The titles of our 'FREE' news letters are commensurate with the Solstices of 'Winter' and 'Summer' and the Equinoxes of 'Autumn' and 'Spring'. Likewise they are also linked to the direction of the four towers/gates of the sacred circle and the four cross-quarter Sabbats.
The first is linked to Eostra/Ostara, the Spring Equinox and the east and is titled: An Gaoth Anoir, which is Gaelic for The Wind from the East.
The second is linked to Litha, the Summer Solstice and the south and is titled: An Gaoth Aneas; The Wind from the South.
The third is linked to Mabon, the Autumn Equinox and the west and is titled: An Gaoth Aniar; The Wind from the West.
The forth is linked to Yule, the Winter Solstice and the north and is titled: An Gaoth Aduaidh; The Wind from the North.
Any article for inclusion in the next issue must reach us by the deadline (see links page) and should be 600 words or less and clear of copyrite issues, this includes any photos sent as well! The editors decision is final on inclusion or not as the case maybe!
Rainbird SDHT
Our title was taken from a Scottish Gaelic poem from a collection of poems,songs, blessings, charms and prayers called 'The Carmina Gadelica' collected from the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
They were collected by Alexander Carmichael at the turn of the 18th century. He was a tax collector and a man of letters and was able to converse, read and write in both Scottish Gaelic and English.
An Gaoth:
An gaoth aniar, riar ar an iasc agus arán
An gaoth aduaidh, searc fuar agus?
An gaoth anoir, an sneachta ar an taobh sliabh,
An gaoth aneas, toradh ar crann Bealtaine.
A rough English translation!
The Winds.
Wind from the west, the fish and bread provides;
Wind from the north, bitter cold and flaying;
Wind from the east, the snow on the mountain-sides;
Wind from the south, fruit on trees a-Maying.
The next issue: 'An Gaoth Anair'
The Wind from the West; is available now.
It contains articles on the cat in the burning times, Amber, Mabon Ramblings, Two sets of 'Words of Wisdom' plus more riddles and the answers to the last issues riddles, a crossword and the answers to the last issues crossword and wordsearch, a book review and a write up of a shop in Martlesham that has a variety of items for sale that a pagan may well find interesting, plus a poem and a recipe for 'Soul Cakes' to make ready for Samhain. Plus the usual scattering of pictures and new for this issue a cartoon drawn by one of our coven members.
The cover drawing of 'The Crone' was again drawn by Jenny. For a 'FREE' copy of the news letter contact the coven.
(We will not be affended if you wish to make a small donation towards the cost of producing the news letter!)
Rainbird SDHT