Celebrating the Festival of Bealtaine
A Study Day Reclaiming Stories,
Poetry, Music and Ritual
A Woman Spirit Ireland Event
Bealtaine, May 1st, is one of the four great Celtic cross quarter days. Celebrations traditionally begin on the eve of the feast and continue into May 1st. Bealtaine has undergone many transformations and this one-day event ‒ on April 21st ‒ will present some of the latest findings. We will reflect on our ancient cultural roots, contemporary manifestations of the festival, and imagine ways of reclaiming the festival for our times.
The overall aim of the Study Day is to offer resources to those who wish to celebrate Bealtaine in their homes, parishes, schools, and local communities.
The format will comprise lectures, music, dance, ritual, and sharing of traditions gathered from amongst participants.
Resource Persons
Sean Ó Duinn: Sean Ó Duinn is a monk of Glenstal Abbey, and author of many books on Celtic ritual, folklore, prayers and customs. His latest book is In Search of the Awesome Mystery, which explores the many faces of “Celtic” culture from the early megalithic period through to the present day. This work reflects and builds on the latest findings of archaeo-astronomy by Anthony Murphy and his colleagues (who presented at our Imbolc Study Day) and relates those findings to folklore and traditional seasonal ritual practices. Sean Ó Duinn’s previous books include The Rites of Brigid: Goddess and Saint, and Where Three Streams Meet, all published by Columba Press.
Nóirín Ní Ríain: Musician, singer and theologian, Nóirín Ní Riain is author of Theosony, a book which “proposes a rich imaginative, refreshing new way of listening for and interpreting the Divine ‘sound of sheer silence’. From Socrates, through Abraham, Jesus Christ, and Patrick, the most powerful connection between humanity and the Divine was and is through the ear”. Nóirín has performed all over the world; one of her latest engagements was on the occasion of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Ireland. Nóirín’s website: http://www.theosony.com/
Dr. Margaret MacCurtain, Chairperson: The distinguished historian and Dominican Sister, Dr. Margaret MacCurtain will chair the event, and host a discussion among all participants: What does all this mean for us today?
Event Co-ordinator: Mary Condren, director of Woman Spirit Ireland, and author of the Serpent and the Goddess: Women, Religion and Power in Celtic Ireland, as well as many articles and a forthcoming book on Brigit (New Island Books).
Date: Saturday, April 21st
Time: 9:30 for a 10:00 am start Ends: 5/6:00 pm
Venue: Catherine McAuley Centre, 23 Lr. Herbert Street, Dublin. (On the right, just past Baggot St. Bridge going into town).
Catering: Tea/coffee will be provided, but please bring a packed lunch.
Registration
Our fee structure aims to reflect the many different circumstances of people today.
Early Bird Option: Register by April 10th and you can use our Early Bird Option: €55.00 regular; €35 concession
Regular: €70:00. For registrations after April 10th
Supporter: €100. A supporter registration allows us to offer concessions to those on low income.
Concessions: €45:00 A limited number of concessions will be available to full-time students and those whose sole income is Social Welfare. Woman Spirit Ireland is a non-profit and self-supporting organisation. If possible, therefore, please first apply to your organisation or congregation.
Register Online: Please go to our webpage www.instituteforfeminismandreligion.org and use the “Donate” button on the right-hand side. Your payment will be accepted as registration, and confirmation will be sent to you by email.
By Post: Send your cheque or PO to: Woman Spirit Ireland, 30A Parkhill Rise, Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24. Please include your name, address, email and telephone numbers in any correspondence.
Further info: womanspiritireland@gmail.com
Woman Spirit Ireland is a new trading name for the Institute for Feminism and Religion, a feminist, non-profit, educational charitable company. Please see our website for further details, and join our email list for future notifications: www.womanspiritireland.com