The Land of Women

The Land of Women

"Do not fall on a bed of sloth,
Let not your intoxication overcome you,
Begin a voyage across the clear sea,
If you would reach the Land of Women."
    ___ 'Voyage of Bran mac Febal", early Irish text (trans. CM)


   These words addressed to the Irish hero Bran mac Febal by an otherworldly woman who summons him to set forth on his quest to the Land of Women - a place that in early Celtic tradition was considered to be the abode of bliss, satisfaction, and achievement.  She urges him to clear his sights, attend to the task at hand, conjure a vision of beauty and delight, and set off toward it. Regions of the Celtic otherworld can be reached by a voyage of the soul across the severing waters of the west, containing a series of islands that must be encountered in sequence before the traveler comes to the innermost Land (or Island) of Women. The wisdom-keepers of the soul-voyage reveal themselves as a sisterhood of women who guard the mysteries of life. In Britain, there is the myth of Avalon being guarded by Morgen and her eight sisters; in Gaul, there are reports of sisterhoods dedicated to teaching, fostering, prophecy, healing crafts, shape-shifting and weather magick.

  While we may not be summoned in so dramatic a way as Bran, we each have a quest to which we are called. This quest concerns the fulfillment of our life's purpose and is about using our innate gifts in the widest possible way. The inhabitants of the Land of Women have no patience with sloth. They are the energizers, keepers and empowerers who maintain the dynamo of the world. To do this work, they need our assistance and application. If we make our voyage toward them, we will indeed find our way to the goal of desires.

"What gifts have yourfaery grandmothers given you? How are you using them to further your quest?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" By Caitlin Matthews]

From "Celtic Inspirations" by Lyn Webster Wilde --

Beyond the Visible

For the Celts the visible world was interpenetrated by an invisible 'otherworld' of elemental beings and gods. Mountains or hills were the abode of the sky gods, and sacred to him under his various names- Lleu, Bel and, later St. Michael. Trees connected the upper and lower worlds, and rivers were often named after the goddesses, such as Don and Verberia, who brought the waters of life to mankind.

Sensing the Landscape --  The Celts sensed the presence of their gods and goddesses everywhere - in mist hanging over a valley, trees sighing in a gale, or rain turning meadow to lake overnight.
   Landscape and weather were the fabric of their lives, and to be weather-wise was crucial for survival. This may be why the Celts had such a keen awareness of the supernatural enlivening the physical senses also awakening the subtle antennae of the spirit.

   If you are curious about what lies beyond the visible, first tune in to the physical world. Get out more, even in the cold or wet. Walk. Watch. Stop and listen. Notice how you feel. The Otherworld may have opened its gates.