The Raven's Nest | Walking the path of the Ancient Ones

The Ancients

Newgrange Performed by Clannad From the CD Past & Present
There is a place on the east
Mysterious ring, a magical ring of stones
The druids have lived there once they said,
Forgotten is the race that no-one knows.

Chorus:
Rum de rum ’rud a derimo
Rum de rum ’rud a derimo

The circled tomb of a different age
Secret lines carved on ancient stone.
Heroic kings laid down to rest
Forgotten is the race that no-one knows.

Wait for the sun on a winter’s day
And a beam of light shines across the floor.
Mysterious ring, a magical ring.
But forgotten is the race that no-one knows.

Perhaps the most famous of the Megalithic or Neolithic sites is Newgrange which lies in Ireland's Boyne Valley. The chamber has been reported to be at least 6000 years old, predating the pyramids of Egypt. Carved on the stone at the passage entrance and on other curb stones here and other ancient sites is the triple spiral (triskele). The origin of this and it's original meaning is lost to time, but it is a symbol that has been resurrected and used by both Pagan and Christian. Neo Pagan religions, including Wicca, use this symbol to represent triplicities in their beliefs. Some see it as the sign for the 3 realms of Earth, Sea and Sky. Others relate it to the deities that have triple aspects such as Brighid, to represent Inspiration, Smithcraft and Healing. For others it represents the triple Goddess portrayed as Mother, Maiden and Crone. Still others feel it stands for the cycles of life; birth, death and eternity. For Christians, the symbolism reflects the Trinity aspect of God.

For me, I am strongly drawn to two of these; the symbolism of the 3 realms and the cycles of life. And so this was a fitting first tattoo for me. Below Silver Wolf and I are getting our spiral tatoos.

Artistis at work, Gordon & Abe,

from TIME BOMB TATTOOS