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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

Willow - mug
  • Willow - mug
  • Willow - mug
SKU MGTL11
€12.50

15 April - 12 May

In the Irish Tree Lore Calendar, the Willow covers the period 15th April -12th May. The Willow Tree was one of the sacred trees and was associated with the moon and water. The famous Brian Ború harp, a symbol of Ireland, was made from Willow. There are also connections between this tree and the Cailleach (the Goddess/ hag) who transforms from the Winter Crone of the Cairns, now sleeping, into the young woman of the Spring and Summer. Being close to water, there are stories of the Willow and the Goddess Bóinn or Boann who was represented by a cow whose milk flowed to fill the River Boyne. This period is also when the ancient festival of Bealtaine took place and indeed in the Irish language, the month of May is called Bealtaine. It was a time to celebrate the coming of summer when fires would be lit, first at Uisneach, near Mullingar in Co. Westmeath and then across the land. The Ogham (ancient Irish language) is four horizontal lines on the right face of a standing stone.

Illustration from an original by Margaret McKenna