Feeling Foolish

For two weeks' now we have been talking about being "ready" in Gàidhlig class.  It wasn't until Thursday evening I realised it was also the word for sunwise, oft-used in pagan circles, deiseil.

I can only suppose that when people constantly mispronounce something, and you get used to hearing it mispronounced, that when you encounter it in its language of origin (albeit with a slightly different meaning), you may not recognise it right away.   The fact its often spelt differently in pagan circles didn't help either.  I just felt so foolish when I finally made the connection.

Prehistoric rock art found in Scottish Highlands

The Archaeology News Network reports that:

"An archaeologist has uncovered the biggest collection of ancient rock art in the Highlands. Douglas Scott, 64, of Tain, Ross-shire, discovered a circle of 28 carved rocks which date back 5000 years while combing a 200-metre hillside farm in Evanton."

The full story can be read at the website here.

Another Film about Cúchulainn?

Michael Fassbender is to take the lead in a new project written by Ronan Bennett, whose credits include Public Enemies and The Hamburg Cell.

Fassbender will star as Cuchulain, the central hero of the Ulster Myth Cycle in the film (one of the four branches of Irish mythology), which has a working title Irish Myths.

Development funding is already in place for the project which is being produced by Finn McCool Films, the London based production company set up by Fassbender and Bennett.

It is not yet known who will direct the project.

Fassbender is currently in Berlin promoting Haywire. He will next be seen in Prometheus for Ridley Scott.

So says "Screen Daily".

One wonder how this affects the plans for "Hound" being produced by Breakthru Films.

Gaelic Battle Charms

Here is Alexander Carmichael describing the genre of protective charm or seun in Carmina Gadelica ii, 26:

‘Sian’ or ‘seun is occult agency, supernatural power used to ward away injury, and to protect invisibly. Belief in the charm was common, and examples of its efficacy are frequently told.

Go read the Carmichael Watson Project blog on this very intriguing topic.

The Curse of Macha: Pilot Feature Film Production

This project is being funded through donations by the general public, using We Fund.  If you're interested in helping, or are just curious, please click here to read more.

Awakened by the onslaught of an invasion, Emer is forced to succumb to the horror of her children missing and the burning flames of her dying village. Rather than accept her fate, she breaks free of the carnage to find another village and a group of warriors willing to take up her cause and find out the truth of this nightmare.


What unfolds is a daring attempt to reach the ancient city of Emain Macha, the stronghold of the Ulaidh (Ulster) Tribes. But with political and religious influences on the struggle for power over the northern territories of Ireland, our heroes our met with overwhelming odds stacked against them. It is with Emer, that the fate of the Ulaidh tribes lays, and through her courage and strength the promise to embrace her children once more.


Many myths and legends have echoed through Ireland's forests, none so infamous than the Táin Bó Cúailgne, an epic tale of greed, lust and pride. 3 deadly sins that have plagued Ireland's shores for an eternity. Our story focuses on one mother’s nightmare and one peoples plight in a land steeped in religious and political turmoil.  Set in the 4th Century AD, Ireland is a land inconstant upheaval. Kings, Queens, Priestess and Warlords battle among themselves for power. All the while the masses struggle to survive daily life in an Ireland that is one dark environment.


The Film is based on the Irish myths of the Táin Bó Cúailgne, our story is an original screenplay by Chris Lennon and Paul Michael.

Britain's Wicca Man

Britain's Wicca Man - (C) Matchlight from Matchlight on Vimeo.

Apparently, this is to air on Channel 4 on February 20th.

Tradition/Judgement

The title is a reference to two Greenwood Tarot cards that have drawn today.   The first was from my real-life deck, the second from the online draw; both are more than relevant.   A chance chat with a relative in Ireland has shown some light on something I had (almost) forgotten.   Now, I am intrigued and am planning a trip there for this year; something I had not planned to do for several years.

I have previously mentioned on this blog how I have only known about my maternal family history for a short time.  Now, this morning, a light has been shone on my paternal line from a source from which I generally keep myself distant (family/personal issues).   I have been made aware that certain things have also been passed down my paternal line, though very much out-of-sight.  An offer has been made and I feel ... no!  I know that I cannot refuse.  I am more than surprised and, if I am honest, nervous.

I am vaguely aware that this will mean change and a significant change at that.  When it comes to personal matters, I have always been wary of change, fearful even, but this one seems necessary though once on the other side I am generally adaptable.  This, though, is something I have wanted but pushed to the back of mind (that old wariness again) and now, it appears it has arrived.

So, the Tradition card relates to my family and its history and the Judgement card relates to the following:

"The only thing in life that is assured is that if you wait long enough, it will change. How you survive that change and who you are after change is down to you. The major element in this process is judgement of yourself and others. This may relate to an assessment regarding a personal matter or situation, and could be linked to the process of forgiving. It may also relate to a group or social decision.


In the process of judgement, both as an individual and on the universal level, honesty is the key. Be honest, be forgiving, be patient, but most of all, be assured change is at hand.


Remember, the universe has a long memory. Nothing is ever forgotten.


...


Your approach to the issues in this card affects your future, decides the nature or even the possibility of your rebirth.


The entrance to a passage grave beckons you; this is a place to lay your past to rest, a still safe sanctified space in which the parts of your life can be reconstituted after the trauma of Death. (see Rebirth, eight of cups).


You are sensitive, and require someone to stand watch for you; either the highest part of oneself, an ancestral guardian... "*

I think the above is able to convey what I am unable put into words here.  I do these online draws for fun when I am bored and they have no bearing whatsoever but, in this one instance, it is a strange coincidence. 

It's only three hours in and already it's proving a fateful and enlightening day.












* From The Greenwood Tarot.

Me Time

Misty Morning III

Grey and misty morn'
Just after the dawn
Cold crisp breath
Giving me new life
Long, dawdling walk
As only the birds talk
Relishing the serenity
Ahead of the day's insanity.

© Ancestral Celt 2011

A Treat

For Imbolg this year I decided to treat myself to a session on candle-making.  It's a long time since I've done any kind of workshop and practical things often elude my fumbling digits.  The course is being run by the same people who managed to instill in me an ability to mix, blend and burn credible loose incense and it's the one practical thing I can do and am proud of, despite some seriously stinky mistakes.

I am not sure which kinds of candles we will be making, but I am looking forward to it.   Even if I only learn the process and cannot recreate it myself, I will be happy.  I will be sure to post a review of the workshop here, once I have had time to digest what I've learned, if anything.