An Slí Gaeleach Céad 's a hAon (Phase one done, please pos

[TeaDidikai]

So I have a strange question about this odd little point of cultural overlap.

You know me, and you know my husband. And you're my priest, and a Gael.

There is this strange little place where the culture of the Gael and the culture of the Rroma overlap.

Horse Brasses are decorations, but they are also talismans.

I have come across a horse brass, that is a Claddagh.

Can you explain the history, symbolism and relevance to the spiritual traditions of the Gael that the Claddagh holds, and let me know if me giving this to hubby as a present (because we both treasure the tradition of the horse brass) would be appropriate or not based on our heritage and relation to the Gael?  

[CuAnnan]

The Claddagh is Irish, alright, but it's cultural history isn't.
They only came into existence in the 17th Century but are based on earlier designs which aren't exclusively Irish, let alone of the Gael.
You're in the clear.
The problem I have with people handing them out willy nilly is their meaning. "In your hands you hold my heart". In this instance, I don't see a problem.  

[TeaDidikai]

CuAnnan

The Claddagh is Irish, alright, but it's cultural history isn't.
They only came into existence in the 17th Century but are based on earlier designs which aren't exclusively Irish, let alone of the Gael.
You're in the clear.
The problem I have with people handing them out willy nilly is their meaning. "In your hands you hold my heart". In this instance, I don't see a problem.

Spiff, thanks!  

[Gho the Girl]

HAI, CU, I HAS A QUESTIONNE.
Seeing as you're so knowledgeable about things Celtic, I wondered if you've ever come across a book I have in my possession, it's titled "By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism" and is by D.J. Conway.

biggrin I'd love to get your thoughts on the matter.  

[Gho the Girl]

By the by, while I did frame my question in a sort of OMGLOLLERCOPTER manner, I do have some honest curiousity.

I don't know if you just haven't seen my question or if you thought I was trying to be humourous and not actually posing a question, but I just wanted it to be clear that while I was trying to include a good amount of levity, I was actually asking.

ninja *goes back to waiting*  

[CuAnnan]

Gho the Girl

HAI, CU, I HAS A QUESTIONNE.
Seeing as you're so knowledgeable about things Celtic, I wondered if you've ever come across a book I have in my possession, it's titled "By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism" and is by D.J. Conway.

I have not. Though I have not heard good things abou ti.  

[Gho the Girl]

CuAnnan

Gho the Girl

HAI, CU, I HAS A QUESTIONNE.
Seeing as you're so knowledgeable about things Celtic, I wondered if you've ever come across a book I have in my possession, it's titled "By Oak, Ash, & Thorn: Modern Celtic Shamanism" and is by D.J. Conway.

I have not. Though I have not heard good things abou ti.

Well, considering it rapes at least two cultures in it's title, I'm wary as well, just wondering if you had something more definitive than my gut reaction.