"The Celtic mind avoided ways of seeing and being that seek satisfaction in certainty. Patience with mystery and reserve is one of the profound recognitions of the Celtic mind. The world of the soul is secret. The secret and the sacred are sisters. When the secret is not respected, the sacred vanishes. Consequently, reflection should not shine too severe or aggressive a light in on the world of the soul. The light in Celtic consciousness is a penumbral light . . . One of the damaging aspects of the current spiritual hunger is the way it sees everything in such a severe and insistent light. The light of modern consciousness is not gentle or reverent; it lacks graciousness in the presence of mystery; it wants to unriddle and control the unknown. Modern consciousness is similar to the harsh and brilliant white light of a hospital operating room. This neon light is too direct and clear to befriend the shadowed world of the soul. It is not hospitable to what is reserved and hidden. The Celtic mind had a wonderful respect for the mystery and depth of the individual soul . . . It is interesting that the world 'revelation' comes from 're-valere,' literally, 'to veil again.' The world of the soul is glimpsed through the opening in a veil that closes again. There is no direct, permanent, or public access to the divine. The glimpse is sufficient."
John O'Donohue
"Anam Cara"
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Photo: Blue ice on Lake Haiyaha, with Hallett Peak in the background, Rocky Mountain National Park, March 16, 2015
"Anam Cara"
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
Photo: Blue ice on Lake Haiyaha, with Hallett Peak in the background, Rocky Mountain National Park, March 16, 2015
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