Glastonbury Weather

Several publications, including the Evening Leader and Yahoo Music (UK & Ireland) ran articles about Druids praying for sunshine for the Glastonbury (music) Festival. It appears that the so-called "Archdruid King" Arthur Pendragon led revelers in London's Hyde Park in a plea for sunshine the week beforehand at the first annual NME Glastonbury Sun Dance.  Weather working must be different in the UK than it is in the US.  I don't think I've ever considered weather working from over a hundred miles downwind.  Maybe it is all about reveling than anything else. 

 

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge Aotearoa

The Wairarapa Time-Age had an interesting article about the Winter Solstice being celebrated at Stonehenge Aotearoa. Of course that piqued my interest. I had heard of Stonehenge Aotearoa but really didn't know much about it.  Well, the photographs are awesome.  It appears that the OBOD folks put on a Winter Solstice (June 21st in the Southern Hemisphere) celebration.  Their special events page shows they've hosted Wiccan and other special events.  It looks like a site well worth visiting.  If you ever get close to that part of the world, be sure to visit the site.  It has made my list of places to see.

Stonehenge Decoded

The National Geographic folks focused upon Stonehenge in June.  The magazine ran an excellent article "If the Stones could speak" in its June edition.  Additionally, the television station ran a program, "Stonehenge Decoded."  The TV program was good, although it took some literary license.  For example, they indicated that the site was sacred and that individuals that went onto the site in Paleolithic times would get into trouble for doing so, even when following a hunt.  No evidence of that, but it made for a great diversion.  The bottom line is the show promotes a new theory that identifies Stonehenge as a family burial site for a limited number of important people. Besides the tv show and the magizine article there is a web site that is is a lot of fun. There are video's including reenactment and photos galore.  Photos include predawn at Summer Solstice and lots of screen savers.  There is a quiz, that even I, who thinks he knows quite a bit about Stonehenge, didn't ace.  There is even a game that is quite fun. All-in all the focus on Stonehenge is wonderful and refreshing.

Eolas: Wisdom of the Oaks - Imbolc 2008

The third edition (Imbolc 2008) of Eolas, Wisdom of the Oaks is now available for download from the Druid Order of WhiteOak - Ord na Darach Gile website. This issue includes an interesting article outlining the mythological stories, some of the archaeological findings, and modern folklore regarding the solstices by Sean Harbaugh. For the Bard, Ann Heymann has a wonderful article about Brigid (Brigit), Imbolc, and the Gaelic Harp. I had heard of the "Ceremony of Raising" and it was great to have the several etymologies of Imbolc in one place. She goes further into a brief explanation of a tripartite cosmology of music; laments, dance tunes, and lullabies. Facinating. I'm hoping she will be able to present more in the future. There was also poetry, recipes, and reviews to round out the edition. Nicely done. Well worth checking out.

The Henge Builders

Archaeology Magazine, in the January/February issue had a wonderful article about "The Henge Builders: New Discoveries inspire archaeologists to re-envision the culture that created Stonehenge." The seven page article in the magazine is much more thorough than short, 1 page, extract on the Archaeology web site.

Among the many new findings are:

1. Bones near Stonehenge reveal that people were immigrating to the area from the European continent.

2. New carbon-14 dates indicate that Stonehenge is 1,000 years older than archaeologists previously believed.

3. A wooden henge nearby, at Durrington Walls, has lead to a contorversial idea that wood henges were associated with rituals for the living while Stonehenge was associated with rituals for the dead.

4. That the winter solstice alignment of the stones may have been more significant than the summer solstice alignment.

I must add that the author, Mike Pitts, takes some license in stating that the "view [of Stonehenge] has changed little since Hawthorne's time," [150 years ago] in that the stones were rebuilt re-erected and otherwise improved in early 20th century and again in the '50's and again in 1964. Photos of Stonehenge from before the 'Heritage Restoration" are a bit different. He even mentions the problems he had doing research 30 years ago because the intermittent excavations at the site went largely unpublished, so I'm surprised he thought there was little changed in the past 150 years.

Top 10 Discoveries of 2007 - Lismullin Henge, Tara, Ireland

Archaeology Magazine, January/February included an article about the Top 10 Discoveries of 2007. Among those discoveries, was Lismullin Henge, Tara, Ireland.

Within the articles, they talk about the discovery of the massive, 260 foot Lismullin Henge discovered just over a mile from Tara. This find confirmed the long-held belief that the area around the Henge contains a 'rich complex of monuments."

They also mention construction of the M3 highway which threatens not only the Hill of Tara but also the other archaeological sites in the surrounding valley. They go on to remind us of the worldwide support for the protection of the Hill of Tara, (See). There is a petition on the saveTara.com website that you can sign to show your support for saving Tara. I have long held that the Hill of Tara and its surrounding landscape are sacred as part of our ancestral heritage. There is a Save Tara Valley website and the Global Collective Arts is mobilizing with Anam Cara for Tara. I urge you to join and support any of these groups in opposing the M3.

See: Lismullin Henge • Gabhra Valley, Ireland for details.

The Terror of History

The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition is set of lectures by Teofilo F. Ruiz, Ph.D. of UCLA published by the Teaching Company.

In the first lecture, The Terror of History, Professor Ruiz reminds us that history is written literate elite and may not reflect the people from the lowest levels of society. He goes on to explain the "terror of history" is the response to tension and pressures of life and that there are three ways to escape the misery of human existence.

1. The formulation of religion and embracing of transcendental beliefs.
2. Embracing the material world and a life of dissipation.
3. Aesthetics and the pursuit of art is also used to escape the burdens of life.
   

For the Druid, the formulation of religion is almost a given. So many of the those along the Keltrian Druid Path have made a conscious decision to reject more traditional religions embrace their own sense of spirituality. These are typically coupled with idealistic beliefs. When armed with a strong religious belief, it is difficult not to incorporate a sense of superiority. We, as Druids, know that there are many paths to wisdom and that a sense of superiority can leadsto intolerance. And intolerance leads to the ugliest responses that humans express in their combatting the "Terror of History."

Certainly our (US) society is all about embracing the material world. Mental distraction, amusement, intemperance, drug use are all parts of a life of dissipation. We can, to a limited extent, escape the miseries of life by indulging ourselves -- "shop to you drop." But such materialism goes against the Druid's Path. We need to live with the natural world and gain wisdom from our relationships with it. Those on the Seer's path especially need to develop their relationships with the natural world; embracing the material world would be counterproductive. We, as Druids, should embrace life and not try to escape from our existence.

Aesthetics, the study of beauty, particularly as it relates to the arts is a clear part of the Druid's Path also. Developing the understanding of the principles that are used to make critical judgments concerning works of art. For the Bard, to gain an understanding of how to release emotions based upon the reactions to the beautiful and the ugly, the sublime and the comic is one of the foundations of the Bardic Path.


Professor Ruiz includes suggested reading list with each lesson and several questions to consider. The Sacred and The Profane: The Nature of Religion by Mircea Eliade jumped onto my wish list. One of professor Ruiz's questions to consider, "Why has the irrational played such a significant role in history?" will remain with me throughout the series of lectures in hopes that it will be answered.

I highly recommend The Terror of History: Mystics, Heretics, and Witches in the Western Tradition which retails for $254.95 for the DVD and $129.95 audio download. Watch for when it goes on sale at 70% off. The Teaching Company (24 lectures, 30 minutes/lecture).

EOLAS: Wisdom of the Oaks

The inaugural edition (Lughnasadh 2007) of a new Druid magazine, EOLAS: Wisdom of the Oaks, is now available on the Druid Order of WhiteOak - Ord na Darach Gile website.

Eolas plans to "cover a range of subjects, from stories and poetry to art work, reviews, articles and even the odd recipe or two."

Their first edition included a story about truth, some poetry, receipies, the consecration of a sacred well using a mix of traditions (Guardians of the Watchtowers, powers of the elements, nine healing herbs, and invocations to Brighid and Belenos), general information about their church and land endeavours, and finally the start of a series about being "A Druid in Iraq".

All in all it is a good start we'll keep an eye on it.

EOLAS: Wisdom of the Oaks

The inaugural edition (Lughnasadh 2007) of a new Druid magazine, EOLAS: Wisdom of the Oaks, is now available on the Druid Order of WhiteOak - Ord na Darach Gile website.

Eolas plans to "cover a range of subjects, from stories and poetry to art work, reviews, articles and even the odd recipe or two."

Their first edition included a story about truth, some poetry, receipies, the consecration of a sacred well using a mix of traditions (Guardians of the Watchtowers, powers of the elements, nine healing herbs, and invocations to Brighid and Belenos), general information about their church and land endeavours, and finally the start of a series about being "A Druid in Iraq".

All in all it is a good start we'll keep an eye on it.

Inspirational Druid Books

Inspirational Druid Books

The Denver Post reported that the local District Attorney wants spiritually comforting materials available to victims waiting to testify.



The article, which mentions "Druid writings," made me think, what "Druid writings" do we have that would be considered as "comforting" or "inspirational"?  Members of the Keltria List discussed the topic and came up with the following list of materials.

• Kindling the Celtic Spirit - By Mara Freeman
• Walden - by  Henry David Thoreau
• Celtic Devotional, Daily prayers & Blessings - by Caitlín Matthews
• A Celtic Book of Days - by Sarah Costley and Charles Knightly
• Earth Prayers From Around The World; edited by
• Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.

Also discussed were The Roscs of Mogh Ruith which are available On Line

and The Desiderata by Max Ehrmann.



- Tony /|\

Review - The Druids by Ronald Hutton

Interesting Review of The Druids by Ronald Hutton.



Ronald Hutton - Wicca and other invented traditions - Independent Online Edition > Features

Historian Ronald Hutton delights in both debunking and celebrating paganism. His new study of the Druids will probably annoy their modern followers, but Gary Lachman finds him unrepentant...

Tim Sebastion Passing

The Wild Hunt Blog:

Reported that "Tim Sebastion, Chosen Chief of the Secular Order of Druids in the UK, passed away after a long illness [on February 1st, 2007]."



Tim was a long time friend of the Henge of Keltria and will be missed. Tim was interviewed in the Lughnasadh '96 issue of Keltria Journal.

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Celebrate the 5,000th Anniversary of the Construction of Stonehenge, with the New Fifth Millennial Edition of the Stonehenge Watch™

The New Fifth Millennial Edition of the Stonehenge Watch™: "'A great leap backward in time telling!' "

Looking for a present for the Druid that has everything? I've had a Stonehenge watch for many years. It is great fun. This new edition adds a compass. I remember some years ago, when a pretty young lass asked me what time it was. I pulled out the watch, aligned the stones, saw the fall of the shadows upon the face and knew the time.... Obiviously, it was daytime.

Druid's Circle of Ulverston

The Modern Antiquarian | The Druid's Circle of Ulverston (Sunbrick Stone Circle/Birkrigg Stone Circle): "The Druid's Circle of Ulverston"

The Modern Antiquarian has wonderful forums including photos and artistic impressions for many standing stone sites. If you haven't done so, check them out. Also, the Druid's Circle of Ulverston is a little known site that would be of interest on a visit to Cumbria.

Reminder - Carrying "Weapons" can be Trouble

Last June, The (Portsmouth) News reported that the Insular Order of Druids archdruid, Debbie King, was arrested and had her ritual bladce confiscated after checking it with security at a courthouse. Now, according to The (Portsmouth) News, she finally received her athame back. Excellent.


The UK has tight laws regarding carrying weapons. Here in the United States, every state and many municipalities have laws regarding knives and other weapons. In many cases single-edged knives are handled differently from double-edged blades. In order to avoid problems, it is extremely important to be careful whenever carrying any form of ritual tool. Know what the laws are in your state or city. Sickles are generally not quite so restricted, however swords (as in a representation of the Sword of Nuada) and spears (as in a representation of the Spear of Lugh) are often tightly controlled. Transporting them or using them in public venues can result in confiscation or even arrest.

Following Celtic Ways: Samhain Flame Of Tlachtga

Following Celtic Ways: Samhain Flame Of Tlachtga: "Following Celtic Ways

If you haven't seen the "Ramblings and reviews by John Willmott as he travels the Celtic Ways and Waterways visiting hidden ancient Celtic temples, sacred wells, and provoking legends..." it is worth a visit to his web site. Besides providing excellent commentary, he provides tours to Irish sacred sites of interest to Druids and Celtic Pilgrims (both Christian and Pagan).

Tying The Knot Pagan Style (from Tivyside Advertiser)

The Tivyside Advertiser, in Cardigan, Ceredigion (Wales), reports they have a Druid priestess and priest (Angie and Isna) that conduct marriages in Wales. Although Wales doesn't recognize Pagan marriages, they apparently have a wonderful stone circle site available for use. I wonder how they can be contacted.

For details see: Tying The Knot Pagan Style: "High Priestess Angie and Druid Priest Isna conducted the [marriage] ceremony....
Aware that the marriage is not recognized in the eyes of the law [groom] Martin said: 'What is important is that we love each other and are together.'"

Druid priestess denied entry to bar | | The Australian

Druid priestess denied entry to bar | | The Australian: "She previously told the tribunal that as a druid she was unable to accept compensation."

The idea that one should not accept compensation for religious work has long been a regular tenet of many Neopagan paths, including some Druids. In this particular case, it appears Morgan believed that she was discriminated against based upon religious discrimination while the judge ruled that it was age discrimination.

Because she was harmed, she should have accepted the money. To not do so allowed the offenders to have less of a penalty for their actions. Had the discrimination been based upon religion, she should have the money donated on her behalf to an appropriate non-profit Druid organization.

Inner Traditions:Herbal Prescriptions after 50

From the Mailbox...

I received the Spring/Summer 2007 Catalog of the Inner Traditions/Bear & Company.

Nothing of particular interest to Druids except possibly several Masonic books including Isaac Newton's Freemasonry and The Secret Message of Jules Verne.

However, for Bard's The Triumph of the Sea Gods: The War Against the Goddess Hidden in Homer’s Tales, by Steven Sora is of particular interest. It promises to compellingly argue that "Homer’s tales are adaptations of Celtic myths that took place off the Iberian Peninsula around 1200 B.C." I'll add this one to my I'd like to read list.

Under the Seer's Path,Herbal Prescriptions after 50: Everything You Need to Know to Maintain Vibrant Health. Besides offoring herbal remedies for various conditions associated with aging, it includes informaiton on more than 150 herbs, their actions, preparation methods, and recommended dosages. Along the same lines is Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Reveals how Adaptogenic herbs (tonics) can be used to counter the effects of age and stress.