Aes Dana
The Aes Dana (pr. es da’ na) was the intellectual class of ancient Ireland, though they bore little resemblance to ivory tower intellectuals of our day. These were down-to-earth people who traveled freely among various clans practicing their disciplines. They were healers, poets, druids and brehons (interpreters of the law) who existed to serve the free people of Ireland. Their studies were exhaustive, taking as long as 12 years to complete before being initiated. Learning was accomplished by memorizing oral teachings, not reading books. The aes dana were blessed with ability and accomplishment - but only so they could be a blessing to others. Sounds like a good way to live to me - how about you?
Available on two colors and in 2 sizes:
Green cap sleeve raglan tee printed in black and gold. Juniors only, Sizes Sm – XL. Price $22.00.
Gray tee printed in black and red. Unisex sizes Sm – 2XL Price short sleeve $19.00. |
Wisdom of the Tuatha
The Tuatha de Danann (too’-ah de dan’ nan) were a conquering race of people who, during the 2nd millennium BC, were responsible for erecting the standing stones in Ireland. They were organized into a religious and warrior aristocracy and had great influence upon druidic religion as well as the political institutions of the Sons of Mile (the Gaels) who succeeded them. When the Tuatha were defeated by the Gaels, they were banished to the places beneath the earth, within burial mounds (like New Grange) and beneath the water. There the Tuatha was 'elevated' and assumed magical powers and became what some today call the leprechauns or the sidh (the others). This design shows intertwined spirals that appear and disappear in their travels much as the Tuatha did, transformed by circumstances from conquering humans to a defeated and banished race to otherworldly magical creatures. A rough trip, but think of the stories they could tell.
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Places In Between
The ancient Irish race called Tuatha De Dannan, after being defeated in a grand and terrible battle, were exiled to live beneath the hills and under the water - in all the secret and hidden places the Emerald Isle held. Their descendants, known as the Sidhe, (pronounced shee) are to this day said to possess magical powers, to never age, and to be great lovers of music, beauty, and occasionally, an unwary mortal. Lovely or ugly beyond imagining, loyal and helpful or devotedly malign, the Sidhe creep out of the shadows and into our lives from time to time. Keep a weather eye at what might be coming to visit you from the Places In Between.
Dark army olive printed in black and red. Single color imprint between shoulders. Unisex sizes Sm – 2XL. Price $19.00 |
Tir nan Og
Tir nan Og (also spelled Tir na Nog) and Tir inna Beo (pr. teer ne nog and teer ne mo) – the land of the afterlife and the land of the living respectively, surround a Celtic tree of life image whose branches and roots (nine of each in three sets of three) are intertwined. The Celts saw threes as foundational in their understanding of their world.
Creation is divided into the stellar, solar and earth/lunar realms. Existence into the sky, earth and underworld. The triple goddess is seen as maiden, mother and crone.
Tir nan Og is pictured as a western island on which all those who have "gone across" are forever young and lovely and spend their time singing beautifully, feasting, loving and enjoying one another's company. Today there's many a pub that's taken the name Tir nan Og, in which youth and beauty are always present - at least after a pint or two.
Black and white imprint on either spruce green or river blue. Also has 2-color spine print. Unisex Sizes. Price $19.00 |
Greenman – It’s Not Easy Being Green
The Green Man, the Straw Man, Iron John, The Green Knight, are all myths dealing with cycles and passages of life. In this rendition of the Green Man we've tried to capture some of the conflicting aspects of his character. The scruffy commonplace appearance and the hint of mystery that hides behind his startling blue eyes. His ability to bless and provide and the harsh reality of his anger and rage. As with many myths, this is an attempt to use an archetype to explain away the dichotomies that lurk within the human soul. Of the dichotomies that lurk within you, which face are you showing today? Which are you hiding, and from whom?
On a wild acid washed, thin and SUPER SOFT ringspun cotton tee in mottled blacks and greens, printed on greens and cerulean blue for the eyes. SM-XL $22.00
On earthy green in greens, cream and black on 100% preshrunk cotton unisex tee. Sm-2XL $19.00.
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