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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 Stag - mug
  • The Stag - mug
  • The Stag - mug
SKU MGAL04
€10.00

Dec 24th - Jan 20th

Stag, Fia Beannach (antlered deer), in the Irish language, have wandered the countryside in Ireland throughout the ages, going back to the long extinct Irish elk or giant deer. The Irish Deer have featured in many tales of Irish mythology and there is one which directly concerns a Stag and the great Fionn MacCumhall. It tells how he and his hound Bran, were in pursuit of a great white stag that jumped from a precipice into a deep pool, turning into an ancient spirit hag. She pulled Bran beneath the water and to his death. Fionn’s attempt to drain the pool proved futile and in despair, he too jumped in. Immediately he aged dramatically, till all the magic of his druids allowed him to regain his youth.
The Stag 24th Dec-20th Jan. The Birch on the Tree lore Calendar.

Illustrated by Margaret McKenna