May 6-8, 2005
Many of us are fascinated by the myths and magic of Ireland and the British Isles and find ourselves deeply drawn to the images and feelings they evoke. Journey into the heart of the Celtic Spiritual Tradition as we explore the profound connection between this world and the Sacred Otherworld Realms, known in Ireland, Wales, and Britain as Tír na nÓg, Annwn, and Avalon. We’ll learn about the Well of Wisdom, the mystic tradition of Fire in Water, and the Triple Cauldron of Healing, Nourishment, and Inspiration. We’ll participate in the Rite of Awen, to ignite our powers of Poetic Inspiration, as well as powerful shape shifting ceremony to tap into the Wisdom of Nature. Our quest will take us into the wisdom tradition of the Aes Dána (People of Skill), men and women who set out on Immrama, or Otherworld Journey, into the depths of the fairy mounds to obtain their power of divine knowledge, called Awen in Wales, Imbas in early Ireland, and Eolas in Scotland. We’ll explore the sacred role of the Priestesses of Avalon and the Sisterhood of Nine, and the Drudic teachings of the Sacred Grove.
The sacred apple branch was a token of passage between the worlds, a gift (or dán) given to us directly from the world of Spirit. Each person will seek out their distinctive spiritual gifts and will have the opportunity to consecrate an object of power and begin their own Crane Bag (Medicine Bundle). We’ll deepen our relationship with the world of Spirit through meditation, chant, ritual, and ceremony on the lovely grounds of Rowe.Through ancient Celtic songs, prayers, and incantations we will remember the roots of our inner knowing and encourage the blossoms of our own magic branches to prosper.
Sharynne MacLeod NicMhacha is a Canadian writer, teacher, and bard of Scottish and Irish ancestry. She is a direct descendant of Clan MacLeod, long recorded in oral tradition to have connections with and blood of the Sidhe or Fairy Folk. She’s studied Celtic languages and mythology through Harvard University and has presented at the University of Edinburgh, University College Cork, UMass Amherst, Smith College, and the Harvard Study Group on Ancient Magic and Religion. Sharynne sings and performs Celtic, medieval,and ancient music with The Moors and Devandaurae and is High Priestess of Clan Indarra. Her spiritual path is inspired by Irish and Welsh rituals and wisdom texts, Scottish witchcraft, Celtic shamanism, her Pictish lineage, and the guidance of her ancestors (the Kings of Tara, Lady MacBeth, Uther Pendragon,and Arthur’s sister Anna Morgawse). Her first book, Queen of the Night was published last year.