October 13, 2021

There are no house numbers here in rural western Ireland. We have a postal code that is house specific and this is generally how folks find us. Generally, but apparently not locally. 

When the washing machine died with a spectacular bang, Declan was the man who came to the house to pronounce the machine dead and administer last rites. When I rang him he asked where we are located. I gave him the postal code. After a minute of silence on his end he asked, “Who are your neighbors?” I wasn’t at all prepared for the question so just gave him some general directions and described the house. “Ah, now. Did a woman named Colleen live there at one time.” Well, yes. She did. “Grand. Now I know exactly where you are.” And he was here in minutes.

When the new washing machine was to be delivered and installed I got a call and the same question. “Now, who are your neighbors?” This time I was prepared. “Mick and Mary Keenan,” I told him. “Ah, now. I know them and know exactly where you are.” And Ken was here in minutes. When he walked in the front door he asked, “Now was this Anna Casey’s house?” Yes, it was. She’s the woman we bought the cottage from. 

In this rural community it’s all about the neighborhood and the neighbors – past and present. And that is exactly how folks approach each other. It’s delightful. The longer I’m here the more I appreciate this neighborly approach. 

Beannacht,
Judith – judith@stonefires.com

October 10, 2021

Echtra. The word was gifted to me at the beginning of this Ireland journey. I thought it would be metaphoric. It wasn’t. 

The word carries the energy of the journey but more the story of the journey. And the story of this journey is still unfolding. It’s so deeply powerful and profound that I find myself not at all called to write about it. It’s just too sacred to be shared through blog posts. 

There is much more to write about.

I will share that this figure appeared to us through the mists that enshrouded Benbulben on our second day just after to portal closed. It was as if this figure was showing us where the next one would be opened. Yes. It’s a tree stump. But the shape of it was no coincidence. 

I will share that in our time in the sacred sites we were joined by an increasing number of ancestor and Otherworld energies. Hundreds. And it seems those entities and energies are now remaining with us. We are all navigating this new dynamic in our life landscapes…for it is indeed dynamic. And the integration will continue. The Light is rising.

I’m absolutely aware that many of you are anticipating more mystical stories. But for now, I will hold those closely and turn to other adventures. After all, it is Ireland. And there is something of a magic here in any adventure, sacred or secular.

Beannacht,
Judith