The Luck of the Irish by Ortrun Franklin

The Mystery School

The Luck of the Irish

By Ortrun Franklin

One evening, last month, the saying “The luck of the Irish” popped into my head. Hmm! That sounds like a great title for my next article.

When I think of the Irish, a smile comes across my face because, fun and warmth comes to mind. Plus, deep down, I have a feeling of the Celtic in my lineage.

Probably, the most well-known saying is “The luck of the Irish.” Many believe that the saying is of American origin. It usually surrounds St. Patrick’s Day or the sports teams the fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the Boston Celtics.

Yet, others believe the saying goes back to Ireland. You’re lucky just to visit Ireland. As you walk the lush thick forest with their magnificent trees, it’s as though the “Faery folk” are peaking out at you. The deep green grass draws you in, only to find you are lying in a bed of shamrocks. Maybe, you’ll be lucky enough to find a four-leaf clover representing love, hope, faith and of course, luck. Or, maybe you’ll spot a leprechaun with his pot of gold.

Faires

Credit: Terry Echterling

The word luck is of unknown origin. Middle Dutch says it comes from the word “luc” which is short for “gheluc.” Its meaning is happiness or good fortune.

Maybe “The Luck of the Irish” comes from their respect for the ancient ways. “Faery rings” are not to be taken lightly. They are said to be sacred circles and if disturbed will anger the fairies. You might be driving down a straight road and all of a sudden a circle appears. A “faery ring” grows there. Go around, do not disturb.

One of the best examples of this is in “The Colloquy of Antients.” In this colloquy, St. Patrick and fairies are both featured. One dialogue shows St. Patrick and the ghost of Cailte of the Fianna (an ancient clan of Celtic warriors) dialoguing.

Another connection between Christianity and the old ways is the Celtic cross. It was created by Saint Patrick. He combined the Celtic circle and the cross. His reason for combining them was to give the newly converted pagans the idea of being included.

Irishcentral.com states “The symbolism of the Celtic cross is indicative of the human desire to know and experience the unfolding mystery of life. The arms of the cross offer four ways to Ascension, an invitation to objectively know nature, wisdom, god/ goddess and the self. The circles around the intersection of the cross represent unification, totality, wholeness and inclusion.”

Before Christianity, the Irish were polytheistic; worshipping several gods. Their teachings came from Celtic mythology. The ancestors of the Milesian (Celtic) tribes are said to be the offspring of the Gaelic Celts. But further back in history, the Celts were offspring of the Tuath De Danaan.

Many believe in magic and the supernatural pantheon. One of the most noted goddess is Danu, the mother goddess of Tuatha De Danaan. She is the mother of the Irish gods and faery people and considered the “Great Mother” of Ireland.

So, did the saying The Luck of the Irish originate in America or Ireland? It’s fun to speculate but it really does not matter.

Maybe, The Luck of the Irish can be attributed to their openness to the world around them and their willingness to incorporate the new with the old religions, mythologies, legends and beliefs.

References:www.Ireland.com, www.theslicedpan.com, www.wikipedia.com, www.Irelandcalling.com, www.Irishcentral.com

Courtesy: Ortrun Franklin

Ortrun Franklin is a columnist for Star Nations Magazine.

She is the co-host of the live stream show “Living in Two Worlds” which focuses on connecting the physical world with the spiritual world. It airs the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT.

http://www.ourspiritualascension.com

Ortrun71@aol.com

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