So what winds whisper from the elf mounds; what wind breathes from beneath the hollow hills where fairies dwell and myths were born? In other words, how many of us today still feel inspired by the tales of ancient Celtic warriors and wise folk? Which parts of our lives do these stories creep into the most? What do our ancestors still truly have a hand in? What is the meat of modern Celtic influence? Well a quick “Google” search on the word “Celt” will find you brewing techniques that are based on Celtic history; BBC Wales has a site dedicated to the history of the Iron Age Celts and the…

There’s a black feather floating on the wind Gasp it in, sigh it out Breath of blood, hot iron in my nostrils Suck it in, steam it out Long red hair that catches on the fence post Tie it back, pull it out Great club beating on the fractured bed rock Call him o’er, call him out Passion spanning over secret rivers Hold it in, let it out Pacts and wars are sealed with silver kisses Throw it in, hurl it out Death of hero, dog meat bile in belly, Gulp it in, spew it out Crows are circling; Badb, Macha and Nemain; Hear them out Hear them out Hear…

Author Leah Guy: The Modern Sage     I was recently sent a copy of a book called The Fearless Path, and was immediately drawn to the ideas within the pages. The book addresses very real and modern concerns about healing in practical ways, but instead of telling us, as so many other sources do, to let go of our pain and past, it leads us down the more rewarding path of putting ourselves back together. Leah was kind enough to answer a few questions about the book and herself for Pagan Pages. Mabh Savage: Thanks for talking to us Leah. To start us off, can you describe yourself in…

Notes from the Apothecary: Plantain     No, not the banana type fruit; I’m talking about the weed that we all walk past every day, that has a surprising wealth of health benefits. My friend calls it a ‘Magic Bandage’, and indeed, a cut or a graze can be safely wrapped in a clean, bruised leaf which soothes and heals at no expense. There are several types of plantain, and for the most part I’m referring to the broadleaf plantain, but I will also mention the ribwort, which has long, slender leaves. There are other variants too, so do look up which are native to your own area. The Kitchen…

Splendid Poison: The Power of Words Celtic Triad: Three occasions for one to speak falsehood without excuse: to save the life of one who is innocent, to keep the peace among neighbours, and to preserve the Wise and their crafts.   (A stone near Killala, County Mayo, with Ogham writing upon it. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)   Celtic tales only come to us courtesy of the scholar of the middle ages, who were proud of their manuscripts and the ability to write and illuminate these beautiful, treasured documents. Writing, in the middle ages, was a coveted skill; not something to be taken for granted, as many of us do…

Notes from the Apothecary: Crocus     As we move further into spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a wealth of flowers is bursting from the warming soil. Some of this treasure appears in royal gold and imperial purple, and occasionally even snow white, like a throwback to winter. These are the crocuses, a tiny, beautiful flower named for the Sanskrit word for saffron, the expensive spice made from its stigmas and styles. The first crocuses of the year always fill me with excitement. They show that winter is truly ending, and that the wheel is turning towards warmer days, woodland walks and those magic mornings of wind and sunshine. Crocuses…

Brigid’s Arrival When she comes She comes in the room Like a gulp of cold air A hurricane to the face A slap so soft and sharp So caring and cold So great and so bold So young yet so old Every atom sings This lady; this goddess; this spirit This sidhe, from beyond the hills She came to see What you had put out for her Sheep’s milk, oats and apples Whiskey, candles and hope. She blasts through the door A draught of delight In spring’s awakening. We hold hands and shake As her powers leaves us quaking. Motherly but not gentle; Feminine and strong and wise; Changing the…

The Morrigan: Bloody Queen of Battle Streaming red Cloak of hair Like yarn spun wild For a coat of dreams Of war and time To pass the line The blood along Like velvet wine Lady great and fierce of heart Builds you up then tears apart Protect thyself but know her if you can. (Devotional verse for the Morrigan, 2012)

Rachel Patterson: The Kitchen Witch     Rachel Patterson: The Kitchen Witch Rachel Patterson, or Tansy Firedragon, is an accomplished witch with a passion for learning. She has written numerous books and is the High Priestess of the Kitchen Witch Coven, and an Elder of their School of Natural Witchcraft. I caught up with Rachel to find out a bit more about her craft and her writing. Mabh Savage: Can you summarise what it is to be a Kitchen Witch? Rachel Patterson: It is a term that has been used in the past to describe someone that is a bit of a food expert and actually nothing to do with…

Elen Sentier: British Shaman     Elen Sentier walks in the Deer Trods of Elen of the Ways, and has written about this and many other magical topics. She is awenydd, spirit keeper, and keeps old British ways alive, passing them on for future generations. Elen spoke to Mabh here at Pagan Pages about her books, her magical life and more. Mabh Savage: Your most recent release is Merlin: Once and Future Wizard. What inspired you to write this volume? Elen Sentier: Well, actually, my publisher had the idea and commissioned it. It was great fun, and it seemed that he was thinking about Merlin at the same time as…