Writing in English Using the Ogham (Old Irish) Letters

Writing in English with a non-English alphabet is difficult. For example, when using the Japanese katakana alphabet, you cannot write “led” and “red” since there is no difference between “R” and “L” sounds in Japanese. Similar problems also occur as well with the Ogham. For example, writing words that contain the English letters “V” or “X” are riddled with problems since neither exists as Ogham letters.

To write a simple paragraph of English using the Ogham, I encountered several problems. The English letter “P” has various representations. The Ogham letter Uileand is both “UI”, “P”, and “PE”, while Ifin is “IO” and “PH”. Although I do not speak Old Irish, I assume that English sounds for “P” differs from Irish. Likewise a similar situation exists for the letter “X”. The Ogham letter Eamhancholl is both “AE” and “X”. For the English letter “K”, Eabhadh is “EA”, “CH”, and “KH”. However for a hard “K” sound in English, I used Coll (“C”).

The sounds of different languages do not always replicate each other. For example, Japanese has “TSU” sound which English cannot replicate. Care should be used when using a non-native alphabet in writing any language. For those reasons, I could not write letter for letter in English using the Ogham letters.

When I was writing the word “squirrel”, I had a choice. I could be literal and use the Ogham letters Ceirt (“Q”) and Ur (“U”) or use the sounds that the letters Coll (hard “C”) and Ur (“U”) represent for the “QU” sound. I chose to be literal. However this exercise does highlight the problem that linguists often have in translating words from one alphabet to another alphabet.

VERMILION FLYCATCHER: PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIVES

The most spectacular of the Tyrant Flycatchers is Vermilion Flycatcher. In his dazzling courtship displays, Vermilion Flycatcher dips and spreads his tail to show off his brilliant red plumage. Singing “pit-a-see pit-a-see” in soft tinkling notes, He ends his courting song with a high trill. While He is singing, Vermilion Flycatcher bounces across the sky on fluttering wings.

Living in pairs, Vermilion Flycatcher is usually found in open country or near bodies of water. His territory ranges from southwestern United States to South America. Although, Vermilion Flycatcher is easily noticed in his brilliant colours, little is known about his life. One of the few things that is known is that He will lose his red colouring when in captivity.

Vermilion Flycatcher lives a very public life while maintaining his privacy. He has actually two lives- one personal and one public. Learn from Him, what the difference is. Also, let Vermilion Flycatcher show you how to keep parts of your life private, as well.

EASTERN KINGBIRD: Guardianship

Since He is the most aggressive of the Tyrant Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbird is called “Tyrannus tyrannus” (Tyrant tyrant). Because of his great daring, Native Americans called Him “Little Chief”. During the summertime, He vigourously guards his nest from intruders.

During the breeding season, Eastern Kingbird chases away Crows, Hawks, and other large Birds. Knocking Blue Jay off a close-by tree branch, He drives Him away. Afterwards Eastern Kingbird lands on a back of a near-by Crow. Eastern Kingbird pulls on her feathers to force Her to leave the area, also.

Often seen perched on a branch, Eastern Kingbird watches for intruders and of course Insects. Head held high, He is as focused as Cheetah in his pursuit of prey. Zeroing on Mosquito, Eastern Kingbird turns on a dime, and grabs Her in mid-air.

Since He is defending his nest, Eastern Kingbird is aggressive towards all. At other times of the year, He tolerates other Birds. Only during the breeding season does Eastern Kingbird engage in fierce fights. Standing guard over his Chicks, He often dashes out to harass any intruder.

Learn fierce protection of your children from Eastern Kingbird. Ever watchful, He sits erect guarding his Mate and their Chicks. With pluck, Eastern Kingbird repells all intruders. However do not become so aggressive that you become known as a tyrant.

TYRANT FLYCATCHER FAMILY: Seize Your Opportunities

Tyrant Flycatchers, one of the largest Bird Families, are found only in the Americas. Members of this Family are often named for the sound that They make such as “phoebe” or “kikadee”. These Birds also can be identified by their bristly whiskers and broad flat bills. This diverse Family of Birds ranges from the pugnacious Kingbird to Greater Kiskade, who can take down small Mammals. However all of Them hunt Insects as a rule.

The best representative of the Tyrant Flycatcher Family is Cattle Tyrant. Called “Jinete” (Horseman) in Venezuela, Cattle Tyrant rides on the backs of Dogs, Horses, Pigs, and of course Cows. He seizes every opportunity to catchthe Flies that these Animals disturb.

Tyrant Flycatchers are born opportunists. These versatile Birds are found throughout the Americas – in open country, rain forests, and woodlands from Canada to Tierra del Fuego. Wherever there are Flies, you will find Tyrant Flycatchers. Let Them show you how to find opportunities for yourself. Just do not ride on the backs of others to do it.

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Science Notes:
1. Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae) are not related to Old World Flycatchers (Musciapidae).

Who I am in the Tarot (3)

The Sun (XIX), Page of Swords, The Fool (0), and Knight of Wands are the stages of my recovery. In The Sun (XIX), I am protected by the wall and watched over by the sun. However I am not holding on to my horse. The Page of Swords is me leaving the safety of The Sun. With my sword battling the sky, I am looking over my shoulder. Not watching where I am going, I am about to trip.




The Fool (0) is the child of The Sun (XIX) card grown up. Chin lifted, not looking at the ground, he is also like the Page of Swords. As The Fool, I am being watched over by The Sun, but the wall has crumbled behind me. Finally the Knight of Wands is me, fully equipped to meet the world. Riding my horse, holding my staff, I am paying full attention. Protected in my armour, I go out into the world unafraid.

Who I am in the Tarot (2)

The Ace of Pentacles and Ace of Cups support the Page in his journey. Since both provide substance to me materially and emotionally, they gently remind me of the bounty of the Universe. Because this is a fearful time for me, I always go out with a staff (for balance). I am also wary of things falling out of the sky. Even though the Aces come from the sky, they protect me.

Who I am in the Tarot (1)

For me, the following cards attracted me to them: The Ace, Three, Nine, Page, and Knight of Wands, the Aces of Pentacles and Cups, the Page of Swords, The Fool (0), and The Sun (XIX). The majority of these cards are Wands, which represents to me the physical aspects of life. In addition, I can feel the energy of the Aces.

The Nine of Wands and Three of Wands represent me today. I see them as front and back of each other. Holding my staff, I have a bandage on my head, and am standing waiting and watching. I am not moving, just standing.




The Page of Wands, wearing a helmet, has his head protected. Moreover, he is receiving his new staff from the Ace of Wands. Now the Page is ready to go out, and meet the world. Nattily attired, he is happy to greet everyone he meets.

Translating Ogham Stones

As I translated the various stones from the Celtic Inscribed Stones Project (CISP), I began to appreciate the linguists who struggle to interpret these stones correctly. I applaud their devotion in deciphering an old language and its culture. I also learnt how errors creep into people’s interpretations of old languages, and that these interpretations need to be reviewed from time to time.

I had several problems in reading these stones. First, I kept trying to read them in the “English language style” of left to right, top to bottom. As I encountered various stones that wrapped around, I became further confused. I refocused on how to understand the flow of Old Irish and its writing system.

Another problem that I had was the same one that various linguists had. I saw letters differently or ones that were not there. I began to understand why the later experts reread the stones instead of simply accepting Macalister’s translations done in the 1940s. Breakthroughs of the written alphabets of various languages do occur, and it is good to revisit what earlier linguists did.

My final problem was my desire to translate many of the letters into a form of MAQI (son of). I work on pencil puzzles for my brain exercises. As I worked on these stones, I began to think of the Oghams as another version of a pencil puzzle. Therefore when I came to “solve them”, I wanted to fill in the blanks. However, I was surprised that some of the experts were as stumped by the stones as I was. After reminding myself that the Oghams represented a language, I could finish translating.

After translating these stones, I came away with the idea that they were markers of some sort. They all contain male names, usually detailing their lineage. In the small town in the North Woods that my family came from, people commonly referred to each other by their lineage i.e. “He is the son of Mary’s oldest daughter, who was Burt’s youngest child”.

I noticed that place and time were not noted on the stones. I believe that both are modern conventions, since in older times people rarely moved from where they were born. Also, implicit in the listing of the lineage is the time or year.

I was disappointed that more details about the people were not on the stones. I reasoned that if they went to the trouble of inscribing the stones, then why not note the deeds of the person as well. Perhaps, these were famous people, whose deeds were already known. Perhaps as discussed by the scholars they could have been simply boundary markers.

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Stone: Emlagh East EMLGE/1/1
My version: BRUSCCOS MAQQI (son of) C
Correct: BRUSCCOS MAQQI (son of) CAL(I)AC(I)
Notes: I got this one wrong because I read the stone backwards. When I finally reversed my reading, I did get something similar but was not able to read all the letters.

WORKS USED:
------, “Celtic Inscribed Stones Project”, Department of History and Institute of Archaelogy, University College, London, 2000, http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/cisp/database/

ANTBIRDS: Enthusiasm

Recently biologists split the very large family of Antbirds into two groups –Typical Antbirds (Thamnophilidae) and Antthrushes or Ground Antbirds (Formicariidae). In addition, Antpittas are now in their own group, the Grallariidae. Once the groups were divided, Typical Antbirds became more homogenous (especially in describing their colour and behaviour.

Instead of being brightly coloured like many other Birds of the Amazon rainforest, these Birds are usually black, grey, and rufous. However Antbirds make up for their lack of colour with their enthusiasm. Gregarious by nature, Antbirds are the most vocal and conspicuous members of their mixed-bird flock. These small Birds, with rounded wings, sing loudly and enthusiastically with their “loud calls”. (Antbirds do have “soft calls”.)

These Birds are called Antbirds because of their favourite food - Ants. Gleaning Ants from leaf litter to following swarms is what Antbirds do best. They also eat the Insects escaping the path of marching Army Ants. Sitting sideways perched over the ant swarms, Antbirds seem fidgety however They are actively avoiding the Ants crawling about them.

Antbirds have pushed into every nook and cranny of the rainforests of South America. In fact, many scientists consider these Birds to be core species in the cloud forests, rainforest floors, and even in forests’ mid-story. This gives richness to their species, and delights birdwatchers with sightings of new Antbirds. Be enthusiastic as Antbirds, who have adapted to nearly all the environments that They are found in. Embrace life and enjoy it with zest loudly sing Antbirds to those who will listen.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2010

Tarot Spread: Body Mind Spirit (2)

In the third reading, I asked what direction my business should take. I was a vendor selling my wares at various festivals. Since I could no longer do this, I asked what to do next. The cards that were dealt were the Nine of Pentacles, Ten of Wands and Knight of Cups. The Nine of Pentacles (body) indicated I could succeed in doing my business from home. Then Ten of Wands (mind) said for me to lay down my burden because my brain needed to heal. Meanwhile the Knight of Cups (spirit) indicated I would go on a quest and eventually find my way.

At this point, I asked what quest. The Eight of Pentacles and The Moon (XVII) were my answer. The Eight of Pentacles, in the Thoth Deck, is the Lord of Prudence. Then, The Moon (XVII) said to pay attention to my dreams.



In the fourth reading, I again asked for more details about my impending quest. The Ten of Wands, Knight of Swords, and Queen of Pentacles appeared. Building on the last reading, the Ten of Pentacles (body) basically said stop what you are doing. It is not your path to take. The Knight of Swords (mind) charged forward exclaiming “Let go! Ride the wind with me!” Then, the Queen of Pentacles (spirit) reassured me all will be well.

Tarot: Body Mind Spirit Spread (1)

Using the “Body-Mind-Spirit” Spread, I did four readings. (Because one reading left me with more questions, I drew two more cards after that reading for more illumination.) My overview of this spread is that it is a story in three chapters. The positions were further highlighted when the same cards appeared in two of the readings in different places.

In the first spread, I asked how I should deal with my brain injury. Because of it, I have problems of perception. The cards that were dealt were The Chariot (VII), Ace of Cups, and Seven of Wands respectively. The story, they told was to accept help and stop struggling by yourself. The Chariot (VII) (body) emphasised let yourself be carried forward. The Ace of Cups (mind) said allow yourself to be healed. And finally Seven of Wands (spirit) said stop struggling. (This card reminded me of fighting all by myself against the world.)



In my second reading, I asked how I could help my son in his college life. The Ace of Cups, Two of Pentacles, and Seven of Wands came up respectively. (The sex of the characters on the cards was important since they featured young men.) The Two of Pentacles (mind) suggested that he had to balance his body and spirit by himself. The Ace of Cups (body) suggested that I provide him with basic needs, so that he could fight his own battles. The Seven of Wands (spirit) emphasised that I need to get out of his way, and allow him to mature.

COOT: Interconnectedness

Often described as ungainly, Coots (Fulicae) seems to be a combination of several Birds. They have the body and habits of Ducks, the bill of Chickens, and the lobed toes of Grebes. In addition, their featherless frontal shield gave rise to the expression “bald as a Coot”.

Splattering across the water as They take off and land, Coots are easily noticed. Relatives of Moorhens, Coots bob their heads about while walking. They are decidedly unromantic Birds.

The only members of the Rail Family who live in groups, Coots zealously guard their small territories. (A group of Coots is called a “cover”.) Both Male and Female Coots will assert Themselves, feathers erect, against intruders. Moreover, with their powerful feet, Coots will flip over a rival and try to drown Them.

These ungainly odd Birds are indicators of the health of the wetlands, for their disappearance tolls the bell for other species. However, the groundskeepers of many golf courses make war with Coots since They damage the greens and ponds. But Coots need to be tolerated for all our sakes. We need to pay attention to these Birds and keep Them safe, since Coots demonstrate our interconnectedness with all.

COMMON MOORHEN (WATERHEN, GALLINULE): Be Fierce

A familiar sight in marsh lands is Common Moorhen high stepping and bobbing along. Because of her hen-like movements, Common Gallinules is also called “Moorhen”, “Waterhen” or “Marshhen.” A greedy eater, Common Moorhen will first feast on Slugs and Snails in the water. Later She will climb onto nearby berry bushes to scarf down the blackberries that She finds.

When mating season comes, Female Common Moorhen will build a nest in the dense vegetation. Unlike many other Birds, She actively competes for Mates. With her wings raised, Common Moorhen races across the water to claim her Mate. After mating, She stoutly protects her Chicks from predators.

Common Moorhen is neither shy nor is She retiring. Instead She is fierce in all that She does. One naturalist witnessed a Common Moorhen drive off a Stoat that had been swimming near her Chicks. Fearlessly She lives her life fully. Common Moorhen urges you to be fierce, and claim your place in the world.

RAIL FAMILY: How to be Elusive

Shy and secretive, Rails are rarely seen but often heard. In the marshes, Rails race through the dense vegetation on their strong legs and long toes. With their short wings, stout legs, and compressed bodies, They can easily escape into the grasses. “Thin as a Rail” refers to their supple bodies and abilities to hide in plain sight.

The Rail Family has nearly thirty Sub-groupings. The most notable are Coots, with their bald plates, and Waterhens, who are like Hens in their activities. In addition, Swamphen, Purple Gallinules, and Tahakee comprise the Porphyrio group of Rails.

Tahakee of New Zealand is the largest living member of the Rail Family. Like many Rails found on islands, Tahakee is flightless. Because of the competition of introduced animals on their islands, many Rail species are threatened with
extinction. In fact, Tahakee was thought to be extinct several times.

At a local marsh I was visiting, the naturalist could only identify the Rails by their calls but could not find Them. Moreover, none of us could see Rails amongst the reeds. The loud calls of Rails can be heard in the wetlands, but the Birds Themselves are not seen.

Like Foxes, Rails are elusive, choosing when to be noticed and not. Melding back into the reeds with relative ease, Rails can disappear in front of you. However do not become so elusive that you end up extinct by not being noticed.

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Science Notes:

1. In various regions of the world, Rails are called different names. In the Old World, Rails are separated into long-billed birds known as “rails”, and short-billed ones as “crakes”. The term “Rails” include coots, crakes, gallinules, and swamphens.

2. Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) have many names. They are also called “skitty coots” and “black gallinules”. Blue Gallinules (Porphyrio porphyrio) belong to the Porphyrio sub-grouping of Rails. Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) and Watercock (Gallicrex cinerea) are Rails of different sub-groupings.

RHEA: SINGLE FATHERHOOD

The largest Bird of the Americas, Greater Rhea is a familiar sight on the Pampas of South America. Meanwhile, the smaller Darwin’s (Lesser) Rhea roams in the mountains of Chile. As Ratites, Rheas have no keel bone, and are therefore flightless. However, They can sprint at great speeds with their powerful legs.

What Rheas are noted for are their mating and breeding habits. When establishing their Harems, Rhea Cocks bit and kick each other. Zookeepers say that during breeding season, Rhea Cocks will chase them out of their cages. Meanwhile, Argentine ranchers have Dogs to keep the aggressive Cocks at bay from their Herds.

The victorious Rhea makes a nest on the ground, and lines it with plant leaves. When He is ready, Rhea Cock races towards his Hens with outstretched wings. He calls to Them, “Nan-du.” (In fact, in many part of South America, Rhea is called “Nandu”.) After mating, Rhea Cock directs Rhea Hen to the nest. After She lays her Eggs, He shoos Her away and cares for the eggs Himself.

Rhea Cock will incubate up to sixty eggs. However to protect his brood from intruders, He may rolls a few out of the nest for predators to take. The remainder, He guards by stretching his long neck out and hissing a warning. Wielding his large beak, Rhea can effectively kill an intruder, while watching over his Chicks. Rhea Cock will rear his Chicks until They are independent in two to three years.

Rhea Cock shows us the highs and lows of single parenthood. He tends to his Chicks, but cannot incubate all the Eggs, which means that a high percentage does not hatch. However, the remainder, He will fiercely defend with beak and claw. Be a good father, but know your limits in having children counsels Rhea.

PREPARATIONS FOR TAROT READINGS

Depending on whether the reading is a simple or a complex one, I have two different ways of preparing for it. However, for all the readings that I do, I light a candle. I was taught that this was to signal that divining is about to occur. Meditating on the flame clears my mind and readies it for divination. Since divination is for me a conversation with the Gods, I use the candle lighting to enter sacred time.

Another thing that I do is to have formal tea. I have a small ceremony which includes selecting the loose tea, washing the china teacups, and setting out the tea biscuits. Taking tea relaxes me and makes the transition to sacred time and space easier. Also, it puts me in the frame of mind for reading. The small ceremony is a way to transition from the secular to the sacred.

For a three card reading, I simply shuffle the cards and lay them beside my teacup. Usually, I am not thinking of any question, but am simply looking for general information. I lay out the cards and make notes of my impressions.

For a more formal or complex reading, I follow my training as a Roman Augur. First, I define my sacred space by declaring its boundaries. Then, I burn incense to the Gods, and cleanse the area. I own two divination cloths that I use. One is from a Tarot kit, and the other is one I made by weaving. I use the Tarot cloth for class and casual readings. The other, which is dedicated to the Goddess Frigga, is for more formal readings.

Since I consider divination to be a sacred act, I calm myself first, and then formulate the question. After remaining quiet for a few minutes, I shuffle the cards and deal them. I record my question and first impressions. Then I do a more formal write up of the reading.

Although, I regard divination to hear the whisperings of the Gods, I see the informal three card spread to be more of a daily conversation. More complex spreads are formal venues of decision making that includes listening to the Gods. Such is the difference between the two for me. In Roman divination, the Gods are consulted as to an individual’s choices. I consider a Major Aracana card in a spread to be the opinion of the Gods.

Elemental Scavenger Hunt: Earth

Turkey Feather: Where I live, wild turkeys roam the parks. Called the “Earth Eagle” by Native Americans, the turkey does live close to Mother Earth, rarely flying. Moreover, the feathers of these feisty birds glisten like the jewels of the Earth. Turkeys bring us close to the earth.

White Oak Acorn: This acorn was one that a squirrel partially buried for future food. Each acorn is a miniature of the earth in fertility. Within every acorn are the beginnings of oak trees, mighty trees that are rooted in the earth.

Hickory Nut: Nearby any hickory tree are many large round balls of nuts. When these nuts fall, they make a loud thud reminding everyone of gravity. Moreover, hickory nuts are solid resembling the earth that they fall to.

Gravel: Often underfoot, these ordinary stones subtly remind us of the earth. They quietly service our needs by lining paths, and providing materials for parking lots and drive ways. Often neglected, these small stones are much like the earth, which is usually taken for granted by us.

Dirt: The essence of the earth is dirt. Dirt nourishes life through providing crops, trees, and grass for all of us all. In addition, the soil provides homes for many creatures such as moles and worms, who care for the earth. Without dirt, there would be no earth to speak of.

Elemental Scavenger Hunt: Water

Mussel Shell: I have a small shell that I picked up from a nearby stream. In this steam are shells from other fresh water shellfish. For me, shells, whether they are fresh or sea water ones, represent the essence of water. These animals open and close their shells with the ebb and flow of water.

Fossil Shark Tooth: Parts of the park that I visited were underwater in prehistoric times. Shark teeth abound for those who look carefully. As rulers of the seas, sharks ably demonstrate the fierce power of water.

Duckweed: Growing in ponds, duckweed provides oxygen for the animals that live there. It also offers places for fish and smaller animals to hide from the predator frogs and turtles. Water, in ponds, often obscures the other worlds that lie below.

River Stone: Worn smooth stones wash up from the local rivers and lie on their banks. Smoothing the rough edges of hard rock through time is something that water does well. Within these river stones is the quiet power of water.

Sand: Also associated with water is sand. Like river stones, sand aptly demonstrates the patience of water. Originally consisting of rocks, sand is the result of the waves repeatedly crashing various rocks together. In addition, sand moves like water, constantly shifting and changing, never remaining the same.

ELEMENTAL SCAVENGER HUNT: Fire

White Pine Cone: There are few natural items better for starting a fire than a pine cone. Full of tar and pitch, it makes excellent kindling. In addition, some pine trees, such as Jack Pine, require fire to open their seed cones for dispersal. For these reasons, I think of pines as cousins of the fire.

Sycamore Leaf: Only when hot weather arrives do the sycamore trees leaf out. A tree of summer, they are attuned to its heat and warmth. Come fall, these trees lose their leaves early, usually turning a bright yellow. Sycamores represent the fires of summer.

Red Oak Leaf: In the Celtic tradition, the oak is associated with Taranis, the Celtic God of Thunder. Often struck by lightening, oak trees are sacred to Him. Because of this ancient association, oak represents the illumination of fire.

Cicada Shell: In hot August, you can hear the cicadas buzzing in the trees. The hotter it becomes, the louder they buzz. After mating and molting, they often leave their shells in the tree sap for me to discover. For me, cicada shells contain the heated passions of August.

Piece of Basalt: This volcanic rock came from deep within the earth. Since I live in an area of few volcanoes, I purchased it at the nature center that I go to. For me it represents the fires of earth, the molten center of life.

ELEMENTAL SCAVENGER HUNT: Air

To find items in nature that represented the various elements was an exercise in creative thinking. Since it was winter time while I was collecting these things, I had both an advantage and a disadvantage. I had less to choose from, but could focus more on how each item would be connected to an element.

AIR

White Pine Needles: While standing under the pines, you can hear the trees whisper to the wind. In the fall, their needles drift down forming a warm blanket on the earth. Sometimes, the wind catches the needles in the branches, and they float off into the sky. The playful pine needles call to the wind “Let’s fly!”

Norway Maple Seed: I call these maple seeds “helicopters” for they twirl in the air when they leave their tree. Other people call maple seeds “whirligigs” for the same reason. In the spring, they are usually the first seeds to appear. To the delight of children and adults, these “whirligigs” dance in the spring air.

Weeping Willow Leaf: Graceful weeping willows often catch the subtle breezes. Even in winter weeping willows rarely remain still, swaying their branches to and fro. Catching the movement of the wind with their branches, the willows hold a conversation with the air.

Crow Feather: As the crows molted, I would find their feathers on the ground. Although they are no longer used for flying, these crow feathers can still capture the wind. To me, these feathers represent air in all its wondrous glory.

Rose Petal: On particularly windy days, the rose bushes will let loose their petals. When catching a breeze, the aroma of the roses will waft through the air. These red blooms remind me of the tender breezes of June.