The Rock of Cashel was begun in the 11th century, and became the seat of the kings of Munster. It was there that St. Patrick converted them to Christianity in the fifth century, and eventually a great cathedral was built, before the whole thing got sacked, burned and plundered by Oliver Cromwell. According to folklore, […]
The Daily Ramble: The River Chew at Pensford, Somerset
The village of Pensford is in Somerset, Great Britain. We stumbled upon it in search of the Stanton Drew stone circles, and were mesmerized by this view. A great flood of the River Chew in 1968 damaged the railroad viaduct in the background so extensively it never reopened. Also damaged was the St Thomas […]
Is it Halloween or Samhain? What’s the real difference and when is it?
I’ve written about this before I believe. Twice even. I get these questions every year about this time, so here’s how I see it. The historical record is in this case, a record of people looking at the historical record and not finding much. They find harvest celebrations around the end of October, but that […]
From the witch’s garden, Meadowsweet, a love potion as well as a balm for aching hearts
A look at Meadowsweet, a wildflower traditionally thought of as an omen of love. But with any love potion, it works best when love is already present from the start.
On Death
WE MEET DEATH IN MANY WAYS, in many guises. Sometimes it strikes quickly, openly, savage in its intensity. Mostly it takes its time, a small temptation that seems innocent – a love of sweets, a cool draught of liquor on the tongue, the rush of nicotine from a cigarette, simple pleasures that become addictions and […]
A last look around the moon garden and the witch’s garden before the autumn’s chill does its work
Taking a last look around the witch’s garden and the moon garden before the first fall frosts does its work. What to bring inside, what to pluck and what to say goodbye to. A look at what worked this year and didn’t.
