September 21st, 2018 The Reconciliation of Folly and Wisdom
The Reconciliation of Folly and Wisdom
“Recovering from the humiliation of being treated less than dogs…forced to build buildings that had no use…is a template for much that we experience in our modern times. And yet, through it all…we still discover that wisdom within us is still there.” Tantra Maat
Hill of Allen, Kildare
The Google Map for Hill of Allen, Kildare
When I looked at the name of Hill of Allen on my radial diagram of Sacred Sites it showed up for me with a strong emotion of grief. Energetically when I get a “hit” I often begin to weep. This was my reaction now. I visited my trusty friend Google to see what I could find. According to Irish Mythology, it was the seat of the hunter-warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill and the Fianna, in fact during construction of the tower on the hill in the 19th century, a coffin was discovered and they believe the remains to be those of Fionn Mac Cumhaill. Now the site is owned by Roadstone and most of the original site is debased due to extensive quarrying.
St/Goddess Brigid’s 2 Holy Wells
Just outside Kildare town and beyond the chaos that is Kildare Village Shopping Centre are 2 Holy Wells dedicated to Brigid. The first is just outside the walls of the Japanese Gardens on a sharp corner but can be accessed through the carpark for the Gardens. This is the ancient well, dedicated to Goddess Brigid, but in modern times Catholicised. Less than a mile away is a second Holy Well, the one now most often referred to as St. Brigid’s Holy Well. This is fed by the same body of water and a garden has been created around it. It is peaceful and beautiful and the sound of running water as the stream moves through it is soothing to anyone needing solace.
I visit these sites often and like the fact that the old and new exist together and are still both included in the Church’s St Brigid’s day procession. A true reconciling of old and new, pagan and Christian, Goddess and Saint. And with any body of water, constant renewal. A perfect place to reflect and let go all that no longer needs carrying. Brigid the triple Goddess of fire, alchemist of the forge and poet. She represents unity and this visit is about just that.
Coordinates are to the first well by the Japanese Gardens. To park take the left turn, drive in the gates to the gardens and take a left to the end of the carpark where the tour buses park. The well is through a stile in the opposite corner to the bus parking spaces.
