Author: Daragh Smyth
Publisher: Irish Academic Press
Published: First published in 1988, this edition 1996
ISBN: 9780716526124
Pages: 200 including source material list and index
Synopsis: This guide, structured alphabetically with a helpful cross-reference system, allows the reader to delve into the ornate world of Irish mythology and its four cycles of tales: the Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian or Ossianic Cycle, and the Historical Cycle or Cycle of Kings. The characters associated with each of these cycles are vividly brought to life — heroes such as Cuchulainn, Oisin, Cormac Mac Airt, Conchobar Mac Nessa, Finn and the Fianna.
Reconstructionism – What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why I Love It
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating: Reconstructionism is a very misunderstood thing. There are many reasons for why that is and why some of those misunderstandings keep being perpetuated, but mostly it comes down to assumptions and stereotypes. So today let’s take a look at what reconstruction is and what it isn’t.
Disclaimer (because I don’t enjoy the sensation of being flayed): This article is meant as a general commentary on the methodology of reconstruction when applied to polytheist religion. As with anything there will be exceptions to any statement or cases where specific styles of Recon differ. I am writing it from the base of my own experience, which is primarily in Celtic Reconstructionism* and Heathenry, however I wouldn’t presume to speak for all recons everywhere.
Translation: Fáed Fíada/The Deer’s Cry
Today I wanted to tackle my own translation of an excerpt of an Fáed Fíada (the Deer’s Cry), which is itself a portion of the Lorica of Saint Patrick. The Fáed Fíada portion is said to be much older and reflect a pagan prayer, and quite frankly I’ve always liked and have based one of my own daily prayers on the style of it.
Sexuality in Ancient Ireland
This falls into the category of “frequently asked questions”, because I regularly see people wondering what the ancient Irish or Celtic view of homosexuality was. The short answer seems to be that prior to Christianity it was not remarkable. Let’s take a look at the long answer:
Morrigan’s Battle Incitement from the Tain Bo Cuiligne
Today’s translation installment is a look at an incitement by the Morrigan towards the end of the Tain Bo Cuiligne. She appears to incite what will be the final confrontation between the two armies of Ulster and Connacht.
Beauty Among the Irish Celts
Beauty is such a wonderfully subjective thing. In our modern times what is considered beautiful has changed from one decade to another, as fashions shift and with it our ideas of what is attractive. In January there was a fascinating video that became popular called “Women’s Ideal Body Types Throughout History” which looked at different perceptions of female beauty in a variety of cultures over the last 3,000 years. It included the ideal body type from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Italy to modern America, and noted the increased rate at which our perception of beauty has begun shifting with modern technology and communication. As I watched it I began to wonder about the ancient Celtic and Irish standards of beauty, and so I decided to explore those a bit here.
Faith and Hope
I once made a comment to the effect that if I had much faith that the Universe would provide for me, I wouldn’t be a magician. Faith isn’t really my strong suit. I guess that makes me a pessimist. But I think there are a couple of different kinds of faith, and I’m more inclined […]
Go Read this! Now!
Blessings Darlings!
I’m glad you’re here. Now, go read the article I’m linking to. It’s about talking with others and privilege. History matters.
https://storify.com/balmergal/engaging-with-poc-on-twitter
Frondly, Fern
Spiritual Masochism or Why I Translate Ancient Texts Into Modern English
Some of my regular readers have undoubtedly noticed that in the last several months I’ve begun posting more blog entries featuring translations of pieces of the old mythic texts. Some of you may be wondering why – or I may just be boring you to tears. A friend suggested this morning that I may want to explain why I’ve been doing the translations and how they relate to my spirituality and I thought it was a smashing idea so hear you go. It’s a convoluted story, but maybe you’ll understand a bit better how my head works and why I feel its so important to share this particular hobby.
Ham R Us.
Blessings Darlings!
We’re not a particularly ham loving family. I grew up Jewish and wasn’t raised on it. My husband likes it on occassion. My son doesn’t like it.
That said …