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Ogham as a Bridge to Ancient Ireland

beginners ogham history ogham today personal Jan 08, 2024
A stone bridge in Ireland, crossing a river.

Today, we're gonna get a little whimsical, looking at the Ogham as a bridge to ancient Ireland. So much of my studies with regard to the Ogham Alphabet, and its place in Irish Identity, have been serious and scholarly for the last two years. 

That's all well and good, and it landed me a first class honours for my Masters thesis on the topic. [See Thesis Here]

But now I'd like to invite you to tread softly on the mystical paths of our ancestors, exploring the Ogham with me. This ancient script, more than mere markings, is a whispering of the old ways, a guide back to the roots that nourish our very being. Join me, Lora O'Brien, as we unfurl the scrolls of time and decode the messages left for us in the standing stones and manuscripts of old.

The Mystical Origins of Ogham

The story of Ogham begins in the mists of ancient Ireland, a land of myth and legend. Here, the god Oghma is said to have created the script, a system of marks and dashes, each holding profound meaning.

As for how the Ogham was created , I've explored that too. [Click for the Story]

But why was Ogham created? Some suggest it was a secretive language of the learned, a way to keep sacred knowledge within the circles of the wise. Others believe it had a more spiritual purpose, serving as a conduit between the earthly realm and the divine.

Ogham's Connection to the Irish Landscape

To understand Ogham is to understand the land itself. This script is not merely a collection of tree names, but a representation of the natural world.

It speaks of the mountains, rivers, and sacred groves of Ireland. Each stroke and space is a reflection of the world our ancestors inhabited, a world where every element had its place and significance.

As we explore Ogham, we're not just learning an ancient alphabet; we're connecting with the spirit of Ireland itself.

Deciphering the Ancient Script

Reading Ogham is an art form, a ritual of sorts. One does not simply read from left to right; we must understand the context, the environment, and the intention behind each mark.

Standing before an Ogham stone is like standing before a doorway to another time. Each inscription tells a story, a piece of wisdom passed down through generations. It's a dialogue with history, an invitation to converse with those who walked the land before us.

Ogham in the Modern World

Despite its ancient roots, Ogham speaks to us even today. It's a living language, a thread connecting us to our heritage and the natural world.

In our fast-paced, modern lives, Ogham offers a moment of reflection, a chance to slow down and ponder the deeper truths of existence. It's more than a historical curiosity; it's a way of seeing the world, a perspective that values the interconnectedness of all things.

A Journey Through Time

Remember that this is just the beginning. Ogham is a bridge to ancient Ireland, but it's also a bridge to understanding ourselves and our place in the world.

The Ogham Alphabet invites us to explore, to question, and to learn. So, keep the Ogham close to your heart, and let its ancient whispers guide your way.

With each step we take, let's honour the wisdom of the past and carry it forward into our future. Until next time, may your path be ever guided by the gentle whispers of Ogham.

For those eager to delve deeper into the mysteries of Ogham and Irish heritage, join us in our private peer support community group for Ogham Academy Students, past and present, for a journey into the heart of Ireland's ancient wisdom.

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OGHAM - Quick & Easy Reference Guide

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In this Guide you will find a brief history of the Ogham, and the Ogham letters laid out across two A4 sheets, for easy printing and quick reference or reminders as you learn.
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