Celtic Druid Temple Blog

Fómhar is the old Irish name for the autumn equinox and this year it happens on the 25th of September 2026

14/9/2026

Fómhar is the old Irish name for the autumn equinox for those who have escaped the matrix and this year this happens on the 25th of September for those who wish to connect to the true effect.

Equinox, if you read Latin means 'equal night'. But equal night really means 'when the daylength is the same as the nightlength. This never happens on the 21st of September, it is never exactly the 12 hours 00 minutes and 00 seconds it suggests either! The closest it gets to being exact is on Friday 25th of September 2026.

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Endangered Butterfly found at the Celtic Druid Temple Aug 26

26/8/2026

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Ireland's only protected butterfly has just this week been 'rediscovered' in our Woodland Nature Preserve. This pretty butterfly is Ireland's only legally protected insect species and is protected under Annex II of the European Union Habitats and Species Directive. Annex II status requires EU member states to designate specific protected sites to safeguard the butterfly's core breeding habitats. It is called "the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly" and has one plant for most of its diet - the "Devil's Bit Scabious".
One area of our woodland was identified in 2005 by Con as being very different to the rest of our little derelict farm. We have called this area - the Dry Field ever since. There was a distinctly different feeling to this part of the 16acres and now we know why.
Below is a classic selection of Marsh Fritillary Butterflys.

What happened? Niamh had invited the local Biodiverstiy Officer to enjoy a walk in our woodland. He did! He quickly told us all the positive actions that we had taken since 2005 were of great benefit to Nature. We have had 2 biodiversity reports in the past funded by the Co Council and we are seeking a third update to the progress. It seems we will get more than just a report. He was impressed with all our work including Temple Crom. More on this as the action unfolds in the future!

This pretty butterfly eats the plant is hibernates with. Its not the biggest butterfly but it is an indicator of the chemical free quality of the field it is found in. We have known about this butterfly and its food source for over 10 years.

In this 'dry field' we also get wild purple orchids. We get many flutterbys dancing from plant to plant - it is beautiful to just sit and watch.

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Full Moon Eclipse 28/29 Aug 2026

26/8/2026

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There will be an eclipse of the Full Moon just before it goes under the horizon in the west of Ireland. We never get just one eclipse as there are three players - the Sun, the Moon and the Earth. Two weeks ago the Dark Moon got almost exactly between the Sun and the Earth. This eclipse on Friday has the order of the Sun, the Earth and the Full Moon, so for a short while the Earth blocks the Sunlight from lighting up the Full Moon. The image below tries to show what would be visible, if the clouds allow...

The Eclipse Chart below show the date and time and direction and altitude details of this Moonths Full Moon Eclipse as seen from Ireland.

Most people will be warm and snug in bed when the Earth blocks most of the Sunlight from illuminating the Fullnews of the Moon - others will gather and watch the Full Moon rising. This happens about 8:30 in the evening when the Earth's satellite rises due east. Ceremony begins at 8pm while it is still daylight.. Happy Full Moon in Aquarius to everyone.

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LUGHNASA ECLIPSE August 12th 2026

10/8/2026

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August 12th 2026 and into Thursday 13th is a feast for watchers of the skies. In our online Homestudy Course we call this the skill of ‘An Nealadoir’. But before the Sun has even risen above the eastern horizon we get six planets - Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in the eastern sky. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn can be easily visible to the naked eye, but Uranus and Neptune always require binoculars or a telescope, but all six gather.

What is happening for the actual eclipse is that the dark side of the Moon (the bit facing Earth) is between Earth and the Sun giving us an Earth-Moon-Sun alignment. This is the Moon blocking the Sunlight to Earth. The Moon is being illuminated by the Sun but this is not the side facing us here on Earth. In two weeks time after the Lughnasa Eclipse we get another partial eclipse with this 2nd alignment being the Moon-Earth-Sun. This is the Earth blocking the Sunlight to the Full Moon. It is one of those fantastic magic relationships in the skies - the size of the Moon and its distance from Earth means that in the exact circumstances the Moon can block out the light from the Sun 100% for a short while.

DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN

Details of the Eclipse
On Wednesday 12th at 18:12 or 12 minutes past 6 in the evening we can watch the beginning of a near total solar eclipse.

The peak of the eclipse (95% occultation) is at 19:10 just under an hour later and it should get a bit darker like thick heavy clouds blocking the Sun when there are no clouds about.

The end of the eclipse is at 20:05. The Sun and Dark Moon are together in the west near the horizon and just after they set, the bright star Shalinnis in Cú (aka Regulus in Leo) may become a day time star briefly - this is the ancient timing for calculating Lughnasa.

DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN

Venus may become visible (all depends on cloud cover) just after Sunset too but do not mistake its brilliant dazzle for a star - look closely and remember, planets shine and only stars twinkle. Look west, just where and after the Sun and Dark Moon and Shalinnis in Cú have all gone into the Otherworld. Some “experts” are claiming that Venus will be visible during peak eclipse but at only 95% occultation it may be that you’d need good equipment to see this extra event.

The Perseid Meteor Shower follows...
Later on, after the Sun, Moon Shallinnis, Venus have gone to the Otherworld, at 21:10 or 10 past nine , the blessing of shooting stars begins. Look 15* east of north and wait. The eclipse and Sun, Moon and Star set was in the west but the Perseids are to the north east. At 1 o’clock on Thursday, the 13th the center of the meteor shower radiant is at 45* east of north at an altitude of +41*. The Perseid meteor shower is active from 17 July to 24 August. It will peak overnight on on the night of the eclipse, 12-13 August. Because there is no Moonlight even more shooting stars than usual may be seen. Over a 100 shooting stars an hour are expected by many researchers / experts.

Never look directly at the Sun. Your eyes would not feel pain but your vision may be burned away. One of the safest and easiest ways to view the solar eclipse is with a pinhole projector: you can find detail of these safe methods at https://eclipse26.ie/activities/

Magically - the blocking of the Sun’s energy by the Moon causes a shift or increase in the Earth’s magnetic field - it may be understood as an on/off switch that happens every day to night and every night to new day. A time to let go of things and plans and people who are not on your Path by conscious choice. It is also the opportunity to call in (the carefully described) new energies by conscious choice. Simple powerful magic works best from the heart with spoken words and an image in the mind.

Happy Lughnasa, Sun and Moon Eclipse and watching shooting stars too, to everybody.

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Full Moon 29/07/2026

28/7/2026

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The image above is of the south view of the stars that surround us on the night of the Full Moon in July. The red line marked HORIZON shows above and below the land we stand on. At 8pm or 20:00 the Moon is not visible to us and neither are the stars because the sun glare obscures the sky and the solidity of the Earth hides what is below the horizon. Moon rise is at 21:40 but sun glare still obscures the heavens... Happy Full Moon to all.

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Horizontal Ogham on Stone!

28/7/2026

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Clonmacnois Ogham Stone
Clonmacnois Monastic Site Co. OFFALY
This stone was found in 1822 by Petrie, then it got lost but now has now been found again.... Horizontal Ogham on stone example. First recorded in 1822, it features both Roman-alphabet script spelling "Colman" and a secondary Ogham inscription. It is safely housed and displayed within the site's visitor center.

Some have 'declared' that Thcob should be read as Bocht. No clarity as to why it should be read backwards but other written info on Ogham such as found in Auraicept na hÉces, a 12th century collection of older manuscripts disagrees. In Auraicept na hÉces we are told how to read Ogham: “Ogham is climbed (i.e. read) as a tree is climbed, i.e. treading (feet) on the root of the tree first with one’s right hand before and one’s left hand last. After that it is across it and against it and through it and around it". This 'root' we are to stand on is obviously the root of the tree and the trunk is the stem of the tree. We stand with our feet at the root to read Ogham.

The term “feather-mark” was coined by R. A. S. Macalister, an early twentieth-century ogham scholar. Macalister described the shape as resembling an arrow shot across the page, with the ᚛ symbol standing in for the fletching / feather at the tail end of the shaft, marking where reading should begin and in which direction. Mind you - the same man believed that Ogham originated in Cis Alpine Gaul!

In my book "OgamNua a seekers guide" I refer to the fletching feather as "roots or feet" as I was writing horizontally and from left to right.

If the person who carved Thcob was a stonemason without knowledge of Ogham: he would simply do as asked. To get paid. Thcob as Latin or old Irish means no thing at all. It would then only be recognised by regular users of Ogham as back to front words that tries to hide its meaning. Bocht in Irish translates to Poor in English. If the person who caused Bocht to be carved into a grave slab wanted people to know that Colman was poor then writing it in backwards Ogham really limits the readership... Ah shure who knows?

Get my book at https://www.celticdruidtemple.com/ogamnua-book.html

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Stone Age Jewelry - Co Galway

28/7/2026

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Quote "The Irish Neolithic has just gotten a new star find... an amethyst pendant bead. Well done to Hugh and Sue at our Maree excavation!" NUIG on FB, 23rd July 2026. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057073796068 gives much much detail. This discovery shows the complexity of culture in Ireland's first farming communities. The Maree site features a court tomb, a burial monument with an open area where rituals or ceremonial activities took place, and a portal tomb, a stone-built burial chamber marked by a large capstone.

A small amethyst pendant found in the newly discovered portal tomb on Thursday is said to be unlike anything else discovered at similar sites across Ireland.

The excavation is being carried out by researchers and students from University of Galway, alongside community volunteers, and hosted by the local landowners, the Burke family. Led by Dr Michelle Comber and Dr Noel McCarthy of the Discipline of Archaeology at University of Galway, the excavation in the Maree area of Co Galway has revealed two different types of megalithic tombs dating back almost 6,000 years.The excavation uncovered stone tools, prehistoric pottery and cremated bone, including a small amethyst pendant from the portal tomb. While quartz beads are known from a few megalithic sites, nothing like this amethyst pendant is known from anywhere in Ireland.

More info at
https://www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-fm-news-desk/archaeologists-uncover-rare-neolithic-tombs-in-maree-oranmore-226521
The lady who found this piece of jewelry is called Sue. The whole team doing the excavation are all excited and Sue is 'just' another archaeologist... Her second name is hidden respecting the team... this is standard practice during discoveries at a dig.

The image above is of Quartz beads found at ancient temples in Ireland. It is the toughest stone in the land. The unanswered question is how did the Irish stone age people cut spiral / vortex groves and neat countersunk holes for turning such rocks into jewels? Only a harder stone can cut quartz...

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Congratulations to Jessica and Martin

20/6/2026

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Our congratulations and blessings go to Jessica and Martin on their Handfasting. Celebrated under tall Larch and high mountains by Ard Druí Karl in a quiet place in Nature in Austria. Such special moments of celebrating a couple's happiness as they vow to share a Path together is a very beautiful thing. May they enjoy every step of their Path together!
You can connect with Ard Druí Karl and look at his website at https://www.cdtviennagrove.at/

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New Video Updates

19/6/2026

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Two native visitors to Temple Crom this evening, the Gas generator in the background doing a float charge and the birds protecting their territory. Watch them on youtube here.

This is Big Mama, the latest edition to our egg laying flock, she's lovely and we're so happy to have her on the team. Watch her on youtube here.

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Update on Activities at Temple Crom Woodland

18/6/2026

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We planted a new flower bed at the entrance, some of the flowers come from our farm and some were gifted by our friend Irene, who along with Damian helped to create this new flower bed to welcome guests. It is important to us to plant visually colorful flowers as well as edibles so we planted a mix of fruit and pretty flowers and mulched them all with homemade woodchips.

Developments at the Urn Field
We have dedicated a space for the ancestors in our woodland. We call this place the Urn Field, it is a place where you can scatter or bury ashes of loved ones who have passed on. We have cleared around a beautiful big boulder made of sandstone and quartz and placed a Blessing Stone on top of this boulder for you to send blessings to loved ones on their journey from the Realm of Land back to Tír na nÓg. Pics in the next blog.

A Healing Meditation with Trees
We have found some beautiful places for you to sit and meditate in the woodlands. First we planted the trees, then we waited and provided help where needed, now the trees have grown and are creating their own shape and place of healing. We had a tree come down in a bad storm, we kept some of the wood for fire wood and with some of the wood we hand crafted meditation stools. These have been strategically placed at trees so that you can sit comfortably with your back against the trunk of a tree. This allows you to harmonise your energy field by connecting to the energy field of the tree. More on this project later with pictures...

Refurbishment of Temple Crom
With great thanks and appreciation to our friends, members and special donors and of course our wonderful volunteers we would like to announce that Temple Crom's refurbishment is now complete. Its even got new woodchips on the ground of Temple Crom and the Yew tress at the entrance have been pruned for safety and access reasons. This wooden circular temple is now 15 years old and has had its main structural timbers reinforced with buttresses. New tapestries of Crom agus Corra surround the great Tree of Life. Pictures in our next blog.

Woodland Tours and Healing Meditations
At Celtic Druid Temple we'd love to welcome you and show you around on a tour. The tour is styled as a Q&A, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like as we walk around the Temple and its woodlands. If you'd like to relax and recharge we are also here to help you. We have created safe spaces for you to sit with the Trees, Ard Druí Niamh will guide you on our special and unique form of meditation with trees. You can book your place here.

Ducks and ducklings in our Pond!
In Autumn 2024 we dug a new pond in the centre of the woodland and we've just spotted something amazing. Earlier on in the year we noticed a flock of ducks had been visiting and whilst Niamh was giving a tour during this week she and her guest spotted something truly beautiful....a mama duck and her 3 tiny ducklings swimming across the pond. We have, of course, set up the trail cam but haven't been successful as yet....watch this space!!

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<<Previous

Fómhar is the old Irish name for the autumn equinox and this year it happens on the 25th of September 2026

Endangered Butterfly found at the Celtic Druid Temple Aug 26

Full Moon Eclipse 28/29 Aug 2026

LUGHNASA ECLIPSE August 12th 2026

Full Moon 29/07/2026

Horizontal Ogham on Stone!

Stone Age Jewelry - Co Galway

Congratulations to Jessica and Martin

New Video Updates

Update on Activities at Temple Crom Woodland

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