From the Mailbox

Of interest to Bards is The Triumph of the Sea Gods: The War Against the Goddess Hidden in Homer’s Tales, by Steven Sora. It promises to compellingly argue that "Homer’s tales are adaptations of Celtic myths that took place off the Iberian Peninsula around 1200 B.C." I'll add this one to my “I'd like to read” list.

For those on the Seer's Path, Herbal Prescriptions after 50: Everything You Need to Know to Maintain Vibrant Health may be of interest. Besides offering herbal remedies for various conditions associated with aging, it includes information on more than 150 herbs, their actions, preparation methods, and recommended dosages. Along the same lines is Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. This book reveals how adaptogenic herbs (tonics) can be used to counter the effects of age and stress.

 The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel   is scheduled for release by New World Library in March 2007.   This is Frank MacEowen’s third book following the highly acclaimed   Mist-Filled Path:Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers, and Seekers and his Spiral of Memory and Belonging: A Celtic Path of Soul and Kinship.  In The Celtic Way of Seeing, Frank offers a way to associate the four directions into a spirit wheel which can be used to offer guidance and protection in daily life. We hope to have a review of it for our next issue.  

The following items are from the Keltrian Druid Blog  

Druid's Circle of Ulverston

The Modern Antiquarian (http://www.themodernantiquarian.com) has wonderful forums including photos and artistic impressions for many standing stone sites. If you haven't done so, check them out. Also, the Druid's Circle of Ulverston is a little known site that would be of interest on a visit to Cumbria.— tt

Reminder - Carrying "Weapons" can be Trouble

Last June, The (Portsmouth) News (http://www.portsmouthtoday.co.uk) reported that the Insular Order of Druids Archdruid, Debbie King, was arrested and had her ritual blade confiscated after checking it with security at a courthouse. Now, according to The (Portsmouth) News, she finally received her athame back. Excellent.

The UK has tight laws regarding carrying weapons. Here in the United States, every state and many municipalities have laws regarding knives and other weapons. In many cases single-edged knives are handled differently than double-edged blades. In order to avoid problems, it is extremely important to be careful whenever carrying any form of ritual tool. Know what the laws are in your state or city. Sickles are generally not as restricted, however swords (as in a representation of the Sword of Nuada) and spears (as in a representation of the Spear of Lugh) are often tightly controlled. Transporting them or using them in public venues can result in confiscation or even arrest.—tt