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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

Imbolg - card
  • Imbolg - card
  • Imbolg - card
SKU GC31S
€3.50

Imbolg

In ancient times there were four main festivals to mark the passage of each year, Imbolc (February 1st), marking the beginning of Spring, Bealtaine (May 1st), the start of summer, Lughnasa (August 1st), the first harvest and Samhain (October 31st -November 1st).

Imbolg/La fhéile Bríde (St Brigid’s Day) commemorated in one card. Both in Pagan and Christian Ireland, the feast of Brigid is celebrated. In ancient times Imbolg/Imbolc (old Irish meaning “in the belly”), was a time of looking forward to rebirth as lambs were born and nature slowly came to life. At Tara and Cairn L at Loughcrew, this day saw the dawn light entering the burial chambers, thus proving it was a time of immense significance even in the Neolithic era. The Goddess Brigid was associated with this time. A Solar Goddess she was daughter of the God Dagda of the Tuatha Dé Danann and was overseer of the Arts, Agriculture and prophecy. St. Brigid lived in the 400s, a friend to St. Patrick, she is also a patron saint of Ireland. It is said she spread her cloak by an old oak and on that place she had her first church. Cill Dara (small church by the oak) gave the name to county Kildare. The St. Brigid’s Cross, made from rushes, is a symbol of this ancient saint and was hung over doors for protection. Indeed it is thought this practice may have stretched back to earlier times.  Two women, from different eras and traditions have become intertwined but both were undoubtedly strong and proud.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna