D is for Danu

"So there, by the divine waters of Danu, from where those waters rose and flooded through the now fertile green valleys of the Earth, eastwards towards a distant sea, The Dagda and Brigid settled. And they called the great course of eastward rushing water after the Mother Goddess, which is Danuvius, whose children still know it as the mighty Danube."

-Celtic Myths and Legends-

The Goddess Danu is perhaps one of the more well known figures of the Celtic Pantheon. For many, Danu is the Mother Goddess. It is Danu that is the mother of Brigid, a bond so linked that in many traditions Danu disappeared altogether. Some believe Danu to be the oldest deity in Celtic circles. This is with good reason, as the root dan is Old Irish meaning knowledge. It is knowledge that is the essence of Danu, as the Celts believed all knowledge was found at the water's edge. More endearingly, the Celtic Gods, or the Tuatha De Danann are called, the Children of Danu. Some have come to incorporate Danu with the Goddesses Anu, and the Morrigan. One cannot escape the importance of Danu within the Celtic Pantheon is some way. 

My own journey with Danu happened quite early, as she was the first Goddess that I heard any myths about. I have to admit that at first, I was unaware of her affiliation with the Morrigan, or with the Goddess Brigid. At the time, I focused more of my efforts on learning about the Morrigan, because that was how I started on the path to a Celtic Pantheon. For awhile, I forgot completely about Danu, until coming across the Goddess Anu. While I posted about Anu before, she is an Earth Goddess, while Danu is a Water Goddess. The two go together quite well, but at the time I didn't see or realize that. Danu truly didn't come into importance for my journey, until I started to meditate for an aspect of the Goddess to guide me. 

While meditating, I saw a great river, though calm and quite peaceful. I sat at the edge of it, and simply watched the water flow by. After some time, I felt myself let go, and become immersed in this great river. The flow of the river led to a wooden clearing, though with a pool of water from the river. It was there that I was led, and there I rested. Such peace and calm had never been felt in my meditations before then, and I could have stayed in that moment for some time. In that circle, that pool of water, I saw a woman. All I could do was ask her name, and it was the Goddess Danu. With her name, came the understanding that all knowledge was linked to that place, and at the edge of the water. 

I had wanted to do a Pagan blog for some time, though I had no idea how to start. At the time, I didn't even have a name for it. Danu, and the legends of Danu, gave this blog its name. Soon, all the pieces began falling into place, and everything has worked out better than expected. Each time I write a new posting though, I am reminded of where the source of my knowledge comes from. It is a small, and yet powerful reminder of the presence Danu has in my path now. There are many aspects left to be revealed about Danu's nature, but the parts I do understand are wonderful. The aspect of Danu brings a comfort, which can only be likened to that of a mother's love. 

Though I had my spiritual guide for this path, I was unsure of how it all fit. As I said previously, I felt a strong pull towards the Goddess Anu instead. Not to mention, I felt a sense of loyalty to the Morrigan, which had started this journey in the first place. With trust, and a bit of time, things began falling into place though. Both Danu and Anu are linked to the Morrigan, though with different opinions or traditions. This caused a sense of ease and transition began to take place. I saw the picture as a whole, instead of just pieces of it. Learning to balance the influences of both Anu and Danu, gave me a better understanding of the path I wanted to walk. Anu is earth based, while Danu remains more water based. 

All of this has led to a deeper understanding of Goddess I didn't even know were out there. On this path, I'm learning that while the Morrigan may seem complex, all paths lead to one source. In forming this new Tradition, in blending Druidry, Celtic, and Arthurian paths, Danu makes all the more sense. It is knowledge that is at the heart of any path. The creativity and love sparked by Danu, is a driving influence for the knowledge I seek out in the future. I know, that wherever this path takes me, that Danu will somehow be an intimate part of it. The Celtic Legends speak of how Brigid returned to the edges of the Danube to teach the Tuatha De Danann all there was to know. So too, do I seek the water's edge, in search of all that is to be revealed.

D is for Dindrane

"If the quest was hard for a man, imagine how much harder it was for a woman." 

-Camelot Oracle- 

Dindrane's character is almost tempting to forget, as little is actually known about her. The most well known fact about her is that she is the sister of Perceval. She was raised in almost complete seclusion, which echoes that of her brother's own upbringing. To the surprise of many however, Dindrane is the only woman to search for the holy grail. The fact she is the only woman to search for the grail, makes her character extremely important to the tale. Even while the Arthurian Legend depicts her death, her character's importance lives on throughout the legends. 

As the only female to actively seek out the grail, Dindrane is often known as the grail heroine. She is first introduced in a lonely hermitage, where Galahad has wandered. Interestingly, it is Dindrane, not Galahad that offers to join the quest. Without almost a word, Dindrane leads Galahad to a shore line, where Perceval and Bors are waiting. Soon, a ship arrives, without any crew aboard. Without too much delay, the group soon boards the ship, only to discover precious items for their quest. Interestingly, it is Dindrane and Galahad that have a major role to play in this event. 

While on board the Ship of Solomon, Galahad finds a sword. It is Dindrane that knows the sword's significance, and fulfill one of the prophecies. Taking her hair, gold thread, silk, and jewels, Dindrane makes a new belt for the sword. The Sword of the strange belt is later found to belong to none other than Galahad. It's religious significance in their quest being that such a sword belonged to King David, and then Solomon himself. Legend says that after finding these things, the group continued until they reached a castle. It was within this castle that Dindrane would fulfill her destiny. 

Having reached the castle, the custom demands a royal virgin maiden give a dish of her blood, in the hopes of healing the lady of the castle. Dindrane gives of her blood freely, however she discovers that she cannot stop bleeding. She soon dies, and yet the lady of the castle is healed by her sacrifice. The group soon buries her upon their return to Sarras. Having foreseen her destiny, Dindrane knows that she would go on to be buried beside her brother, and also Galahad. Throughout the tales, there is a strong connection to Galahad and Dindrane. In fact, it sometimes said that she knew more of Galahad's family than he did. 

The significance of Dindrane's character is symbolic of Christ. Not only does she sacrifice herself, but she is interestingly female. Many have called her a female Christ, though only in a sense of the Arthurian Legends. It is within the legends that one finds an almost contradictory equality between men and women. For Pagans, this isn't truly surprising. Dindrane could very well be a great symbol of the wisdom and power within a female. It wouldn't be until years later, that the Arthurian Legends became a mix of both Pagan and Christian tales. The fact Dindrane's character lived on despite the prejudices of a highly patriarchal religion, shows her true importance. 

For those of the Arthurian Tradition, Dindrane remains a symbol of feminine wisdom. She reminds us of what it means to be honest and true at heart. Her very nature is one that is said to evoke kindness, and teaches only love. The very willingness to sacrifice of herself wholeheartedly, can only inspire us to adhere to such a standard. As the only female to seek out the grail, she reminds us all that at some point we may stand out. It is in that moment that we may truly find our destiny. For those working with Dindrane's energies, it is the purest, simplest, and  yet most intelligent. The secrets of pursuing our own quests can come alive, as we seek out the grail heroine for ourselves. 

C is for Cuchulain

"The story, I heard was that when this youth was attacked by the hound, he killed it. And while the warriors of Ulaidh were amazed by this feat, Cullan was sorrowful that his faithful hound had died for the safety of his house. The youth Setanta then offered to guard Cullan's house until such time as a hound whelp had been trained to take its sire's place. So Setanta became Cullan's hound - Cuchulain." 

- Celtic Myths and Legends- 

Cuchulain is an interesting character within Celtic Mythology, as his origins are quite unclear. Whether he is a god at all remains unclear, as his parents differ in many retellings. In some tellings, his mother is divine, and in others she is human. What can be agreed upon is the influence of the god Lugh, who is said to be a type of spiritual father to Cuchulain. To confuse the tale though, Cuchulain has a biological father, who is human. Still, in the tales Cuchulain is somehow divine himself. Part of all this confusion is no doubt due to the massive time span of these tales. Tales regarding Cuchulain date back prior to the seventh century, only then to be revived. It's an amazing thing that these tales survive today, in many different forms. 

Cuchulain is first introduced as Setanta, who famously kills one of Cullan's hounds. Offering to take its place, he earns the nickname Cuchulain or Hound of Ulster. A few years pass, and Cuchulain is a handsome youth, and the men around him begin to worry. The men convince him to accept a challenge to train under Scathach, who is a warrior and Goddess. Hoping the ordeal will be too much for Cuchulain, they see him off on this challenge. The tales of Cuchulain's training are many, and perhaps some of the best told about him. It was these first initial tales that I was introduced to his character, and I have been fond of him ever since. Though there are different versions, many of the events stay the same. 

Cuchulain reaches the Isle of Shadow, where the Goddess Scathach lives. Gaining entrance to her castle, which was no easy task, gave Cuchulain entrance to Scathach's academy. There he trained under the Goddess, and became a highly skilled warrior. Later, he returned to Ulster, and joined the Red Branch, a group of warriors. Cuchulain died young, fighting Queen Maeve of Connacht. Some say that Cuchulain failed to recognize Morrigan flying over him, and that is what lead to his death. With his life cut short, and his strong fighting abilities many have linked him with the likes of Achilles and Hercules. While many Celtic deities shared influences with Roman deities, there is no solid link between these tales.

For me, it is rare to find gods to relate to, and the ones that I do startle my awareness. For years, I focused on the gods Apollo, Mars, Ares, Eros, and Thanatos. Because most of the gods I've gotten to know in the past have been Roman or Greek, it's tough to switch to a new pantheon. What makes this transition easier, is being able to recognized equatable gods. While Cuchulain doesn't really have an equivalent, his father is still Lugh, God of light. Lugh is equivalent to the god Apollo, and one I have gotten to know quite well. As it happens Apollo was the first aspect of god that I worshipped and got to know in my path. This was became of his twin sister Artemis, who I related to greatly at the time. 

It seems wonderful to me, that the first god I was introduced to in Celtic mythology was Lugh. The familiar attributes were a welcome change. Perhaps this is why I enjoy getting to know Cuchulain. He has a mixture of both the god Ares and Apollo. Cuchulain is often linked to the sword and the spear, as is Ares, not to mention Cuchulain's fierceness in battle. The things I have gotten to know about Cuchulain are the playfulness of Apollo, and the passion of Ares. For me, the combination is almost one of pure enjoyment. Cuchulain isn't as prevalent in my life as many other god/desses, and it's that much better when he shows up. At times though, it's Setanta that shows up, before the burdens of life create a god out of a man. 

Cuchulain remains a symbol of perseverance, and shows us where our own strength lies. For me, some of the things Cuchllain has taught me lie in the nature of his aspect. Widely though, Cuchulain teaches the power of masculinity. He is symbolic of the power of the god within each of us, whether male or female. Cuchulain may appear a god, or a mortal man still yet to achieve his greatness. He was a lover of Fand, and yet a lover of Emer. A strong warrior, he still remained chivalrous and yet fierce. Cuchulain is the very son of Lugh, and no doubt his handsome is because of that great light within him. Whatever the path today, the light of Lugh and Cuchulain are sure to guide your path.

C is for Camelot

"Don't ever let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was Camelot."

-Jacqueline Kennedy-

Camelot is a place of legend, a place where the round table dwells. As a place, Camelot is said to be somewhere in Briton, though no text specifies an exact location. Still, it is the legendary kingdom of King Arthur. It is Camelot that Knights gather along the round table, and form bonds said to be closer than any other. For all the grandeur though, Camelot was said to be a small place. Never having enough rooms for all, many legends hold stories of people in tents staying outside the city walls. Surely, Camelot was a place people wanted to stay and dwell.

In my path, Camelot has come to represent the place of the round table. It is the round table that stands for things such as justice, chivalry, and seeking. Out of all the things that the round table could stand for though, it also represents opportunity. The meetings at the round table were said to be wonderful, joyous, and even merry occasions. Even when there were said to be 150 Knights, legends arise of true friendship. Still though, Camelot reminds us all of our mortality. Camelot itself came to an end, just as the Knights could not live forever. It is the natural cycle of the God/dess that all must come to an end, only to be reborn. Often, things are reborn in the ways we least expect.

I could never do Camelot justice without mentioning President Kennedy. It seems strange that the topics of a Pagan blog would lead to a Catholic President. Still, roads cross at the least expected time and place. The Kennedy family found a fondness to the image of Camelot. Whether this was due to John F. Kennedy's favor of Arthurian Legends or not, remains uncertain. There remains still, a little fondness of the White House during this Camelot era. Surely, many would agree that Kennedy was progressive and could have continued to do a great many things. Perhaps that is what Camelot stands for, the potential to do a great many things that one for whatever reason cannot.

The linking between President Kennedy and King Arthur, at first, seemed silly. Arthur was a King, who accomplished great things, and created peace within his land. Looking at things now though, John F. Kennedy might fit that. Considering he led a country, who led others to accomplish great things within their daily lives, and who politically found a way to balance patriotism with peace. These things may seem like they don't belong on a Pagan blog, but to me, it's at the heart of what makes Paganism register with people. Pagans wish to find a sense of peace, a sense of understanding others, and accomplish the great joys that the God/dess can offer. There's always going to be our own visions of Camelot.

Visions of Camelot may look different person to person, and the legends reflect this. Camelot has changed from a mighty castle, to a simple kingdom. The change might not seem legendary, but the basis of it is. If those of us in the United States can look out and see our own Camelot, than many others can as well. Though Camelot is a place, it is also a symbol. It stands for things that undoubtedly are a reflection of those bonds of the true friendships we form. Not only do we form friendships that last our lifetime, but they can go on to spark bonds in another lifetime. Places live on in the spirit of the people, only then can a place truly exist. For those who wish to see it, Camelot may truly be a thought away.

Whether we wish to imagine a Camelot with King Arthur, or one with a President, Camelot remains. The origins of such a place may be unknown, and we may never glimpse a sight of the first Camelot. Still though, as hard as it may seem, Camelot can be created again. When Camelot is created again though, it will look very differently. There will be the same mystery, wonder, and camaraderie, but there will be the spark of a new time. It is the nature of the God/dess, that things be reborn. Life continues, and with it the places that we all hold dear. With time all things pass away, and are reborn again in their own time.

B is for Badb

"Nothing in the universe remains stagnant; everything is constantly changing, moving around the wheel of life. Without death, there can be no rebirth. I am the deathblow and the midwife of the soul. It is to I you will come at this life's end, and it is through me that you shall be reborn."

-Celtic Lore and Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess-

Rebirth is something that I've always felt closely connected to. Even growing up with the Christian concept of eternal life, I still felt oddly drawn to the aspect of rebirth. For me, it seemed like a natural progression of life, even if that meant death was a part of it. Up until this point, I was never introduced to the Morrigan, much less the aspects of such a deity. As many Pagans, I knew the aspects of the Triple Goddess, and I've worked with them frequently. Badb however, is different than most concepts of the Triple Goddess. Getting to know the aspect of Badb has been challenging, and yet very rewarding.

Badb is both the Maiden, and the Crone aspect of the Goddess. When getting to know any aspect of the Morrigan, this can be quiet confusing. As I mentioned in another post, Anu is the Virgin Goddess of the Morrigan, while Macha remains associated with death. This causes an interesting mixture of elements, where life of the Maiden is celebrated so closely with the Crone. When I first started getting to know this aspect, it was that concept that most appealed to me. Invoking an aspect of death into daily life often seems ill advised, and so the transition was made easier focusing on the rebirth aspect of it all.

The Crone aspect of Badb though, cannot be missed. Badb  is pictured as a fair lady, though white and red mouthed. In later tales, Badb was a phantom all together. Without digging too far into it, I suspect that Badb is fair, because the Maiden aspect of the Goddess is fair. What I did find though, is that Badb, being connected with death, took on many of death's appearances. Her pale white skin, is often because white was later connected to death. Where many of us in the United States are accustomed to black being the color of death, white is still that color for many other cultures across the world.

For me, it would seem obvious had such an aspect entered my life early. It wasn't until further study however. that I discovered Badb had been there all along too. When I was young, I had an affinity for wolves. That spiritual connection to wolves later opened many of the doors for me now, but at the time I didn't think anything of it. Badb is strongly connected to wolves, and so now I welcome that aspect of her into my life more openly. It wasn't until middle school though, that I was introduced to Badb's true nature, the Crone. The Banshee is perhaps one of the strongest aspects of Badb's nature, and one that I feared into my teenage years.

As I grew to know what it meant to be Pagan, and specifically Wiccan, the Crone aspect no longer frightened me. I don't remember when I fully embraced death as a part of life, but it was shortly before my choice to become Pagan in general. In fact, one of the last aspects of Badb was important to me starting out my practice. I was apprehensive to come out as a Pagan, and so my altar and tools consisted of a couple candles, and a deck of tarot cards. For the first few years, acts of divination were the only ways I felt close to the One. As I matured as a Pagan, tarot cards found a place on my altar. I wouldn't trade my first deck of tarot cards for all the other tools in the world.

Looking back, the presence of Badb has always been there. There are even some aspects of Badb that I wouldn't trade for the world. Whether one chooses to look at her as the Maiden, or the Crone, I think there is a part of her that everyone meets. I think there is something special about considering Badb as the Midwife of the Soul. Badb is said to be keeper of a cauldron, much like any other aspect of the Morrigan. For Badb, it is the cauldron of the Otherworld. She offers us rest for a time, and then sets us on our path once more. It is her life giving force that makes her perhaps, one of the brighter aspects of the Morrigan.

B is for Bercilak

   

"As well as the Green Chapel where he exists as the Green Knight, Bercilak the man lives in the castle of Hautdesert, hidden away in a tree lined hollow"

- The Camelot Oracle-

Interesting characters are found throughout the Arthurian Tradition, and Bercilak is no exception. Bercilak's character can be found in the tales of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. These tales can be a bit confusing, as there are by now many different versions. As confusing as this is, the general tale remains the same. For the sake of accuracy, I'm going to do my best to focus on what is the agreed upon view. With that said, I do believe the very nature of Bercilak's character is to invoke a sense of mystery. Hopefully, some of that mystery can be revealed by what I've learned so far.

Bercilak's character is first seen by King Arthur's court on Christmas, said to be holding holly in one hand and a battle axe in the other. He is the Green Knight, transformed by Morgaine le Fey, in order to challenge the court. To further the mystery, Bercilak engages in a battle agreement with King Arthur and his court. The agreement is a blow for blow exchange, and Gawain is the only member of the court to accept. With a single blow, Gawain decapitates the strange guest. Because of Morgaine's enchantment however, Bercilak simply picks up his head. Gawain is then asked to meet Bercilak the next year for the return blow. 

Sure enough, Gawain travels to the Green Chapel, and finds Bercilak's wife awaiting him. Though the Lady Bercilak appears always with an old woman, Gawain finds her company pleasant. It is then that the Lady Bercilak tempts Gawain, and earns three kisses in exchange for a green sash. This sash protects Gawain from the blows of the Green Knight. The first two blows are merely a stunt to test his courage, and the third blow leaves only a minor wound. After the third blow, Bercilak reveals himself. Gawain is informed by him of the true tests of his loyalty and bravery carried out by Morgaine le Fey, who had transformed herself into the old woman. The tale ends with Gawain's return back to court, and the men wearing green sashes in his honor.

These tales may seem to have nothing to do with modern craft today. With a little study though, we see not just one theme but many. I should mention that some people find Christian themes in these stories as well, however I'm not going to focus solely on those. The first theme is that of Morgaine le Fey. In these tales, she represents the Goddess. It is she who challenges the Knights at Camelot. While not always the case, in many tales she is also ever present during the tests that Gawain must go through. This may be symbolic of how the Goddess is ever present in our own lives. It is through the Goddess that all at Camelot come to know a bit of the ancient mysteries. 

The ancient mysteries could never be known without Bercilak's character. He is outright a symbol of the God. His green color also suggests a high symbolism to nature. There is always that hint of fear with his presence, and yet there is also an opportunity for courage. For Gawain, it is this opportunity alone that reveals the Goddess to him. In that, there is also the symbolism that one cannot know the Goddess without first knowing the God. In either case, all is revealed in its own way. Bercilak's wife is also an interesting character, as her behavior is opposite for its time. She in a way, represents the sexual side of the Goddess. Her character remembers that at one time sexual behavior was not thought of sinfully, but freely. 

The thing that I find to be the greatest thing about the character of Bercilak is his versatility. Tales are repeated many times, but never has one reached Pagans and Christians in such a unique way. The elements stand alone, and go noticed by both groups of people. This is what, I think, made Bercilak last through the ages. His character is still speaking to us, and revealing the mysteries of the God/dess. For my own path, his character speaks of what the culture of the Celts became. The unity of both Pagan and Christian views was central to the legends of King Arthur, and so too became the history of the people of Briton. A history that simply cannot be told without revealing the secrets of the God/dess.

A is for Anu

"All things grow and change in their own time. Be as the tree, deeply rooted in the earth, yet ever reaching toward the heavens. In winter the tree may lose its leaves and sleep for a time, but the tree knows spring will always come again and bring new beginnings and growth."

-Celtic Lore & Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess-

While not directly linked to the Arthurian Tradition, the Goddess Anu is present. One might have to search for the deep symbolism, and yet its still there. The Morrigan is ever present in the character of Morgaine le Fey. Some believe that Morgaine's strong connection to magic within the tales makes this connection. Whatever the case may be, The Morrigan is deeply rooted in the Celtic belief and folklore. The Morrigan consists of a triad of goddesses, and is always referred to as The Morrigan, when a whole. As a symbol of the Triple Goddess, there are the goddesses Anu, Badb, and Macha. The Goddess Anu remains one of the most well known and sacred goddesses of the Celtic Tradition and the triad. .

Anu is the Virgin Goddess within the triad, and as such is associated with the earth itself. Ireland was at times referred to as the Land of Anu, The Paps of Anu reflect this, as they remain some of the only proof left of the goddess's importance. While her name means plenty or wealth, there is a lack of traditions left to reveal the goddess's secrets. What we do know is that Anu was a goddess of fertility, and linked to the crops and cattle of the land. In some regions, Anu was known as one of the daughters of Ernmas, a she farmer. It's interesting to note that Anu is said to be one of three daughters, perhaps furthering that she is a Triple Goddess aspect. Though there are three goddesses, their names remain the same.

The earth itself is a link to Anu, no matter where one is. She is pictured with soil colored eyes, and clothes as green as the plants. Often she is pictured under an age old tree, a symbol of herself. A parallel can be made to the  character of Morgaine le Fey here as well. Anu is said to find apples as sacred to her, and so the tree depicted with her is often that of an apple tree. Morgaine's character is linked to Avalon, which is known too as the Isle of Apples. Both are said to be the keeper of a cauldron, a cauldron that reveals to those who drink from it the very future. It's said that if you meditate and seek the Goddess Anu, you will find her there among the apple trees, stirring her great cauldron that perhaps sustains all life.

For myself, the Goddess Anu came into my life only recently. While reading about Druidry, some books suggested taking a teacher. This teacher was to be a goddess and a god, and each were to stem from Celtic origins. At first this seemed easy to me, as The Morrigan first came to mind. It was The Morrigan that started this shift for me, and also was the inspiration for the name I go by in Pagan circles. Not wanting to jump to conclusions, I read more about the Celtic god/desses. To my surprise, I started to feel a strong connection to the Goddess Danu. This caused a great problem for me, as I felt loyal to both The Morrigan and Danu. Seeking more advice, I sat down and meditated.

As I meditated, I began to picture a great river. I walked to it, and sat on the water's very surface. It was then I began to feel attached to the water, felt myself anchored by roots that went deep into the earth. There was a peace there, and I looked across into the woods beyond. There was Anu, stirring the great cauldron, only I didn't know her as Anu. It wasn't until I drank from the cauldron that Anu's name came into my mind. That had been the last of the meditation, a meditation that seemed like days. After that, I quickly took to reading more of the books I had purchased on Celtic beliefs in general.

In one of them, I found Anu's name, which linked her not only to the Morrigan, but to Danu as well. While Danu is a river goddess, Anu is linked to the earth. It became clear for me that was the element I work with most, and so the aspect made sense. I've learned that while we may want certain teachers along our path, the ones that come to us reveal themselves for a reason. Worshiping one aspect of The Morrigan doesn't take away from the wonder of the whole. Sitting, on the cold earth that will be warm come summer, also reminds me that Danu is there too, in the heart of Anu. For the roots that reach deep, drink from the sacred spring that nurtures all life, the water of Danu.