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Loughcrew Equinox

The Loughcrew cairns, Oldcastle, Co. Meath, Ireland, are approximately 5,400 years old (Older than the pyramids of Egypt). Each Spring and Autumn Equinox the rising sun lights the passage chamber of Cairn T, the rays hitting the highly decorated back stone.

Many stories are connected to this prehistoric site including that of the Cailleach or witch/goddess. According to the Legend, the Loughcrew cairns were formed by the Cailleach throwing rocks from her apron, jumping from hill to hill. It is said that she tripped and died and is buried on Patrickstown, one of the hills. The area, known today as Sliabh na Caillí or Mountain of the Witch, reflects this age-old story.

 

 

 

The Art of Irish Lore

The Eye of the Cailleach - mug
  • The Eye of the Cailleach - mug
  • The Eye of the Cailleach - mug
SKU MG42
€10.00

The Eye of the Cailleach

Like the eye of the storm, the Cailleach (veiled one, witch or hag) watches through her cape of wind, rain and blizzard. She was the oldest of the deities, the Goddesss of Sovereignty and Winter, who was said to have formed landscapes in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. She is also associated with the ancient cairns of the Sliabh na Cailleach in Loughcrew, Co. Meath, created from stones falling from her apron.  

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna