A Circle of Stones: Journeys and Meditations for Modern Celts - Erynn Rowan Laurie 1995

Using the Circle

Now that you have built your Circle of Stones, what should you do with it?

Each segment symbolizes a different part of Celtic cosmology. In the next chapter are poems to recite and meditations to do with your circle that correspond to each section of beads.

The basic technique is quite simple. In the morning when you awaken, or at night before you go to bed, hold the circle in your hands. Take a few moments to calm your mind and think about what you are going to do. Beginning with the Gate of Divine Mysteries, hold each bead and recite the poetry that goes along with it.

For sections with many beads, repeat the poetry as you hold each bead, moving along the strand in a counter-clockwise direction. This direction seems to have been one of bringing power into manifestation among the early Irish Celts.

The poetry is provided in both English and Gaelic. (The English translations of the poetry are based on those listed in the noted source material.) I recommend trying the Gaelic, as the rhythm and internal rhyme is much more beautiful and hypnotic. A rough pronunciation guide is provided at the end of the book.

Take your time as you go through the series of poems. There is no need to hurry. In fact, it is better if you move through the poetry slowly, considering the meaning of the words and thinking about the symbols.

You will find that the poetry is more effective when recited aloud. Its rhythm becomes much more clear, and the way that the words roll off the tongue can be quite sensual and delightful.

Given time, you will find that the poems begin to come naturally. If you repeat your meditations every day, you will eventually memorize the poems without even trying, and then you will be able to meditate on the meaning without having to read the book as you go. This will release you to do more complex work with the circle and its poetry. Some of these more advanced techniques, like journeying into Otherworld realms, are described in later chapters.