Deep Memories of Nature

In our last Woodland Bard  Live Online session we entered into the deep memories of the Earth through the hawthorn tree. 
We chanted to the Earth Mother and entered the well of memory. In its depths was the old Bard who would be our guide.
His name is Tuan MacCairill and he witnessed the coming and going of the races of Ireland as well as the stirrings of nature through the forms of the animals.

In Celtic lore and indeed indigenous culture all across the world it is the animals which are our guides and hold the memories of the Earth. Tuan MacCairill by taking the forms of the animals of Land, Sea and Sky is able to enter into the evolution of the Earth tracing its early stirrings back to the first species that would have witnessed it.

I’m Tuan MacCairill, ancient bard of old,  
remembering our Celtic ancestry and the stories once told. 
 ‘I approached the caves of the hoary sleepers. I was old and decrepit. 
In the cave I was born again, young and glad of heart. 
I was a stag of nine tines, king of all deer, 
Victory and joy were easy for me. 
I witnessed all the deeds of Neimheadh. 

 I was a wild black, king of all boar herds, 
Faithful to any custom. 
I witnessed all the deeds of the Fir Bolg. 

 I was a great eagle, 
King of all the skies, 
I rejoiced in youth and vigour. 
I witnessed all the deeds of the Tuatha de Danann  
 
I was a speckled salmon, 
King of all fish, 
Wise beyond all years. 
 I was eaten by the Queen of the Milesians and as a human born again.’ 

As we enter the well and connect to our inner landscape we can experience the deep memories that are contained in our souls. As you enter the well and meet Tuan MacCairill imagine taking the form of a deer, feel what it is like to be this powerful animal of the land and experience the qualities of victory and joy.

Continue on into your inner landscape and become a bristly black boar in the old woods, feel its strength and determination. Ask yourself what customs are you faithful to? What are the elements that hold you to the essence of all that you are?

​In your own time become an eagle and soar across the landscape rejoicing in youth and vigour. What is that spark that keeps you alive and full of energy?

Then finally enter the Salmon pool and meditate deeply on your innate wisdom, experience a connection to the deep memories of the Earth:

- Meditate -

This Sunday (30th May) at 6pm you may wish to join us for our next Woodland Bard Evening which uses the power of story, poetry and chant to aid deep meditation.

Book Here