When approaching any sacred site, we must come with an open spirit. You can learn all the history or theories behind a place, and this in itself carries its excellent points, but perhaps beyond knowledge comes the one-on-one encounter between your spirit and the spirit(s) of place. Allow spirit to somehow impress itself upon you, whether that be a deep connection to ancestors or an over-welling inspiration, perhaps even a riveting transformation--whatever the encounter, the point is, to experience and see where it takes you. Sacred places are "extra special" because when we approach them, the place overwhelms us or reaches on such a deep level that we almost can't help having some kind of experience
By nature, spiritual experiences are personal and often beyond words. Sometimes sharing them with other people though can offer fellowship and encouragement. You never know who you will touch or in turn, who will bless you too. Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
All anecdotes below are used with permission of the authors. The opinions are their own.
Filleadh:
"We made our way to Co. Meath to the Hill of Tara. After experiencing the Brì and Bua of the landscape for a bit, I climbed to the top of the Mound of Hostages. The wind surrounded me in its damp embrace and filled my ears with whipping and howling. I closed my eyes. I found myself seeking reconciliation, searching forgiveness. I was shown, there on the Mound of Hostages, that this is the way to remove the curse that has been laid on Teamhair. Reconciliation and forgiveness without blame, without guilt. I prayed for this reconciliation. The wind stopped suddenly, the clouds broke, and the sun showed itself - warming the green of the Hill. I then went to the Sacred Well and, in gratitude, drank deeply."
Sorcha:
"I have a particular love of Tara as I used to live just down the road. I hadn't been back for many years and finally got to return a couple of years ago. It was a cold and windy day but that didn't seem to matter. To me it is a very peaceful place, a place to think and come to some conclusions. I love the views over the Meath landscape and further beyond. It is also a very magical place and has some an amazing energy around it. I particularly loved walking down what they call "The banqueting Hall" to the very bottom furthest away from the mound of the hostages. I could have sat there for ages if I had had the time to."
Ceinach:
"Whenever I have visited Tara I always feel like there are loads of people there even when it's just a couple of us. It seems busy with energies. I am not one for church bashing but I am so pleased they have de-consecrated St Patrick's Church up there. Some places just shouldn't be Christianised. From this hill of kings you can also see Loughcrew to the North West of Meath (in whose shadow my Mother lives) and of course Bru na Boyne is only a stones throw away, all sites seem connected, if not only in their ornate carvings and chamber tombes, but more physically in the landscape. Places with memories which are veiled in the mists of time."
"Temair free from feebleness hides not
the glory due to women for it's building;
the daughter of Lugaid obtained in her possession
an open plain that it were pity to pillage...
The abode was a keep, was a fortress,
whereon was to be the grace of Tea after death,
so that it should be an increase to her fame...
Brega Tea, a teeming home,
is famed because Tea was a noble dame."
~10th century poem
Cursuswalker:
"On the return leg of our holiday, we visited the Hill of Tara, which is incredible. A complete jumble of sites, reflecting a rich history and prehistory. I cannot thank our guide enough, as he went out of his way to give us the ‘extra' tour after the quick version he had to give a coach party. He was clearly in love with the place. This is a rich and extensive site that surpassed my expectations completely. I'll be back . . ."
