The Tale of Amairgin
Amairgin's brother fell from his boat during one of the violent storms sent by the Druids and drowned. Amairgin was then struck by sudden inspiration and he recited the following lines:
"I invoke the land of Ireland.
Much coursed be the fertile sea,
Fertile be the fruit-strewn mountain,
Fruit-strewn be the showery wood,
Showery be the river of water-falls,
Of water-falls be the lake of deep pools,
Deep-pooled be the hill-top well,
A well of tribes be the assembly,
An assembly of the kings of Tara,
Tara be the hill of the tribes,
The tribes be the sons of Mil,
Of Mil of the ships, the barks,
Let the lofty bark be Ireland,
Lofty Ireland, darkly sung,
An incantation of great cunning...
I invoke the land of Ireland (ibid)."
[Taken from Taliesin: Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries of Britain
and Ireland by John Matthews (Arkana, London, 1991), Page 54 & 55]
With this said, the winds and sea died down to a calm state, making it possible for the Milesian ships to land upon the shore despite the losses suffered. Once landed, Amairgin continued:
"I am a wind upon the sea,
I am a wave upon the ocean,
I am a sound of the sea,
I am a stag of seven points,
I am a bull of seven fights,
I am a hawk upon a cliff,
I am a teardrop of the sun,
I am the fairest of blossoms,
I am a boar of boldness,
I am a salmon in a pool,
I am a lake on a plain,
I am the mound of poetry,
I am a word of skill,
I am a battle-waging spear of spoil,
I am a God who fashions fire in the mind.
Who but I knows the secrets of the stone door?
Who has seven times sought the peace of peace?
Who, save I, knows the ages of the moon,
The place and time the sun sets?
Who calls the kine from Tethra's house,
And sees them dance in the bright heavens?
Who shapes weapons in a fort of glass,
In a fort that harbours satirists?
Who but the poet, the singer of praises,
Who but I divides the Ogham letters,
Separates combatants, approaches the Faery mound?
I, who am a wind upon the sea."
[Taken from Taliesin: Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries of Britain and Ireland by John Matthews (Arkana, London, 1991), Page 55. Based on the original Irish, and on the translations of R.A.S Macalister, Eleanor Hull, T.P. Cross and C.H. Slover, 170, 130. 59]Some Celtic stories that could be used in certain situations we encounter in modern life:
Job interviews - The story of how Lugh got into Tara (I told that one here not too long ago)
Forbidden love - The story of Deidre and the sons of Uiesneach (I think I spelled that wrong), The story of Grainne and Diarmuidd (From the Fionn MacCumhail Saga)
Sudden death (Violent) - The story of the death of Lugh's father Cian and the awful blood fine placed upon his murderers;
Sudden death (Heroic) - The story of CuChulainn and the Cattle Raid of Cooley
Jealous boyfriends (Yes, I have used this one on one of my jealous boyfriends) - The story of Chonchobhar's rage at losing Deirdre (Or the sorrow of Deirdre) - the one where Chonchobhar kills her lover, she kills herself, the two get buried side by side and the trees grow over the graves and entwine, mocking Conchobhar's stupidity even in death!;
Starting new projects or moving - The Milesian invasion of Ireland and Amergin's song, The arrival of the Nemedians (Soon to be the Tuatha DeDannanns);
Overbearing boss, supervisor, jerk neighbours, etc: The story of the Tuatha DeDannan's struggles with the Formorians and their taxes, The first and second Battles of Mag Tuireadh
Foster children/adopted children - Lugh's fosterage with Tailtu, Setanta's (CuChulainn in later years) fostering by King Conchobhar, Llew Llaw Gyffe's fostering by Gwydion;
Women in situations forced on them by men or society - The marriage of Dechtire to Sualtim (Dechtire was CuChulainn's mother in case some are unsure), The creation of Bloddeauwedd and her forced marriage to Llew Llaw Gyffes
Disturbing dreams - The dream of Aonghus Mac Og, The dreams and wasting sickness of CuChulainn
Jealous Girlfriends - The story of Emer's jealousy of CuChulainn's sickness over Fand, the wife of Mannanann Mac Lir
“The Song of Taliesin” by John Matthews
Since Oghma was a child, he had a yearning…a yearning to seek and find something that he could neither describe nor even name. He just knew there was something out there that he needed to find. It drove him to his soul and he set out upon his search as a young man.
As he looked upon his fellow Gods and Goddesses, he saw darkness. He saw the darkness of Morrighan’s position…even Lugh’s! Himself…he was a lighter God. He knew the song of creation and would often cast his dark struggles away, earning him the title of Champion.
Oghma decided to take his journey and see if he could find the destiny he knew was out there for him. He knew that he would find this thing he must find.
After a seemingly long time, he was forgotten about and one night he lay beneath the faded stars and dreamt: He dreamed of a man looking at a picture of an old man who had chains coming from his tongue which were attached the ears of all of the people who followed him. What did it mean? He learned that the picture was a representation of eloquence. The old man showed the wisdom that comes as we age, and the chains were the link between the words of one person and the ears of other…the physical link. The chains were the power of this man’s eloquence, but also the lasting nature of his words.
How are words best preserved for a long time? What was the link between the words and the memories of people through the ages who could not hear them, but yet they know them many years into the future? What was the physical way to do this?
Oghma knew he was onto something, but what it was still was to be determined. He carried on with his journey until he came to the realm of Taranis, the keeper of the Great Wheel of Fate.
“What brings you here?” Asked Taranis.
“Strange as it may sound…I have come to ride your Wheel.”
“Do you know what could happen if you do such a thing? I don’t even know what could happen, but there is a chance that this could undo everything! Are you willing to take such a risk?”
“I am.” Replied Oghma and so he was tied to the Wheel of Fate and thus began his ordeal to find his destiny.
Upon the wheel, Oghma witnessed the coming and going of fate, the passing of ages and the changes that come with those passings.
He saw the work of his kindred and himself. He saw how Lugh inspired Wisdom, how Macha inspired War, how Gobhniu crafted wondrous swords and how Morrighan reaped the souls of the valiant dead. He saw himself as bringing the light of the Songs of Creation and singing his poetry to enlighten people.
He saw how he searched for meaning and how mankind too searched for meaning in the aspects of their lives – their daily work, their families, their passions and their dislikes.
Looking upon the wheel that he was tied to, he saw a sigil on each of the 25 spokes of the wheel that ties life to fate. These symbols he sought to understand. Looking at the spokes closer, he saw that they were each made of a different type of wood: oak, holly, yew, birch, etc. The symbols seemed to correspond with each of the woods.
As his knowledge grew, so did his pain as it filled his head and body. Barely able to stand the pain that wracked his body, mind and soul anymore, he passed into darkness…and the wheel ceased to turn.
And so Oghma dreamed. He stumbled through darkness until he found himself at the mouth of a well. He looked into the well and light blasted forth. In the light that seared his vision, he saw the bits of wood with the symbols and reached for them. He collected them all into a bag and attached it to his belt.
The darkness fell again and then again he returned to light. He was no longer upon the wheel, but looking down upon the earth. Great cities sprawled from the edges of oceans, lakes and rivers. People walked in light and no longer in darkness for they had the ability to transmit knowledge that would last…they had use of the written word and the written word could be reproduced and transported en masse to millions of people all at once! The knowledge could be spread and retained. These were the chains of wisdom that connected the tongue to the ears…the physical link.
Oghma’s purpose became clear. He had always brought the light of song…now it was him to bring the light of the written word. His purpose was to introduce a new form of communication…written language.
As he was set free from the wheel of fate with no knowledge, so he would set others free.
Things to ponder:
Have a look at the three Arts of Imbas Forosnai, Teimn Laeghdha and Dichetal Do Chenibh Dindsenchas. They are mentioned mostly as inspirational tools for bards. How else could these arts be applied in the spiritual sense?
I think that these tools, as in other areas, can be used spiritually to teach faith. Things do not always work out the way we want, but it does work out. this, I feel, is the msot difficult lesson in spirituality, at least it has been for me.
Is there anyone today in music, film, literature, news or even outside of the realm of the famous that you would consider a bard in the sense of the old definitions? (See the list of bardic responsibilities)
When I think about this question, this list does not come to mind. I think of our teachers... These people best fit the responsibilies of the bard. We are historian, even if we don't teach history. We are story tellers. Everyone knows that stories are the best way to teach children and adults. We are reporters as we teach currrent events, discuss things that students do not understand, and spread news that is needed to be known. We heal everything from paper cuts, skinned knees, to broken hearts. And... we are satyrists. Making stories funny are a great way to draw students into something that may not otherwise be interesting to them.
How do you see some of the responsibilities of the bard being used today? (i.e.: appropriate story telling at an event - these wisdoms are my way of doing it, praising or satirising someone, healing, etc.)
Well, there are those amazing teachers as descibed in detail above. Ministers would be considered bards when they are guidng their congregations along their chosen paths. Mothers, good mothers and fathers are bards as they guide their children into hopefully good responsible loving adults. I think that the responsibilites of actual bards are much the same. The convey information in ways that the public will hopefully take it in and cherish it. They also tell about world problems, things that need to be changed. They help to rally for causes, also things that need to be done. It's an ongoing choice of career that is still and always will be much needed regardless of the medium that is used.
How do you see some of the responsibilities of the bard being used today? (i.e.: appropriate story telling at an event - these wisdoms are my way of doing it, praising or satirising someone, healing, etc.)
Well, there are those amazing teachers as descibed in detail above. Ministers would be considered bards when they are guidng their congregations along their chosen paths. Mothers, good mothers and fathers are bards as they guide their children into hopefully good responsible loving adults. I think that the responsibilites of actual bards are much the same. The convey information in ways that the public will hopefully take it in and cherish it. They also tell about world problems, things that need to be changed. They help to rally for causes, also things that need to be done. It's an ongoing choice of career that is still and always will be much needed regardless of the medium that is used.
Questions to Ponder:
1.When you first learned to read and write, what feeling did you get? Did you feel a sense of a door to great knowledge opening for you? What do you feel those who are illiterate might be missing out on?
I have been reading and writing from before I can remember so I really cannot answer the first question I can't imagine not knowing how to read and write, however. There is so much that those who are illiterate are missing out on. I can not imagine life with the many stories and books i have read. writing givese us a way to remember times we don't want to forget. It also gives us a way to see how different people see things whether it be history, the news, or their favorite celebrity. Also, in the world of the internet today, we are able to get to know and speak with people from all over the world. This is a whole world that would be near impossible if you could not read or write.
2. Again, we look at an initiatory process and gaining of wisdom in John Matthews’ story of Oghma on the Wheel of Taranis. What have you learned from ordeals in your life?
Each ordeal teaches us new ways to move forward, teaches us to think critically, and also teaches us that everything happens for a reason even if we do not see what it is immediately.
3. Would you say that any of these ordeals were self-directed like Oghma’s ordeal was?
I think that our ordeals are self directed if not always directly. We make decisions and things happen, though they are not always under our control.
4 and 5. Do you get the feeling that you may have a purpose but do not know what it is? How could you find that purpose? Do you feel that you know what your purpose is? How have you found it? How do you intend to pursue it?
I do feel that I have a purpose and it is not coming into play. through out my liffe I have had to deal with a lot. I have always wanted to be and have become a teacher and I think with what is happening in our world today and with the direction things are going, i am meant to be a teacher. Not as in school as I am currently, but I believe that am meant to be a spiritual teacher and have already become such in a way. As the bards discussed above, I have a lot of learning to come but that is the direction that my lifes seems to be taking.
6. Looking at the Ogham, in what way could you use it in your daily life?
I plan to learn to use it for divination. I akse use it for intent purposes in spells and rituals.
7. Have you ever created your own system of lettering and writing? When I was a kid we made up codes. Have you ever learned another culture’s system of writing, such as Chinese or Arabic? No. What feeling did you get from this knowledge or creation?
8. What would you say are the mysteries of the Ogham; in the letters themselves and their applications in daily life?
The mysteries are in the representations and the interpretations of these letters, not in the letterse themselves. Each letter or inscribing had a specific meaning to be put into context with the fews around them. These together are what gives you the meaning of the writings.
9. Have you ever gotten to know a tree? No but I would like to.. (If you’ve never communed with one, it may be well worth the experience to try!) What have you learned from this experience? Some day when this is something that I am able to do, I will answer this.
Amairgin's brother fell from his boat during one of the violent storms sent by the Druids and drowned. Amairgin was then struck by sudden inspiration and he recited the following lines:
"I invoke the land of Ireland.
Much coursed be the fertile sea,
Fertile be the fruit-strewn mountain,
Fruit-strewn be the showery wood,
Showery be the river of water-falls,
Of water-falls be the lake of deep pools,
Deep-pooled be the hill-top well,
A well of tribes be the assembly,
An assembly of the kings of Tara,
Tara be the hill of the tribes,
The tribes be the sons of Mil,
Of Mil of the ships, the barks,
Let the lofty bark be Ireland,
Lofty Ireland, darkly sung,
An incantation of great cunning...
I invoke the land of Ireland (ibid)."
[Taken from Taliesin: Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries of Britain
and Ireland by John Matthews (Arkana, London, 1991), Page 54 & 55]
With this said, the winds and sea died down to a calm state, making it possible for the Milesian ships to land upon the shore despite the losses suffered. Once landed, Amairgin continued:
"I am a wind upon the sea,
I am a wave upon the ocean,
I am a sound of the sea,
I am a stag of seven points,
I am a bull of seven fights,
I am a hawk upon a cliff,
I am a teardrop of the sun,
I am the fairest of blossoms,
I am a boar of boldness,
I am a salmon in a pool,
I am a lake on a plain,
I am the mound of poetry,
I am a word of skill,
I am a battle-waging spear of spoil,
I am a God who fashions fire in the mind.
Who but I knows the secrets of the stone door?
Who has seven times sought the peace of peace?
Who, save I, knows the ages of the moon,
The place and time the sun sets?
Who calls the kine from Tethra's house,
And sees them dance in the bright heavens?
Who shapes weapons in a fort of glass,
In a fort that harbours satirists?
Who but the poet, the singer of praises,
Who but I divides the Ogham letters,
Separates combatants, approaches the Faery mound?
I, who am a wind upon the sea."
[Taken from Taliesin: Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries of Britain and Ireland by John Matthews (Arkana, London, 1991), Page 55. Based on the original Irish, and on the translations of R.A.S Macalister, Eleanor Hull, T.P. Cross and C.H. Slover, 170, 130. 59]Some Celtic stories that could be used in certain situations we encounter in modern life:
Job interviews - The story of how Lugh got into Tara (I told that one here not too long ago)
Forbidden love - The story of Deidre and the sons of Uiesneach (I think I spelled that wrong), The story of Grainne and Diarmuidd (From the Fionn MacCumhail Saga)
Sudden death (Violent) - The story of the death of Lugh's father Cian and the awful blood fine placed upon his murderers;
Sudden death (Heroic) - The story of CuChulainn and the Cattle Raid of Cooley
Jealous boyfriends (Yes, I have used this one on one of my jealous boyfriends) - The story of Chonchobhar's rage at losing Deirdre (Or the sorrow of Deirdre) - the one where Chonchobhar kills her lover, she kills herself, the two get buried side by side and the trees grow over the graves and entwine, mocking Conchobhar's stupidity even in death!;
Starting new projects or moving - The Milesian invasion of Ireland and Amergin's song, The arrival of the Nemedians (Soon to be the Tuatha DeDannanns);
Overbearing boss, supervisor, jerk neighbours, etc: The story of the Tuatha DeDannan's struggles with the Formorians and their taxes, The first and second Battles of Mag Tuireadh
Foster children/adopted children - Lugh's fosterage with Tailtu, Setanta's (CuChulainn in later years) fostering by King Conchobhar, Llew Llaw Gyffe's fostering by Gwydion;
Women in situations forced on them by men or society - The marriage of Dechtire to Sualtim (Dechtire was CuChulainn's mother in case some are unsure), The creation of Bloddeauwedd and her forced marriage to Llew Llaw Gyffes
Disturbing dreams - The dream of Aonghus Mac Og, The dreams and wasting sickness of CuChulainn
Jealous Girlfriends - The story of Emer's jealousy of CuChulainn's sickness over Fand, the wife of Mannanann Mac Lir
“The Song of Taliesin” by John Matthews
Since Oghma was a child, he had a yearning…a yearning to seek and find something that he could neither describe nor even name. He just knew there was something out there that he needed to find. It drove him to his soul and he set out upon his search as a young man.
As he looked upon his fellow Gods and Goddesses, he saw darkness. He saw the darkness of Morrighan’s position…even Lugh’s! Himself…he was a lighter God. He knew the song of creation and would often cast his dark struggles away, earning him the title of Champion.
Oghma decided to take his journey and see if he could find the destiny he knew was out there for him. He knew that he would find this thing he must find.
After a seemingly long time, he was forgotten about and one night he lay beneath the faded stars and dreamt: He dreamed of a man looking at a picture of an old man who had chains coming from his tongue which were attached the ears of all of the people who followed him. What did it mean? He learned that the picture was a representation of eloquence. The old man showed the wisdom that comes as we age, and the chains were the link between the words of one person and the ears of other…the physical link. The chains were the power of this man’s eloquence, but also the lasting nature of his words.
How are words best preserved for a long time? What was the link between the words and the memories of people through the ages who could not hear them, but yet they know them many years into the future? What was the physical way to do this?
Oghma knew he was onto something, but what it was still was to be determined. He carried on with his journey until he came to the realm of Taranis, the keeper of the Great Wheel of Fate.
“What brings you here?” Asked Taranis.
“Strange as it may sound…I have come to ride your Wheel.”
“Do you know what could happen if you do such a thing? I don’t even know what could happen, but there is a chance that this could undo everything! Are you willing to take such a risk?”
“I am.” Replied Oghma and so he was tied to the Wheel of Fate and thus began his ordeal to find his destiny.
Upon the wheel, Oghma witnessed the coming and going of fate, the passing of ages and the changes that come with those passings.
He saw the work of his kindred and himself. He saw how Lugh inspired Wisdom, how Macha inspired War, how Gobhniu crafted wondrous swords and how Morrighan reaped the souls of the valiant dead. He saw himself as bringing the light of the Songs of Creation and singing his poetry to enlighten people.
He saw how he searched for meaning and how mankind too searched for meaning in the aspects of their lives – their daily work, their families, their passions and their dislikes.
Looking upon the wheel that he was tied to, he saw a sigil on each of the 25 spokes of the wheel that ties life to fate. These symbols he sought to understand. Looking at the spokes closer, he saw that they were each made of a different type of wood: oak, holly, yew, birch, etc. The symbols seemed to correspond with each of the woods.
As his knowledge grew, so did his pain as it filled his head and body. Barely able to stand the pain that wracked his body, mind and soul anymore, he passed into darkness…and the wheel ceased to turn.
And so Oghma dreamed. He stumbled through darkness until he found himself at the mouth of a well. He looked into the well and light blasted forth. In the light that seared his vision, he saw the bits of wood with the symbols and reached for them. He collected them all into a bag and attached it to his belt.
The darkness fell again and then again he returned to light. He was no longer upon the wheel, but looking down upon the earth. Great cities sprawled from the edges of oceans, lakes and rivers. People walked in light and no longer in darkness for they had the ability to transmit knowledge that would last…they had use of the written word and the written word could be reproduced and transported en masse to millions of people all at once! The knowledge could be spread and retained. These were the chains of wisdom that connected the tongue to the ears…the physical link.
Oghma’s purpose became clear. He had always brought the light of song…now it was him to bring the light of the written word. His purpose was to introduce a new form of communication…written language.
As he was set free from the wheel of fate with no knowledge, so he would set others free.
Things to ponder:
Have a look at the three Arts of Imbas Forosnai, Teimn Laeghdha and Dichetal Do Chenibh Dindsenchas. They are mentioned mostly as inspirational tools for bards. How else could these arts be applied in the spiritual sense?
I think that these tools, as in other areas, can be used spiritually to teach faith. Things do not always work out the way we want, but it does work out. this, I feel, is the msot difficult lesson in spirituality, at least it has been for me.
Is there anyone today in music, film, literature, news or even outside of the realm of the famous that you would consider a bard in the sense of the old definitions? (See the list of bardic responsibilities)
When I think about this question, this list does not come to mind. I think of our teachers... These people best fit the responsibilies of the bard. We are historian, even if we don't teach history. We are story tellers. Everyone knows that stories are the best way to teach children and adults. We are reporters as we teach currrent events, discuss things that students do not understand, and spread news that is needed to be known. We heal everything from paper cuts, skinned knees, to broken hearts. And... we are satyrists. Making stories funny are a great way to draw students into something that may not otherwise be interesting to them.
How do you see some of the responsibilities of the bard being used today? (i.e.: appropriate story telling at an event - these wisdoms are my way of doing it, praising or satirising someone, healing, etc.)
Well, there are those amazing teachers as descibed in detail above. Ministers would be considered bards when they are guidng their congregations along their chosen paths. Mothers, good mothers and fathers are bards as they guide their children into hopefully good responsible loving adults. I think that the responsibilites of actual bards are much the same. The convey information in ways that the public will hopefully take it in and cherish it. They also tell about world problems, things that need to be changed. They help to rally for causes, also things that need to be done. It's an ongoing choice of career that is still and always will be much needed regardless of the medium that is used.
How do you see some of the responsibilities of the bard being used today? (i.e.: appropriate story telling at an event - these wisdoms are my way of doing it, praising or satirising someone, healing, etc.)
Well, there are those amazing teachers as descibed in detail above. Ministers would be considered bards when they are guidng their congregations along their chosen paths. Mothers, good mothers and fathers are bards as they guide their children into hopefully good responsible loving adults. I think that the responsibilites of actual bards are much the same. The convey information in ways that the public will hopefully take it in and cherish it. They also tell about world problems, things that need to be changed. They help to rally for causes, also things that need to be done. It's an ongoing choice of career that is still and always will be much needed regardless of the medium that is used.
Questions to Ponder:
1.When you first learned to read and write, what feeling did you get? Did you feel a sense of a door to great knowledge opening for you? What do you feel those who are illiterate might be missing out on?
I have been reading and writing from before I can remember so I really cannot answer the first question I can't imagine not knowing how to read and write, however. There is so much that those who are illiterate are missing out on. I can not imagine life with the many stories and books i have read. writing givese us a way to remember times we don't want to forget. It also gives us a way to see how different people see things whether it be history, the news, or their favorite celebrity. Also, in the world of the internet today, we are able to get to know and speak with people from all over the world. This is a whole world that would be near impossible if you could not read or write.
2. Again, we look at an initiatory process and gaining of wisdom in John Matthews’ story of Oghma on the Wheel of Taranis. What have you learned from ordeals in your life?
Each ordeal teaches us new ways to move forward, teaches us to think critically, and also teaches us that everything happens for a reason even if we do not see what it is immediately.
3. Would you say that any of these ordeals were self-directed like Oghma’s ordeal was?
I think that our ordeals are self directed if not always directly. We make decisions and things happen, though they are not always under our control.
4 and 5. Do you get the feeling that you may have a purpose but do not know what it is? How could you find that purpose? Do you feel that you know what your purpose is? How have you found it? How do you intend to pursue it?
I do feel that I have a purpose and it is not coming into play. through out my liffe I have had to deal with a lot. I have always wanted to be and have become a teacher and I think with what is happening in our world today and with the direction things are going, i am meant to be a teacher. Not as in school as I am currently, but I believe that am meant to be a spiritual teacher and have already become such in a way. As the bards discussed above, I have a lot of learning to come but that is the direction that my lifes seems to be taking.
6. Looking at the Ogham, in what way could you use it in your daily life?
I plan to learn to use it for divination. I akse use it for intent purposes in spells and rituals.
7. Have you ever created your own system of lettering and writing? When I was a kid we made up codes. Have you ever learned another culture’s system of writing, such as Chinese or Arabic? No. What feeling did you get from this knowledge or creation?
8. What would you say are the mysteries of the Ogham; in the letters themselves and their applications in daily life?
The mysteries are in the representations and the interpretations of these letters, not in the letterse themselves. Each letter or inscribing had a specific meaning to be put into context with the fews around them. These together are what gives you the meaning of the writings.
9. Have you ever gotten to know a tree? No but I would like to.. (If you’ve never communed with one, it may be well worth the experience to try!) What have you learned from this experience? Some day when this is something that I am able to do, I will answer this.
No comments:
Post a Comment