tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26979893429564989372024-02-20T18:29:16.264-08:002013 Spirit of Ireland Tour: Dublin, Donegal Doolin.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-79568654999834688962013-07-19T07:11:00.001-07:002013-07-19T07:11:36.565-07:00The 2013 Spirit of Ireland Tour: Ruins, Runes and Tunes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Four four years I have taken a small group of people to my Ireland, my ancestral homeland. Ireland is magical place; wonderful countryside, fantastic people who genuinely love Americans, phenomenal music, great food (really), incredible photo ops, wonderful sacred sites, and much, much more. This year's tour was unsurpassed in the level of enchantment. What makes these tours so special are the people who come on them, who participate in a chance to help, in our own humble way, heal the sacred lines of energy of the planetary grid structure, and make the world a better place. Most people who go to Ireland, take photos and drink Guinness. We do that too, but we give something back... through the healing intention of love and compassion, and this makes for a most magical enchanting tour. The follow photos are just a small selection of moments of our trip...and images can only begin to explain the essence.... the real magic is in the experience.... enjoy....Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-87678419922753713522013-07-19T07:01:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:34:21.873-07:00Spirit of Ireland Tour Orientation Meeting... Let the Tour Begin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We begin each tour with a short orientation, things to expect and some common rules to make the whole experience better for everyone (like the buddy system... so no one gets lost... we even have a secret buddy system)... Here we are in a park in Limerick..... and Stoney, our wonderful tour guide, highlights some important aspects of making a tour like this so successful. Thanks, Stoney.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-47600767029435243832013-07-19T06:57:00.001-07:002013-07-19T06:57:54.809-07:00The Round Tower of Glendalough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Round Tower of Glendalough.... a very special place and one of many sacred sites in Ireland, about 90 mins outside of Dublin and a great place to begin our Spirit of Ireland Tour.<br />
<br />Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-1856575525188873682013-07-19T06:55:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:35:27.752-07:00Our first sacred ceremony of the trip at Glendalough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I invited Adam (fiddle) and John (guitar) to play a few tunes after I closed with a poem by John O'Donohue and Paddy recited the Lord's Prayer in Gaelic (you can see the labyrinth off to the left hand side as well. The magic begins....on our trip.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-22109526759585760132013-07-19T06:51:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:37:20.571-07:00Adam & Jon enchant the spirits at Glendalough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After playing a few songs to begin our sacred ceremony at the ancient monastery known as Glendalough (with two round towers), these guys just kept on playing..... Jon and Adam both live in Colorado, and are friends of mine. I invited them on this tour, as well as two other musicians (Dan and Ann) so we could have some great music at our beck and call. Boy ... were we spoiled.... Not only did Jon and Adam enchant the spirits, they enchanted us as well. Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-7415873387227272932013-07-19T06:47:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:37:46.017-07:00Welcome to the Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was our home in Dublin for the first three nights... simply stunning...Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-5895692135109140042013-07-19T06:45:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:39:25.077-07:00Inside the Lobby of the Clontarff Castle Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is the original wall of the famous Clontarf Castle, some say over 1,000 years old. It's well preserved and makes for a great sight in the hotel lobby. The banners hanging here reveal a hsitory of the castle with various hallmarks along the 1,000 years of history. Very cool.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-37539213215967890112013-07-19T06:44:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:40:55.874-07:00Our first Traditional Irish Music session.....Adam smoking on the fiddle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After our first group dinner in the castle, we had a night of incredible traditional Irish music with our group musicians....Adam and Ann on fiddle, Jon on Banjo (Dan on Guitar on far left) and everyone's feet tapping ...all night long... WOW! (even the waiters were impressed.)Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-85062080419578553702013-07-19T06:41:00.001-07:002013-07-19T06:41:51.820-07:00First Jam session after our dinner celebration at the Clontarf Castle Hotel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Paddy one Bodhran, Ann and Adam on Fiddles and Jon on guitar. Welcome to Ireland!Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-31467130320521834822013-07-19T06:39:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:23:10.786-07:00A Photo Op with the Molly Malone Statue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our second day, we ventured into the heart of Dublin. Who could resist a photo op with the famous Molly Malone statue... even while a busker plays banjo...Welcome to Dublin!Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-53649726743408557712013-07-18T23:21:00.001-07:002013-07-19T12:41:52.122-07:00The Library at Trinity College; A MUST SEE while in Dublin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This place alone, is worth the price of admission. No photos are allowed to be taken of the Book of Kells, in an adjacent room, but you can photograph this room all you wish... and for good reason... it's stunning.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-14709920641515883252013-07-18T23:19:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:19:00.587-07:00Display of artist colors in Trinity College's area near the book of Kells.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have ever wondered how these illustrators get the colors they do to illustrate these magnificent drawings, look no further than this display....Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-9793221801891994162013-07-18T23:16:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:16:00.151-07:00Brian Boru's Harp (maybe)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Inside the Trinity College Library you will find the famous symbol of Ireland, the harp. It is said to have belonged to the the Iconic Celtic Leader, Brian Boru, but most likely not. But if makes for a great story.....</div>
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<br />Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-7246294049268573212013-07-18T23:12:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:12:12.806-07:00A day in Downtown Dublin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our first full day in Dublin was wonderful. This photo was taken just off of Grafton Street, where one could get one's fill of street theater and buskers galore.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-91614683387601831782013-07-18T23:09:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:09:56.139-07:00A visit to the oldest pub in Dublin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On our second night in Dublin, we went to the Brazen Head Pub, the oldest pub in Dublin, for a night of story telling; Stories of the seen and the unseen world.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-67781574204083246582013-07-18T23:07:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:07:28.614-07:00Ann Plays Irish Fiddle at the Fairy Tree on the Hill of Tara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The weather was amazing this day; rain showers, lots of wind. Blue skies. The works. Thanks Ann, for some great music.... so much appreciated. Quite the magical day.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-48271315317277989202013-07-18T23:04:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:04:11.261-07:00Adam plays Irish fiddle around the sacred well at the Hill of Tara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ireland had over 300 wells (perhaps several hundred more). Water is considered a symbol of the divine and many sacred sites are often found near these wells. Many wells are associated with St. Brigid, a Pagan Goddess adopted into the Catholic Church as a Saint. This photo was taken by our guide, Michael Fox.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-61510424385257727822013-07-18T23:00:00.001-07:002013-07-18T23:00:15.611-07:00Sacred Well at the Hill of Tara<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a special tour guide on this day where we went to the Hill of Tara, the sacred spot of the High Kings of Ireland.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-59605505838654097282013-07-18T17:27:00.001-07:002013-08-05T09:35:53.335-07:00Traditional Thatched Roof Cottage in Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Despite the fact that quite quaint, thatched roof cottages have become a thing of the past. if you are lucky, like we were, you can find a few in the country side.... like this one.... in great shape.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-34174754542234020282013-07-18T17:23:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:25:29.041-07:00Adam Checks out a Sheela Na Ghee stone carving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sheela Na Ghee (sp) is a representation of a fertility Godess. While most have been destroyed by the Catholic church, this one, hidden for centuries in a stone wall and now made accessible is in great condition.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-16399190001768997452013-07-18T17:19:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:19:28.444-07:00Entering the Sacred Chamber of the Portal Tomb of Four Knockcs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-74774183333023371202013-07-18T17:18:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:18:26.702-07:00Group photo inside Portal Tomb at Four Knocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A magical place indeed.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-18594957889998968462013-07-18T17:17:00.000-07:002013-07-18T17:17:08.432-07:00Jon and Adam Welcome us to the Portal Tomb of Four Knocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This incredibly well preserved portal tomb is a hidden gem. Found on private property, our tour guide has special access to it which made for an incredible sacred healing ceremony. What looks rather small outside, is actually quite large inside.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-86216570845179308922013-07-18T17:12:00.002-07:002013-07-18T17:12:20.291-07:00Ancient Neolithic Artwork inside the Portal Tomb of Four Knocks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Inside a sacred portal tomb (only open to the public recently) the incredibly well preserved artwork in unbelievable. This piece is about 6-8 feet long and 2-3 feet wide, and over 6,000 years old.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2697989342956498937.post-84827364835628600282013-07-18T17:09:00.001-07:002013-07-18T17:09:29.304-07:00Atop the Portal Tomb of Four Knocks, Ireland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dan stands atop the portal tomb which is far more impressive inside than outside, but pretty cool outside as well.Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07209857823517327859noreply@blogger.com0