irish mythology
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An Scairbhín
The Scairbhín is a weather feature in Ireland that takes place approximately mid-May to mid-June. It coincides with the arrival of the cuckoo for the summer, and the native plant, the Cuckoo flower. Continue reading
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"Love is like the Lion's Tooth"
The mythology and folklore of the dandelion, and the history of its uses. This post also examines the plant’s symbolism. Continue reading
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Finding Brigid
Bridid’s name is preserved in the landscape, but her mythology has become confused in the conflation of saint and goddess. Perhaps the best place to find her is not in the landscape that bears her name at all. Continue reading
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Excursions into Darkness
There are two types of darkness: the external and the internal. Going into the Mórrígan’s cave helped me deal with both. Continue reading
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The Sovereignty Goddess
Could the Cailleach and the sovereignty goddess be one and the same? Let’s look at the evidence. Continue reading
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The Veiled Woman
An exploration of female ageing and grey hair in Irish mythology and in modern day culture. Continue reading
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Wise-Woman or Witch?
The demonisation of the wise-woman/ healer/ midwife went hand in hand with the diminishing of the stories of the Cailleach. Continue reading
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Assimilating Brigid
Brigid as Goddess or as Saint? Can she be both, and does it even matter? A deep-dive into the story of Brigid. Continue reading
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Who is the H A G?
The multiple aspects of the Hag in the landscape, and how and why her powers were diminished by the patriarchy and the church. Continue reading
