"I seek a mantle that cannot be folded,
That neither holly spike nor tree branch will catch upon;
That guards me as a brooch guards a cloak;
A powerful cloak of beetle-green."
____ The Metrical Dindshenchas, ed. Edward Geynn (trans CM)
The shield that is desired here is a lorica, or breastplate for the soul. The lorica, a spell or charm that invokes the different powers of the universe to keep the reciter free from harm, was used by the ancient Celts and by their Christian descendants alike. The soul-protecting invocation calls out to the universe, to every place and shape that the soul has been in, to come and weave help around the reciter in time of need.
The nature of the lorica depends very much upon the one who makes it. Traditional invocations have been passed down, but it is always better to create our own, for our own needs. Those whom we invoke may include powers of nature with which we feel attuned, the beings and creatures who are our spiritual allies and heroes, gods and ancestors. The lorica protects the mantle of our soul, the soul's shrine of our body, from harm. Without intention, the words of the lorica have little effect. But when our heart is aligned with our word and our intention, our utterance can go forth; and with the help of the lorica, the connection and weaving together of the assisting powers can surround us in a sure mantle.
"Create your own lorica to help shield you against whatever you are fearful of. Weave into your litany of assistance all your soul-friends and spiritual allies, the powers of the natural world that are meaningfully protective to you."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]
No comments:
Post a Comment