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ireland

Winter’s light at Solstice

December 21, 2020 by Matthew

Light.  This time of year the natural darkness seems to bring about inspiration guided by light.  Cross cultural references are made about stars, lamp oil, and yule logs.  Even the pre-Celtic people living ages ago in Ireland looked toward one intense ray of golden winter glow, entering a passage tomb deep within a neolithic cave -- so well engineered the stones … [Read more...] about Winter’s light at Solstice

Photos that make me yearn for the old sod — County Donegal, Ireland

March 17, 2020 by Matthew

The buttery glow of a winter sunset begins to take over the gray cloudy sky behind the prominent rise of Muckish Mountain. In the foreground is abundant peat bogs and rolling hills of green pastures with sheep grazing. The is a typical landscape in Donegal, in northwest Ireland.

Welcome to County Donegal, located in the wild Northwestern section of the Republic of Ireland. Half of my heritage hails from this part of the world, and I feel a strong sense of connection to this especially mystic region of the Emerald Isle. From North Atlantic surf crashing onto broad sandy beaches to the dramatic contrasts between tranquil lakes and lofty mountains, the … [Read more...] about Photos that make me yearn for the old sod — County Donegal, Ireland

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

March 17, 2020 by Matthew

Éirinn go Brách I hope you're all wearing something green today! In my self-isolation quarantine zone, I have a head of cabbage, bean soup (I don't eat meat) and lots of greens to eat to keep me fortified with the right immune boosting energy. This is a favorite day of mine because I can almost feel my Irish ancestors dancing around me, especially as I eat the … [Read more...] about Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Newgrange Ireland winter solstice. What it’s like to experience the shortest day of the year in a Stone Age neolith.

December 21, 2019 by Matthew

The rays of sunlight beginning to make way into the chamber inside Newgrange.

My Irish ancestors might've wandered the same hills throughout the Boyne Valley thousands of years ago, and I feel their energy as hundreds of kindred spirits join hands in a circle to honor the shortest day of the year with a minute of strikes on a ceremonial gong held by a woman dressed in white. The Newgrange Ireland winter solstice experience brings to life mystical vibes … [Read more...] about Newgrange Ireland winter solstice. What it’s like to experience the shortest day of the year in a Stone Age neolith.

Reflections of Winter Solstice in the Stone Age

December 21, 2019 by Matthew

Groups of solstice goers hold hands in circles directly outside the entrance to ancient Newgrange.

Happy Winter Solstice from Newgrange, Ireland At sunrise this morning in damp, dark velvety green Ireland an amazing ritual took place at a 5,000 year old neolith known as Newgrange.  The ancient site is older than the Pyramids of Egypt and is located in one of the most sacred areas of the Emerald Isle, near where ancient kings were crowned.  Every year on a series … [Read more...] about Reflections of Winter Solstice in the Stone Age

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I would like to acknowledge that much of my inspiration comes from living on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present and honor with gratitude the land itself and the Duwamish Tribe.

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