The plane began its descent and Cinnia watched out the window as land came into view and grew closer and closer. Her excitement began rising once again at the adventure that waited. I always hear people who have visited say how green it is here. Wow! It truly is. Cinnia began to gather her things as the plane came to a stop at the gate. She deplaned and went to pick up her rental car. The rental office went over the rules of the road and some tips for driving on the left. This was Cinnia’s biggest concern for the trip – not to get into trouble driving! She organized her maps and plans for the day and headed out to the car. I can do this! Left, left, remember to stay on the left. She said a Hail Mary, started the ignition, and headed off to her first destination, Newgrange. One of Ireland’s greatest archeological treasures, Newgrange is one of the oldest structures in the World. Cinnia was eager to visit the site and learn more about the folklore and history. It was believed to be the palace of the old Gods of the Tuatha Dé Danaan, particularly, Aengus Óg, the son of Dagda, who is known as the God of Youth and Love. Dagda believed to be the ruler of the Tuatha Dé Danaan, is known as the God of Earth and Master of Magic. It was a site rich with the lore of Ireland. Newgrange is also well known for the dramatic emergence of the Winter Solstice that occurs at the site. At dawn, between December 18th through the 23rd a beam of light penetrates the roof-box and illuminates the entire chamber and passageway to the entrance. The event only lasts for seventeen minutes. Cinnia’s breath caught as she approached the cave entrance. She walked down the long passage and visited each of the three chambers inside. As she observed the spiral carvings on the rock walls her mind wandered to the types of rituals that may have transpired here. Standing in the center circle of the three chambers, Cinnia closed her eyes. She imagined being inside the chamber on the morning of the Winter Solstice. Being bathed in warmth and light from the rising sun. She recalled a passage she had read: ‘I am Aengus…men call me the Young. I am the sunlight in the heart, the moonlight in the mind; I am the light at the end of every dream, the voice forever calling to come away; I am the desire beyond joy or tears. Come with me, come with me: I will make you immortal; for my palace opens into the Gardens of the Sun, and there are the fire-fountains which quench the heart’s desire in rapture. ~ From Æ (George William Russell), “A Dream of Angus Oge,” 1897
2 Comments
4/10/2016 10:41:38 am
The dramatic emergence of the Winter Solstice must be a magical 17 minutes...
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Darcy
4/11/2016 07:41:12 pm
Wouldn't that be a wonderful experience! Thanks for visiting - I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the story. This is my first time doing the A to Z Challenge and I'm really enjoying the process.
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