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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

Cailleach of the land - prints
  • Cailleach of the land - prints
  • Cailleach of the land - prints
  • Cailleach of the land - prints
  • Cailleach of the land - prints
SKU A347
€15.00
* Type & Size of Print:




Cailleach of the land

The Cailleach, one of the oldest Deities of the Gaelic world, was associated with the land, a Sovereignty Goddess, a builder of landscapes. She is connected with many places in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man and is said to have shaped the ancient cairns of Loughcrew in Co. Meath from stones falling from her apron. In this image, I see her as that creator, her movement and being, a continuation of the flow of the land and sky which surrounds her

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna