Hill of Tara 2nd Beacons Festival Oct 31st

by Tara Tara Tara Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:23

The pics here are from last year's Solidarity Beacons/ Feis Teamhair event, Samhain 2007.

This year I will be at Tlachtga, Hill of Ward but wish all of those at Tara a peaceful, respectful, Spiritual Samhain in honour of the Ancestors.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the Tlachtga torchlit procession and open ceremony will meet at 7.30pm Fair Green Athboy and from there make their way to the Hill of Ward ( Tlachtga). All welcome.

Fire at Tlachtga

...flame brought to Tara

Poets and Musician's Tent and Stage

The Mighty Gather In

by Tara Tara Tara Wed Oct 29, 2008 14:38

Hi all,

Your assistance please :)

In the background of this pic there is a man filming the Feis Teamhair of last year, would anyone have any info on how to get in touch with him? He would seem to be the only person on the planet who has any video footage of the Beacons event . It's Unbelievable really seeing as it was the first time in thousands of years that Tara and her 7 surrounding hills were lit for Samhain. It would be wonderful to have some footage of such an historic occasion.

Many thanks.

Phoenix lights the fire at Tara

by Mise Tara 3 Wed Oct 29, 2008 14:46

From last year :)

Mighty Gathering :)

by Ceibhfhionn Wed Oct 29, 2008 17:01

"The next existing monument which has been identified with certainty, is the Teach-Miodhchuarta, or Banqueting Hall, so famous in Irish history and bardic tradition. This was also the great house of the thousand soldiers, and the place where the Fes or triennial assemblies were held. It had fourteen doors—seven to the east and seven to the west. Its length, taken from the road, is 759 feet, and its breadth was probably about 90 feet." (Text copied from http://www.libraryireland.com/HistoryIreland/Banqueting...a.php )

Related link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Great+Feast+of+Tar...f&oq=

by Samhain Fri Oct 31, 2008 09:14

"To the Celts, time was circular rather than linear. This is reflected in their commencing each day, and each festival, at dusk rather than dawn, a custom comparable with that of the Jewish Sabbath. It is also reflected in their year beginning with the festival of Samhain on 31 October, when nature appears to be dying down. Tellingly, the first month of the Celtic year is Samonios, ‘Seed Fall’: in other words, from death and darkness springs life and light." (Copied from http://www.livingmyths.com/Celticyear.htm )

Related link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Celtic+New+Year&bt...f&oq=

by V Fri Oct 31, 2008 15:08

"For this reason they (the Celts) measure periods of time not by days but by nights; and in celebrating birthdays, the first of the month, and new year’s day, they go on the principle that the day begins at night." (Julius Caesar, Conquest of Gaul, VI.18)

" ... from death and darkness springs life and light ..."

The full text of today's e-mail to United States of America President George W. Bush can be viewed at:
http://www.humanrightsireland.com/PresidentGeorgeWBush/...l.htm

by Tara Tara Tara Sat Nov 01, 2008 18:03

It was a clear star lit sky and the weather dry and not too cold for last nights Procession and Open Ceremony at the Hill of Ward- Tlachtga. About 40 people young and old took part and gathered together around the fire to hear some local history and the story of the Goddess Tlachtga . As is the custom at Samhain, we remembered and honoured the Ancestors, especially those who have passed recently . This was followed by herbal offerings to the fire and afterwards people broke bread and shared a sup of whiskey as they were passed around . People hung out for a while exchanging tales and hellos and some songs were sung and a Harmonica player entertained us too.

Before the crowd dispersed, we watched the ladies of Tara light their lanterns from the fire at Tlachtga and then they disappeared into the night on their Pilgrimage to light Tara and her surrounding Hills. Unfortunately I couldnt go with them this year but look forward to hearing how it went :)

by Visitor Sun Nov 02, 2008 10:21

As a curious stranger, I looked in on the Celtic New Year (Halloween) celebrations last Friday evening on the Hill of Tara.

During my visit I got the opportunity to talk a little with a number of the ladies in question, and the conclusion I reached was that these people fully deserve lots, and lots, and lots of support.

All of the "ladies of Tara" I spoke with appeared (to me) to be motivated by a very potent "social energy" that is gentle, benign, and intelligent -- exactly what the world desperately needs much more of at the present time (as I see things at least).

Epilogue:

"The Gaulish (Celtic) Coligny Calendar was found in Coligny, Ain, France (46°23′N 5°21′E / 46.383, 5.35) near Lyon in 1897, along with the head of a bronze statue of a youthful male figure. It is a lunisolar calendar."

"The French archaeologist J. Monard speculated that it was recorded by druids wishing to preserve their tradition of timekeeping in a time when the Julian calendar was imposed (repeat IMPOSED) throughout the Roman Empire."

Both of the above excerpts have been copied from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coligny_calendar

Related link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Samonios+%28Celtic...earch

by TCD Tue Nov 04, 2008 09:19

"The compilation of the Saltair of Tara, as we mentioned previously, is attributed to this monarch. Even in Christian times his praises are loudly proclaimed. The poet Maelmura, who lived in the eighth century, styles him Ceolach, or the Musical, and Kenneth O'Hartigan, who died A.D. 973, gives a glowing account of his magnificence and of his royal palace at Tara. O'Flaherty quotes a poem, which he says contains an account of three schools, instituted by Cormac at Tara; one for military discipline, one for history, and the third for jurisprudence." (Text copied from http://www.lookaroundireland.com/History_of_Ireland/cha...7.htm )

Related link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Kenneth+O%27Hartig...f&oq=

by Donkey on a Mission Fri Nov 14, 2008 15:56

I am glad to report that there were 7 people holding a vigil outside Archaeological Consultancy Services HQ in Drogheda Fri 7th Nov . The Vigil flame was brought to ACS where , for 5 hours , we stood in remembrance of the Ancestors especially those being stored in this building after being removed from their desecrated graves and sacred burial grounds to facillitate the construction of the M3 Motorway.

We informed some of the people of Drogheda of the situation and got one page of signatures on the petition to reury the Ancestors and started a second sheet.

It was a worthwhile reccy of the site- it is difficult to find and the directions from the ACS website are completely inadequate.

And finally, the look on Donal Murphy’s face ( Head Archaeologist) was priceless when he opened the door to one of our group and was asked if he would sign the petition!

I’m sure this will be the first of many actions at ACS.