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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

Animal Lore - mug
  • Animal Lore - mug
  • Animal Lore - mug
SKU MGAL20
€10.00

Animal Lore

The animal kingdom, Trees and indeed all of nature, played a huge part in early Celtic Ireland. Each animal represented a characteristic or had a spiritual connection, as well as playing major roles in many an Irish legend. Animal astrology echoes that of the tree lore, with each of the 13 Lunar months being assigned a different animal with its own individual attributes.
In this image I use the wolf to represent the animal kingdom, for although the last wolf was killed in Ireland in 1786, before that time, they were so abundant that the country was nicknamed “Wolfland”. Their name in Irish, Mac Tíre, which means son of the countryside, shows how much a part of the land they were. They are also embedded in our ancient culture and myths. The white wings stand for the birds and no better wings than those of a swan, or Éala in Irish, renowned in the legends of the Children of Lir or Aengus and Caer. The river beneath represents the fish and especially the salmon, Bradán in Irish, which ate of the magic Hazel trees of knowledge to become the famous Salmon of Wisdom.

illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna