"Curses, like chickens, come home to roost."
____ Scots proverb
One of the great curses of Celtic tradition is that of the faery woman Macha (MAK'ha), who comes from the hollow hills to live with an earthly husband. The conditions of their partnership include that he shall never speak about her to others. One day, hearing the king boast about the speed of his horses, Macha's husband remarks that his wife would easily beat them in a race, so fast does she run. The king then demands that Macha be brought forthwith and prove her wretched husband's claim. The heavily pregnant Macha is brought before the king and pleads exemption as her time is near. Nevertheless, she is forced to run the race against the king's horses. She wins outright, but at the finishing post gives birth to twin children before dying of exhaustion. Her last breath is a curse upon the men of Ulster, that they shall suffer the weakness of a woman in her confinement at their time of greatest need. The curse descends to the ninth generation, striking always in the time of Ulster's need. Some say the force of the curse still runs.
Curses wound deeply whether they be thoughtless words spoken in a moment of anger or intentioned ill-wishing. They also have a habit of rebounding upon the curser in ways that are expected. The words that we weave can become a web in which we also are bound. Once uttered, these words cannot be called back; they fly out on the winds until they can find their target. In a tradition that recognizes the power of words, we also maintain a watch upon our tongue, lest it speak words that we will regret.
"Call to mind an occasion when you have wished someone or something ill through anger or exasperation. Recall your words and offer a blessing that will rescind your curse."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]
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