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Soulcraft and Sweet Darkness "For the Celtic people the world of nature had different domains; firstly there was the world of nature below the surface of landscape. Here the 'Tuatha De Danann' the fairy people lived. The human world was the middle kingdom between the underworld and the heavenly world." Anam Cara - John O'Donohue
Animas Valley Institute in Connemara. 'Sweet Darkness'
The work of Bill Plotkin ( 'Soulcraft: Crossing into the Mysteries of the Psyche') is returning to our Irish shores.
This is a very exciting opportunity to delve into this deep work and journey of the soul.
The program will be held in an area called 'Shanaheever', just outside the town of Clifden or An Clochán in Irish, This is 1300 acres of wild Irish land, sitting on Lough Ána, looking out towards the Connemara Mountains, the 'Twelve Bens' or Na Beanna Beola in Irish. The area is wild bog land, with rolling hills falling into a little valley. When you arrive at the top of the hills, there is a spectacular view across the bay to the Atlantic in the distance and the mountains and surrounding area. The land has a 'famine' monument and burial ground on it, encompassing the Irish history and ancestral wound. This is sacred land, in all its mysterious ways. There is a real sense of walking with the ancestors of this land, as you walk up the old unused road, that hundreds of men, women and children walked to get to Clifden town, their footsteps feel engrained in the sod. From the Stone-Age Hunters to Celts, to Christian Saints, to Scholars, Patricians and Peasants, to Rebels and Exiles, from living to death, war to peace, poverty, starvation, romance and love.. it has all passed through this land in some degree. Standing on this land, pulls you into it, almost grabbing at the feet and ankles to feel it. It smells and breathes the soul of ancient Ireland in Connemara, brimming over with our wild Celtic heritage.
George Bernard Shaw declared, "It is the beauty of Ireland that has made us what we are"… We will be camping on the land, and have access to an old cottage called "Shore Cottage", for cooking and gathering. There are 4 beds in this if needed…
We will set up camp from 16th August to 20th August 2010 The program begins Monday August 16th at 1pm and ends Friday 20th August at 1pm.
Cost: 495 Euros includes acc and food. 150 Euro deposit to book a place. Contact: jenny@connemaradeanes.com Come and join us on this journey
Eire: The West"I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightening, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock." One of the oldest Celtic prayers originally called 'The Deer's Cry' later 'St. Patrick's Breastplate' Modern Ireland is still greatly influenced by the ancient Celtic ways. The Celts were a nature people and the world of nature was both a presence and companion. Nature nourished them; it was here that they felt their deepest belonging and affinity. This is still evident in Ireland today. The West of Ireland sits on the edge of Europe and the Atlantic…next stop America! There is a feeling of untouched memories and ancient stories. It's wild beauty gives space for natural meditation and a sense of presence.
It is full of white sandy beaches, with stretches of mountains ranges spreading from North Mayo through to South Galway. Westport and neighbouring town of Castlebar sit in South Mayo; both are popular tourist towns, with a real sense of traditional Ireland. Story telling, music and dance have always been a major part of Irish culture, bringing people together. Croagh Patrick, the Holy Mountain of Ireland, frames the beautiful award-winning town of Westport. The mountain has been a place of spiritual pilgrimage for over 5000 years, from Neolithic times to present day. This pyramid shaped mountain is a focal point in the surrounding area of Clew Bay and it is easy to see why it has been worshiped for so long. Connemara County Galway is a spectacular and beautiful mix of wild bog land, clusters of mountains, white sandy beaches, ancient tombs and standing stones. The land holds it's own power and stories, passed on over thousands of years. As you enter this mysterious place, there is a sense of being held in the past, while the present passes by. The area is remote and at the heart of this land stands the "the Twelve Bens or Na Beanna Beola, to give them their Irish name. This range of mountains, are a dramatic series of ancient peaks, overlooking the beautiful town of Clifden. (An Clochán)
The wildness of the West of Ireland can be reflected in the magnificent skies, the haunting bog lands, the power and intensity of the ever changing weather, and seasons, which gives it it's uniqueness. Nature's intimacy pulls you in here, through its displays of the wondrous landscape; a truly a life changing and magical experience.
"The Celts saw their year as a circle. This circle of time is never broken. The rhythms is even mirrored in the day; it to is a circle. First the new dawn comes out of the darkness, strengthening towards noon, falling away towards evening until night returns again. They equated this with our life cycle, we come out of the unknown, we appear on the earth, live here, feed off the earth and eventually return back into the unknown again." Anam Cara - John O'Donohue Ireland - Traveling to Ireland Ryanair Aer Lingus British Airways http://www.britishairways.com/ Knock Airport Traveling within Ireland AAIreland Bus Eireann Irish Rail Joyce Cabs Local Information http://www.westporttourism.com/ http://www.museum.ie/countrylife/earth.google.com/
http://www.megalithicireland.com
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