A Litany for Danu

Danu is the Great Archetypal Mother-Goddess of the Gaelic peoples, in the fragmentary creation myths that have come down to us through ages past she is but a mysterious whisper, of immense stature but elusive in character. Danu is connected with the origins of the cosmos and credited with being the first matron of existence. In these modern times She is percieved as a vital life force, a universal energy much like the TAO which flows like a mighty river of passion through all. In the Vedic tradition her name means 'Waters from Heaven' although in the Gaelic perception and language she is all at once the 'Birther, sustainer and giver' Connected to her name is the Irish term 'Dan' meaning destiny, and Bradan which is the name of the salmon.Danu is particularly associated with water, rain and rivers; the Danube is one example named after her. I composed this litany in her honor:




Sireadh Thall… Sireadh Thall… Sireadh Thall…
(Seek Beyond… Seek Beyond… Seek Beyond…)

O Great Danu… A Maithair De (O Thou Mother-God)
O Danu of the Heights and Depths… A Maithair De
O Ocean of Tides, Waters of Heaven… A Maithair De
O Mistress of Mists… A Maithair De
O Sovereign of Warriors… A Maithair De
O Goddess of Grace Overflowing… A Maithair De
O Swift Wind of Blessings… A Maithair De
O Fire of Eternal Glory… A Maithair De
O Cloud of Dreams… A Maithair De
O Mother of Harmony… A Maithair De
O Lady of Green Plains… A Maithair De
O Word of Honor… A Maithair De
O Sign of Tranquility… A Maithair De
O Gate of Heaven… A Maithair De
O Golden Vessel… A Maithair De
O Pillar of Destiny… A Maithair De
O Harbor of Truth… A Maithair De
O Spear of Victory… A Maithair De
O Shield of Tribes… A Maithair De
O Fountain of Hearts… A Maithair De
O Waters Purifying… A Maithair De
O Virgin Snow… A Maithair De
O Origin of the Gael… A Maithair De
O Passion of Love… A Maithair De
O Field of Songs… A Maithair De
O Star of the Sea… A Maithair De
O Maternal Blossom… A Maithair De
O Hand-Maid of the Dawn… A Maithair De
O Pinnacle of the Day… A Maithair De
O Grace of Dusk… A Maithair De
O Serene Cycles of the Moon… A Maithair De
O Resplendent Harvest… A Maithair De
O Fruit of Fertility… A Maithair De
O Seed of Life… A Maithair De
O Mead of Vision… A Maithair De
O Essence of Creation… A Maithair De
O Secret Garden… A Maithair De
O Glimmering Brook… A Maithair De
O Voice of Inspiration… A Maithair De
O Mountain of Shades… A Maithair De
O Cautious Thought… A Maithair De
O Subtle Action… A Maithair De
O Bountiful Reward… A Maithair De
O Temple of the Living Soul… A Maithair De
O Throne of the Eternal Youth… A Maithair De
O Grove of Sanctuary… A Maithair De
O Guardian of Genealogies… A Maithair De
O Nobility of the Oak… A Maithair De
O Return of the Yew… A Maithair De
O Birth of the Birch… A Maithair De
O Wisdom of the Hazel… A Maithair De
O Vitality of the Apple… A Maithair De
O Womb of the Salmon… A Maithair De
O Palm of Silver… A Maithair De
O Maze of Delight… A Maithair De
O Milk of the Sky… A Maithair De
O Whisper of Dance… A Maithair De
O Queen of the Hive… A Maithair De
O Tear of Mourning… A Maithair De
O Great Danu… A Maithair De

Mar a bha… Mar a tha… Mar a bhitheas… Go Brath…
(As it was… As it is… As it shall be… Evermore…)

Ri Traghadh… Sri Lionadh…
(With the ebb… With the flow…)


Biodh Se, David.