Much of the research and content for this piece was done by David Halpin for Ancient Origins. Was Ancient Ireland under the influence of female Shamans?
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In medieval Irish legends they were called Banduri or Bandorai. Their existence was confirmed by ancient Greek and Roman writers. But who were the legendary female Druids?
Tens of centuries ago, amid Ireland’s iconic green, rolling landscape, the kings of Ireland were anointed on a hill of tremendous importance—a place where spirituality met with royalty, and mythical traditions began. The Hill of Tara, one of the most revered spiritual sites in Ireland, is a place where druids held festivals, priestesses were trained and shaman’s rites were performed.
Honey Bee Priestess Shamanic Medicine Art Print signed by the Artist, Roberta Orpwood "I am the Hive, and the Hive is Me" TITLE: 'Way of the Melissae ~ The Bee Priestess' ARTIST: Roberta Orpwood PAPER SIZE: A3 (420mm x 297mm) MATERIALS: Printed with a professional Fine Art printer which utilises archival pigment-based inks for astounding colour reproduction. PAPER: High-quality, heavyweight, acid-free, textured Fine Art paper OTHER: Small white border is included within the paper size to make mounting and framing easier PACKAGING: Protective sleeve / 100% recycled grey board / strong hardboard envelope ~~~~~ ** K I N D L Y N O T E ** - This print is sold unframed; The frame is not included. - Accessories seen in the photographs are not included. - Colours vary from monitor to true colour (actual artwork). Artwork is always much nicer in the flesh! - International orders may be subject to import tax. Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. - Copyright for all artwork is retained by Roberta Orpwood and is not transferred with the sale. ~~~~~ All artworks and photographs ©Copyright Roberta Orpwood. All rights reserved
"I fancy that certain practices, such as the use of the circle to keep the power in, were local inventions, derived from the use of the Druid or pre-Druid circle." Gerald Gardner, Witchcraft Today
Thursday, 22 August 1861 First National Eistedfodd - Aberdare, Wales The Celtic organization, known as the Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, appeared in the opening as well as the closing ceremonies of the First National Eisteddfod despite misgivings of some of the organizers. The Gorsedd had been involved since the beginning of this festival of Welsh (Cymric) arts so they were allowed to participate. The Gorsedd have been praised as the saviours of Welsh culture. They have also been called a bunch of humbugs running around in silly costumes. I could write a book (and many have) trying to explain the Gorsedd. I will try to condense it all down into a short blog. I also know I will probably get a lot of angry comments, no matter which side I take. Keep in mind this is the personal view of a confused Englishman from the twenty-seventh century and does not reflect the opinions of the University of Cambridge or the Association of Temporal Anthropologists. I accept full responsibility. The Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain (Throne of the Bards of the Isle of Britain) was founded in 1792 by Iolo Morganwg, the bard (also known as Edward Williams, the stone mason.) Iolo was also an antiquarian who collected ancient manuscript. He had published the lost writings of the druids who had been wiped out by the Romans. Since, the druids had been adverse to recording their teachings and their lore really was lost, Iolo was forced to fabricate his own ancient manuscripts. Iolo saving grace was he was a great poet and a patriot who wanted to revive the heritage of the Welsh, which had been chewed away by centuries of English domination. Indeed he was instrumental in the Celtic Revival of the 19th century. For that he is considered a hero. The literary forgery I shall mark down to an act of desperation rather than an outright scam. Iolo did get one thing right. After the Romans destroyed the Druid Headquarters at Anglesey (Isle of Mona) and outlawed druidism, it was the bards who continued what traditions survived. The original Gorsedd didn’t have druids, just bards. The rank of “druid” will not be added until 1876. By then the Gorsedd will become more of a club, and people want ranks they can aspire to. Poetry and druid mysteries may seem like the main focus of the Gorsedd, but it’s true mission is to promote Welsh nationalism, language and culture with ceremonies and festivals rather than violence. The various Eisteddfods before this one were often their projects. It is because of this aim that other Gorsedds have been formed around the world. Even the Bretons have one to promote their Celtic heritage. So, even those Welsh that think the Gorsedd are silly have to approve of anyone holding ceremonies in Welsh and backing cultural events. The “druids” will eventually earn the admiration of the English, and count people like Winston Churchill and Elizabeth II among their members. It’s a way to show pride in their Welsh ancestors--and they get to wear those stunning costumes. Princess Elizabeth - the future Queen Elizabeth II - being made a member of the Gorsedd of Bards in 1946. Here are a couple of videos showing Gorsedd Ceremonies: Welsh National Eisteddfod (1916) Procession of the Gorsedd Wales: The National Eisteddfod - Early 21st cetury The Gorsedd Prayer (in Welsh, of course)
Druidry is a fast growing tradition and whether by necessity or choice, many of its practitioners walk the path alone. Sharing a tradition and its spiritual
Siperia 6. päivä. Kirkossa ja museoshamaanien luona Neljän siperianjunavuorokauden jälkeen eilen nautin suunnattomasti lämpimästä suihkusta hotellissa. Yön lempeä paino puhtaalla iholla vie syvään…
The Crone is our psychic home. She is the mature place of inner knowing that you have earned by fighting your way out of the underworld.
As a definition, myths are traditional stories from a country or specific group of people, concerning the early origins of the world or groups of
