Book of the Celts's topics - tribe.net

Celtic Myth Podshow

Ruthie — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:47:39 GMT

Hi all,

I apologise if advertising here causes offence but I am hoping that
the subject of this podcast will be of sufficient interest to the
subscribers to this list to warrant inclusion.

I produce the Celtic Myth Podshow (http://celticmythpodshow.com) which
is a free MP3 download and aims to tell the stories of Celtic
mythology to its listeners. We have started with the Irish
Mythological Cycle and aim to cover all of the Six Nations in the
series. The by-line of the show is "Bringing the Tales and Stories of
the Ancient Celts to your Fireside" which is the atmosphere we would
like to create. The old legends were recounted orally and only written
down in later years, so by hearing them told we are getting a step
closer to their original presentation and hopeful, meaning. That's
the theory anyway :)

You can find us on itunes or download/listen to the episodes on the website

I hope this is of interest to some

Thank you

Ruth

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

New Irish News and Culture Site!

Irish_central — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:41:23 GMT

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posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Bay Celtic Music and Dance Festival Sat Feb 21 Oakland Veterans Hall

scott — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:13:50 GMT

The San Francisco Bay Area Celtic Music and Dance Festival is happening this Saturday, February 21st at the Oakland Veterans Hall 200 Grand Avenue Oakland, 94610, X Harrison.

BayCeltic is an annual reunion of Bay Area Celtic musicians, singers, dancers and performers.

We have a wide range of very popular and well established musicians and performers.

The Black Brothers, Tempest, Molly's Revenge, Cullan's Hounds,Avalon Rising, Steve Baughman,and Siamsa, a bay area Celtic dance performance group, are in the main Ballroom.

In the musical showcase, new and emerging bands and musicians are are Three Mile Stone, Jim Nelson,Patrice Haan,Megan McLaughlin,Valerie Rose,West of Shannon,Susan Mashiyama and Lani Herrmann.

Steve Baughman will perform and lead the music session afterwards.

Dancing in the Dance Hall are an Irish Ceilidh with Ammy Hill, Irish Set dancing with Michael Murphy, hard shoes introductory dance class with Shirleigh Brannan.

We will have waltz and polka and irish dancing at 10pm to Culann's Hounds.

Lunchroom downstairs and Celtic vendors also.

The website is www.BayCeltic.com

Tickets available at the door: $20 general, $10 students, free under 12, $10 after 9:30 to waltz and polka dancing to Culann's Hounds

contact Scott at scottFNW@pway.com

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Celtic Knotwork and Interlacing

tesscaline — Sun, 25 Jul 2004 02:42:48 GMT

Hi! I'm brand new to this tribe, just wanted to say hello and let everyone know that i'm 1/4 irish, and very interested in celtic knotwork and interlacing artwork. I do a little of my own, and was wondering if there was anyone else out there with similar interest :)

posted in Book of the Celts - 5 replies

Niall of the Nine Hostages on (YouTube).

Cáemgen — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 01:16:13 GMT

Irish history with Pat Flannery. This was filmed 7/2/07. Pat continues on the theme of the history of the O'Neill with one of their greatest ancestors, Niall Noigíallach, better known as "Niall of the Nine Hostages." The O'Neill theme will culminate with a talk on "The Flight of the Earls" in September (which will be the 400th aniversary of the event). Again, Monsignor O'Neill contributes to the lecture with his unique insight.

Part 1
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=R9aoc6_zLtQ

Part 2
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=C6cLYFiIXsY

Part 3
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=8Yt8auMFFdI

Part 4
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=3Duly1CNntI

Part 5
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=e2gP_Y2ZhI4

Part 6
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=rxZVtFlZk_U

Part 7
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=b0K8aPTuklk

Part 8
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=QNzlzGPn0x0

Part 9
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=E1g5NsuxHws

Part 10
http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=aAmt-zvUzj4

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Celtic and Viking jewelry goodies to show and tell about...

GionMan — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 06:06:15 GMT

Hello, my name is Kerry Drew, and I love all manner of antiques and collectables, but especially items of so called, "barbarian", jewelry, and amulets created for magical purposes.

I have been a history lover since I was 8 or 9 and I am especially interested in the Scythians, Celts, Mayans, Greeks, Romans, Thracians, and Ancient Egyptian cultures, as well as the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods in Japan, but nothing of ancient historical significance fails to interest me.

I am a highly skilled jeweler, and metalsmith, with over 30 years experience, who offers his services to the general public, but particularly to those who prize fine craftsmanship in antiquities, and ancient style jewelry.

In order to support myself and pay for my collecting hobby, I sell hand-crafted jewelry, and high quality fine art reproductions on Ebay, as well as directly to the public. Custom jewelry commissions are welcomed!

Currently, I have several items available which any true lover of ancient art and antiquities might wish to see, and very possibly own!

While I appreciate that this is a Tribe focused on Celtic culture, here is one notable example, an auction item which is ending very soon, of special interest to both Celtic and Viking buffs:

tinyurl.com/2shefe

I was old by one person that this brooch was probably crafted in or around Dublin in the mid-to late 10th century, and shoiws Celtic influences, I am deeply interested in any opinions my fellow Tribe members might have about the iconograpy and symbolism of this wonderful Viking piece!

I am offering LaTene/Celtic, Viking, Egyptian, Roman, and other fine items of historical style jewelry.

Please patronize your fellow tribe members, and myself in particular!

stores.ebay.com/HYPERBOREAN-GIFTS

(Help keep a well meaning jeweler, and artisan on the straight and narrow!)

In addition, I specialize in the careful treatment of antiques and antiquities, while reproducing them, so that the designs can be worn and appreciated on a regular basis, with no risk to rare and/or fragile antiquities.

Should you have a ring, seal, scarab, buckle, amulet or other item of any material, which you would like to reproduce, in silver, gold or bronze, please let me know.

References are available by request.

Thanks for your kind attention!

Sincerely,

Kerry Drew @}:^)>c

Richmond California, USA

kerryika@gmail.com

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Brehon law on YouTube.

Cáemgen — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 06:09:29 GMT

Here's a interesting talk on Brehon law by Pat Flannery. This isn't a particularly scholarly discussion but Pat brings a refreshing look on the subject.

Cáemgen

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN52LnC020g

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlttX00sWqM

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDWQoNZMMCA

Part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVAGjjz3I6Y

Part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7NRiPnKELQ

Part 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAKRcKtuozM

Part 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZIGNHctcd0

Part 8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lo2ZYw5q8NY

Part 9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKf7iF__szI

Part 10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76pW9l6MJV4

Part 11

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsWzoUVjExc

posted in Book of the Celts - 4 replies

Celtic Art!

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 22:19:22 GMT

Award winning Celtic Artist Linda Rose, is having a HUGE inventory sale on all New World Celtic Designs items; cards, prints, even t-shirts. See the link www.nwceltic.com and contact me here at tribe directly. Near everything is at least 50% off!!!

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

And speaking of truth...

seosamh32 — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 01:30:22 GMT

The Legend of Oisín and Saint Patrick
(This is a continuation of Tír na nOg - Oisin and Niamh)

But the men got an awful fright. They thought Oisín was dead, until they heard him muttering, "Tír na nÓg, Tír na nÓg." So they did the logical thing -- they took him to the wisest man they knew, and that was Saint Patrick.

Patrick was an old man himself then. He died about 1500 years ago, and so we know almost the exact date when Oisín returned to Ireland from Tír na nÓg: about AD 480. Fionn and the Fianna had been dead for 200 years.

When the men told Patrick that Oisín had said he was Oisín, the son of Fionn mac Cumhail, Patrick knew what they were talking about, and he was very interested. He had a great respect for the old traditions and stories, and he knew that Oisín was the poet and historian of the Fianna, and if anyone could tell him the old stories, it was Oisín. But there was another thing. Oisín was the last of the old pagan heroes, and Patrick very much wanted to convert him to Christianity and baptise him.

But what was he to do with this feeble, blind old man who kept muttering, "Tír na nÓg, Tír na nÓg -- The Land of Youth, The Land of Youth"? Patrick was kind and sympathetic, and he said to Oisín, "Tír na nÓg is gone now. It disappeared with the coming of the new religion of Christianity."

"Níl sin fíor," Oisín said. "That's not true." And of course it wasn't. How could Tír na nÓg be gone if it's forever? But Patrick thought it was true -- or perhaps he only wanted it to be true.

Oisín said:
"Féach thiar ansin í,
Thiar ar fhíor na spéire.
Sin an áit go mba mhaith liom bheith --
Sin Tír na nÓg.
"Look! There it is,
Just there on the horizon.
That's where I belong --
In the Land of Youth."

Patrick shook his head sadly to see Oisín staring with his sightless eyes and pointing at the wall. Eventually, Oisín understood that for him Tír na nÓg would always remain "just there on the horizon".
Patrick took Oisín into his house and gave him a servant boy to look after him and lead him around, and he asked Oisín to tell him the old stories and explain how the places in Ireland got their names, so he could write down the information for future generations. Oisín realised it was the only way to correct the lies that people were telling about the Fianna, and he agreed. So Oisín and Patrick travelled around the country with a scribe.
That's how the stories of Fionn and the Fianna have come down to us today, from Oisín through the writing of Patrick's scribe and down through generations of poets and storytellers, and that was the beginning of my own present-day Legendary Tours.

The scribe, whose name was Brogán, was either extremely conscientious or overwhelmed in the presence of the two most prominent men of his age. He wrote down everything until Patrick told him he could leave out the instructions to himself.

Sgriobh sin a Brogáin sgribhinn
do comrádh fhirgrinn fheassach
ní d'imteachtoibh mic Cumhaill
do fhulaing mor ttaom ndeacrach
Eisdeacht ré n-abair Oissín ...

Write it, Brogán, in the form of a truly wise conversation about the adventures of the son of Cumhaill and the great trials he endured. Let us listen to what Oissín says ...
(from Duanaire Finn, Pt II, Gerard Murphy, ed.)

While they were travelling around the country, Patrick took the opportunity to tell Oisín about the God of Christianity and Heaven and Hell.
"Where are the Fianna?" Oisín asked him one day.

"They're in Hell, because they weren't Christians," Patrick said.

"What's Hell like?"

"It's hot, and there are devils and demons always poking at you with pitchforks."

"Sure, the Fianna will be well able for them. They've fought worse in their time. And what's Heaven like?"

"Everything is warm and comfortable, and you sing the praises of God all day."

"Sounds boring," Oisín said. "I'd rather be with my friends in Hell, if I can't go to Tír na nÓg. And you say your God is stronger than our old gods. Well ...

"If my son Osgar and God
Wrestled it out on the hill
And I saw Osgar go down
I'd say your God fought well."
(version by Frank O'Connor)
After all the stories were written down, Oisín needed to do something to earn his keep. Old and blind and feeble though he was, Oisín still had the strength of ten normal men, and Patrick put him to work clearing the fields of the big stones that were too heavy for the other men to move. Oisín didn't mind this at all. A real poet enjoys working close to the earth and getting his hands dirty with honest labour. But one day he complained:
"Patrick," he said, "you have me working hard all day moving stones, but you don't feed me properly."

"Oisín," said Patrick, "how can you say that? You get a full quarter of beef each day for your meat. You get a full griddle of bread. And you get a full churn of butter."

Oisín said, "In my day, I've seen a quarter of a blackbird bigger than your quarter of beef. And I've seen an ivy leaf bigger than your griddle of bread. And I've seen a rowan berry bigger than your churn of butter."

"I don't believe that," Patrick said.

Now, to call any man a liar is a great insult. To call a member of the Fianna a liar is a greater insult. But to call a poet a liar is the greatest insult of all, because a poem is the embodiment of truth, and a poet is the designer and creator of that embodiment. If a poet tells a lie, he loses the ability to see truth and to be a poet. And so to call a poet a liar is to deny that he is what he is, to say he is nothing. Oisín was so angry he could hardly speak.

"I'll prove what I said is no word of a lie. The three things the Fianna lived by were the truth in our hearts, the strength in our hands, and fulfilment in our tongues."

Oisín knew there was a new litter of pups in the house. He told his servant boy to bring the pups to him. The boy did so, and Oisín said, "Fasten a cowhide to the wall, then throw the pups against the cowhide one by one, and tell me what happens."

The boy threw the pups against the cowhide and reported to Oisín:

"All the pups fell down except the last one, and he held onto the cowhide with his teeth and claws."

"Keep that one," said Oisín, "and raise him in a dark room for a year, and don't let him taste meat or blood during that time."

The boy did that, and at the end of the year, Oisín said, "Now put a collar and chain on the dog and lead me to Glenasmole."

Glenasmole -- the Glen of the Thrushes -- is a peaceful glen in the Wicklow Hills just an hour's bicycle ride from the centre of Dublin. There are farms at the lower end where the land is green and fertile, and as the glen rises into the heathery hills all you can see and hear are the sheep and horses wandering loose and the wild birds and animals living their wild and natural lives. As you remember, that is where Oisín fell off the great white horse.

When Oisín and the boy arrived in Glenasmole, Oisín said, "Now, you'll see a big stone ..."
The boy said, "Oisín, sir, this part of the glen is full of big stones."

"Oh, that's right," said Oisín. He described the stone he meant, and the boy found it and led Oisín to it.
"Now lift the stone and tell me what you find under it."

"Oisín, sir, you expect me to lift this stone?"
Oisín lifted the stone, and the boy said, "I see a rusty old sword and an iron ball and a big bronze trumpet."

"Take the trumpet and blow it," said Oisín, "and tell me what you see."

The boy blew the trumpet.

"Did anything happen?" said Oisín.

"No," said the boy.
"Blow it again. Louder this time."
The boy blew the trumpet louder.
"Do you see anything now?" said Oisín.
"No," said the boy.
"Give me the trumpet," said Oisín, and he blew a blast on the trumpet that knocked the leaves off all the trees in Glenasmole and shook the birds from their perches.
"Now do you see anything?" he asked the boy.
"Yes. I see a flock of big blackbirds flying this way up the glen."
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Behind that flock is another flock of blackbirds, and they're even bigger than those in the first flock."
"Anything else?"
"Yes. And behind that flock is a third flock of huge blackbirds, and they're bigger than any bird I've ever seen."
"Take the chain off the dog now," said Oisín.
The boy took the chain off the dog, and the dog ran towards the blackbirds, growling and licking his lips. He singled out the largest of the birds and attacked it, and as big and ferocious as the dog was, the bird was even bigger, and it was a hard battle the dog fought before he finally killed it. The dog licked the bird's blood and then turned towards Oisín and the boy, with its eyes blazing and blood and slaver dripping from its mouth.

"It's gone quiet," Oisín said. "What's happening?"

"The dog killed the blackbird and drank its blood, and now I think the taste of blood has driven the dog mad. Now it's coming towards us. Now it's running. It's going to attack us. What are we going to do?"
"Take the iron ball," Oisín said calmly, "and throw it at the dog."

"I'd be afraid to do that, sir. What if I miss?"

"Give me the ball, and point me to where the dog is."

The boy handed the ball to Oisín, and Oisín threw it, and the ball went into the dog's mouth and straight through it and out the other end and killed it.

"Now," said Oisín, "sharpen the sword and cut open the blackbird and tell me what you find in its stomach."

The boy cut open the blackbird and he said, "I found two things in its stomach: an ivy leaf that's bigger than the griddle of bread, and a rowan berry that's bigger than the churn of butter that Patrick gives you each day."

"And now cut off a quarter of the blackbird with the sword," Oisín said.

The boy did that, and the quarter of blackbird was bigger than the quarter of beef that Patrick gave Oisín for his meat each day.

"Now," said Oisín, "let's show these things to Patrick."

They did that, and when Patrick heard the story and saw the ivy leaf and the rowan berry and the quarter of blackbird, he said to Oisín, "Oisín, I was wrong. You told no word of a lie."

"It was the three things we lived by," said Oisín: "the truth in our hearts, the strength in our hands, and fulfilment in our tongues."

posted in Book of the Celts - 5 replies

Happy Imbolc!

Carnildo — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:34:58 GMT

from Wikipedia:

Imbolc is one of the four principal festivals of the Irish calendar, celebrated either at the beginning of February or at the first local signs of Spring. Originally dedicated to the goddess Brighid, in the Christian period it was adopted as St Brigid's Day. In Scotland the festival is also known as Latha Fhèill Brìghde, in Ireland as Lá Fhéile Bríde, and in Wales as Gwyl Ffraed.

While in the Northern Hemisphere Imbolc is conventionally celebrated on 1 February, in the Southern hemisphere it is sometimes celebrated on the calendar date, but those who see it primarily as a celebration of spring may move it to 1 August.

Imbolc is traditionally a time of weather prognostication, and the old tradition of watching to see if serpents or badgers came from their winter dens is perhaps a precursor to Groundhog Day.

Thig an nathair as an toll
La donn Bride,
Ged robh tri traighean dh’ an
Air leachd an lair.

"The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground." [1]

Fire and purification is considered by many to be an important aspect of this festival. Brigid (also known as Brighid, Bríde, Brigit, Brìd) is the Goddess of poetry, healing and smithcraft. As both goddess and saint she is also associated with holy wells, sacred flames, and healing. To some, the lighting of candles and fires represents the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months. [2]

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

Cead Mile Failte

Elaine — Thu, 01 Jan 2004 08:19:54 GMT

My name is ElaineI am a Culdee, which is a mixture of Irish Catholicism and Ancient Druidic Beliefs. The Church of Rome attempted to wipe us out in the 4th and 5th century and declared us Heretics. They missed a few. Family tradition, family grove, initiated at 7 and reached Teacher at 27 (sort of like a High Priestess and not because it involves teaching The Path and shared rituals.)

I am Cherokee (South East Cherokee Nation) and Irish. I am also a member of AIM and Irish Northern Aid. I try not to be hobbled by foolish consistency. It's nice to meet you all

posted in Book of the Celts - 12 replies

the tuatha de dannen

Celestine — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:36:19 GMT

opinions about the tuatha de dannen...? their origin and nature..? they seem to be cloaked in mystery:)

posted in Book of the Celts - 8 replies

Gods' gift for Celtic students

Cáemgen — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 09:05:22 GMT

Here it is.

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/review.cfm?id=644052005

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

For Celtic Bibliophiles

FyreChyld — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 10:44:39 GMT

Anyone interested in the Celtic Culture & Druidism.

http://www.freewebs.com/seosamh_fyrechyld/help_me_out.htm

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

Page About Samhain ...

Unsilent — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 00:24:01 GMT

http://www.celticspirit.org/samhain.htm

"Samhain marks one of the two great doorways of the Celtic year, for the Celts divided the year into two seasons: the light and the dark, at Beltane on May 1st and Samhain on November 1st. Some believe that Samhain was the more important festival, marking the beginning of a whole new cycle, just as the Celtic day began at night. For it was understood that in dark silence comes whisperings of new beginnings, the stirring of the seed below the ground. Whereas Beltane welcomes in the summer with joyous celebrations at dawn, the most magically potent time of this festival is November Eve, the night of October 31st, known today of course, as Halloween."

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

Doorways to the Otherworld - Winter Solstice

Artistpriestess — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:53:05 GMT

Doorways to the Otherworld - Winter Solstice

Echoes of the Otherworld - The Celtic Otherworld is a strange, supernatural dimension where the usual laws of time and space do not apply. The Otherworld encompasses the land of the dead, the realm of the gods, the fabled western isles, the kingdom under the sea and the fairy mounds. Humans venture into it at their peril, but those who realize their innate virtues on the quest returned endowed with supernatural powers, special knowledge or magic gifts.
Juliette Wood. The Celtic Book of Living and Dying.

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

Some suggestions for ethical gift giving and supporting something positive.

Planet-Doctor — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:27:57 GMT

Hello all,

At this time of year it is often tough to find what you want or feel good about giving. Many of us prefer to give gifts that do some good in the world and I would like to offer a suggestion.

The link and search box below will place orders through amazon.com and will let you find most things that you are interested in, including products and sponsorships directly in support of The Realms of Legend, such as our sponsor a tree program.

The Realms of Legend is the project to build a historical and environmental education facility in the style of a themed entertainment venue which will showcase concepts for simpler living, eco friendly living and solutions for many of the problems our society faces in the coming years, all in a format of fun and engaging experiences.

Ordering via the search box at the link below will give the project a small commission and help us pursue the goal of educating a large number of people about the options we have for building a more healthy and sustainable future for all.

If you are looking for a gift that you can be sure will get there on time and allow the recipient to choose what suits them best you might consider one of the gift certificates. The E-Card form is instant and you don't have to waste paper or wait for postal services or you can choose a more traditional hard copy version.

So if you are considering giving some form of gifts during the holiday season or even in the future, please consider using the search box below. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

I hope you all have a very fulfilling holiday season.

http://www.geocities.com/crusader_magnus/index.html?1166117680670

Cheers!

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Help Save Tara!

FyreChyld — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 22:50:52 GMT

Please help save Tara (Irelands most sacred place) by signing the worldwide petition at the link below and stop them from building the Motorway through Tara. All info is in the petition. Be sure to cut & paste this petition on all your Pagan groups & Forums. get your Covens & Groves to sign it. This is very important! PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS SIGN! Thank You!

http://www.petitiononline.com/hilltara/petition.html

go na Tiarna agus Bantiarn coill glas beannacht glas tu!
(Irish Gaelic for)
May the Lord and Lady of the Green Wood Bless you!

/|\ Gypsy /|\

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Celtic Traits

Unsilent — Mon, 14 Nov 2005 23:21:35 GMT

* You have tremendous insight into the psychology of others.
* Your understanding of human nature makes you especially perceptive, and potentially a gifted psychic.
* Your abilities tend to be more of an intuitive understanding of the motivation of others.
* You find your highest inspiration in the rhythms of nature.
* You are attracted to beautiful or unusual stones.
* You love a good story, whether it be in the listening or the
telling.
* You are sensitive to both of the polarities that live inside of
you. You naturally understand the concept of androgyny or
unixsexualism, and recognize that you have both masculine and feminine traits.
* Although you may be mentally oriented, you are attracted to sensuality.
* You are a powerful, transformative individual. You realize that in order to bring positive change in our outer world, an idea must first be born within.

Adapted from The Phoenix Cards, by Susan Sheppard (Destiny Books, 1990).

posted in Book of the Celts - 13 replies

new Druid tribe

Sun, 30 Jul 2006 00:28:21 GMT

http://tribes.tribe.net/druidwomb

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Celt Appeal

FyreChyld — Sun, 14 May 2006 03:42:13 GMT

Thought everyone would enjoy this.

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0603/sights_n_sounds/index.html

/|\ Gypsy /|\

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

New Tribe: The Magical History Tour.

Planet-Doctor — Thu, 25 May 2006 08:17:54 GMT

Hi,

I created this new tribe because it seemed like a good place to allow discussion that didn't quite have a home in the faire, history, SCA or conventions tribes. The magical part is in the fact that we recreate pieces of history as if by magic.

So I am making this a thread posting because it seems the new format of the tribe cards makes it so that most people never see the listings.

tribes.tribe.net/magicalhistorytour

Whether your events and reenactments include magical influences or not, when an event really comes together and people forget that they are in the modern world for a while and immerse themselves in the experience, the event comes alive and the atmosphere is magical and full of possibilities and romance. That time, no matter how brief, is what so many live for, whether it is for themselves or to feel the power of helping others experience it.

This is a tribe for discussion of all aspects of historic re-enactment and re-creation as well as recreation. This includes medieval festivals, viking festivals, renaissance faires, pirates, buckskinner events, etc.

Historic fiction and fantasy are welcome as well.

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Hy-Brazil: the 'blessed isle' ...

Unsilent — Tue, 07 Mar 2006 23:16:12 GMT

Wrote a term paper on the many nautical legends and searches conducted for this legendary place:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hy-Brazil

Featured in the myths of Brendan the Navigator, I believe.

"The generally accepted theory states that it was renamed for the brazilwood, which has an extreme red color ..."

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Imbolc ...

Unsilent — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:16:32 GMT

Is fast approaching: February 1.

http://www.celticspirit.org/imbolc.htm

"In most parts of the British Isles, February is a harsh and bitter month. In old Scotland, the month fell in the middle of the period known as Faoilleach, the Wolf-month; it was also known as a’ marbh mhi๒s, the Dead-month. But although this season was so cold and drear, small but sturdy signs of new life began to appear: Lambs were born and soft rain brought new grass. Ravens begin to build their nests and larks were said to sing with a clearer voice."

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Happy Winter Solstice Everyone!

FyreChyld — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 15:35:16 GMT

Hope the Gods grant you all your wishes this Holiday Season.

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

The Fianna.

Unsilent — Tue, 29 Nov 2005 23:54:14 GMT

From what I can gather, they more closely resemble modern mercenaries than did the Red Branch of Ulster, which would be more akin to the Royal Army of King Conchobar, i.e., conscripts as opposed to elite soldiers for hire.

So the Hound and his comrades, for instance, would actually live at Emain Macha more or less constantly (except when Cuchullain went home to his wife and estate), while Fionn led his troops about the countryside.

Morgan Llywelyn's different treatments of these characters seem to hold to this position.

A website -

http://www.shee-eire.com/Magic&Mythology/Warriors&Heroes/Armies/Fianna/Page1.htm

And another -

http://www.timelessmyths.com/celtic/fianna.html

I'll settle back and wait for nitpicking to begin.

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Happy New Year ...

Unsilent — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 01:14:17 GMT

which for us Celts began today, the first of November.

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

September 22 - Mabon.

Unsilent — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 22:36:42 GMT

Mabon (May-bawn) is also known as the Feast of Avalon
and the festival of the Wine Harvest. To the Celts,
Avalon is the mysterious place for the land of the
dead, and literally means the "land of apples". Thus
this is a holiday for celebrating the bounty of the
harvest and the desire for the living to be reunited
with their deceased loved ones.

But the holiday is also named for the Welsh God Mabon.
Mabon means the "great son". He was the son of Modred,
kidnapped at the age of 3 and later rescued by King
Arthur. His life represents the innocence of youth,
the
strength of survival and the growing wisdom of the
elderly. Perhaps it is this view of the cycle of life
that brings Mabon to his most popular role, the King
of the Other world and the God of Darkness.

His myths overlap with other Gods such as the Welsh
God Gwyn Ap Nuad, which means "white son of darkness".
He is seen as the God of war and death, the patron God
of fallen warriors. Once again this is a
representation or
connection to the Land of Avalon.

Read more here: http://ravensilverwing.tripod.com/sabbats/mablor4.html

Yeah, it's finally autumn!

posted in Book of the Celts - 5 replies

Brehon Law and Economics

Cáemgen — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 07:52:45 GMT

In discussing the economic situation of Ireland under Brehon Law, Professor Neil McLeod wrote:

"...Irish society seems to be one of those where it was the
conspicuous distribution of wealth, rather than the conspicuous
accumulation of it, that led to elevated status."

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

Warriors

Cáemgen — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 01:53:40 GMT

The following gives a interesting look at the simularities between what was written in the Tain and what the Romans recorded in their encounters with the Gallic tribes on the continent and Gallo-Britonnic settlers in Briton.

The question is, how much, if any, did the 7th century Christian monks embellish their native tales with elements of the early written accounts of the Roman conquests?

Quotes from eye witnesses (the Romans)

(Polybius, 2nd century BC .)
"The Romans... were terrified by the fine order of the Celtic host, and the dreadful din, for there were innumerable horn -blowers and trumpeters,and... the whole army were shouting their war-cries... Very terrifying too were the appearance and the gestures of the naked warriors in front, all in the prime of life and finely built men, and all in the leading companies richly adorned with gold torcs and armlets."

(Strabo, IV,4,2; 1 st century BC .)
"The whole race... is madly fond of war, high -spirited and quick to battle... and on whatever pretext you stir them up, you will have them ready to face danger, even if they have nothing on their side but their own strength and courage ."

(Tacitus Agricola 1 1; late 1 st century AD .)
"There is not much difference between [Britons and Gauls] in language, the same boldness in courting danger, and, when danger looms, the same panic in avoiding it.. ."

(Polybius' description of the Battle of Telamon, 225BC)
"The Insubres and the Boil wore their trousers and light cloaks, but the Gaesatae had discarded their garments owing to their proud confidence in themselves... At first the battle was confined to the hill... In this action Galas the Consul fell in the melee fighting with desperate courage, and his head was brought to the Celtic kings... All [the naked Gaesatae] in the leading companies [were] richly adorned with gold torcs and armlets. The sight of them indeed dismayed the Romans, but at the same time the prospect of winning such spoils made them twice as keen for the fight... [Later in the battle,] reduced to the utmost distress... some of [the Gaesatae] in their impotent rage, rushed wildly on the enemy and sacrificed their lives, while others, retreating step by step on the ranks of their comrades, threw them into disorder by their display of faint- heartedness."

(Diodorus Siculus, V,29,3; 1 st century BC)
"And when someone accepts their challenge to battle they proudly recite the deeds of valour of their ancestors and proclaim their own valorous quality at the same time abusing and making little of their opponent and generally attempting to rob him beforehand of his fighting spirit."

(Tain, Irish epic, 7th century AD)
Per Diad taunts Co Chullainn before their duel to the death;
"l have come, a wild boar of the herd, before warriors, before troops, before hundreds, to thrust you beneath the waters of the pool... It is I who will slay you, for it is I who can. The defeat of their hero in the presence of the Ulstermen, may it be long remembered, may it be to them a loss."

(Diodorus Siculus, V,29,4- 5; 1 st century BC)
"They cut off the heads of enemies slain in battle and attach them to the necks of their horses. The blood-stained spoils they hand over to their attendants and carry off as booty, while striking up a paean and singing a song of victory; and they nail up these first fruits upon their houses... they embalm in cedar oil the heads of the most distinguished enemies...

(Diodorus Siculus. V.30.2 -3: 1 st century BC)
"Their armour includes man-sized shields decorated in individual fashion. Some of them have projecting bronze animals of fine workmanship... On their heads they wear bronze helmets which possess large projecting figures lending the appearance of enormous stature to the wearer. In some cases horns form one part with the helmet, while in other cases it is relief figures of the foreparts of birds or quadrupeds. Their trumpets again are of a peculiar barbaric kind...and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war. Some have iron breast-plates of chain- mail, while others fight naked...

(Strabo, IV,4,3; 1 st century BC)
"Their arms correspond in size with their physique; a long sword fastened on the right side and a long shield, and spears of like dimension...

Chariots
(Caesar, Gallic War V,1, 1st century BC)
"in chariot fighting the Britons begin by driving all over the field hurling javelins, and generally the terror inspired by the horses and the noise of the wheels are sufficient to throw their opponent's ranks into disorder. Then, after making their way between the squadrons of their own cavalry, they jump down from the chariots and engage on foot. In the meantime their charioteers retire a short distance from the battle and place the chariots in such a position that their masters, if hard pressed by numbers, have an easy means of retreat to their own lines. Thus they combine the mobility of cavalry with the staying- power of infantry; and by daily training and practice they attain such proficiency that even on a steep incline they are able to control the horses at full gallop, and to check and turn them in a moment. They can run along the chariot pole, stand on the yoke, and get back into the chariot as quick as lightning ."

Historical evidence.
Celtic chariots were a form of warfare that the Romans had serious problems with. It took them some time to find a way of dealing' with the devastating the effect the chariot had. Polybius, in his accounts of the lead up to the battle of Telamon in 225 BC., reports that the Gauls had 20,000 cavalry and chariots. This was the last reference to the use of chariots on the mainland. By the time Caesar encountered them in Britain, the method of fighting against the chariot had been forgotten. Diodorus said that the chariot was drawn by two horses, and could carry a driver and a warrior. In battle the driver controlled the chariot, whilst the warrior would throw javelins at his opponents.

Archaeological evidence.
Until a few years ago we had to rely on very little evidence, found on coins and gravestones, to give us an idea of what chariots looked like. In recent years, a number of graves containing chariots have been excavated. There are some burials in France and Cyprus, and well preserved items have been dredged From a lake in La Tene. In Britain there have been a number of finds in Yorkshire. The finest comes from Garton Slack, found in 1971, where preservation was very good

Infantry
( Tain, 7th century AD)
"The noise and the tumult, the din and the thunder, the clamour and the outcry which he heard there was the shock of shields and the smiting of spears and the loud striking of swords, the clashing of helmets, the clangour of breast-plates, the friction of the weapons and the vehemence of the feats of arms, the straining of ropes, the rattle of wheels, the trampling of the horses' hooves, and the creaking of the chariots, and the loud voices of heroes and warriors."

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Who's the best

Tue, 19 Apr 2005 23:25:47 GMT

Who's the greatest of all Irish myth heros?

posted in Book of the Celts - 25 replies

celtic lands

harry — Wed, 24 Nov 2004 18:08:45 GMT

north west spain never gets much of a mention when people talk about celts
niether do the bretons both of these areas are rich in celtic culture
and deserve to be explored further
and dont forget cornwall
best wishes

posted in Book of the Celts - 11 replies

Lets keep the myth theme going

Wed, 27 Apr 2005 23:01:59 GMT

Which Mythic cycle has the most colorful and interesting characters as a whole. Describe some them and their personality traits to provide a basis for your view.

posted in Book of the Celts - 12 replies

Diamuird (sp?) question

Culann — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 01:26:21 GMT

Okay I'm learning the story of Diamuird, specfically the love spot, and I'm reading the first part of the story where all four of the heroes are pinned by a "wether", what is a wether?

posted in Book of the Celts - 5 replies

Art

Wintershadow — Tue, 19 Apr 2005 20:40:40 GMT

I hate to be annoying but would it be possible to put a picture up as a main photo for this site? It looks pretty boring without something there. Just my two cents....

posted in Book of the Celts - 7 replies

online reading..

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 22:38:01 GMT

My job allows me to spend a lot of time online, once my works done.. I can't really pull a book out and read it, but here is a site I really enjoy, that I thought I would share.

It has a lot of my favorite books..

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/index.htm#ireland

just click on the book, and it's there..

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Early Myth

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 16:55:19 GMT

Does anyone know a source for detailed stories about early Irish myth. I'm talking Children of Nemed/Partholonians stuff

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

The Tain

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 02:42:11 GMT

So lets get this rolling with a little discussion. Who do you guys think translated the best version of the Tain

My vote is for Thomas Kinsella. He does an awesome job of including the most amount of stories.

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

Greetings

Wintershadow — Sun, 20 Mar 2005 16:41:28 GMT

Just thought as a new member I'd say hello. I'm of Irish descent mostly with a dash of Mohawk and Dutch/German as well. I'm very interested in hearing what you folks think of the old stories and legends. Anyone have any favorites? Mine (for now anyway:))
are Tuan Maccarill's Story, The Frenzy of Suibne Geilt, and the Battle of Moytura. I try to keep Celtic culture alive in my heart even if I have no special practices I engage in. Take care all!

posted in Book of the Celts - 2 replies

dagda

gorma — Mon, 01 Nov 2004 04:39:29 GMT

does any one have an image of the dagda? i just read a awesome description of him and now i would love to see other or hear other description of him.

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

Hello everyone I am new here...

blank — Fri, 03 Dec 2004 21:39:03 GMT

Hi . My name is Heath Michael O'Neill. I found this tribe thru Bone's tribe listings. I am Irish, born in Galway in 1981. I moved to Chicago ten years ago with my family. It's good to find a tribe of Celts here. :)

posted in Book of the Celts - 6 replies

Let me introduce myself...

Thu, 19 Feb 2004 01:35:26 GMT

As the 13th and lucky tribal member I thought that an introduction is in order, but as you can read about me on my page, let just add that I am Irish and Scottish and teach Celtic Studies in the Department of Humanities at Marylhurst University. For the record, I also teach Hyper Age studies.

posted in Book of the Celts - 4 replies

"Never Ending Song"

Mon, 01 Mar 2004 17:34:51 GMT

"Never Ending Song"
Message For those of you who care ot read it, I just published a portion of my "Never Ending Song" on http://brigitsfeast.blogspot.com/

Constructive comments always appreciated.

posted in Book of the Celts - 1 reply

Irish Gaelic Tribe

FyreChyld — Thu, 18 Nov 2004 08:13:47 GMT

Come learn gaelic. If you speak it, come teach it. http://slainte.tribe.net/

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies

Surviving Celtic Languages

xerberus — Mon, 26 Jul 2004 22:44:26 GMT

Does anyone speak one of the Celtic langauges?

P-Celtic:
Welsh
Cornish & Breton (they seem to have been mutually intelligible until the 15th century)

Q-Celtic:
Irish
Scots Gaelic
Manx

posted in Book of the Celts - 3 replies

Happy St. Paddy's Day

Wed, 17 Mar 2004 15:23:25 GMT

It is said that the Irish get more Irish the farther they get from Ireland -- Rowena Daly

May the luck of the Irish be with you.

posted in Book of the Celts - 0 replies