Saint Patrick’s Day
from the snake's point of view
Dr Raven Dolick M.s.D.
Mar 14, 2016
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2016 RavenStar Enchantments
St. Patrick’s Day has taken on a whole new meaning to me for the last few years. As a Pagan, I look upon the history of Ireland and see the division between the Catholics and the Protestants and the endless war between them in the last 5-600 years. I am saddened of the strife the Christianization of the Island has caused to the Irish people and hope the peace accord from 07 lasts longer than the others of the past have, and so far, so good. That is not to say the PIRA is not still trying to stir up trouble, they are, but thankfully it has been on a small-scale.
The title of this post is a bit on the mystical side, as there are no snakes in Ireland, nor has there ever been, too cold for them to survive on the Island. So then, the snakes he drove from Ireland must be the people of the original Pagan religion. However, several hundred years after his death, the Pagan religions were still the majority faith of the Ireland, so, what did Patrick do? Irish raiders took him from his home at 16, but he escaped and he was able to return home and joined the Priesthood. The Church sent him back to convert the Pagans to Christianity, though St. Victricius was already doing that and Patrick would be joining in his efforts at conversion.
He didn’t bring Christianity to Ireland as the myth goes, but he certainly helped with thousands of people reportedly being converted and the setting up of new priests to run Christian communities. The escape and return home is certainly noteworthy, as I am sure not a lot of people can claim they would be able to do the same, myself included. For his efforts to wipe out Paganism from Ireland, he was made a local Saint, as no Pope has ever officially canonized him, but he is listed in the Saints list, The Irish certainly celebrate him far different from what we do in America. The Irish go to mass and then return home or to a pub to have a pint in his honor, but that is about it, it is a solemn occasion. No green beer, no parades, no leprechaun’s, though the Shamrock was reported to be used by St. Patrick to teach about the Trinity in the Christian faith, similar to the triple Goddess they already worshiped and many Pagans still worship today. Some of the Irish Goddesses were/are Brigid, Eriu, and The Morrigan. If you happen to see someone with a snake (Jewelry, shirt, etc) on St. Patrick’s day, know we are from the old religion.
In America, and certainly in Houston, though the Irish community is far less than say Boston, many will become Irish on the holiday, even if it is just for the day to celebrate with green beer (shudder) and parades. It is a fun day to be sure, though my libation will come from Dublin itself and not the weak urine colored stuff normally passed off as beer here in the states. However you will be celebrating, please be a bit careful, for I hope to have you still reading on the following Monday.
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