This is a static version of a dynamic document kept on Google Docs, which is shared with several friends to view and collaborate on over time. The most recent version of the page may be found here. This is basically a list of bands I want to check out, have only begun to investigate, or think are worth sharing – I find new bands by talking to friends, listening to the local college and independent radio stations, or some of several Celtic Folk music podcasts, or internet radio stations.
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I was reading about the Newgrange excavation (and reconstruction) tonight and I ran across mention of the Bell Beaker Folk. Needing a refresher anyway I ran through the various cultures of Europe from Neolithic times through early Bronze Age until I ran into the Egtved Girl of the Nordic Bronze Age. The Egtved girl, found in a barrow in Denmark, was buried in 1370 BC, and was well preserved.

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This is a modified version of a post I just made to the TdB message board: The family was bummed that it wasn’t really feasible to truck down to PA to see Ned’s band, the Trespassengers play at the 2nd annual NewBerry bash, but we had a great time at the Slainte Irish festival for the short time we were there (about 5 hours).

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Several years ago, I posted a story here in which I wrote about my first ‘medieval event’ at Norseland in 1991. Over the years I joined another local group which concentrates on re-enacting the ‘spirit and material culture’ of 5th century Ireland. I had many years of good times with the Tuatha de Bhriain (pronounced ‘two-Ah-ha duh Vreeyan’) or TdB, as did my brother and my wife when I got married. We took a break for several years after the kids were born, and only recently started becoming active in the group again. Folks in the group contribute in lots of different ways, mine has traditionally been in providing music around the campfire. If you are unfamiliar with ‘Medievalism’, you can learn a great deal about it by visiting the SCA official website.
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The Gods are ever present and there is no clear dividing line between the natural and the supernatural world. We are at all times balanced precariously on the interface between the divine and the profane. All around us live the denizens of the otherworld, in springs, in rivers and lakes, in forests and marshes, in caves and on mountain tops. The Gods intrude into the affairs of men and often take sides in the disputes of mortals. They are capricious and moody, and at times benevolent and helpful, at times malicious and spiteful. It is necessary to mollify and appease them constantly by means of offerings, by the correct rituals and by the proper manner of behaviour. You offend the Gods at your peril!

Raftery, Barry
Pagan Celtic Ireland, The enigma of the Irish Iron Age
Thames & Hudson 1994 pp. 178
I had originally prepared to deliver this for the Tuatha de Bhriain feast of Imbolc in 1998 but the actual event went off a bit differently. Those who attended might have preferred this more sedate version. I have also posted the Wheel of the Year that I kept that year, and although the specific events and folks mentioned therein may no longer be relevant, it gives a good flavour for the Celtic year.

And what story about “The Gods” is complete without a cameo by The Dagda himself? The Dagda is “the good god” or as I have been told, its better to describe him as “the god who is good at stuff”. The link above brings up a picture I drew of him after reading a particularly detailed description of him.

I’m (maybe not so) obviously thinking about the Celtic pantheon here which is a stretch for a lot of folks since all you really get to read about in school (usually) is the Greek mythos and they’re such a bunch of backstabbing socialites its not supernatural enough for me. I mean, I think some of the Greek Gods summer out in the Hamptons. I also have a fondness for Viking mythology, but I’m not prepared to discuss that rabble tonight. Anyone else have some good Gods stories? Please note: I have enough copies of the Bible, I’m merely soliciting comments regarding polytheism here – so if you can’t afford more than one god, you can’t afford to join in on this discussion.