Spirit of the Forest - The White Stag

The white stag in Celtic myth is a sign that the other world is near.

As my brother Steve and myself would say a white stag or Buffalo

is "BIG MEDICINE"

To the early Christians the white stag symbolized

Christ because of its whiteness and purity. It is also associated with

the sun in early christian icons the sun appears between its antlers.

In Celtic mythology, the stag is a magical creature that can move

between the worlds. As in Ireland many tales have humans transformed

into deer. For example St. Patrick was said to have transformed himself

and his companions into deer in order to escape a trap laid by a pagan king.

In the Welsh tale of Culhwch and Olwen, the stag is one of the

oldest animals in the world, along with the blackbird, the owl, and

the eagle and salmon. The antlers on the white stag are compared to

tree-branches and thus may represent fertility, since they are shed and

re-grown year after year. Antlers also symbolize rejuvenation and rebirth.

Cernunnos, the Celtic horned god, was depicted with the antlers of a stag;

and said to be the god of fertility and plenty and was claimed to be the

lord of the beasts

.

I have only seen a white deer once in my life locally.

Unfortunately I heard about it's fate as some people cannot resist to

take the life of something that is different and unique in this world.

Celtic and Viking Tattoos

The Highland Games

The Highland Games have been in existence
with the Celtic people since before the dawn
of Christianity. In days past, the gatherings were
essentially war games set out to select the finest warriors
of the clans.
Today the modern games consist of:

1. Caper Toss - Flipping a foot tree trunk (various lengths) end over end.
2. Sheaf Toss - Tossing a bale of straw for height and over a crossbar with a pitchfork
    or by hand.
3. Stone Put - Shot-putting throwing a smooth stone for distance.
4. Weight Throw - Slinging a weight with a chain handle for distance or height.
5. Hammer Throw - Whirling a weight with a wooden handle and releasing it
    backwards for distance.
6. Ax Toss - Toss ax at a target.

My brothers son in law Jimmy competing in a local Highland Games.

He wins every time. He thinks he's hot shit.

The Many faces of Father Christmas

Father Christmas, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle,

St. Nicholas. The story of Santa Claus has been

around for hundreds of years. He image has evolved

through the ages and has delighted all people from

young to old.

This is a picture of my brother Steve with

his grandchildren. Notice the bridle held

but his grandson. That of course is for the

reindeer who are outside waiting down the

street because there was not room to park

near their house. What a clever Santa he

makes. I think he looks asleep in this

picture.

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the winter and the shortest

day of the year. It is also know as Christmas and Yule.

In celtic tradition the Holly King rules in the winter as the Oak King

rules in the summer. They constantly battle for supremency. Each one

given way to the other as the seasons change. The Holly King is sometimes

depicted as a woodsy Santa Claus with holly in his hair and

wearing red and often with eight stags.

Stonehenge - A ancient site in the U.K. for celebrating the Winter Solstice.

Thousands gather to celebrate the event every year.

Newgrange in Ireland

Photos of Newgrange a pre-historic monument in Ireland used

for burials and as a passage tomb. On the winter solstice the

sun lines up directly with a entrance chamber. See link for more info.

http://www.newgrangeireland.com/