Irish Gratitude

I've long felt that Black people and Irish people share a common bond.  We share a love of fiddle music, we understand oppression in a way most people don't, and we're deeply religious people.  As a Pagan, I am grateful for the Old Religion of Irish ancestry.  Where would we be without the Celtic folklore, and the history and mystery of Ireland?  Many of the practices that are common in Paganism and Wicca come from the Irish, especially if you are one who follow the practices of the Druids or the Fey.  "Scratch the topsoil of Irish Christianity, and you come at once to the bedrock of paganism" - Janet and Stewart Farrar, "The Witches Bible".

Yesterday was St. Patrick's day.  Over the weekend many people including myself celebrated, by listening to great music, wearing green, and drinking large amounts of alcohol.  All things in moderation it was a great time, and I have deep gratitude for my true love, my hubby, who is a "Bagley" of Irish/Scottish descent.

Yesterday as we were celebrating, we were blessed to hear live fiddle music.  I love the sound of live fiddle music.  It speaks to me. 

It reaches down into my ole West Virgini roots and to the roots of my paternal Grandfather who was from Barton, Alabama.  Mind you I've never set one foot in Alabama, but I did have some wonderful family reunions in West Virigina.  Nobody ever played fiddle music that I can recall, but I do remember my Mom showing me how she could play the spoons once.  I also love Bluegrass and Irish music.  Recently I feel in love with the band, Civil Wars, who had unique folk, blues sound and recorded the awesome song, "Barton Hollow".  Unfortunately their band has broken up, but perhaps in the future they'll record some more great songs.  Even though I didn't grow up listening to this type of music, obviously one never gets too far from their roots!

In conclusion I gratefully raise a toast to the Irish!  Blessed Be their Culture, their Old Ways, and Spirit!

Priestess Najah

Honoring Death - Bless you Uncle Bob, Bless you Donna Summer

Every time one of my music idols dies, a little piece of me goes too. I feel their loss deeply and profoundly as their music makes up the soundtrack of my life. I realize they obtain their immortality through the love of listening to their music over and over. I'm still grieving so many wonderful musicians who have passed over lately and am grateful for their gifts and how they shared their music with me, helping me to celebrate, laugh, dance or cry through the moments of my life. My Uncle Bob passed last Thursday and I couldn't find the tears until Donna Summer, passed over as well. For some reason listening to her songs brought back my childhood memories of good times I had with him. In this tech age of instant soundbites of life and notifications coming in so quickly seems like we never get the time to sit and honor death. I know we all go this way eventually and yet it still makes me very sad, when someone passes that had such an impact on my life.

As always Bright Blessings to You.