“Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can't remember who we are or why we're here.”
-- The Secret Life of Bees. Sue Monk Kidd
Stories. I can’t imagine life without stories, I don’t even know how that would be possible. We are wired for stories, ears to take in the words and an imagination to set the scene and bring the characters to life.
The Cailleach Circle is a journey through the dark of the year with stories to engage with. You’ll fully engage with these stories -not just in their retelling but by exploring what questions emerge. You’ll explore these themes through the rich language of art and ritual.
The Cailleach’s Shrine
We begin with an introductory story by visiting the Shrine of the Cailleach.
2. The Whirlpool of Corryvrecken, The Cailleach’s Cauldron.
We begin the Circle by telling the story of the Cailleach washing her great plaid in the Whirlpool of Corryvrecken, the Cailleach’s Cauldron - an ancient ritual that brings the land deep into the dark of the year. What will emerge when you take the journey into the swirling waters of her cauldron?
3. November. The Old Woman of the Land.
The Cailleach holds the only creation story of the lands of Scotland and Ireland - through dropping rocks from her apron. She is a product of the land, she is the land. You will explroe how you can connect to her through the Old Woman of the land where you live as well as diving deep into your own ancestral connection.
4. Her Fairy Cattle
In Decembers Circle you’ll hear the story of the Cailleach’s relationship with deer, who are called her ‘Fairy cattle’. How she protects them from hunters, through a guided journey you’ll visit the Old Crone hanging out with her deer in a mountain by the shores of Loch Lomond.
5. The Bean Feasa
In January we explore the Cailleach’s relationship to the oral tradition of the Bean Feasa, the Wise Woman and all that she represents.
6. The Cailleach and Brighid
As we draw towards Imbolc we explore the relationship between Cailleach and Brighid. Are they the same figure, two sides of the same being and consider why is the Cailleach often portrayed as keeping Brighid prisoner.
7. The Storm Hags
In our final circle as we approach Spring Equinox and the time of emerging out of the deep we explore the Cailleach’s ability to renew herself, we celebrate Cailleach’s Day and explore the story of the Storm Hags.
