Pilgrim Feet – Into the Celtic New Year and More

Columnists

Pilgrim Feet – Into the Celtic New Year and More

Vanessa Hammond, Victoria

Volume 28  Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: December 29, 2014

    For all the years of evolution, every move we made connected us intimately with our planet.  Footstep by footstep on the ground, wading through rivers, brushing past tall grasses, reaching into fruit-laden trees and black-berry rich brambles.
     Moving at the pace of our own bodies we had time to observe, to marvel at our environment. We inhabited time, place, space with a sense of belonging rather than ownership, of participation not control.  We saw the lights of the night sky with a brilliance and clarity impossible now.
     Only in the most remote parts of our planet can we experience the awe inspiring brilliance of the moon, planets, stars in a totally black sky and feel the wonder described in ancient writings.

    For all the years of evolution, every move we made connected us intimately with our planet.  Footstep by footstep on the ground, wading through rivers, brushing past tall grasses, reaching into fruit-laden trees and black-berry rich brambles.
     Moving at the pace of our own bodies we had time to observe, to marvel at our environment. We inhabited time, place, space with a sense of belonging rather than ownership, of participation not control.  We saw the lights of the night sky with a brilliance and clarity impossible now.
     Only in the most remote parts of our planet can we experience the awe inspiring brilliance of the moon, planets, stars in a totally black sky and feel the wonder described in ancient writings.
     As pilgrims we recapture some of that sense. Join us to travel “Into the Celtic New Year” meeting in Dublin on October 17th.  With feet on the ground, we will explore stone-age, early Celtic and early Celtic Christian understanding of time, place and our relationship with each other and the universe.
     In 2015 we will meet in Ireland June 24th to enjoy the long, long days of northern summer, the beautiful beaches and ocean water warmed by the Gulf Stream as we discover the life-story of Columba, one of Ireland’s three patron saints.
     This fascinating tale of royalty, monastic rigour, battles, copyright rulings, and the conflict between power and duty is visible in the landscape and architecture of Ireland and leads to the founding of the community on Iona.
     I would also be very interested in exploring the concept and spiritual practice of pilgrimage with any interested group. Even half a day in a familiar environment can be a wonderful pilgrim experience.
     Vanessa at 250.415.9272 islandpilgrim@gmail.com,  www.islandpilrim.ca  for details.

   

Vanessa Hammond, Victoria