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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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Celtic Mythology

I’ve been looking for a while now but I’m struggling finding good sources. Does anyone have good book recomendations? I feel a strong connection to the Morrigan and Brighid if that helps at all. But I’m mostly just looking for more of the myths in general.

Thanks!

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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Gods, Spirits, and Legends: I

Introduction to Irish Mythology

Growing up, I was very aware of my lineage on my father’s side of the family. It probably comes as no surprise that Scots pride has always been very present in my family, but we have also been incredibly proud of our Irish heritage. This manifested in various ways - our genealogy extends back to medieval Scotland, prior to when my Irish ancestors married into the family, and we still carry the coat of arms and motto from that bygone age. But for the Irish side of things, we still have our love for music, storytelling, and history (and, yes, for good food, drink, and parties… but let’s face it, that can be applied to most countries). As a kid, I was deeply fascinated by the Celtic-style music that Ireland has come to be known for (thanks, Riverdance) and fell in love with the sound of songs sung in Irish Gaelic. An avid lover of fantasy and myth, I was a bit unsatisfied with how school really only focused on Greek mythology. Occasionally the curriculum touched on Norse mythology and Egyptian mythology, but I had a feeling that there was a much deeper world. And I was not wrong. My mother guided me to look at the stories of King Arthur and his court. Not the stuff you typically find in movies or classrooms. She really, really had me look deeper at the earliest stirrings of the legends.

And thus the door was opened. The Arthurian legends unlocked a treasure trove of Celtic legends from Wales and Britain, and it was only a matter of time before I found myself digging into tales from Ireland - heroes and villains, gods and monsters. I was hooked. Over time, when I was getting a bit further along on my spiritual path and found that Wicca itself was not something that quite resonated with me, I began learning about modern pagan practices that held two Irish gods in particular to high regard: Lugh, and the triple-goddess referred to as the Morrigan. This was spectacular! I learned of both, and of some of their tales - especially those of the Morrigan. And I learned of other members of their kind - Lugh, the Dagda, Manannan, and more.

Then… It got confusing. See, Irish mythology for all of its beauty and fantastic stories is very intertwined with itself. At one point you’ll find one story as it is told in one cycle, then it is retold in a much different way in another cycle. And those stories will both be correct, but not be the SAME story. In addition, pieces may be missing or based on pure conjecture, characters are named one way in some stories but named differently in another, and figures that seem too fantastical to be historical turn out to be historical while less fantastical characters turn out to be more fantastical. The reasons for this are varied, but in short it has a lot to do with the fact that many of the stories were passed along the generations by word of mouth as opposed to being written down. Following the arrival of Catholicism in Ireland, much of the mythology was, frankly, destroyed. However, some legends remained so strongly that they became incorporated, and others simply kept getting passed along until they were recorded. That said, some of the legends had ended up being Christianized, which adds yet another layer of complexity to the myths.

So… how does a witch sift through this? That’s what I’m setting out to do, because I know there are plenty of other witches out there who are interested in Irish pre-Christian mythology!

The Cycles of Irish Mythology In an effort to categorize all of the stories, academics broke down Irish mythology into a series of cycles, grouping stories together based on their context and sometimes by their primary characters. While helpful in providing a general breakdown, this method is still with its faults, as the lines between each cycle are rather blurred. As we briefly look at each one, you’ll see one running theme through nearly all of them: the presence of the most significant family of gods in Ireland: The Tuatha de Danann.

The Mythological Cycle: In a way, this cycle is the easiest to place into a timeline, as its name is self-explanatory. The Mythological Cycle tells the story of Ireland before and during the arrival of the Tuatha de Danann. In this cycle, we see the presence of other mythical races such as the Fomorians, the Gaels, and the Milesians as they tried to claim control of Ireland. Indeed, even this cycle addresses Ireland being ever-present and undergoing repeated waves of conquest. This cycle in particular looks at the creatures and gods of the land that the people of Ireland believed in while they were still unaware of the presence of Christianity.

The King’s Cycle: This cycle is one that is slightly more historical in nature, as it was carried on through bardic practice - bards being poets that served royal courts both as historians and storytellers during the medieval period, which may be a carry-over from druidic practice. In fact, were it not for the tradition of keeping bards in these courts, it is likely that these tales would not have survived. This cycle is characterized by its focus on tales about kings such as Labraid Loingsech and Brian Boru, and popular tales at the time such as the Frenzy of Sweeny. Battles, kings, lineage, and politics characterize this cycle, blending the mythological and historical depending upon the story.

The Ulster Cycle: The Ulster Cycle refers to the two major cities in Ireland at the time: Ulster and Leinster - both referred to collectively as Ulaid. This cycle focuses on tales of the heroes of Ulaid. Many of the legends can be linked to both or either of the medieval period and to early Christianity in Ireland. Of these, one of the most significant stories is the Cattle Raid of Cooley. Once again, the Tuath make appearances - sometimes linked to characters such as Cu Chulainn (who was frequented by the Morrigan and was revealed to be the son of Lugh) - which lends this cycle plenty of magic and myth shared with the Mythological Cycle.

The Fenian Cycle: This cycle is yet another that intertwines with the others. In part, this is because it is heavily linked to the Ulster Cycle in its storytelling, but also provides more emphasis on romances and affairs. The other significant difference between the Fenian Cycle and the others is that the Tuath took more of a back seat to the action of the Fianna - small bands of semi-independent warriors that likely were young aristocrats who had not yet inherited their lands.

The Folk of Goddess Danu Throughout all four groupings of stories, the presence of the Tuatha de Danann remains a fixture. This mythological race is believed to constitute the primary deities of Gaelic Ireland whose primary rivals were the Fomorians. Where the Fomorians could be compared to the titans of Greek mythology in that they represented destructive and chaotic aspects of nature, the Tuath De is their counterpart, still reflecting aspects of nature, but more controlled and civilized. An additional and relatively unique aspect about these gods is that they fall into a cycle of conquests of Ireland. The Fomorians conquered Ireland, then the Tuatha De conquered, then the Milesians - ancient humans - subsequently conquered and drove them underground.

Following the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, many of these gods were modified to be kings, queens, and heroes with supernatural powers in the ancient past or as angels. However, both in the original pagan tellings and in the Christian tellings, their immortality is acknowledged. It is deserving of note that many scholars believe that the Milesian portion of the tale was invented by medieval Christian writers as a way of connecting the Irish people to the peoples of mainland Europe and to the peoples of the Old Testament.

According to the Mythical Cycle, the Tuath De came from four cities to the north of Ireland, landing on the coast and burning their own ships so they would not retreat. They fought first against the Fir Bolg - another mythical race native to Ireland - in the west, and were victorious at a cost. Following that, they fought against the Fomorians. They were victorious again, but once again this came at great cost. King Nuada of the Tuath fell to the Fomorian king Balor, who in turn was killed by Lugh, who took over as king. A third battle was fought later on against the Milesian invaders, in which the Tuatha De were defeated. When the Milesian poet Amergin was called upon to divide the land of Ireland between the people of the Tuatha De and his own, he chose to grant the land above to the Milesians, and the land below to the Tuatha De.

Keep in mind, the “land above” and “land below” are meant literally. Tuatha De were believed to live below ground, having been led to portals to the Otherworld in Sidhe mounds (burial mounds associated with the supernatural Sidhe - gods and fairy folk). When the gods appeared in subsequent stories, they did so by coming into the human world from their invisible world, which coexists with our world.

This is just the beginning. In future articles, I will focus a bit more on some of the prominent members of the Tuatha De Danann as well as some of the heroes and creatures of Irish myth. And when the series is complete, I will make a master post to link them all together. Keep in mind that this series is not going to be the end-all be-all. There is a lot to learn about Irish mythology, and this series is only going to barely scratch the surface due to is complexity. However, I do have to admit that it is this complexity that continues to fuel my love for my Irish heritage.

And as always, Blessings and Hugs to All! )O(

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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🎃Samhain 👻

Ancestors Prayer:

Blessings to those who have gone before.

I call to the ancestors who lived and died before I took breath,

to all the mothers and fathers who created life,

who created life,

who created me.

Walk with me tonight.

I call to the ancestors who lived and died in my lifetime,

my beloved dead, my family, my friends.

Those who made me laugh and shared in my tears,

who shared this journey with me,

who shared their journey with me.

Visit with me again.

My breath is your breath.

My bones are your bones.

We are all relations.

I drink water for you.

I take in food for you.

Together we light the beacon…

Together we stand in the doorway…

We call to the recently dead.

We offer your names to the air.

We offer your names in prayer.

All of my ancestors,

all of our relations,

wait to greet you.

Safest passage to each of you.

You are loved,

you are remembered.

Be at peace.

(Sarah Lyn, 2014)

Samhain Foods:

Pork, potatoes, corn, pumpkin, turnips, gourds, nuts, mulled wine, cider, cheese, colcannon (bubble & squeak), cakes, mushrooms, rice, pasta, grains, spices, curry, soups, stews, pies, ham, beetroot, apples, toffee, oranges

Samhain Colours:

Black, orange, brown, red, yellow, gold

Ways to Celebrate:

Carve some pumpkins, or if you’d prefer to be more traditional, turnips

Light a candle in honour of your ancestors and say a prayer for them, or leave them a food offering

Have a bonfire

Prepare a Samhain feast

Bake Samhain cookies, cakes, bread or pies

Go on a nature walk and appreciate the beauty of the season

Decorate your home with Samhain inspired decorations and seasonal symbols

Create an ancestors alter, gather images of your deceased family/friends and light candles for them, speak to them and tell them how much you love and value them

Learn about family history, reminisce about old times with family and friends

Visit a grave site of a loved one and leave and offering of flowers or food

Use tarot, runes or oracle cards to give guidance on the year ahead

Make a toast for your ancestors, use cider, mulled wine or punch

Hold a séance to commune with the spirits of your ancestors – be sure to do so safely

Find ways of using seasonal herbs and spices in your home and in your cooking

Blessed Samhain to all!

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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Celtic Deities: The Dagda (Dagdha)

The Dagda, the High King of the Tuatha Dé Danann, is often likened to the Germanic God, Odin. Why? Because He is known also as Eochu or Eochaid Ollathair, which translate to “horseman, great father” or “all-father”.

The Dagda is shown to be a father-figure, chieftain and a druid, and he is oft associated with masculinity, fertility, agriculture, wisdom and magick. He is depicted as a very large man who dons a hooded cloak and carries with him a club named, “Lorg Mór” that is imbued with magick. “Lorg Mór” can kill instantly with one end, and give life to the dead with the other. The Dagda also carries a cauldron known as the “coire ansic” that is never empty and a powerful magick harp known as “uaithne” that has the ability to control the emotions of man, and change the seasons.

Abode: Bru na Bóinne

Weapon: Lorg Mór (club)

Other Items: Uaithne (the harp) and coire ansic (cauldron)

Battles Fought: Cath Maige Tuired

Consort(s): Ethniu, The Morrígan, Boann

Parents: Elatha and Danu

Children: Óengus, Bodb Derg, Cermait, Midir, Brigid

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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In Irish mythology, Brigid is the daughter of the Dagda and had two sisters also named Brigid and is part of the Tuatha de Danann, the supernatural Irish race. The three sisters made up the triple aspect of the one goddess: Brigid of the hearth, Brigid of the forge and Brigid of Inspiration. She is a goddess of spring, fertility, family, the hearth, childbirth, fire, blacksmiths, scholars, physicians, prophets, healing, poetry, occult knowledge, and justice. She was said to be born at sunrise and is often depicted with solar rays coming out of her head, making her one of the Irish solar deities alongside Lugh. It is said that wherever she walks four leaf clovers and flowers will grow. She also created the tradition of “keening” when her son Ruadan died in battle, a song-like wail used by women at funerals. In some cases she is also the goddess of sacred wells, springs and healing waters.

History

Her name comes in different spellings like Brig, Brighid, Brigit, or Brigid but it means “Exalted one” or “Fiery arrows”. She is a goddess of Pre-christian Ireland but versions of her are found all over Europe; she has ties to Brigantia, a warrior goddess of the Brigantes tribe of Britain. She was a beloved goddess of the Celts and has survived through centuries including the Christianization of Ireland and the rest of Europe where most traces of Druidism and Paganism were forgotten. The people of Ireland loved her so much and refused to let her be demonized by the church -like the rest of the gods- that they converted her into a saint known as St. Brigid of Kildare. There are also three rivers named after her one in Ireland, Wales and England: Brigit, Braint and Brent.The river that runs through Wales is known to have healing properties.

Imbolc

Also known as Brigid’s day, Candlemas or St. Brigid’s feast, Imbolc is one of the four fire festivals in Celtic paganism and celebrates the return of spring. Since Brigid is the goddess of spring and was said to go away during the winter, people would light a candle in honor of her return. Offerings of milk, bread, and corn cakes were set out and a seat at the dinner table was left open for her presence. Cows and sheep were seen as sacred to the goddess because they would provide milk for the town during the cold months and they would give birth around Imbolc. This festival celebrated the Maiden aspect of Brigid and young women would carry corn dollies dressed in white which represented the goddess. The women would also dress in white and attend a special feast for Imbolc where young suitors could mingle with the ladies. Imbolc is a time of fertility, cleansing and the light returning after a long winter.

Correspondences

Elements- Water & Fire

Animals- snakes, ewes, cows, bees, oxen, owls and hibernating animals. Vultures

Plants- blackberry, hawthorn, basil, mugwort, apple, heather, dandelion, snowdrop, willow, oak, shamrock, crocus, trillium, corn, lavender and sage. Personal one is cinnamon and chamomile.

Crystals- amethyst, bloodstone, carnelian, garnet, moonstone, clear quartz, and peridot.

Symbols- Brigid’s cross, candles, triquetra, faeries, four leaf clover, cauldron, chalice, corn dolly, anvil or hammer, poetry, forges, hearths, wells, rock formations.

Colours- green, red, white, gold and blue

Devotional Acts

offer her blackberries, baked goods, milk and honey or beer

dedicate a piece of your art to her like painting, knitting, singing, etc.

meditate with fire

savour the warmth of the sun or fire

incorporate the elements of water and fire into your craft

write her a poem

watch the sun rise

say hi to cows and sheep :)

hang a Brigid’s cross above your doorway for protection and blessings

study healing magick, reiki, herbalism and faeries

wear the colours of fire or white

plant a bee garden

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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Why the law of attraction is not working and how to fix it

First things first, the law of attraction is always working. Whenever you claim that the law of attraction is not working, you’re actually using this very law to convince yourself that indeed – it’s not working for you. And that, my friend, is a vicious cycle.

However, you have to understand that there’s so much more to the law of attraction than those hyped steps: ask, believe, receive. It took me some time to fully comprehend the crucial principles, and now I’m going to share them with you.

So, why the law of attraction is ‘not working’?

You don’t practice detachment. Pretty often, people become too obsessed with their manifestations. They think about the thing they want to manifest 24/7 and complain about the lack of it. Wrong! Seriously, don’t you have better things to do? Whenever you put something on a high pedestal, you create resistance. Actually, an ocean of resistance. Learn how to detach and trust the Universe.

You don’t do shadow work. Take care of the quality of your canvas before you start painting. Oftentimes all of the past traumas and limiting subconscious beliefs are holding you back. Let go of them. Heal them and then move on. You can’t hold on to this kind of negative energy forever.

You don’t express gratitude. If you’re not grateful for the things you already have, you’ll never be able to upgrade your life. Lack of gratitude keeps you entangled in the lower vibration. Gratitude is the magical frequency. The more you are thankful, the more you attract things to be thankful for.

You’re not specific. If you change your mind all the time, you send mixed signals and receive mixed results. Maybe for the first time in your life, ask yourself these questions: What do I really want? What does my ideal life look like? Vision boards and scripting can be very beneficial because they show the Universe your perfect blueprint.

You’re not living in the present moment. If you always think of the past or worry about the future, you lose all of the precious possibilities the present moment can offer. Now is the only existing time in this Universe, so learn how to be more conscious.

You don’t work on your vibration. Everything that surrounds you is in the vibrational alignment with your state of being. When your vibration is low, you attract more things vibrating at the same frequency. It’s super important to raise your vibration and to learn how to maintain the higher state of being.

You don’t nurture self-love. If you don’t love yourself, if you’re constantly criticizing yourself, it impacts your energy and your entire belief system. This self-hate is going to manifest in every aspect of your life. It’s almost impossible to create anything if you’re devoid of the most important thing: love. And love starts within you.

I would highly encourage you to try some of these strategies. They’ve had a profound impact on my own reality. One of my current goals is to manifest a book deal for the novel I’m working on, and thanks to these strategies, I’ve noticed a huge positive shift! I’ve started to attract the right people and circumstances into my life. It’s like having a magic wand!

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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This is why my Ivy is a modern edge lord. But is fairly conservative compared to her DC orginal concept

Why is Poison Ivy always so hypersexualized she’s basically a magic farmer she should be wearing muddy boots and complaining about how corn subsidies are killing agriculture as well as flora biodiversity in the US

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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tips to get your life back on track after a breakdown™

sleep. your body needs to rest. the average panic attack takes as much energy as running a half-marathon. let yourself rest. take a 20 minute nap. any longer and you’ll hit your REM cycle, and you’ll wake up worse off. after, you’ll feel so much better.

clean something. literally anything. a plate, a drawer, the whole mf bathroom. it doesn’t matter how much or how little. it’ll make you feel more in control, and it’ll make your surroundings more appropriate for recovery.

get some fresh air. even just opening your window for a few hours will help. if you feel up to it, take a walk. take your dog. pick some flowers. cloudgaze. even just sit in your garden for a bit. your body will thrive off of non-stale air.

eat and drink. I know for some people, myself included, this is Hard. it’s alright if all you can manage is a granola bar, or some cereal. anything is progress and will fuel your body. drink water if you can, but anything apart from alcohol will hydrate you.

take a shower. I have clinical depression. have done since I was 12. I know how hard it is to take a shower. but it fucking helps. if you don’t do anything else off this list, do this. it’ll help more than you know.

talk to someone. I can’t stress this enough. humans are social creatures! we crave interaction. even the most introverted introvert needs to talk to someone. call your mom. text a buddy. skype your brother. chat to your local cashier. anything !! you’ll feel less alone, and hopefully get some good serotontitty flowing.

do something fun! same as above, it’ll make u feel so much bette, and provide a distraction. some good options are writing, drawing, watching a movie, dancing - anything you enjoy!

be kind to yourself. it’s okay if you relapsed, or if you had a bad day, or anything else. treat yourself gently. you wouldn’t so harsh to a friend in your situation. it’s gonna be okay.

if you can’t do all of these, it’s okay. there are better days ahead. this, too, will pass.

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tigerheart101 · 4 years

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