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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

Hawthorn (Sceach Gheal) - card
  • Hawthorn (Sceach Gheal) - card
  • Hawthorn (Sceach Gheal) - card
SKU NT01
€3.00

13 May - 9 June

The month of the Hawthorn covers the period from 13th May - June 9th. The Hawthorn or Sceach Gheal in Irish, has a unique place in the folklore of Ireland. On one level it is seen as a tree of the fairies or Sidhe and on another, as a tree connected to sacred wells and healing sites.
As a fairy tree, it is sometimes seen standing alone, or guarding the entrance to an ancient place. These trees are to be respected, left in peace as a mark of respect, and woe betide anyone who dares to cut one down. Even as recently as the late 1990s, a by-pass in Co. Clare was diverted so a fairy tree would not be disturbed.
In so many parts of Ireland today, the lone Hawthorn in a field or Hawthorns ringing a fairy fort remain untouched. The “Rag Tree’’ is a tree, but most commonly a Hawthorn, growing in places associated with healing, such as a Holy Well, but also on ancient sites such as Tara. These wells and sites were places of visitation long before Christianity and it was believed that healing of a sick person could come from an offering of rags from the bed of that person which were tied to the branches of that tree. This practice is still maintained though unfortunately nowadays non-biodegradable offerings are often made, thus damaging the trees and the environment.
The Hawthorn is often called the May Bush, due to the fact that it blooms during this month and as it is regularly planted to divide the land, it creates a beautiful criss-cross of blossom filled hedgerows at this time. Although pretty, it is said that it is bad luck to bring these blossoms into your home.
The Ogham (ancient Irish writing) for Hawthorn is marked by a  single horizontal line on the left face of a stone.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna