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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

Ivy - mug
  • Ivy - mug
  • Ivy - mug
SKU MGTL08
€12.50

30 September - 27 October

In ancient Irish Tree lore, Ivy represents the month of September 30th - October 27th. Not strictly a tree it was included on the calendar because of its woody stem and was worn on the head of druids to encourage a clarity of thought. There are several references to Ivy in terms of graveyards and it was said that if it grew on the grave of a young woman, she had died of a broken heart. In Ogham (ancient Irish writing), it is written as two diagonal downward strokes from left to right.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna