KILLDEER: BEING A SMART PARENT

Killdeer (North America’s “Lapwing”) is a noisy conspicuous Plover of ploughed fields and golf courses. Although Killdeer is considered to be a “Shorebird”, She lives far from the water. The largest of the Ringed Plovers, Killdeer nests in gravelly areas, as long as it is near some water.


Killdeer has consummate parenting skills. When an intruder comes near her nest, She performs a complex “injury-feigning” display. First Mother Killdeer runs from the nest. Then She takes to the air, some distance away. If that does not work, Mother Killdeer lands, and proceeds to drag one of her wings. She does her “broken wing” display. Intrigued by this, the intruder usually follows Her away from her nest. After awhile, Mother Killdeer makes a miraculous recovery, and flies off, leaving the intruder confused.

Mother Killdeer is a smart parent. Wasting no energy or time, She knows what is effective in protecting her Chicks. Not only does Mother Killdeer have an excellent strategy, She also has a back-up plan. Learn effective parenting from Mother Killdeer.
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NORTHERN LAPWING (PEE-WIT): Encounters with the Sacred

Common in Eurasia, Northern Lapwing is well-known for his haunting ethereal cry. In the lonely places of the land, the marshes and moors, you hear Him singing in his plaintive voice. According to folklore, those who hear his evocative sound, will have someone close to them die soon.


Since his wings make a lapping sound, this Wader, with rounded wings, became known as “Lapwing”. In addition because of his call, Northern Lapwing is also called “Pee-wit”. In Old English, He was called “Hleapwince”, which means “leap with a waver in it”. (This name came from his seemingly erratic flight.)

Many legends worldwide allude to Northern Lapwing’s association with holy people. According to the “Qur’an”, this Bird became a trusted confidant of King Solomon. Northern Lapwing brought news to the King about the Queen of Sheba.

Meanwhile a Swedish myth tells of Northern Lapwing being a servant of the Virgin Mary. After stealing a pair of scissors from the Virgin, she fled. When she was caught, the servant turned into a Lapwing. Even today, people could hear her crying, “Tyvil! Tyvil! I stole them.”

The Hindus speak of Lord Krishna’s mercy towards a nesting Lapwing. Just before the Battle of Kurukshetra, He heard the cries of a mother Lapwing, who had her nest on the battlefield. Lord Krishna, then, placed a huge elephant bell over her nest to protect Her and her eggs from the battle’s fury.

The Celts speak of Northern Lapwing and his wail of warning to people. There are Seven Whistlers of the Otherworlds to tell people of the world’s end. Six of them are searching for the seventh one. When they find him, the world will end. Lapwing’s cries remind people of the Whistlers.

In contrast, Ben Jonson, the English scientist noted that rash people were like “Lapwings running about with shells on their heads”. He was referring to Lapwing Chicks, who hatch with bits of eggshell on their heads. These Chicks will run about as if They are fleeing danger.

When you want the Sacred near you, listen to Northern Lapwing. His voice transcends the Heavens, allowing holiness to find Him. Follow Northern Lapwing to encounter the sacred in your life. But be careful not to be too rash, running about with a shell on your head.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers

PLOVER FAMILY (CHARADRIDDAE): CAMOFLAGUE

The Plover family has two groupings: the Charadriinae, who are the typical Plovers, also known as “Plover” and “Dotterel”, and their close relatives, the Vanellinae, who are the crested Plovers, also called “Lapwings”. The ancient Red-kneed Dotterel (Erythrogonys cinctus) is grouped with the Vanellinae.

Members of the Plover Family are swift running Birds. In addition, these wading Birds are usually found near water, whether it be a small pond or a large lake. Although, the Australian Dotterel (Desert Plover) makes her home in arid regions, She will nest along the margins of streams.

Many Plovers make shallow dirt nests out in the open. However, their eggs look like living pebbles, blending with the soil. Meanwhile, Plover Chicks, after their Parents sound the alarm that an intruder is near, will crouch motionless. Then They will draw back their heads to hide in plain sight. Although Plovers seem to be vulnerable, They have good camoflague.

These small plump Birds are often seen on open shores looking for Worms. Although Plovers are strong fliers, They usually hunt by standing alert actively watching for prey. While standing on one leg, Plovers vibrate the other one lightly on the ground. Attracting Worms by these slight movements, these Birds can easily obtain their next meal.

Among the Plover Family, American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) has one of the most spectacular migrations of any North American Bird. Flying from Arctic Canada, He first stops in Labrador, then He goes non-stop to the northern coast of South America. After resting for awhile in the region of the Amazon River Basin, American Golden Plover then flies to the Pampas of Argentina. Later when the seasons change, He does the whole trip in reverse.

A smaller Member of the Plover Family, European Dotterel is known for her trusting nature. However unlike many other Bird species, the female is the dominant sex. Bigger and more brightly coloured, Female European Dotterel initiates their courtship. After laying her eggs, She leaves her Mate to incubate them whilst She flies off to court another Male.

With their markings, Plovers often blend into the beach, where They live. Foraging for worms, They shake their feet to disguise their movements. Nesting in exposed areas, Plovers have eggs that look like stones.

Plovers demonstrate how to blend in. Call on Plovers to show you how not to be noticed. Only when They quickly run across the ground, stopping only to eat a tasty Mollusk, do you see Them.

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Science Notes:
1. Magellanic Plover, Crab-plover, and Egyptian Plover are in their own groupings and are separate from the Plover Family. Crab-plovers (Dromadida) are unique amongst waders by nesting in burrows that she digs herself. Egyptian Plovers (Pluvianidae) pick leeches off the teeth of crocodiles. Magellanic Plover (Pluvianellidae) are more closely related to Sheathbills (Chionida) than Plovers.

2. These three members of the Plover Family closely resemble each other: American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica), European Plover (Pluvialis apricaria), and Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fluva). Only subtle differences can been seen between these three birds.

Review: "The Sun and The Moon", Brian McClure

“The Sun and the Moon”,  Author: Brian D. McClure, Illustrated By: Buddy Plumlee, Hardcover: 36 Pages, Universal Flag, Lisle, IL, 2008

Advertised as a book for children ages from 1 to 100, “The Sun and the Moon” can be enjoyed by the entire family. One Sunday afternoon, I read the book to my assembled family. This diverse and picky group of people loved Mr. McClure’s story. Adding to their enjoyment was the ending: “We are One.”

An argument between the two old friends – the Sun and the Moon – caused the earth to freeze. Then as the two heavenly bodies began to feel out-of-sorts, they became sad. Upon hearing a sound from the earth, the Sun and the Moon saw how much the earth was suffering because of their stupid fight. Realising how they, the earth, you, and I are all interconnected, the Sun and Moon apologized to each other. Then together, they restored the earth to wholeness again.

I shall not tell you what the sound was that the Sun and the Moon heard. You will need to find that out by reading the book yourself. I shall give you a clue though -- it came from you and me.

Sitting with my child, as we looked at the illustrations, we felt that we too were a part of the story. The Sun and the Moon both looked like what we can see outside our window. Their faces of anger, sadness, and joy were done in subtle brush strokes by Mr. Plumlee. Because of his art work, we could easily connect to them and the other characters in the book.

As the illustrations help us to be a part of the story, so does the writing. Mr. McClure asks us to consider our feelings of fear. Feeling afraid, we would rather fight with each other, than remain friends. However once we realise that we are One, our fear will leave us.

As the book states, “It happened one day right out of the blue,
the Sun told the Moon he was tired and through.
"What do you mean?" the Moon asked the Sun,
"That would be the end of everything, and that wouldn’t be fun!"

Read for yourself. Better yet, read out loud for your family to hear. Even better read with a child. Enjoy the feeling of Oneness with the Universe, and the serenity that this book brings.

You can purchase this book and others directly from UniversalFlag, the author’s website, UniversalFlag
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PEREGRINE FALCON (DUCK HAWK): Act Decisively

The defining feature of Peregrine Falcon is her speed and flying skills. As the fastest Animal on the planet, She often chases Pigeons clocked at 200 MPH (320 Km/h). With incredible speed, Peregrine Falcon dives through the sky, and catches her prey with deadly accuracy. Striking the Pigeon in mid-air, She then captures the stunned Bird with her feet.

Peregrine Falcon’s primary weapon is her speed. Spying an unwary Bird, Peregrine Falcon goes into her “stoop”. She folds back her tail, and tucks her feet and wings into her body. Once into her dive, Peregrine Falcon’s sharp eyes are protected by her third eyelid. Usually killing on impact, She always knocks Pigeon out with a single blow.

Like many Raptors who hunt Birds, Female Peregrine Falcon is larger that her mate. Because Male Peregrine Falcon is one-third small than She is, He is usually called a “Tiercel” (from French “a tierce”, a term in falconry). Mating for life, Peregrine Falcon places her nest (scrapes) on high inaccessible cliffs. There, Mother Peregrine Falcon spends most of her time raising their Chicks (eyasses).

Snatched from the brink of extinction, Peregrine Falcon has learnt to survive and adapt. Wildlife recovery teams were successful in reintroducing Her back into the wild. Moreover, Peregrine Falcon has expanded her territory into cities, where She nests on the towers of suspension bridges and on the ledges of skyscrapers. For food, She hunts City Pigeons. Today, Peregrine Falcon is as at home in the cities as She is in open country.

Move swiftly to achieve your goal teaches Peregrine Falcon. While hunting, She acts decisively in killing Pigeons. After being decimated by DDT misuse, people acted swiftly to save Her from extinction. Relying on her consummate skills, Peregrine Falcon achieves what She sets out to do. You can also. Just let go of your fear, and “go for it”.

FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (3)

Falcons and humans have had a long and complex history together. In Ancient Egypt, Horus, the God of Life, was represented by Peregrine Falcon. For the Greeks, Falcons were the messengers of Apollo. In Peru, the Gods of Creation were born from the eggs of falcons. Meanwhile, Crested Caracara became the National Bird of Mexico.


In addition, peoples worldwide hunted with Falcons. Lanner Falcons, large bold Birds, are favoured by people in Arabia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, a tax on Gyrfalcons in Ancient China resulted in the down fall of an emperor by his falcon-flying nobles. In Japan, falconry was considered a noble art, with game preserves reserved for that purpose.

For Europeans, “Book of Saint Albans” (1486) listed who was permitted to hunt with what Falcon. Princes could only hunt using Peregrines, Ladies Merlins, and Knaves Kestrels. Because of Gyrfalcons’ eminence and power among Falcons, only Kings could fly Them.

However in later years, landowners and gamekeepers killed Falcons as pests. Farmers also poisoned Them for preying on their small Animals. Finally, the overuse of DDT destroyed many Falcon eggs. All these factors caused the numbers of Falcons to crash everywhere.

Then people worldwide rallied to save Falcons. Aware of the problems that DDT caused, conservationists worked to regulate its use. They also sought to reintroduce the Falcon populations into areas where They formerly were.

One notable success in the return of Falcons to the wild is the Mauritius Kestrel. In 1974, only six remained in the world. Through the efforts of many people, by 1992, 250 birds were returned to the wild. Conservationists had developed a captive breeding program to save these Birds. In addition, the government of Mauritius increased the size of their reserves for their Kestrel to live in.

Falcons exude authority, quickness, and fierceness: all qualities of nobility. By their very presence, They inspire us all do noble acts. Man and Falcon together is a glorious sight. Each works with the other to achieve great things. In Ancient Egypt, Horus, the Lord of Light, had a body of a man and a head of a falcon. With the help of Falcons, let us aspire to be noble in both our thoughts and deeds.

FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (2)

The other major grouping is the Polyborinae which comprises of the Caracaras, Forest Falcons, and Laughing Falcon. The Polyborinae are believed to be the direct descendants of the first Falcons. Generally grouped with the Polyborinae, Falconets and Pygmy Falcons are the smallest Birds of Prey who are active during the day.

Named for her shrill call, Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) is a specialist at catching and eating Snakes. While sitting in a tree, She scans the ground for the elusive Snake. Espying one, Laughing Falcon drops like a stone, and quickly grabs the surprised Snake with her feet.

Living only in the Americas, Forest Falcons are well suited for life in the rainforests. With their short wings, these Birds can twist and turn whilst flying through the trees. Then with their long legs, Forest Falcons seize their prey.

Meanwhile Crested Caracara feeds on sick and dying animals. He also scavenges at garbage dumps for food. Unlike the other Falcons, He has long broad-rounded wings.

FALCON FAMILY (Falconidae): Nobility (1)

Known for their courage and fierceness, Falcons are regarded highly by people. For many centuries, They have been a notable part of human culture. For example, in some religions, these Birds are representatives of the Gods or are their messengers. In addition, falconry is considered to be a noble sport by many.


The Falcon Family is usually divided into two groups (although many scientists disagree on how to classify particular falcons). The Falconiae consists of the “true” Falcons, that are the Gyrfalcon, Hobby, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine. These Falcons are usually known by what They hunt. The “Duck Hawk” is the Peregrine, “Pigeon” the Merlin, and “Sparrow” the Kestrel.

The “true” Falcons (Falco) are then roughly divided into four groups according to their size. The first group consists of the Kestrels (except for American Kestrel). With only small adjustments to the trim of their wings, Kestrels can hover whilst keeping their heads still. Because of their constant hovering, Kestrels are also known as “Windhovers” and “Standgales”.

The second grouping consists of the Hobbies, who are best known for their aerobatic flights. Hobbies soar, swoop, then gracefully climb to the sky, and finally dive executing an intricate series of loops. Flying fast, Hobbies will steal from Kestrels while in flight.

The third grouping is Peregrine Falcon and her relatives. These strong fliers feed on mid-sized Birds such as Ducks and Pigeons. Also, in this grouping are the Hierofalcons (the Lanner Falcon, Laggar, and Saker).

The last group consists only of Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus), considered to be the largest and most majestic of the Falcons. This formidable hunter dominates the Arctic skies. Going long distances, He will fly low over open tundra scanning for Rabbits. From his ledge perch, Gyrfalcon will suddenly swoop down to snatch an unsuspecting Ptarmigan for a tasty meal.
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CRESTED CARACARA (MEXICAN EAGLE): Rethink Old Ideas

Part predator and part scavenger, Crested Caracara is a member of the Polyborinae subgroup of the Falcon Family. (Native to the Americas, the Polyborinae group also includes the Forest Falcons and Laughing Falcon.) As one of the most eye-catching members of the Falcon Family, Crested Caracara has a distinctive black crest and a featherless red-orange face. In fact, this broad-winged Falcon is the charismatic National Bird of Mexico.

Not particularly a powerful hunter, Crested Caracara usually feeds on sick and wounded Animals. Instead of sharp claws like other Falcons, He has blunt ones, which are well adapted for walking and scratching in the dirt for Insects. Despite his slow flight, Crested Caracara is actually a close relative of the narrow- winged Falcons.

Also, Crested Caracara has another “unfalconlike” trait. He makes a nest instead of laying his eggs on a rocky ledge. However, his nest is an untidy heap of sticks. And, you can usually find Crested Caracara’s nest on the top of a solitary palm tree.

Crested Caracara takes every opportunity to obtain food. He patrols garbage dumps looking for rotting meat. In Brazil, He will fly along trains to eat meat offered on sticks by railway workers. Crested Caracara will even snatch a young Turtle as He searches the lakeshore for a tasty meal.

Although there are many aspects of Crested Caracara’s lifestyle that is decidedly “unfalconlike”, He is still a Falcon. This eye catching Bird urges us to rethink our notions of Falcons, as well as other things we thought we knew. He calls to us to expand our horizons, and to embrace new concepts about old established ideas. Look to Crested Caracara for inventive thinking.
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OSPREY (SEA HAWK): Choices

Often mistaken for an immature Bald Eagle, Osprey is the only raptor with a reversible outer toe. However, this “Fish Hawk” is neither a Hawk nor a Falcon, but instead is classified in her own family of Pandianidae. With her special toe, Osprey is perfectly adapted to capturing and securing her elusive prey-Fish.

As a fish eater, Osprey has one of the widest ranges for Birds, and can be found worldwide. Her opposable toe gives Her wide latitude also. For example, when Osprey is perching on a tree, her three toes remain in front while the fourth one grips the branch from the back. In catching a Fish, her toes line up with two on either side of her prey. Flying low over the lake, Osprey grabs her prey with her feet. Moreover, the spiny soles on her feet help Her to keep a firm grip on the slippery Fish. However if Osprey grabs a particularly large Fish, She stands a chance of drowning since She cannot let go easily.

People around the world respect Osprey and her mythic powers. The Pueblo People of North America named Her, “Water Eagle". Meanwhile other Native Americans regarded Osprey to have good powers since She often warned people of impending danger.

In Europe, Osprey was the “White Eagle” of heraldry, for She caught Fish through hypnosis. Instead of escaping, They would simply turn belly up in surrender. Because of this myth, people believed that killing an Osprey would cause the Mackerel and Herring to leave the nearby seas.

Anywhere Fish live, there you will find Osprey. With her special toe, She is highly adaptable. Wherever She dwells, Osprey employs her consummate skill at fishing. So good is Osprey that She is considered an honorary Eagle.

Osprey shows how having a skill allows you to adapt to life most anywhere. With a skill, you can thrive in any place of your choosing. Just do not become so overconfident that you grab a Fish large enough to drown you. “Choose wisely,” counsels Osprey.
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Copyright: Virginia Carper (2010), Animal Teachers, animalteachers @ gmail . com

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.

Grebe Family: Grace

An ancient family of Birds, Grebes were once believed to be the relatives of Loons. Instead, these elegant Birds of the Water are actually related to Flamingoes. Because Loons and Grebes share similar life styles, people thought that the two Bird Families were related.

Often seen ferrying their Chicks on their backs, Grebes spend their entire lives in the water. These stately Birds court, feed, sleep, and raise their Young on the water. Even when threatened, Grebes will dive beneath the surface, with their Offspring clinging to their backs.

Best known for their elaborate courting dances, Grebes perform a long series of ritual moves. They start by swimming up to each other. Breast to breast, the two Birds twist their heads from side to side, lifting their bodies up. Then, the two Grebes beat their feet together and rock their heads. Continuing this ritual, They perform their stately weed dance.

In the 1800s, the feathers of Grebes were extensively used to decorate ladies hats. Because of this, these elegant Birds nearly went extinct. Through the efforts of the Bird Protection Movement, the population of Grebes rebounded. In fact, today many species of Grebes flourish around the world. They continue their beautiful dances for all to watch.

Grebes are endowed with the power of Grace. Their courting dances glorify physical grace. Grebes offer spiritual grace to those who saved them from extinction. They glide stately across still waters, empowering those who glimpse them. Grebes demonstrate the many aspects of grace from the physical to the spiritual. Let us learn about Grace in all its forms from these Birds.

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/