Celtic Meditation Music
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.... A Celtic chill out album....
All of life is a meditation, most of it unintentional....Joseph Campbell
"The internationally renowned Irish harpist shines on this collection of 11 meditative instrumental songs accompanied by cello, guitar and clarinet." DALLAS MORNING NEWS
"Celtic Meditation Music is a stellar instrumental collection of 11 songs beautifully performed by Minogue and a crew of gifted musicians: Eugene Friesen on cello, Tom Hill on clarinet, Joanie Madden on whistles. The music is soft and relaxing -- perfect for meditation or establishing a calm mood." LEXINGTON HERALD LEADER, LEXINGTON, KY
NOTE: This album is all instrumental.
Irish harp accompanied by clarinet, cello, violin, and percussion.
61 minutes
(Free shipping on all CDs)
Blind Mary 3:00
(Turlough O'Carolan)
The ritual covering of the fire at night is a tradition that can be found throughout the Celtic countries. This chant from the Hebrides (Islands off the coast of Scotland) invokes the trinity which was meant to accompany that ritual.
The Sacred Three
My fortress be
Encircling me.
Come and be round
My hearth, my home.
Aran Boat Song 4:58
The Mystery of Amergin
This poem by the Milesian warrior and poet Amergin is taken from "Amergin's Incantation to Ireland." While some sources date the poem as far back as 500 BC, others attribute it to a much later century (sixth century AD). This poem is similar to creation incantations found in other cultures.
Far Beyond Yon Mountain/Bridge Cruise 6:08
Turlough O'Carolan
To the Moon
Scottish Gaelic. Traditional folk prayer.
Greeting to you, gem of the night!
Beauty of the skies, gem of the night!
Mother of the stars, gem of the night!
Foster-child of the sun, gem of the night!
Majesty of the stars, gem of the night!
Were You at the Rock (An Raibh Tú Ag An gCarraig) 7:57
(featuring Eugene Friesen, cello)
Bruach na Carraige Bána/At the Edge of the White Rock 5:39
(featuring Tom Hill, clarinet)
Dark Island 5:39
(featuring Sheldon Mirowitz, guitar)
An Bhoutais 4:08
This tune was taught to be me by Michael Rooney, the virtuoso harper from County Monaghan.
Gentle Maiden 4:53
To the Sun
Scottish Gaelic. Traditional folk prayer.
Dawning of the Day 4:54
The Deer's Cry. This 8th Century Irish poem invoking the power of the elements is often attributed to St. Patrick.
Easter Snow 4:53
(featuring Bríd Meaney, concertina)
Marbha na Luimneach (Limerick's Lamentation) 8:35
(featuring Joanie Madden, Irish whistle)
From the writings of St. John of the Cross
Eugene Friesen: Cello
Brad Hatfield: Strings and orchestration
Tom Hill: Clarinet
Joanie Madden: Whistles
Bríd Meaney: Concertina
Áine Minogue: Irish harp
Sheldon Mirowitz: Guitar
Randy Roos: Soundscapes
Recorded and mixed by Mark Wessel at AdelMark Studios, Lincoln, MA
except "An Bhoutais" - recorded by Todd Windmill at the Regent Theater in Arlington, MA
Mastered by Robert Hadley at the Mastering Lab in Los Angeles, CA
Back cover photo Jim Higgins (photo: © James Higgins)
Pre Production: Brian P. Meyers & Áine Minogue
Produced by Áine Minogue
Graphic Design by Jennifer Miles
All tracks Traditional, Arranged by Áine Minogue and published by Little Miller Music Company (BMI)
SINCERE THANKS to all the wonderful musicians who shared their time and talents on this album. I am especially indebted to Mark Wessel and Brian Meyers. Thanks also to Alaric Naiman for his generosity in allowing us to enjoy a magical space in the heart of Lincoln woods.
Anything by Zen monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, particularly 'The Miracle of Mindfulness' (1999, Beacon Press)
Anything by Marion Woodman, Jung & Joseph Campbell...
Aran Boat Song
I am the wind that breathes upon the sea,
I am the ocean wave,
I am the murmur of the billows,
I am the ox of the seven combats,
I am the vulture of the rocks,
I am a sunbeam,
I am the fairest of plants,
I am a wild boar in valor,
I am a salmon in the water,
I am a lake in the plain,
I am a word of knowledge
I am the point of the lance of battle
I am the God who lights fire in the brain
Who is it who throws light into the meeting on the mountain?
Who announces the ages of the moon?
Were You At the Rock (An Raibh tú ag an gCarria)
The Questions of Ethne Alba
Who is God
And where is God,
Of whom is God,
And where His dwelling?
Had He sons and daughters,
Gold and silver, this God of yours?
Is He ever-living?
Is He beautiful,
Was his son
Fostered by many?
Are His daughters
dear and beautiful
To the men of the world?
Is He in heaven
Or on the earth?
in the sea,
in the rivers,
n the mountains,
in the valleys?
Speak to us
Tidings of Him:
How will He be seen,
how is He loved,
how is He found?
Is it in youth
Or is it in old age
He is found?
Translated by James Carney
Bruach na Carraige Bána/At the Edge of the White Rock
Blessing bestowed on the Eoghanacht, Kings of Cashel
Blessing of heaven - cloud blessing,
Blessing of earth - fruit blessing,
Blessing of sea - fish blessing,
Blessing of sun - rank blessing,
Blessing of moon - honour blessing,
Blessing of ale - food blessing,
Blessing of light - dew blessing,
Blessing of wisdom - valour blessing,
Blessing of grain - plough blessing.
Translation - Byrne
Dark Island
This poem is also taken from the Song of Amergin
I am an estuary into the sea.
I am a wave of the ocean.
I am the sound of the sea.
I am a powerful ox.
I am a hawk on a cliff.
I am a dewdrop in the sun.
I am a plant of beauty.
I am a boar of valour.
I am a salmon in a pool.
I am a lake in a plain.
I am the strength of art.
An Bhoutais
As it was,
As it is,
As it shall be
Evermore,
O thou Triune
Of grace!
With the ebb,
With the flow,
O thou Triune
Of grace!
With the ebb,
With the flow.
Anonymous
Gentle Maiden
Greeting to you
Sun of the seasons,
As you travel the skies on high
With you strong steps on the wing of the heights;
You are the happy mother of the stars.
You sink down in the perilous ocean
without harm and without hurt, you rise up on the quiet wave
like a young queen in flower.
Dawning of the Day
The Deer's Cry
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendour of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock
Trans. Kuno Meyers
Easter Snow
Three fold Chant
Power of wind is mine over it,
Power of anger is mine over it,
Power of fire is mine over it,
Power of thunder is mine over it,
Power of lightning is mine over it,
Power of storm is mine over it,
Power of moon is mine over it,
Power of sun is mine over it,
Power of stars is mine over it,
Power of sky is mine over it,
Power of heavens
And of the worlds is mine over it.
A share upon the grey rocks,
A share upon the steep hills
A share upon the fast falls,
A share upon the wide fields,
And a share upon the mighty salt sea,
For she is best to disperse its ill.
In the name of the life-giving Threefold,
In the name of the Sacred Three,
In the name of all the Secret Ones,
And of all the Powers.
Translation - Caitlin Matthews
Marbha na Luimneach (Limerick's Lamentation)
From the writings of St. John of the Cross
To reach satisfaction in all
Desire its possession in nothing.
To come to possess all
Desire the possession of nothing.
To arrive at being all
Desire to be nothing.
To come to the knowledge of all
Desire the knowledge of nothing. . .
To come to be what you are not
You must go by a way in which you are not.
Lexington Herald Leader, Lexington, KY
AINE MINOGUE CELTIC MEDITATION MUSIC
She's an internationally known Irish harpist who has recorded six CDs and contributed to numerous soundtracks. Minogue was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, where she began studying the Irish harp at 12. She now lives in the United States.
Celtic Meditation Music is a stellar instrumental collection of 11 songs beautifully performed by Minogue and a crew of gifted musicians: Eugene Friesen on cello, Tom Hill on clarinet, Joanie Madden on whistles and Sheldon Mirowitz on guitar.
The music is soft and relaxing -- perfect for meditation or establishing a calm mood. The dreamy Dark Island blends guitar, harp and whistles. Were You at the Rock begins with a dramatic cello, then eases in a gentle harp. Gentle Maiden is soft and soothing.
The CD jacket offers spiritual reflections on each of the tunes. The music is free of clutter and sometimes stark, but well-executed and memorable.
Reviewed by MyShelf.com
Reviewer: Suzie Housle
"Music is the poetry of the air."
~Richter
Through the soft, mellow tunes that radiate from Celtic Meditation Music you can almost imagine yourself being transported to the lush Irish Sea. The smooth undertones that are contained in Áine Minogue’s voice command you to close your eyes and feel the magic as it takes shape.
Celtic Meditation Music is a keepsake collection of eleven beautiful offerings which enrich the world each time they are played. It is as if this audio projects its own special ray of sunshine which brightens your day. Áine Minogue’s heart and soul go into each one of the words that make up this CD. You are able to hear each one beat steadfast.
Listeners will gain a true appreciation for the land of Ireland. Áine Minogue is a skilled harp player. Her talented hands effortlessly glide over the legendary notes to produce a one of a kind experience which will leave all with a sense of true amazement.
This audio is by far one of my favorite Celtic CDs. Whenever I play it, it allows me to gain a sense of peace and tranquility that often the world forgets to offer. For over an hour I am able to experience my own special Celtic dream as I put my life on hold to have a moment of pure joy. Very highly recommended.
Dallas Morning News
reviewed by Susan Hogan/Albach
Posted on Sat, Dec. 25, 2004
Here are five 2004 CDs, representing music from various religious traditions, that were favorably reviewed by Susan Hogan/Albach of the Dallas Morning News:
1. "Music for Yoga and Other Joys," Jai Uttal and Ben Leinbach (Sounds True)It's Eastern-flavored instrumental music that yoga lovers and those who aren't can appreciate. There are surprises: Listen for the banjo.
2. "The World Is a Narrow Bridge," Various Artists (produced by Craig Taubman) Various Jewish artists explore loss from a spiritual perspective in songs that range across musical genres. It's music that speaks to people going through tough transitions, such as the loss of a loved one.
3. "Blue Walls and the Big Sky," Dawud Wharnsby Ali (Enter into Peace)Who says Muslims can't rock? Wharnsby Ali writes poetically, sings beautifully and brings Muslim values to folk pop music.
4. "Celtic Meditation Music," Aine Minogue (Sounds True)The internationally renowned Irish harpist shines on this collection of 11 meditative instrumental songs accompanied by cello, guitar and clarinet.
5. "Amy Grant Greatest Hits 1986-2004" (Word/Curb)You'll have all the secular hits that made her a household name, plus a few of her Christian best.
none yet. first time
Simply Beautiful Great to come home after a hard day and just meditate or sleep.
Amazing. This is an amazing sound track for meditation. I can't fall asleep without it now.
Excellent Relaxation Music. It puts me in the "zone" I was looking for. So if you're in to this kind of music, you won't be disappointed with this one.
Excellent Relaxation Music. It puts me in the "zone" I was looking for. So if you're in to this kind of music, you won't be disappointed with this one.
Peaceful and profound. By the time the CD gets to the third song the magic of Celtic music has done its work. I recommend this for anyone who wishes to start or end the day with a quiet mind.
Gift for an Irishman…. My friend called me and raved over this CD.
Great music to de-stress. My husband and I listen to this cd almost every night before going to sleep. The music is calming and reverent. Great way to end a busy day.
Overall, I would highly recommend this CD to anyone who enjoys the sounds of celtic music, as well as those who are looking for music to relax to - it's absolutely beautiful!
Transportive and Restorative. This is one of the most beautiful, restorative collections of Celtic music I have ever heard. Haunting, sublime harp, cello, guitar, flute, and soundscapes create an atmosphere of serenity for meditation, prayer, or simply unwinding the mind and emotions. The poetry which originated each selection is included and provides a meditation in itself. Highly recommended.
Absolutely Beautiful. The music included on the "Celtic Meditation Music" CD is so soothing & hauntingly beautiful to me that I've barely listened to anything else for the last week - it's that good!
The liner notes are great as well. They share information about the various rituals, prayers, and poems that are behind each of the songs - it's really quite interesting!
and the end of all our exploring
will be to arrive where we started
and know the place for the first time.
Through the unknown, remembered gate
when the last of earth left to discover
is that which was the beginning
At the source of the longest river
The voice of the hidden waterfall
and children in the apple tree
Not known because not looked for
but heard, half heard in the stillness
between two waves of the sea
Quick now, here, now, always -
a condition of complete simplicity
(costing not less than everything)
and all shall be well and
all manner of things shall be well,
when the tongue of flame are enfolded
into the crowned knot of fire
and the fire and the rose are one.
Little Gidding - T.S. Eliot
DESIDERATA
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are a vexation to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always, there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the fact of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Vespers by John O’Donohue
As light departs to let the earth be one with night
Silence deepens in the mind and thoughts grow slow;
The basket of twilight brims over with colours
Gathered from within the secret meadows of the day
And offered like blessings to the gathering Tenebrae.
After the day’s frenzy may the heart grow still,
Gracious in thought for all the day brought,
Surprises that dawn could never be dreamed,
The blue silence that came to still the mind,
The quiver of mystery at the edge of a glimpse
The golden echoes of worlds behind voices.
Tense faces unable to hide what gripped the heart,
The abrupt cut of a glance or a phrase that hurt,
The flame of longing that distance darkened,
Boquets of memory that gathered on the heart’s altar,
The thorn of absence in the rose of dream.
And the whole while the unknown underworld
Of the mind turning slowly in its secret orbit.
May the blessings of sleep bring refreshment and release
And the Angel of the moon call the rivers of dream
To soften the hardened earth of the outside life,
Disentangle from the trapped nets the hurt and sorrow
And awaken the young soul for the new tomorrow.
A Gaelic Blessing
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be at your back
May the sun shine upon your face
May the rain fall on your fields
May the rain fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again
May your God hold you gently
In the hollow of his/her hand.
Matins by John O’Donohue
Somewhere, out at the edges, the night
Is turning and the waves of darkness
Begin to brighten the shore of dawn.
The heavy dark falls back to earth
And the freed air goes wild with light,
The heart fills with fresh, bright breath
And thoughts stir to give birth to colour.
II
I arise today
In the name of Silence
Womb of the Word,
In the name of Stillness
Home of Belonging,
In the name of the solitude
Of the Soul and the Earth
I arise today
Blessed by all things,
Wings of breath,
Delight of eyes,
Wonder of whisper,
Intimacy of touch,
Eternity of soul,
Urgency of thought,
Miracle of health,
Embrace of God
May I live this day
Compassionate of heart,
Gentle in word,
Gracious in awareness,
Courageous in thought,
Generous in love.
PEACE - Trans. Caitlin Matthews
Deep peace of running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you;
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you;
Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you;
Deep peace of Christ to you
(Another version of Amergins’s Mystery)
I am the Wind that blows over the sea;
I am the Wave of the Ocean;
I am the Murmur of the billows:
I am the Ox of the Seven Combats;
I am the Vulture on the rock;
I am a ray of the sun;
I am the fairest of Plants;
I am a Wild Board in valour;
I am a Salmon in the Water;
I am a Lake in the plain;
II am the Craft of the artificer;
I am a Word of Science;
I am the Spear-point that gives battle
I am the god that creates in the head of man the fire of thought.
Whi is it that creates in the head of man the fire of thought?
Who is it that enlightens the assembly upon the mountain, if not I?
Who tells the ages of the moon, if not I?
Who shows the place where the sun goes to rest, if not I?
Amergin 500 BC. From Irish Mythology:
The poem is from Amergin’s incantation to Ireland, with origins perhaps five hundred years before Christ. In the poem, Amergin, A Milesian warrior, as well as poet, and Ireland’s “First Druid,” takes on the spirit of Ireland and speaks for it’s soul. Originating in North-west Spain’s Galicia, the Milesians are the ancestors of the Gaels who conquered the country and became the dominant tribe. Their essentially pantheistic earth-based religion, (what modern man might call “New Age”), formed the basis of spirituality until the coming of Christianity; that retained political power at Tara until the arrival of the Anglo-Normans.
PRAYERS FOR PROTECTION
another version of St. Patrick’s Breastplate
I gird myself today with the might of heaven
The rays of the sun,
The beams of the moon,
The glory of fire,
The speed of wind,
The depth of sea,
The stability of earth
The hardness of rock.
I gird myself today with the power of God:
God’s strength to comfort me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to lead me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s shield to protect me,
God’s angels to save me
From the snares of the devil,
From temptations to sin,
From all who wish me ill,
Both far and near,
Alone and with others
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
Christ behind and before me,
Christ beneath and above me,
Christ with me and in me,
Christ around and about me,
Christ on my left and my right,
Christ when I rise in the morning,
Christ when I lie down at night,
Christ in each heart that thinks of me,
Christ in each mouth that speaks of me,
Christ in each eye that sees me,
Christ in each ear that hears me.
Blessing for Protection
Through the power of the Trinity,
Through faith in the threeness,
Through trust in the oneness,
Of the Maker of earth,
And the Maker of heaven.
Blessing for Good Health
I wish healing upon you,
The healing of Mary with me,
Mary, Michael and Brighid
Be with me all three.
Your pain and sickness
Be in the earth’s depths,
Be upon the grey stones,
For they are enduring.
Fly with the birds of the air,
Fly with the wasps of the hill,
Swim with the sea-going whale,
For they are swiftest.
Be upon the clouds of the sky,
For they are the rainiest,
Be upon the river’s current
Cascading to the sea.
Trans. Caitlin Matthews
G. K. Chesterton
For the great Gaels of Ireland
Are the men that god made mad.
For all their wars are merry,
And all their songs are sad.
Blessing
Be not too conceited, nor too diffident, Be not too haughty, nor too humble,
Be not too talkative, nor too silent,
Be not too hard, nor too feeble.
If you be too wise, one will expect too much of you;
If you be too foolish, you will be deceived;
If you be too conceited, you will be thought vexatious;
If you be too talkative, you will not be heeded;
If you be too silent, you will not be regarded;
If you be too hard, you will be broken;
If you be too feeble, you will be crushed.
Trans. Meyer
Blessing
I was a listener in woods,
I was a gazer at stars,
I was blind where secrets were concerned,
I was silent in a wilderness,
I was talkative among many,
I was mild in the mead-hall,
I was stern in battle,
I was gentle towards allies,
I was a physician to the sick….
I did not deride the old though I was young….
I would not speak about
Anyone in his absence
Trans. Meyer
The gods did not reveal from the beginning,
All things to us; but in the course of time,
Through seeking we may learn, and know things better.
But as for certain truth, no man has known it,
Nor will he know it; neither of the gods,
Nor yet of all the things of which I speak.
And even if by chance he were to utter
The final truth, he would himself not know it
For all is but a woven web of guesses.
Xenophanes (c. 570-475 BC)
A Gaelic Blessing
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be at your back
May the sun shine upon your face
May the rain fall on your fields
The Summer Day by Mary Oliver
Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean--
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down--
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
With your one wild and precious life?
We will be expanding on this section in the near future. In the meantime, if you're interested in Celtic spirituality, please check out the album Mysts of Time.
