Cailleach
A main source of inspiration for choosing symbols and actions is
our rich mythology. All myths, legends and lore is said to contain an
element of truth. This is often the case, but more than this, our
mythology is full of archetypal characters, actions and ultimately
archetypal energy.
There are many legends associated with the Cailleach and these come from different epochs in time so often contain in one being, many aspects that at first seem contradictory. For instance, how can the Cailleach both be cruel and frightening as well as warm and joyous? How can Fionn be both wise and easily tricked? The answer is that in the epoch in which the tale was created is a combination of the influences and taboos which seem alien to us nowadays. It also depicts a spectrum of archetypal emotions and states of being to which we have all experienced at some stage.
 | The Cailleach, which in old Irish means the veiled one, is the wise woman of Irish mythology.... |
.... but usually depicted as a lecherous old hag that could work magic through her cauldron. She is most likely a personification of winter and the third stage of life, old age. With age comes wisdom. However, the Christian slant was to remove this supernatural Cailleach as a source of wisdom as her ways were often opposite to that of Rome.
In one particular legend Niall of the Nine Hostages was out hunting with his brothers. They come face to face with the ugly Cailleach and she challenges them for a kiss in return for the water of the well she guards. Brian, Niall's brother, gives her a half-hearted peck on the cheek, but Niall gives her a passionate kiss. The Cailleach transforms into a beautiful maiden who is the embodiment of the sovereignty of Ireland. She promises that Niall and his descendants down to the next 26 generations will be high kings of Ireland.
| Using this as an inspiration we could have the Cailleach somehow threaten or challenge us for a reward. |  |
We could then create a scenario where we accept a challenge, like jumping over a candle, and getting our heart's desire on achieving this task.
The Cailleach is an archetypal character and when invoked can be a powerful symbol for creating change, tidying up loose ends, releasing the past, acceptance and healing.
Her Cauldron is another archetypal image which can represent various ideas. In it's essence it is a cooking pot, so symbolises transformation, food, nurturing, family, feasting, the womb, the stomach, an inexhaustible supply of plenty etc. It was also associated with healing the wounded, inauguration rituals for kingship and with feminine/Yang ideas. So using this alone, even without the Cailleach, is an invitation to healing. Whether we are aware of this or not, the race or cultural memory would recognise the cauldron as a source of nourishment and sustenance which our ancestors would resonate with.
The Bon Fire, from the words bone fire, a ritual fire in which the Celts burned animal bones, is now a fire lit to mark the occasion of the start of the seasons. In Celtic mythology there are the four fire festivals, Samhain being the principal one. Depending on local tradition the fire can be made from seven different wood or not, it can be lit by men or not. But it is used for healing and blessing new beginnings such as marriages. The fire in any event is a source of energy and transforms all it touches. In this regard we can cast into the fire anything we wish to be rid of, so we can start the new year with a clean slate.
In casting for the role of Cailleach in our ceremonies we can pick either male or female actors as the archetypal energies go beyond our experience of simplistic dualism. This is a marked departure from more traditional Wiccan, Buddhist and Christian beliefs. Our understanding is that we each embody yin and yang aspects, traditionally projected as male and female. However, this is a projection! As in the dream state, every character in the dream, male, female, animate and inanimate are all parts of the dreamer. So while we may have an actor playing the role of Cailleach, each of us in the group are the Cailleach! Another way we often show this is by eliminating the Cailleach altogether in the play and get each person in turn to put their “stuff” into the flaming cauldron directly.
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Anne has written about the Cailleach here - 25th-march-latha-na-cailliche She might be a 'Gloomy Old Woman' but is respected (and feared) in legends and folklore in Scotland, Isle of Man and Ireland.
In Ireland
| There are also tales of the Sliabh na Caileach in Co. Meath, Ireland, which were made when the caileach dropped stones from her apron. |  |
