Celtic Worshop #5 The Celtic Otherworld This is the transcript of the fifth Celtic Workshop - The Celtic Otherworld. We engaged in a brief period of socialization before and after the conference. I include that here to give an idea of the spirit and atmosphere with which everyone approaches the task at hand! ......Searles Click here for the pre conference chat (2-6,O'Dubhain ) "Celtic Workshop #5 - The Otherworld" Before I begin let me say a few words about how the Workshop is conducted. We will first hear from a presenter, tonight that is me. If you have a question type in a ? and I will acknowledge you by typing "ga" at and appropriate time. When you have finished your question type "ga" to let me know that I may respond. When we are finished I will acknowledge the next questioner in a similar manner. If you have a comment or additional information to provide on a topic, please use the "!" to signal me. I will also cycle through those with comments. If their are no questions at this point I will begin tonight's presentation. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) I would also like to apologize for not producing the list of tree correspondences this week that I promised to provide. Being on the road and away from home, I was not able to get to all my references about trees, herbs and the like. I haven't forgotten the promise however. I will post the list as soon as I return to Virginia this weekend. This list can be used together with certain meditation practices to determine the "soul tones" of the Tree Oghams. I did locate the Ogham/musical tone table of correspondences that I had mentioned in the Celtic Workshop #4. This table is by the Celtic scholar Dr. Sean O'Boyle: For the Treble Cleff (in descending order of tone): Ogham Old Irish English Musical Note ____________________________________________________ B Beith Birch E L Luis Rowan D F Fearn Alder C S Saille Willow B N Nuin Ash A H Huathe Hawthorn G D Duir Oak F T Tinne Holly E C Coll Hazel D Q Quert Apple. C# For the Bass Cleff (in descending order of tone): ____________________________________________________ M Muin Vine B G Gort Ivy A Ng Ngetal Reed G# St Straif Blackthorn F# R Ruis Elder F A Ailim Silver Fir E O Ohn Furze C U Ur Heather B E Eadha White Poplar A I Ioho Yew G ____________________________________________________ (No corresponences were given for these Oghams). Ch,Ea Koad Grove - Th Oir Spindle - Ui Uilleand Honeysuckle - Ph Phagos Beech - Xi Mor The Sea - In addition to the above correspondences, The following properties of our beings were associated with tone combinations: The Body - Single tones The Mind - Two tone intervals The Spirit - Three tones at the same time (chords) For more information on this subject, I recommend reading "The 21 Lessons of Merlin" by Douglas Adams (Llewellyn) or the Original work by O'Boyle: "Ogham: The Poet's Secret" (1980, Gilbert & Dalton Ltd., Dublin). (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The beliefs of the Celts and their Magickal/Religious practices cannot be fully understood without becoming more familiar with their Cosmologies and Deities. In considering how to proceed with the Workshop, a variety of topics came to mind: The Otherworld The Gods and Goddesses The Objects of Power The Guardians of the Circle The "Place Names" The "Totem Animals" The Transmigration of the Soul The "In Between Times and Places" The "Need Fires" or Days of Imbalance. The Portals, Dolmens, Stone Circles, Passage Graves The Rite of Three Rays The use of Herbs and Potions The Gift of Awen The Act of "Becomming" The Charm of "Summoning" "Walking between the Worlds" "Journeys on the Wheel" The "Outer Darkness" The "Dragon's Eye" The "Many Speckled Rainment" The Charm of "Making" (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The Subject of tonight's Celtic Workshop is The Celtic Otherworld. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The topics I plan to cover tonight are: The Otherworld The Gods and Goddesses The Objects of Power The Guardians of the Circle (2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Celtic Cosmology" The number three was sacred to the Celts and the Druids. It should come as no surprise that the Celtic Cosmos is threefold: The Sky World, The Earth World and the Underworld. Each of these realms is associated with particular deities and Magickal acts or techniques. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The Sky World was associated with the heavenly bodies: the Sun, the Moon, the stars. This is the realm of the Gods and Goddesses and is associated with the cycles and patterns of the Sky (and perhaps also associated with The Megalithic Stone Circles). These visible objects were used as a basis for performing Higher Magicks such as: Prophecy and Astral travel. The cycles of the Sun and Moon also were used to determine the appropriate times for doing particular types of Magick. Festivals were held during Full Moons, Dark Moons, the 6th nite of the New Moon, Sunrise, Sunset and the 4 days of the Solar extremes; Mid Winter, Mid Summer and the Equinoxes. The heavenly bodies were not themselves considered to be Deities, but were thought to reflect or contain the types of Power associated with particular entities. The Fires of the Sun were associated with the forge and with inspiration, possibly making Brigid (An aspect of the Irish Celtic Triple Goddess) also a Sun Goddess. Bel or Belenus was usually associated with the powers of the Sun as well. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The Underworld is the realm of the Ancestors, as well as former humans and a number of Gods and Goddesses associated with the mystery of life springing forth from death. This process could be as simple and mysterious as the life cycle of a seed. From old life, new life appears in a series of changes from planting and germination to growth and harvesting. The passage graves and burial customs of the Celts also reflect this expectation of rebirth and afterlife. Many tombs and burial sites show that Celts were buried with objects that they could take with them into the Underworld to be used in battle, in hunting and/or for nourishment. This practice appears to be similar to what was practiced by many ancient peoples, including the Egyptians. Celts did not fear death, they expected to live on and eventually be reborn in another life. The Underworld and the Sky world were linked in this Mystery, sharing many of the same Gods and Goddesses. The daily rebirth of the Sun and the phases of the Moon are a good instance of this link between the World above and the one below. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The Earth World, occupied by we the living, also contains reflections and influences of the Sky World and the Underworld. These influences can be pictured as three zones (remember three is a sacred number): the upper zone is associated with the weather, the flight of birds, sky augeries and the elements and powers of Air, the middle zone is further divided into the Four Directions or Quarters (each with it's own Powers/Guardians of the Sacred Land), and the lower zone containing the depths of the sea, caves, cairns, burial mounds, "hollow hills" and sacred springs. This zone is the home of the Sidhe and the spirits associated with the Portals to the Underworld itself. The Celts in their life upon the Sacred Land expected to experience the influences of the Sky and Underworld in their life upon the Land. This attitude is demonstrated in the many dindsenchahs (stories of place names) that are told in Ireland to this day. Many of these stories are associated with a deity, an elemental, an Underworld portal or a combat of the God/desses and/or Epic heroes and heroines. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The following is a listing of the major Irish Gods and Goddesses: Danu, Dagdha, Nuada, Lugh, Angus Og, Len, Midir, Lir, Manannan, Ogma, Anu, Brigid, Morrighan, Aine, Sinend, Macha, Diancecht, Gobnui, Medb, Scatach, the Cailleach. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) The following is a listing of the major Welsh Gods and Goddesses: The House of Don Manogan, Beli, Don, Math, Mathonwy, Gwydion, Arianrhod, Llew, Dylan, Nwyvre, Amaethon, Govannan(the smith), Nudd, Gwynn, Penardun, Nynniaw. The House of Llyr Iweriadd, Llyr, Penardun, Euroswydd, Bran, Branwen, Matholwch, Gwern, Mananwyddan, Rhiannon, Nissyen, Evinissyen, Pwyll, Pryderi, Kicva (2-6,O'Dubhain ) These two groups seem to relate to one another but sometimes the correspondences can get very confusing. I include the deities that most closely resonate with my own Inner Being when working with the Sky World and the Underworld. My pantheon of Gods and Goddesses is both Welsh and Irish (as am I ). I include a more detailed description of them here: (2-6,O'Dubhain ) Danu The Red Mother of All, Major Mother Goddess of Ireland, Mother of the Gods and Patroness of wizards, rivers, water, wells, prosperity and plenty, Magick and wisdom. Dagdha The All Father, Eochaid Ollathair ( Father of All), Ruadh Rofessa (The Red One, Lord of Occult Knowledge), Dagdha (the Good God) Many talented and powerful, Master of the harp and possessor of a dread double ended club. The Chief of the Tuatha de Dannan. The Goddess of Sovereignty (Banbha, Fodla, Eriu) The Land and the King were wed through many ceremonies. Essentually the fate of the King and the fate of the land were One and vice versa. The Favor of the Goddess could be granted by some heroic act or bu being Magickally chosen (The Lia Fail could do this, more later). Women who held the Sovereignty of the land were often referred to as the Goddess (Such as Medb, Boudicca and Macha-Red Mane). Nuada The King and battle leader of the Tuatha de Dannan, Possessor of the Magick Sword of Findias, Lost his sword hand in the First Battle of Moytura, against the Fir Bolgs, stepped down from the Kingship (because the King could nave no blemish) even though he was outfitted with a Magickal hand of silver. He eventually had his hand Magickally restored to lead the Tuatha de Dannans against the Fomors in the second Battle of Moy Tura. In this battle he was physically killed so he returned the Lands of the Sidhe. Brigid Breo saighead (Fiery Arrow or Power) Often called the Triple Brigid or the Triple Mother. Also Associated with Danu at times. The daughter of the Dagdha. Goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare. Goddess of poets, feminine crafts, the hearth, martial arts, healing and inspiration. The White Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. Her Feast is the Major Celtic Festival of Imbolc. She who gives hope and new beginnings. The Celtic Church could not replace her, so they absorbed her as the "foster-mother" of Christ and as St. Brigit, the daughter of the Druid Dougal the Brown. Brigid is very like the Greek Goddess Athena. Lugh Sam ildanach (many skilled). This is the Celtic Mercury. The grandson of Balor (leader of the Fomorians and the son of Cian and Ethniu, a Sidhe princess. His feast is Lughnasadh, a celebration of the death of his "foster mother", Tailtiu. He is the combination of the Tuatha de Dannans and the Fomors. He replaces Nuada as the King and battle leader of the Tuatha de Dannan and leads them to ultimate victory in the second Battle of Moytura. He is sometimes called the "Shining One" and/or Lugh Lamhfada (of the "long arm"). He also has attributes of a carpenter, mason, poet,Druid, physician and a goldsmith. He can be considered the Irish God of just about everything. He was also the father of the great Irish hero, Cuchulain. (2-6,O'Dubhain ) I see only the diehards are still with me! (many more Deities to come folks)! (2-2,Freepowder) wimps. leaving early! (2-5,Nan) :) (2-6,O'Dubhain ) hahahaha! (2-6,O'Dubhain ) Videotapers! (2-5,Nan) (2-2,Freepowder) LOL! (2-6,O'Dubhain ) More to come!..... Mannan mac Lyr Chief Irish God of the sea. Not a member of the Tuatha de Dannan. A happy-go-lucky gypsy type. Always carried "the Crane Bag", a kind of Magick "horn of plenty". He gave the last 5 Oghams to the Druids (also called the "Crane Bag"). He preferred to roam among the people in disguise and aid their exploits.He could change his shape at will. Despite his antics, he was an extremely powerful God and was usually associated with fertility, rebirth, weather, sailing and Magick. He also had a Magickal ship that moved without sails and was directed by the mind. Linked to the Isle of Man. Gwynn ap Nudd The Master of the Wild Hunt, The Welsh Guardian of the Dark Portals of the Underworld. He rode the Night in a flowing grey cloak upon a pale horse following his Hounds called Cwn Annwn. (very large, white with red tipped ears). They would seek out and collect souls. Arianrhod "of the Silver Wheel", A star goddess of Wales, Her palace was called Caer Arianrhod (Aurora Borealis), Goddess of time and karma. Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess in Wales. Goddess of beauty, the Moon, fertility and reincarnation. Also associated with the sea. Cerridwen Welsh Goddess of Nature, associated with the Sacred Cauldron of Wisdom that allowed Taliesin to become enlightened. When she discovered that Gwion had tasted of her cauldron, she chased him through a variety of mutaual shape changes until at last she caught and consummed him as a grain of wheat. This caused her to give birth to Taliesin. Cernunnos Known to all Celts as the "Horned God ". God of nature, virility, fertility, animals, sex, reincarnation and shamanism. Known to the Druids as Hu Gadarn. God of the Underworld and Astral Planes. The Consort of the Great Goddess. Amergin/Taliesin The two greatest Celtic Bards that ever lived. Amergin was the Chief Bard of the Mileseans and aided them in overcoming the Magicks of the Tuatha de Dannans to become the heirs to the land ofIreland. Taliesin was the great Bard of the Welsh, whose poetry and songs, Including the Cad Goddieu, tell us most of what we know about Druidry in Wales. He gained his knowledge from the Cauldron of Cerridwen. They are both patrons of Bards, music, Magick and poetry. Morrighan The Dark aspect of the Celtic Triple Goddess. The "Washer at the Ford" (seem washing bloody laundry prior to battle by those destined to die). The Battle Goddess, also Queen of the Witches and Goddess of Magick. Could appear as a Raven, a beautiful Maiden or an ugly Hag. Marries the Dagdha at Samhain. The Goddess of Death. Ogma The "Sun Faced" One, so called because he was a God of Wisdom and of speech. He invented the Oghams and was also a great Warrior. Sometimes associated with the Greek Herakles. Also Irish God of music, spells, the arts and eloquence. Scathach "She Who Strikes Fear". The Irish/Scottish Goddess of martial arts. The Destroyer aspect of the Dark Goddess. A great sword warrior and instructor. Native to the Isle of Skye. Teacher of Cuchulain. Patroness of martial arts, prophecy, blacksmiths and magic. 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Objects of Power" The Tuatha de Dannans are the Children of the Mother Goddess Danu. They are the Gods and Goddesses of Ireland. Some say they come from the sky, others say the North. They were masters of Occult knowledge learned in the four great Magickal cities of Findias, Gorias, Murias and Falias. They were given a great treasure by the Chief Mages of each city (Uiscias from Findias, Esras from Gorias, Semias from Murias and Morfessa from Falias). These gifts are the four treasures of Ireland: The Sword of Nuada, the Spear of Lugh, the Cauldron of Rebirth and the Stone of Fal. We can use the Power of such gifts in our own Magick by invoking the four Masters of the North. Once invoked, the Power of their gifts can once again be manifested in our very own Magickal Talismans. 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Sword Of Nuada Argetla'm" The first object of Power comes from Findias. It is the invincible sword of Nuada "of the silver hand". It represents the forces of insight and illumination. It is a representation of the terrible Powers of creative energy. The drawing of such a sword is what gives us new and terrible abilities (Atomic Power is an example of what such inspiration can create). The wisdom to not use or to maintain control such powers is what the use of this Sword is all about. Many times the wisest course of action is to keep the Sword sheathed and to resolve our conflicts peacefully. Here is a description of this Magickal weapon's use in a modern day ritual: < I walk to the altar and pick up the Sword. Advancing to the East, I raise the Sword and say:> "Here is the Sword of Nuada Argetla'm in its deady scabbard. Heed the Magicks of Findias! Uiscias wrought this blade! He of the Silver Hand lives again! Who will dare to grasp it and define the boundaries of our safety?" "Come forth Old One of the East!!!" "Guard us well so that our lives may be our own. Dia is Bandia linn! (So Mote It Be!)" 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Spear of Lugh Lamhfadha" The second object of Power comes from Findias. It is the iresistible Spear of Lugh "of the Long Arm". This gift represents the ability to act across a distance. It is represented by the Powers of fire that can also act across a distance, leaping between burning buildings yet also warming us from within the hearth fires. This flaming spear always finds its target once thrown. It is no surprise that Lugh must defeat Balor "of the Evil Eye" allowing the Tuatha de Dannans to conquer the Fomor. Today the ability to act across a distance might be better characterised by the telephone/communications networks. The free exchange of information has fanned the flames of creativity in the modern world. 2-6,O'Dubhain ) Here is a description of this Magickal weapon's use in the same modern day ritual as before: < I walk to the altar and pick up the Spear. Advancing to the South, I raise the Spear and say:> "In my Right hand I hold the Spear of Lugh Lamhfadha. Brought from Gorias and given by Esras. It contains the Wisdom of Many acting across the Ways. No battle can be sustained against us while we possess it. Who will wield this Power?" 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "Come forth Old One of the South!!!" "Guard us well so that our ideas may burn as does Thy eternal flame. Dia is Bandia linn! (So Mote It Be!)" 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Cauldron of Rebirth" The third object of Power comes from Murias. It is the "Cauldron of Rebirth". This gift has the Power to regenerate life and is usually associated with the Dagdha or Bran the Blessed. It can also be linked with portals to the Otherworld through which all life passes during the death/life cycle. Mannanan mac Llyr who rules the sea and who is the possessor of the "Crane Bag" (another symbol for the Cauldron) is another deity associated with this Magickal device. The Welsh Goddess Cerridwen is also a keeper of the Sacred Cauldron.The Spring of Life and wisdom flows forth from the depths of the sea (another use for this cauldron). 2-6,O'Dubhain ) Here is a description of this Magickal device's use in our modern day rituals: < I walk to the altar and pick up the Cauldron. I place it upon the West Quarter and say:> "This is the Cauldron of Rebirth, by it's waters we are reborn. Fashioned in the fires of Murias, Forged by the will of Samias. Life eternal is its gift. We pass through Death with each use. May the waters of rebirth ever flow forth! Who will call us back from the deepest meditation? Who will summon us from the Shadows of the Sea?" "Make thy Presence known Old One of the West!" "Keep our Spirits safe within Your soft embrace. Dia is Bandia linn! So Mote It Be!" 2-6,O'Dubhain ) "The Lia Fail" This is the Kingship stone of Ireland. It was brought from the Northern city of Fal by the Tuatha de Dannan. This stone represents the Land and it's Sovereignty. It also represents the Power of the Earth to Judge all men. The other portals to the Underworld (caves and raths) are represented by this Magickal object. The dark reaches of the Underworld hide the secret knowledge of Death and Life. It is into the earth that Celts are buried to begin their journeys after death. Small wonder it is that the Goddess guarding this object should be the dread Morrighan. She represents the Wisdom that is gained via the Dark Pathways, yet she is also the bringer of victory in battle as well as new life, where none was expected. She represents the stark reality of Life and Death. 2-6,O'Dubhain ) Here is a description of this Magickal device's use in our modern day rituals: < I walk to the altar and pick up the Stone. I place it in front of the North Quarter candle and say:> "This is the Lia Fail, let all here be sobered by its True Judgement. This is the Stone of Judgement, Solemn sacred One of Falias, grant our space your Sovereignty. Morfesa has worked the Earth's Power within you. Judge of Kings, Center of Earth, Speak and we shall listen! Do not let us fail to heed your warnings!" < I turn to face the members of the Circle and ask:> "Who will Stand with the Stone of Destiny?" "Manifest your Power Old One of the North!" Open Your Dark Pathways Give us True Judgement! Bring forth Thy Hidden Knowledge!" < I step back to the altar and face to the North. I light the Black Candle of Darkness and say to all those who are gathered:> "May our souls know the Truth of Eternity. Dia is Bandia linn! So Mote it Be!" "My Brothers and Sisters in the One Power, Hear my Words! Our Circle is complete! We have Perfectly Created a Sacred Space, a Place out of Time. Let none seek to enter who would violate our Purpose. Our will shall be done and none shall be harmed! May the Guardians of the Four Quarters keep Their Watch over this Circle and lend us Their Mighty Aid!" 2-6,O'Dubhain ) That pretty much sums up the prepared presentation, any questions?