no but im related to the queen of scots from enerations ago. its awesome to ave royal blodd in ya.
Hey Douglas,
i am in Edinburgh old bean....and i too am pretty much obsessed with the old intangible....i don't know about you Mr....but i think my OBE skills would shoot through the roof if i had people in my life who could support me...y'know like real people....maybe we could hook up for a Herbal T?.......[;)]
I know a woman that lives in Scotland that I chat with sometimes. Next time we chat I will suggest she stop by here, if she has not already. Don't know why it never occured to me before.
Let me ask you something. Are all the women in Scotland beautiful? Everyone that I have seen has been.
T_Kman0610_
You are related to the Queen of Scots?... I take it you refer to Mary.
Thats cool! Mary's last words have a certain resonance for astral fans as well: 'in my end is my beginning'.
I think she was a brave woman in many respects (although flawed as well, but are'nt we all?), not least in that she left the warm cosy confines of France to rule Scotland, which lets face it, is not exactly renowned for its hot summers!
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fallnangel77_
I would say that there are indeed some very cute Scottish women, a result of the vestages of the old celtic blood still hanging around
;-)
I love those celtic green or brown eyes. A bit like Enya's, she's actually irish but you get the idea!
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LeCosmic_
Hey! so there IS someone else here from my part of town! LeCosmic, your not actually French are you? or is the user name just for laughs?
(and no I am not actually Gandalf from Middle-earth either hehe)
Regards,
Douglas
I think the reason of cute Scottish blood must be the fact of Viking genes.
You can't beat a Red-headed Viking girl.
Hi there Gandalf !
I'm from Edinburgh, (Dalkeith, actually). But I moved to England when I was 10.
You'd be amazed how difficult it is to persuade people that you are Scottish, when you have an English accent.
Mark
Hi Gandalf,
I'm from Texas actually, but have been trying to put together a visit to Scotland. I'm looking for information on druidic or "old magic" sites. As you might imagine, I'm not coming up with much from the travel agencies. Can you tell me a little about Scotland, like the best time to visit, can we see both coastline and forest, etc.
We were able to visit Muir Woods in California a couple of years ago and the feeling I got there was absolutely indescribable! It is unquestionably (and trite though it sounds) a strong "place of power". With Scotland being so rich in ancient heritage, I would hope it has its own such places. That's why I ask about forests.
It's very interesting that you made this post at just this time. Any information you can give will be most helpful!
Varner-LaPrade_
hehe You absolutly right of course, there is a big Viking heritage in Scotland, They actually controlled a lot of the country in their hey-day, esp in the north, where they stayed until defeated by the Scottish king Macbeth (who was NOTHING like the shakespeare version, in fact he was one of Scotland's best early medieval kings, ruling fairly for 17 years!).. Orkney also remained in Norweigan hands for many years until gifted back to the Scottish kingdom.
In fact the good relationship with Norway is still recognised every year with the King of Norway sending a huge Christmas tree to Scotland, which is displayed in Edinburrgh!
Scotland also shares with Norway a long tradition within the fishing industy, and is a bone of contention at the moment as Scotland's fishermen are basically being shafted as they get no representation within the UK govenment. The new Scottish parliament might help a bit, but basically the UK signed away Scotland's fishing rights to the European Union (which means nothing to England as its fishing industy in tiny). Meanwhile, Norway wisely never joined the European Union!
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clandestino_
I never realised you came from Dalkeith, thats intersting! I know where you are coming from with the accent thing, as several of my friends who are in a similar situation as yourself, used to constantly correct everyone else about this fact but in the end they gave up!
After living in London and several other areas of England (a very nice place indeed), for a while, one funny thing I noticed is that many english people seem to get confused between irish and scottish accents, I always thought the difference was quite large but I've been asked if I'm irish several times and I know an irish guy who was TOLD (!) that he was from Glasgow....er, no.
I suppose its a bit like regional american accents, to many europeans, we can't really tell the difference between them, its just 'an american accent', but to americans themselves the differences are obvious.
btw I think I can spot a Texas accent but thats after watching years of 'Dallas' on the tv back in the 80's!
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greatoutdoors_
I will ask some of my pagan friends for help on this one. There is a big pagan presence in Scotland (indeed the whole UK actually) with Druid-Con, the annual pagan/druid convention being held in Glasgow every Summer for example.
There are many ancient sites including stone circles etc; luckily, the quality of archaeology in the UK is of a very high standard so many new sites are revealed on a constant basis and known ones are preserved.
Summer is the best time to visit, they have actually been quite hot the past couple of years which could be luck or perhaps the Green house effect (here's hoping!). I would recomend August as you will also be able to catch the Edinburgh International Arts festival which usually also has some pagan content. One of the most amazing sites I have seen is on the isle of Orkney, as they have a stone circle there, called the Ring of Brodgar, the most preserved circle, apart from Stone henge itself; and it is a complet circle as well.
Nearby is a old bronze age barrow/tomb built into a hill, called Maes Howe. The door is positioned so that every solstice, the rays of the sun shine direclty down the main passage and alight the (unknown) king's chamber.
What is even more amazing about this place though is the viking runic graffiti carved all over the place inside!
Apparantly about 1000AD or so, a group of vikings were looking for shelter in a storm and stumbled opon this place. They broke into it and spent the night there, during which they carved their names in the rock, with usual graffitti phrases like 'Swen was here' and 'eric carved this with his axe' and some comments about a rather lovely young woman called Hilde who was 'very tall'.
They also took all the treasure out of the mound when they left, with one inscription boasting that they have buried it nearby but that 'no-one will find it'.
Basically, If you are into ancient sites with a genuine sense of power, you must visit Orkney. There is also another amazing tomb called tomb of the eagles which is worth a visit.
Anway, I will ask around for more info on power places and get back to you; there are indeed many such places throughout the country.
Regards,
Douglas
Greetings Gandalf,
Well I am not far away except for about 100 miles of sea [:)]
On a clear day, standing on top of the highest peak here, it is possible to see England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In fact the locals have a saying that while standing on that peak you can see five kingdoms, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the Kingdom of Heaven.
With best regards,
Adrian.
quote:
I love those celtic green or brown eyes. A bit like Enya's, she's actually irish but you get the idea!
Well I am part Irish, though I have never been there. Apparently I have a lot of relatives there though. It is a big family to my understanding. I guess I will leave out the family name on such a public forum. I would love to visit there someday. Hmm Is Irland close enough to discuss here? LOL I do have a nice set of brown eyes though.
Geeetings,
The Republic of Ireland is a wonderful place, very scenic and the locals are very welcoming. From here we can get on a boat and be in Ireland or the UK in a couple of hours.
I am tall with blue eyes, I think I originate from the Vikings rather than the Celts [:)]
With best regards,
Adrian.
Hi Adrian! Yes, you are very close actually. I'm sure that you'll also agree that the Isle of Man is a very interesting place with its own rich celtic heritage... I heard that the celtic Manx language is now known by only a few people and is in danger, is this correct?
btw you certainly sound like you have some viking in you, if you get my meaning!
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fallnangel77_
I think we can stretch to Ireland here as well! esp with all the talk of vikings, after all they had a big presence in Ireland as well; The city of Dublin was founded by them and has the dubious honour of being one of the main slave ports of northern Europe during the viking era!
Talking of Vikings, imo one of the most atmospheric cities in the UK and one rich in roman, viking and medieval heritage is York (or 'Yorvik' if you're a viking). I visit often and i feel there is a definate 'presence' there, as if the past is very much alive.
Actually, I had better watch out as I was told that there is a city law still active in York (as it was forgotten about) that states that any scotsman within eyesight of the city walls is to be fired upon with arrows! Just as well I wasnt wearing my kilt hehe!
This old law obviously dates from the years when England and Scotland were batting each other.
Another one old law that someone forgot to repeal and is therefor still active, states that every able bodied man aged 16 to 45 (I think) is to report to the town centre for archery practice once a week... apparenty there has been a bit of an attendance problem these past couple of hundred years!!!
Regards,
Douglas
Gandalf, thank you for your great information, and I look forward to whatever you can get from your friends! [:)]
Ireland is also lovely, from what I've seen in pictures, and I'm still of two minds as to which place I most want to visit. But I've heard of Scotland's red deer and forests -- I would like to see those first-hand. [^]
Of course, RB's Wales workshop sounds intriguing, but I think I would have a hard time convincing my husband and mother to attend!
I must plead ignorance as to the Isle of Man -- I know only the name and general location. Would you fill me in a bit on its history and geography?
And this is going to sound really smart, but are there still wolves in either Ireland or Scotland? We in the US, of course, have been doing our best to wipe them out here. [V]
greatoutdoors_
"I must plead ignorance as to the Isle of Man -- I know only the name and general location. Would you fill me in a bit on its history and geography?"
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The Isle of Man is situated in the Irish Sea at a point at which you can see England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland from the same place! The island has its own unique celtic heritage quite apart from other celtic countires like Scotland, Ireland or Wales; For example it has its own celtic language called 'Manx'. It is a very scenic place but I am no expert on the area; Adrian would be a good person to ask because he lives there.
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"And this is going to sound really smart, but are there still wolves in either Ireland or Scotland? We in the US, of course, have been doing our best to wipe them out here."
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Sadly no. While both wolves and bears were native to both countries they were hunted to extinction during the later middle-ages.
However, I do know that there currently ARE plans to re-introduce bears and wolves to certain regions of the Scottish highlands, within special reservations (so as they dont get out and kill everyone's sheep!)
Regards,
Douglas
PS there has been several eyewitness reports over recent years of kangaroos (!) in the wild, both in Scotland and in areas of England, leading some to believe that some of these animals may have escaped captivity and are now breeding in the wild, but there is nothing official as yet... now THERES something!
I'm Scots-Irish-Norwegian-German-British. All my ancestors huddled around the North Sea. Shivering, probably.
I'm ready for a pilgrimage to the Old Country. I want some good Irish Scotch, ans some Guinness on tap, so I can get stinking drunk and sick all over my pointy high-heeled boots! Just kidding; I'm in a weird mood. AHEM>
To all I say: FIELD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's crash someone's house. Next SUMMER. When it's WARM.
One more thing: I'm pretty sure I'm descended from Michael Scott (Balweary), the famous occultist/magician. It would explain the sorcery in my blood! But it's impossible to prove; they were hardly keeping records back then. So it only makes a good story. I am definitely of the Scott clan though.
quote:
To all I say: FIELD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let's crash someone's house. Next SUMMER. When it's WARM.
I am sure Gandalf has plenty of room, right? lol
quote:
And this is going to sound really smart, but are there still wolves in either Ireland or Scotland? We in the US, of course, have been doing our best to wipe them out here.
We have bears and wolves in TN, atleast I think we have wolves. I have never seen any but I think I have had contact with a wolf/dog mix once. I know we have bears because I have seen them before. If you hang out in the Smokey Mountains you are bound to see a bear or two. Who is trying to wipe out wolves and bears here? No kangaroos though. I guess you have to go to Scotland for that. lol Now that would be something if kangaroos become common in Scotland.
'I need some irish scotch'
Tisha_
now theres a contradiction! btw you can get japanese scotch now as well. Apparantly they buy up scottish water, ship it back to Japan to distil japanese wiskey, aparantly they insist on the water thing!
Ok so I'm biased, but all these pretenders like irish, japanese and various american wiskeys.... well, you can't beat the old original and best that is good old scotch wiskey..... Highland Park (from Orkney..mmmm!) Glenmorangie is ok as well.
btw, I hear of some hideous heathen practice that you americans are fond of, where you serve your wiskey with ice, calling it 'scotch on the rocks'... are you aware that this heathen practice is looked upon with horror in Scotland, where true wiskey is meant to be served neat, and ONLY neat???!!!
arrgh.. the horror!
;-)
Douglas
PS and whats with all the 'bourbons' like jack daniels etc; its wiskey but not REAL wiskey right?
I am sure Gandalf has plenty of room, right? lol
Fallenangel_
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erm... I'll have to get back to you on that one! ;-)
btw Tisha, talking about famous occultists, I have just remembered another reason for a visit to Scotland.
I'm sure you have all heard of the great occultist, practical joker and general christian basher Alistair Crowely. Well, 'the great beast' bought a summer house/retreat in the Scottish highlands where he spent some time every year.
Now he got up to all kinds of tricks there and the place is now SERIOUSLY haunted from what I have heard: eg:
1) Sometimes a ghostly head can be seen rolling over the billiard tables (!) something that Crowely mentioned himself in one of his diaries and thought was hilarious (he might even have placed it there!).
2) a ghostly wailing sound, like a woman crying, coming from the basement.
3) A guest staying at the house became aware of the stamping of hooves and an animal grunting coming from outside his bedroom door down the corridor, the sound became louder until IT started crashing against the door, the individual involved was curled up in a ball in fear, however nothing was found outside.
4) (my favourite) In the main dining room there is the main table with all the chairs around it. Crowely's chair is at the head of the table; now, if someone moves the chair to a different position, then the next day you will find it right back where it belongs, hehe!
I'm not sure who owns the house now or whether its open to the public or whatever, I did watch a program once where local residents complained of 'odd characters' hanging round the area, probably Crowely groupies coming to pay homage!
I can try to find out more about Crowely's summer house if anyones interested (I for one am!)
Douglas
Did I say irish scotch? man, I must have been tired. I meant scotch scotch. Warm and straight. But not too much of it, or I'll tip over.
Kangaroos in Scotland?!!! Now there's a kicker. [xx(] My "hubby" would agree with you on the "neat" Scotch.
By the way, I've heard that a lot of quality Scotch is actually made in France -- THAT was a bit of a let-down! Aye and ye'd think a Scotsman would not permit it! [:D]
Hmmm, field trip -- GOOD idea!! Hey Birm, got room for a houseful of Scottish neophytes? [:)]
By the way, I've heard that a lot of quality Scotch is actually made in France -- THAT was a bit of a let-down! Aye and ye'd think a Scotsman would not permit it!
Greatoutdoors
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Well, that doesnt suprise me that much, because Scotland and France both share close relations; In the past they were in alliance against England, a treaty known as 'The Auld Alliance' which is still remembered. Remember also that Mary Queen of Scots was French.
Even today in France, if you say you are 'Ecosse' (French for Scottish) you get a better reception than if you are English.
That reminds me of a wonderful contradiction that English society suffers from.
The English still dislike the French in many ways (although this is a generalisation of course!) but at the same time they are always trying to be like them... weird!
Douglas
I was just wondering. I live in Scotland (in Edinburgh) and it would be great if there were any other AP fans living nearby!
I suspect not however; I am probably the only individual in my area who is into astral stuff, a scenario which is probably common to most members here, which is why this board is so essential for sharing advice and experiences!
Regards,
Douglas