10 April, 2012

Celtic Blessings

A few weeks ago one of my daughters emailed this to me which she described as a "nice Celtic blessing from our chaplain this week." I liked it, but it struck me more as Native American than Celtic.

          May the Peace of the Running Water be with you.
          May the Peace of the Deep Forest be with you.
          May the Peace of the Flowers be with you.
          May the Peace of the Child’s Laughter be with you.
          May the Peace of the Open Fire be with you.
          May the Peace of the Deep Silence be with you.


Since she was in Colorado, my suspicion was even stronger. I read it again recently though, and ever more curious about possible sources, I began to exercise my Googleability. Searching for Celtic prayers, I came across these two - either of which could be a forerunner of what my daughter had heard and then sent me.

Deep Peace to You

          Deep peace of the 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 infinite peace to you.

                        - Adapted from ancient Gaelic runes

Deep Peace to You 
(Healing Version)
Healing Blessing

Alan Dall, the blind poet, put upon the Amadan this eolas of healing,
touching the brow and the heart as he said "here" and "here" in Lines 2 and 3.

          Deep peace I breathe into you,
              O weariness, here:
              O ache, here!
          Deep peace, a soft white dove to you;
          Deep peace, a quiet rain to you;
          Deep peace, an ebbing wave to you!
          Deep peace, red wind of the east from you;
          Deep peace, grey wind of the west to you;
          Deep peace, dark wind of the north from you;
          Deep peace, blue wind of the south to you!
          Deep peace, pure red of the flame to you;
          Deep peace, pure white of the moon to you;
          Deep peace, pure green of the grass to you;
          Deep peace, pure brown of the earth to you;
          Deep peace, pure grey of the dew to you,
          Deep peace, pure blue of the sky to you!
          Deep peace of the running wave to you,
          Deep peace of the flowing air to you,
          Deep peace of the quiet earth to you,
          Deep peace of the sleeping stones to you!
          Deep peace of the Yellow Shepherd to you,
          Deep peace of the Wandering Shepherdess to you,
          Deep peace of the Flock of Stars to you,
          Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you,
          Deep peace of the heart of Mary to you.


So ... your choice. You can't go wrong - each is a wonderful sentiment, and I bid you such peace. But especially, may the peace of the child’s laughter be with you.
TGB