Modern Ireland in 100 Artworks: 1969 – The Táin, by Thomas Kinsella and Louis le Brocquy

The poet and the artist collaborated to produce a blunt, muscular reimagining of the Ulster legend of the Cooley cattle raid 

One of the odder effects of the explosion of youth culture in the 1960s and early 1970s was what might be called a second Celtic Revival in Ireland. In the search for an alternative, anti-establishment aesthetic, the notion of a pre-Christian “Celtic” world promised a kind of authenticity that dovetailed with the international counterculture. It manifested itself in everything from jewellery to the graphic art of Jim Fitzpatrick (see 1968) to the invention of “Celtic rock”. 

This interest in turn gave an unexpectedly contemporary energy to one of the most prestigious high-art projects of the era: the collaboration between the poet Thomas Kinsella and the painter Louis le Brocquy (see 1951) on a translation of the old Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge (The Cattle Raid of Cooley).

The Táin is the centrepiece of the Ulster Cycle of legends, describing the mythic conflict that erupts when Queen Medb of Connacht invades Ulster to capture its most prized treasure, a great brown bull. Ulster is defended by its youthful champion, Cúchulainn.

Read the entire article at The Irish Times.

 

 

A Repost

I kind of felt the need to reblog one of my own posts from 2011:  "9th Century Irish Myth and the Internet".   It came to mind after witness several (non-)discussions on internet groups.

~¦~

I read this and thought it needed reblogging, because it is an inspired connection between the Irish myth and the internet of today.

From Mo Thearmann:

This always comes to mind when I see people acting like idiots online. It's from Tecosca Cormaic (The Instructions of King Cormac).

"O Cormac, grandson of Conn", said Carbery, "What is the worst pleading and arguing?"

"Not hard to tell", said Cormac.
"Contending against knowledge,
contending without proofs
taking refuge in bad language
a stiff delivery,
a muttering speech
hair-splitting
uncertain proofs,
despising books
turning against custom
shifting one's pleading
inciting the mob
blowing one's own trumpet
shouting at the top of one's voice."

Upcoming Competition

The anthology, Pagan Paeans has sold well in the last few months between Cafe Press and Féile Draíochta.   Thanks to our generous contributors we now have enough to offer a decent prize for the Yule Competition!

So watch this space for details of how to enter!

You could win a gift voucher for Amazon, and a free copy of the new collection “IN and OUT” by Inga Brigitta.

One Body : One Spirit : and a Soul
Uniting these and for it's only goal
The unique expression of Unity
In this life, and then for Infinity.

Many bodies : many forms : across Time
Uniting Plurality with what is confined.
We are, all of us, here forever
But only have one life to remember.

One life, and one life only, to know
All there is to know. For Soul to grow
From Oneness of being, plurally
Formed, again and again, endlessly.

Posted, with permission from Heron, 2011

Nature Mystic

Author: Barry Patterson
ISBN: 1906038295/9781906038298

This book of poetry from Mr Patterson is now a very firm favourite book. I received it two years ago, having purchased it after reading his "The Art of Conversation with the Genius Loci" and enjoying the writing style, as well as content.   At the time I shelved it to be read later in favour of other books I was reading at the time and this may have been a mistake, except that I believe that, sometimes, things happen at the right time.

This past week has been rather erratic: one day good, the next horrible.  I keep books at work to read, but on one particular day which wasn't going well, I felt I didn't want to read what I had to hand, so before I left for work I searched high and low among my shelves for something a little inspiring.  I located "Nature Mystic" and put it in my satchel.

The day did not improve, and, in a quiet moment or two, I found time to read "Nature Mystic" and everything changed, because despite being a very slim volume every poem is worth spending time reading, and re-reading.

From the very first, I found myself thinking, indeed feeling different.  Barry Patterson has written very much from the heart about us, and our place in the world - man-made and natural.  His writing is earthy, inspiring, dark, light and reaches into my very being.  Reading his poetry changed the fortunes of my day.  It was a good day because I had this book, with its beautiful writing in my possession.

I should like to add some of the material here, but samples of Barry Patterson's writing can be read at his  website.  I don't have the ability to critique poetry [there are reviews on the net where you can read more scholarly critiques of this book], but, like art, I know what I like and I truly enjoyed, and appreciated "Nature Mystic".

I urge those who like (pagan) poetry to purchase and read "Nature Mystic".

Rating: 5/5.

9th Century Irish Myth and the Internet

I read this and thought it needed reblogging, because it is an inspired connection between the Irish myth and the internet of today.

From Mo Thearmann:

This always comes to mind when I see people acting like idiots online. It's from Tecosca Cormaic (The Instructions of King Cormac).

"O Cormac, grandson of Conn", said Carbery, "What is the worst pleading and arguing?"

"Not hard to tell", said Cormac.
"Contending against knowledge,
contending without proofs
taking refuge in bad language
a stiff delivery,
a muttering speech
hair-splitting
uncertain proofs,
despising books
turning against custom
shifting one's pleading
inciting the mob
blowing one's own trumpet
shouting at the top of one's voice."

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

Autumn

From "The Guesting of Aithirne"


A good tranquil season is autumn,
there is occupation then for everyone
throughout the very short days.

Dappled fawns from the sides of the hinds,
the red stalks of the bracken shelter them;
stags run from the mounds
at the belling of the deer herd.

Sweet acorns in the high woods,
corn-stalks about cornfields
over the expanse of the brown earth.

Prickly thorn bushes of the bramble
by the midst of the ruined court;
the hard ground is covered with heavy fruit.
Hazelnuts of good crop fall
from the huge old trees of mounds.


~ translation by Kenneth Jackson

Submissions Sought: Pagan Poetry Pages Summer 2010 Edition

The Pagan Poetry Pages are now accepting submissions for their Summer Edition. All writers of poetry and prose are invited to submit their work, either by posting on the fora at the Pagan Poetry Pages website, or by emailing the editor at editors(at)paganpoetrypages(dot)com.

Writers do not have to be pagan, but if the piece is pagan themed, or related to paganism in some way, please consider submitting your work for publication to the Summer edition of the Pagan Poetry Pages.

Poetry Challenge

A challenge for all poets: Write a love poem or an anti-valentine, whichever you prefer for Valentine's Day.

Post it at the Pagan Poetry Pages, with  either "Valentine" or "Anti-Valentine" in the subject line.

Yule Poetry Competition

The PPP is delighted to announce that thanks to the success of the Poetry Anthology we have an excellent prize fund for our Yule Competition and thus some great prizes to be won.

First Prize will be this beautiful Fountain Pen:

(if not available at time of winning, we will get a fountain pen of similar value and style) PLUS a £20 Amazon Gift Voucher!

Second and third prize consist of £10 gift Amazon vouchers.

The competition is open to everyone. The closing date for entries is December 24th and the winners will be announced in January.

You may submit as many entries as you like. All entries will be considered for the Competition Edition in January as well as for the Competition itself.

RULES: View the following images:

Using either as your inspiration write a poem. Submit the poem, clearly indicating to which image your work refers. You can submit by either emailing the editors (at) paganpoetrypages (dot) com or, if you are a member of the PPPages by submitting a private message to to Beirn.

For further information, see the Pagan Poetry Pages.

Disconsolate

All the words in the world

cannot compensate

When all your worlds, in a word,

are now desolate

© Ancestral Celt 2009

A Warning?

You do hark.
Hark to me?
You still hark;
What do you see?

You do squawk.
Squawk at me?
You still squawk;
Talk to me?

Owl now hoots.
Hoots for me?
Owl still hoots;
Hoots at thee?

Raven, raven, owl;
Talk to me?
Raven, raven owl;
Message for me?



© Ancestral Celt 2009

The Bealltainn Edition of the Pagan Poetry Pages

The Bealtine Edition of the PPP is now up!

We have fabulous poetry and the results of our Pagan Paeans Poetry competition. Sign up as a member to read new poems, give feedback and join in debates.

Unsung

Fortitude in greyness comes.
Not with pithy sayings:
Chin Up;
Keep a Stiff Upper Lip;
Pull Your Finger Out;
Pull Your Socks Up;
Get a grip;
It is always darkest just before dawn;
Things can only get better;
Count your blessings;
God helps those who help themselves;
Pick yourself up;
Dust yourself off;
Start all over again,
... so often said though rarely stirring.

Fortitude in greyness comes.
Not in cheery countenance;
A well-placed arm of sympathy;
Nor coaxing voice of reason;
Or rousing motivational speaker -
All well meant, but inneffective.

Fortitude in greyness comes.
When the sight of those who, in silence,
Tending to their daily obligations,
With ne'er a complaint or confrontataional protest,
Or even a whispered, wistful wish -
just acceptance and contentment.
(Or so it seems to our jaded eyes)

Fortitude in greyness comes.
Not with colour, fireworks, music;
No pomp and ceremony;
No light from above nor inner voice;
No applause nor cheering crowds;
No medals, honours or badges.
No future Bards will recall the moment,
Of some glorious, valorous turn.

No.

No, Fortitude in greyness comes,
When remembering the unsung,
The forgotten everyman, and everywoman
Whose drab, maybe even dreary lives[?],
Continue unabated, uncontested and unrelieved.
Doing what needs to be done;
Day in; day out - with unrelenting persistence.
Those who consistently endure;
With fortitude.

Fortitude in greyness comes.
Plain, simple and unassuming.



© 2009 Ancestral Celt

Pre-Order "Pagan Paeans"

Yes! You can order directly from Cafe Press and be the proud owner of a copy of the "Pagan Paeans" anthology in a matter of days!

Beautifully printed with high quality covers and binding - the "Pagan Paeans" anthology is going to grace any bookshelf, and help wile away many a happy hour. Be transported to the wilds of nature, or provoked by our satirists; dream of gods and heros or indulge in nostalgia. There is something for every mood, for every reader.

Order now! Be the first to own a first edition of "Pagan Paeans".

Pagan Paeans has an IBSN 978-0-9562403-0-9 and can be wholesaled or bought directly. From May 1st, it will be available through Cafe Press (USA, UK and Ireland, Europe, Rest of World), ppp@anfianna.com (paypal, postal order, individual sales or wholesale UK and Ireland only), and/or Nielsen Book Net teleordering (wholesale only).

Hate Poetry?

Fake it. I don't care :) This is a note of Shameless Celtic Boasting in the grand tradition of our forebears to raise awareness that: (a) we have an anthology; and(b) it's damn fine. PPP Publications are terribly proud of themselves. And if you're thinking why the giddy hell is she annoying ME with this - it's so you know we have an anthology!

Pagan Poetry Pages Anthology

I spent a considerable amount of time last night working through the anthology for the Pagan Poetry Pages, so, hopefully it will be out before the Summer solstice.

I must say I am pleased with the submissions and will be happy to purchase several copies: one or two for myself and a few for my friends, too.

I just hope that Fate decides not to throw more spanners into the works.

Submissions for the Pagan Poetry Pages Anthology

The Pagan Poetry Pages anthology submissions deadline is November 10th, 2008. Yes it's actually happening

Here's how it works:

We need your help.

We need you to submit the poems of which you are most proud, either already showcased at PPP or new poetry. Don't worry about type, or theme, leave that to us. Worry about what poems you really really like. If you see a poem from another PPP poet that you love, also bring that to our attention.

Submit by email to to ppp (at) anfianna (dot) com

1. Mark your submissions CLEARLY - including the NAME YOU WANT TO BE PUBLISHED UNDER, which is very important. If you submit under "mad maddie", then you will be acknowledged in the anthology under Mad Maggie. We won't have time to double check with everyone what name they wish to use, etc.
   
2. Include a biography. It can be long or short, but it would be good to include: where you live; what type of poetry you like; what inspires you; if you've had poems published elsewhere; anything along those lines.
   
3. Be aware, submission is hereby taken as permission to publish. The PPP will be allowed to publish any poem submitted by its author in the anthology and in other forthcoming anthologies in the future. Other than that, copyright remains with the author.
   

SUBMIT and be part of the very first PPP anthology of Poetry.

P.S. Please don't think that you've submitted because you've posted poems at the PPP site. We need you to choose and submit, as per the above instructions, as many poems as you wish for consideration.

Poets Needed

The Pagan Poetry Pages is a small and independent poetry site, founded in 2000 and dedicated to quality poetry, particularly concerning (though not necessarily restricted to) that with a spiritual or pagan slant. For years we’ve published a range of poetry, short stories, prose and journals in 6-8 editions per year, online. We have a members’ section where poems and writing in general can be posted and discussed. We welcome articles and news from the world of writing and poetry.

In the last year the PPP as it’s affectionately known has beeen quieter than normal due to other commitments on the part of the editorial team. But it is now being revamped and rejuvenated!

A new edition is already in the works and regular editions will be appearing throughout the year; we are also about to collate the PPP Anthology, showcasing the best of the poems and other works and this will be sold to raise money for the PPP annual Poetry Competition Prize Fund. The PPP anual Poetry Competition will be help from November and the results announced in the Yule Edition.We would love to hear from new poets, or indeed, renew our aquaintance with old friends.

We also welcome general prose, stories, and journals. Work can be submitted as members by joining the PPP website, or by emailing submit@paganpoetrypages.com.

Please include any biographical information and any details of previous publications, books, anthologies etc that you would like to have included with your published poem/work.

Pagan Poetry Pages ~ Read, Enjoy, Be Inspired!

Wishing for Winter

The days grow longer
And I grow weaker
I'm not a summer child.
I relish the endless night
Snuggled under duvets
And chilling winds that bite.

Give me skeletal trees
Wearing cloaks of freezing, grey fog
Sheltering only the hardiest of creatures .
Keep your fat, green trees
Ripe with fruity riches,
Showering their ground with their excesses
Enveloping all in their leafy layers
Away from the sun's fearsome burns .
Give me instead the warm glow of a log fire
Crackling and sparking as the moon rises
And takes it turn to be Lord of the Skies.

Oh, give me wistful winter nights;
And you may have your long, tedious summer days.

© 2008 Webwitch for Pagan Poetry Pages