billington leads seekers to the druidic groves where the spirits of the land, the ele- "Any book on Druidry faces the challenge of being ments of nature and the compassion of the cosmos simultaneously respectful to tradition and rele- can support their spiritual practice. vant to the present. Penny Billington's The Path of Druidry responds brilliantly to this challenge . . . - Caitlín & John Matthews, authors of Walkers An engaging and readable introduction to Druid- Between the Worlds, Celtic Spirit and The Druid ry for today." Source Book.

John Michael Greer, Grand Archdruid of the An- I loved this rich and intuitive approach to the cient Order of Druids in America and author of study of modern druidry. Penny’s book is full of The Druidry Handbook wisdom and insight, the comprehensive course accompanied by beautiful visualisations and carefully crafted inspirational exercises. There is much

Aontacht • 35 Volume 4, Issue 2 to think about and much to treasure here and I am opinion as a “treasury of Scottish herbs and fairy sure I shall return to it again and again. lore” - a more accurate description of the nature of the work; it is a compendium of traditions prac- Barbara Erskine, best-selling author of Lady of tised in Scotland and relevant information tiring Hay and Time’s Legacy it all together. It is Ellen's work bringing it into a cohesive book that must be praised most of all; she Penny guides the reader into the sublime world of also makes the contents accessible to the reader. the Druid with panache, elegance and deep soul- filled passion for the tradition. Combining The book really does feel like 3 volumes in one; the thought, theory and powerful practical exercises book falls into three parts: Firstly there is an intro- in a highly accessible format; this book informs, duction to general Celtic traditions and origins. instructs and entertains. Unequivocally the best After this comes a section on elemental magick book on Druidry written this century. and the wheel of the festival year, and traditions that fit onto it. The section on Elemental magick is Kristoffer Hughes, Head: Anglesey Druid Order, of note for being highly readable and interesting Author of “Natural Druidry”. while bringing a fresh perspective to the familiar 4 elements and wheel of 8 festivals. This section also includes really good stuff on rites of passage, divi- nation, and begins to bring in healing practices

Then comes a section that is a herbal of plants found in Scotland, “A Highland Herbal” This is prefaced by an introduction and gathering tips and is followed by a series of monographs of a good number of plants used in Scottish herbal medicine and folklore/magickal practice. This section is well illustrated and with interesting information and is a perfect fit with Ellen's other books, 'Druid's Herbal For The Sacred Earth Year', and 'Druid's Herbal Of Sacred Tree Medicine'.

The book finishes with several chapters on traditions of family and domestic matters, farming and fertility, Sacred birds and animals, and a great section on magical practices. I particularly loved the section on fishing magick, boats and lore of the Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore sea – although a seagoing people, this aspect is Ellen Evert Hopman often left out of works on magick and the Celts – it's nice to see it given the space it deserves!

All in all, I'd say this book deserves an 8/10 for readability – you will find your self coming back Reviewed by Dafydd Monks to it again and again! After several attempts to read this book in a linear fashion for review, I must admit this is the kind of book I find myself dipping into during breaks and other opportune times. It is best referred to in my

Aontacht • 36 Volume 4, Issue 2 fusing (not in a bad way) just that I had to unlearn a few things that I thought I learned correctly. In Chapter Three we go into everything to do with the gods and goddesses. This includes what they were/are, how they were worshipped, the distinction between them and mankind, characteristics of their divinity, their names and mythical themes associated with the. I found this chapter very informative and forms a great basis for further study of the gods both in the Indo-European sense and later if one is to go into in depth study of any of the gods of the daughter Indo-European cultures. The Sky and Earth are the subject matter of Chapter Four. In this chapter the author talks about the Sky god and Earth goddess, their divinity, their relationship to each other and their children. I loved how the author showed that the gods may have started out as one thing Indo-European Poetry and Myth and then evolved into another. Most of the time though, this other is a small part of the first association. M. L. West Chapter Five was about the Sun and his Daughter and ISBN-10: 0199280754 Dawn. There are quite a bit of motifs and associations ISBN-13: 978-0199280759 that are put forward in this chapter. The whole chapter made me think. I know a lot of people think that Reviewed by Cuardai Miranda Green saw the Solar God everywhere with association with the Celts and while the author does not The Introduction to this book was very organized. In it agree with her excesses in that respect, he does show the author gives you a timeline for the Indo-European that there is some evidence for a Sun God. Also he puts and places them, he also talks a little about all the forward an interesting association of the Dawn goddess people who made this possible. He talks about the with Brigit. sources he is going to use and the methodology he will employ so by the end of the Introduction you have some More on the Gods in Chapter Six on this time it is the background on the people he will be talking about, gods of Storm and stream. I was really interested in where he got his main sources from, and how he will reading about all the parallels and similarities between arrive to where he wants to take you. I really liked the these gods. Nymphs, gnomes, elves, dwarfs, and satyrs way he described his methodology. It helps to smooth are just some of the deities and supernatural beings out a lot of things that the “old comparative method” discussed in Chapter Seven. doesn’t. Though in a way this is comparative mythology too. I loved reading this chapter; I always assumed that some things were just unique to certain cultures but boy was In Chapter One we learn about the author’s definition I wrong. of poetry, all about who the poet was in the Indo- European cultures, the structure of poetry and the Chapter Eight talks about one of my favourite subjects, occasions and genres of poems in the Indo-European hymns and spells. I’ve always talked about how pagans world. It was certainly an interesting chapter especially should go back to the fact that the paths of Paganism are when the author talked about the different types of religions, and that part of that is worship and prayers. poets and all the training they had to get through to be The chapter also talks about spells, magic and healing. poets, their relationship with their patrons, as well as all Cosmos and Canon is the title of Chapter Nine. In the the different occasions poems were recited. chapter the author talks about cosmology, and the world Chapter Two talks about the phrases used and the wide wed. I really can’t describe this chapter it needs to figures that can be seen in Indo-European poetry. To be be read to be believed. honest this chapter was both interesting and a bit con-

Aontacht • 37 Volume 4, Issue 2 Two components of Indo-European cultures are moral- because a lot of what we know about that Celts we ity and fame and they were the subjects covered in know from that stand point. It is good to see where Chapter Ten. This chapter explores the relationship that originated. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is between death, life, names and reputation. It really one of these expensive books that are really worth eve- struck me how some of the concepts discussed are so ry penny. I always had problems with Georges similar to Arab (mostly nomadic Arab) philosophies of Dúmiezil’s methodology when it came to comparison old. but M.L. West smoothed out the rough edges for me with his tweaking of it. Chapter Eleven speaks of King and Hero. The chapter looks at the King and his relationship with his Queen, West’s writing style is so easy to read and it is never with the horse with the priest and many other con- dry. I keep getting the impression that I was listening cepts that go with Kingship. This chapter reminded me to a friend talking about everyday life rather than a a lot of what I read in a book on Celtic views of Jus- scholarly work, but make no mistake this is definitely a tice. It explained a lot of where the concepts in that scholarly book. The information is interesting and well book came from. organized. The book just flows beautifully. It took me a bit to read it mostly because I needed to digest it. The final chapter of the book has to do with battle. Lots of information in there to process, and I know Chapter Twelve talks of arms and the warriors who that this is one book that I will be referring to time and wield them. This is a very interesting chapter to me again.

(ODCL) Is an open resource which offers various sup- plementary courses which are related to contemporary Druidic practices and studies online. The various authors of the courses presented here are all Celtic and Druid related teachers working in their respective fields. Do you have a course, would you like to contribute and share it with Open Druidic Community Learning (ODCL), for the benefit of Druidry? For courses presently available, and further details: -

Aontacht • 38 Volume 4, Issue 2

Community Events Calendar Listing your event is free and you can submit up to five entries at a time. Note: We reserve the right to edit or omit entries. To submit, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with ‘DD Event Listing’ in the subject line. Include the date, title of event, location (including country), a short description and any contact details.

Note: Inclusion of events here does not imply endorsement from Druidic Dawn, magazine or its editors.

General on going events for 2010 tilbage samme vej som de kom fra, takke deres hjælp- ere og vende tilbage til cirklen. Her vil hver enkelt deltager have mulighed for at fortælle om sine oplev- Anam Cara - Weekly Meditation Group elser, hvis nødvendigt, vil jeg gå ind og hjælpe med mine clairvoyante evner. Dernæst holder vi en pause, 'A Weekly Meditation Group to be held in Oswestry, hvor vi får noget te og noget godt at spise. Så fortsæt- (UK) to explore everything from the Breath technique; ter vi med endnu en meditation. mantra/ chanting’ to hopefully movement and sha- http://www.sosha.dk/kurser.html manic journeying.' To participate and for further details, see Pathways http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/1070 A named Pathways, in Ellesmere, Shropshire, on the NEW MOON MEDITATIONS every new moon, Den- Welsh borders. The time together will be used to mark; ring 004575757131 for next meditation: discuss anything that anyone wants to about spiritual pathways. All are invited, from those who have a We’ll make a circle and connect with the powers of clear idea about where they are going, to those who Earth and Sky, I will then play channelled harp are just curious, and all explorers in between. Come music from a time past, and the participants will be to raise questions, talk about books you are reading, guided into some deep mediation to the Holy Grail workshops you have attended, stuff that is coming within our hearts. Go beyond time and space to up, etc. Self-advertising is allowed/encouraged, if previous incidents/ present problems/ diseases. See relevant to the spiritual pathways subject. Meetings them, solve them, let go. Afterwards we’ll discuss are held on the third Thursday of each month in the what happened, and I will aid with my clairvoyance. Function room of the Ellesmere Hotel. Parking is To participate and for further details, see plentiful very nearby. Meet in the bar from 7.30pm; http://www.sosha.dk/kurserUK.html go to the room from 8pm. If you are late, come in anyway! There is no charge, and the drinks are cheap. NYMÅNEMEDITATIONER I BRYRUP: Ring for tilmelding og nærmere tidspunkt Ellesmere is part of what is locally known as the Vi vil danne en cirkel, forbinde os med Himlens og Shropshire Lake District. The energy of the town is Jordens kræfter og jeg vil spille kanaliseret musik fra given by the fabulous Mere in the edge of en svunden tid på min harpe, under det første num- town. Future meetings might include a walk down to mer vil mine hjælpere fortælle mig om den første the Mere and through the public gardens. This is the meditation, derefter vil jeg videregive den til cirklen beginning of something new, and the direction will som en guidet meditation, med den forskel, at medi- evolve with time. tationen først påbegyndes når jeg atter begynder at spille på min harpe og undervejs vil mine hjælpere If you need any more details, you can contact John følge alle deltagerne og støtte dem. Jeg vil spille mens and Rachel on [email protected] deltagerne rejser til deres destination i den anden Or see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/1698 virkelighed, derefter vil jeg bede deltagerne vende

Aontacht • 39 Volume 4, Issue 2 September 25th September: Autumn Equinox Gathering with the Gorsedd of the Bards of Caer Abiri, 22nd – 25th September: OBOD US East Coast Avebury, Wiltshire, UK. To participate and for Gathering, Pennsylvania, USA. To participate further details, see and for further details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/2118 or http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/172 or http://druidnetwork.org/en/events/index.ht http://druidry.org/modules.php?op=modload ml &name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=2&page_i d=146 or October http://eastcoastgathering.druidry.org/index.ht ml 1st – 2nd October: Faery Ritual Workshop with RJ Stewart at the Living well retreat centre, 23rd September: Druidry & the Perennial Wis- Deadwood, OR., USA. To participate and for dom Tradition, talk by Philip Carr-Gomm, Isle of further details see Wright, UK. To participate and for further de- http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/197 or tails, see http://www.rjstewart.org/calendar.html http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/1365 or http://www.philipcarrgomm.druidry.org/even 2nd – 5th October: Thresholds of Power and ts.htm or http://www.aldermoor- Healing, Somerton, Somerset, UK. Learn Sham- farm.co.uk/Druid%20Wisdom.htm inc Healing ways with Caitlin Matthews. For more information see 23rd – 25th September: Alban Elfed (Fall Fest) http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/211 or with the Red Oak Grove ADF, PA, NJ & DE, http://www.hallowquest.org.uk/index.html or USA. To participate and for further details, see http://www.hallowquest.org.uk/pdfs/Courses http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/185 or %20from%20Caitlin%20and%20John%20Matthe http://www.redoakgrove.org/upcoming/inde ws.pdf x.html 6th – 10th October: OBOD Southern Hemisphere 23rd - 24th September: New Fire Temple of Initi- Assembly, Port Lincoln, South Australia. To par- ation and Illumination workshop Seattle, WA, ticipate and for further details, see USA with RJ Stewart. To participate and for http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/561 or further details, see http://serpentstar.wordpress.com http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/197 or 7th – 13th October: Study and Live at the Druid- http://www.rjstewart.org/calendar.html school, Ireland. To participate and for further details, see 25th September: Equinox at the Druidschool, Ire- http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/112 or land. To participate and for further details, see http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/pa http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/112 or ge/3117458 http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/pa ge/3117458 8th – 9th October: Inner Mysteries of Avalon with RJ Stewart, Dexter, Oregon, USA. To partic- 25th September: Autumn Equinox with the Tu- ipate and for further details see atha de Bridget, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. To par- http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/197 or ticipate and for further details, see http://www.rjstewart.org/calendar.html http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/2118 or http://druidnetwork.org/en/events/index.ht 13th October: Walking the Dedicant Path Druidic ml Study, Three Cranes Gove ADF. To participate

Aontacht • 40 Volume 4, Issue 2 and for further details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/2118 or http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/186 or http://druidnetwork.org/en/events/index.ht http://www.threecranes.org/calendars/ ml

15th October: Symposium 2011: After the Exhu- November mation, Leeds City Museum, Leeds, UK. For further details, see Date TBA November: Inner Temple Traditions in http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/329 or Israel. To participate and for further details see http://www.honour.org.uk/?q=node/1 http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/197 or http://www.rjstewart.org/calendar.html 28th – 30th October: Calan Gaeaf with the Red Oak Grove ADF, PA, NJ & DE, USA. To 3rd November: Samhain at the Druidschool, Ire- participate and for further details, see land. To participate and for further details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/185 or http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/112 or http://www.redoakgrove.org/upcoming/inde http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/pa x.html ge/3117458

28th October -6th November: OBOD Samhain December Camp, UK. To participate and for further details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/172 or 9th – 11th December: Jesus and Myth: Gnostic http://druidry.org/modules.php?op=modload Pilgrimage into Myth, Folk Belief and &name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=2&page_i Paganism with John and Caitlin Matthews and d=146 special guest, Mark Townsend; Stroud Gloucestershire, UK. For more details see 29th October: Samhain Ritual, with the Dancing http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/211 or Lights Grove, ADF, Ontario, Canada. To http://www.hallowquest.org.uk/index.html or participate and for further details, see http://www.hallowquest.org.uk/pdfs/Courses http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/52 or %20from%20Caitlin%20and%20John%20Matthe http://www.dancinglightsgrove.ca/calendar ws.pdf

30th October: Samhain with the Tuatha de Bridg- 16th – 18th December: Alban Arthan with the et, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. To participate and for Red Oak Grove ADF, PA, NJ & DE, USA. To further details, see participate and for further details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/2118 or http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/185 or http://druidnetwork.org/en/events/index.ht http://www.redoakgrove.org/upcoming/inde ml x.html

30th October: Samhain Rite, Three Cranes Grove 19th December: Yule (Winter Solstice), Public Ohio, USA. To participate and for further details, Ritual with the Charnwood Grove, Beacon Hill, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/186 or Leicestershire, UK. To participate and for further http://www.threecranes.org/calendars/ details, see http://www.druidicdawn.org/node/174 or http://www.charnwoodgrove.org/events.html 30th October: Samhain Gathering with the Gorsedd of the Bards of Caer Abiri, Avebury, Wiltshire, UK. To participate and for further details

Aontacht • 41 Volume 4, Issue 2 DRUIDIC DAWN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS Aontacht – Winter / Summer Solstice 2011

We hope will participate in the by being the next issue of our You do not have to be a member of magazine. Send us your News, Events, Reviews, Editorials, Articles, Essays, Recipes, Devotion- the Druidic Dawn community to sub- al Pieces, Photos and other materials to us at: mit to the newsletter.

Please submit contributions directly to the editorial staff via email to: We specifically want to be part of our upcoming interview with Pamela Meekings- [email protected] Stewart. This is an incredible time to ask your and get a direct response from one of Druidry's most active and creative souls. Refer to the writer’s guidelines, before you submit contributions or inquiries. Pamela has been a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) since 1998 after Below are our upcoming issues in case meeting Chosen Chief, Philip Carr-Gomm. In 1999, Philip created the you'd like to get ahead on submissions. (GOSS) at ‘The Woolshed’, Pamela’s beautiful farm near Wellington, Aotearoa New Be sure to specify which issue you are Zealand. ‘The Woolshed’ is 136 acres situated on the hills of Pukerua Bay looking out over the submitting to. sea and Kapiti Island. The Grove holds 7 seasonal rituals at The Woolshed as well as the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Pamela is also a film and video producer and runs the extremely popular and at her farm. Pamela is also a registered marriage celebrant who is in demand to provide ‘druid-like’ marriage ceremonies and civil unions. The Art of Storytelling plays an impor- So send in any questions you might want to ask her. Don't be bashful, we appreciate your tant role for ancient and modern Celts perspective and value every question we receive from our members and supporters! Take a or Druids as a medium, which passes on moment and be an important part of the ! knowledge and wisdom teachings to explore. What stories do you have and wish to share with Aontacht readers? i Submit original work only. Essays & articles should be between 1,000-2,000 words What hidden knowledge do they con- (footnotes and bibliography included). There is not a word limit for poetry, however, please tain? do not submit epic verse. ii You may submit multiple pieces. Only electronic submissions are accepted and should be either compressed (.zip/.rar) and attached (preferred for photos & artwork), or pasted into the email body. Document submissions should be in Plain Text (.txt) or Rich Text (.rtf) formats only; Photos/artwork as .jpg or .png. Please cite your sources and clearly mark when using UPG [Unverified Personal Gnosis] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unverified_Personal_Gnosis) Tribal Celts and Druids had their sacred iii Articles should be relevant to the Celtic/Druidic communities (refer to Subject Areas places within the local landscape and below) and must match the theme of the issue (if the issue is themed). further afield, which held specific iv Run a grammar/spell check on your work before submittal. meanings and spiritual significance. v Keep work in a friendly manner. No racism, bigotry, violence or hated. How does those relate to contemporary Celts and Druids? Do they hold the same essence as in times past? What · Pre-Christian: Discussion of history, anthropology, archeology and more, but also of the makes a modern “sacred place”? current Reconstructionist or Traditional movements happening today. · Modern Druidry: Discussion of Druidism within the last 300 years; includes Revivalist and Neo-Druid. · Modern Celtic: Talk on surviving beliefs, folklore and superstitions still alive today on the Celtic isles, i.e., Fairy Faith. · Celtic Christianity: Looks into this truly beautiful and unique branch of Christianity. · Inter-Faith: How people incorporate other cultures into their Celtic/Druidic practice, or getting along with those of other faiths.

Submissions can be sent to [email protected]

: International copyright law will protect all materials published. However, submitting your work will not guarantee its publication. Also note that as is a free publication, which generates no profit, you will not be paid for your contributions.

Aontacht • 42