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Celtic Romance 8/24/2005 3:03:48 AM
WARRIOR WOMEN, LONG SWORDS, AND HOT HEROES BOOK SITE OF THE WEEK:
A fab site on Robert Burns and his works!
http://www.robertburns.org/
WEB STIE OF THE WEEK:
The Sacred Fire, “contains a wealth of information about our ancient Celtic heritage... the old religion, rituals, mythology and ceremonies practiced by our Celtic ancestors. “ http://www.sacredfire.net/frameweb.html
The Roman historian Tacitus, indicates there were druids with her, for he describes the Celts impaling the bodies of roman women and mutilating them for rituals. These descriptions don't fit with normal druid practices and were probably war propaganda. But there is no doubt she had druids with it.
The druids supported the rebellion. This was not only Boudicca’s war, it was a religious war as well. Rome’s policy of religious tolerance with conquered countries was waved when it came to Judaism and Druidry. In both, the spiritual leaders had such strong influence, the Roman government thought they could entice a revolt. Therefore these two religions were considered a threat.
Near the time of Prasutagus's death, the roman governor of Britannia, Seutonius Paulinus attacked the isle of Mona, (now Anglesey). This was the druid center. From near and far, noble Celts destined for the Druid priesthood came to study in the groves and temples of Anglesey. Both men and women were druids. Then as now wisdom doesn’t come easy and the druids underwent a lengthy three phases scholastic, artisan, and spiritual training. It took as long as twenty years to become a druid. The druids took on multi roles of Priest, doctors, poets, minstrels, astrologers, philosophers, judges, and teachers.
Seutonius’s infantry crossed to Anglesey on a flotilla of flat bottom boats. The cavalry forded and swam across at their horses’ side. With slingshots, druid women hurled fireballs, rags soaked in pitch and lighted, at the boats. But the Romans made there way on shore and burned down huts, temples, even the trees, and slew the druids. There were survivors who made their way to the mountains where the Celts kept the old ways for many centuries to come.
Here is an EXCERPT FROM my Celtic/Romacne novel ONE HEART ONE WAY with an example of how they kept the old ways, as a 8th century Celtic warrior form Powys prepares for battle.
* * *
After sleeping off the ale, he rose at dawn recommitted to keeping Ricole. He prepared himself for his mission in the old ways.
Scan bore the woad and the limewash Neilyn had mixed. Blaise bathed his hair with powdered limestone and water then spiked his mane until it stood as thick as a hedgehog's coat. With the woad dye Neilyn painted magic symbols of the gods upon Blaise's forehead. The druid chanted ancient words of power as Scan strummed the harp.
"Before the sky and the earth and the sea,
Before the sun and the moon and the stars,
I place a circle of safekeeping around you.
Oh Blaise, bind yourself to Bran's power,
mighty is its strain, Oh Blaise.
Magical energy will enliven,
And empower you on the field of battle.
Thrust the Saesneg away with the sword of Nuada.
I place a circle of safekeeping around you.
Oh Blaise, bind yourself to Bran's power."
Scan continued to strum the harp and Neilyn drew blue circles upon Blaise's legs, arms, and chest as he continued the enchantment.
"Win your princess as Bran foretold,
So the two of you shall return to us,
To live a life full of honey,
With peace as ample as the sky.
Be this nine times eternal.
I place a circle of safekeeping around you.
Oh Blaise, bind yourself to Bran's power."
Blaise picked up a bronze mirror adorned with Celtic tracery. The image of a warrior prince painted with the magic of the old gods gazed back at him. He burned with pride and determination.
With long strides he walked to his horse. Before he vaulted onto his steed, Neilyn presented him with Nuada's sheathed sword of power. Blaise drew the blade from the serpent etched sheath. The gleaming bronze hilt, curved in never-ending circles of life, mesmerized him. Rays of sunlight danced upon the long, powerful sword, which glistened with an ethereal luster.
Neilyn bent his head down and lightly kissed the gleaming blade. Blaise raised it high in the air as Brochfael, Elisedd, and all the gathered Cymry praised its power.
Then he sheathed the blade and belted it at his side.
He swung upon his horse. He grasped Ricole's forearm and eased her into the saddle. Then he wrapped his arm about her tightly and nudged his horse down the mountain path.
Blaise's men, clad in boiled leather and tartan cloaks, followed his lead. All the inhabitants of Dinas Bran stood outside the gates transfixed as Blaise of Powys, dressed in full Cymraeg regalia, rode onward with Princess Ricole to the Saxon stronghold of Wessex.
THIS WEEK’S CLIO AND CORNELIA ENCOUNTER:
As published in Romance Ever After:
Cornelia & Clio
Cornelia and her muse Clio, take readers on an adventure in history. Whether exploring Rome, the age of the Celts, or ancient Egypt, there is always something to learn from Cornelia and her muse!
Clio & Atlantis
Is the existence of Atlantis truth or a myth? Cornelia's muse Cleo may hold the answer for you!
http://www.romanceeverafter.com/clio_&_atlantis.htm
