News from Shiatsu Ireland
Five Element Theory and links with Celtic Traditions
by Susan Boyce RPSSI
I hope each one is able to bask in the wonderful warmth and energy radiating from the sun at the moment. At this time of year before the summer solstice on June 21 and before the month of August I think of my Celtic ancestors and their honouring of the things of nature. I like to think that some of their philosophy has a resonance with Shiatsu theory and especially with the Five Element Theory.
The Celtic tribes had reached Ireland by the sixth century BC. bringing with them their skills in crafts and agriculture. Theirs was an Oral tradition and Irish was their spoken language. There were four major dates on the Celtic Ritual Calendar: Samhain (November 1) which was the beginning of their year, Imbolc (February 1), Bealtaine (May 1) Lúnasa (August 1).
These are a few comparisons:
Celtic
Samhain This journey into darkness and inner world – the barrier between the natural and supernatural world were lowered. There was a movement of darkness into light which was celebrated in the ritual of the winter solstice. Wells were also places of sacred rituals. Imbolg This was a fertility ritual – celebrating the fertility of the land and animal world. It was a time when the land was prepared for the sowing of the seeds. Bealtaine This was mainly a spring festival to honour the growth taking place and the creativity of people. Many high mountains were used to light bonfires i.e. on Tara, the seat of one of the high kings.
Lúnasa This was when the Harvest Festivals took place, celebrating the fruitfulness and sacredness of the earth. They danced around in the stone circles and honoured the sun god, Lugh. |
Shiatsu
Winter The Water (blackish blue) travels underground through the soil and caverns which eventually brings enrichment to the land.
Spring In Shiatsu the Wood element’s power is to give birth which also refers to the energy rising in the sap of trees and plants. Early Summer This Celtic season is more difficult to compare exactly but it could be compared to the Fire element of early summer when the land is flourishing and people are more joyful. Late Summer This is time there is completion and maturing both in nature and in humans. It can also be a time of stillness which allows for change. We learned in our Shiatsu study that this element allows us to be “grounded”. |
These Celtic traditions and their rituals were Christianised around the year 500, without any battles being fought and I hope that those of us who claim some Celtic Roots can still appreciate some of their culture as we continue to learn about our world and to practise Shiatsu.
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Featured Practitioner – Anna Rutkowska
24/04/2018
Anna is a fully qualified and registered (SSI, IMTA) Shiatsu and Zone Face Lift practitioner. Her clinic is located in the luxurious 5-star Urban Wellbeing Centre in Galway city. She is offering holistic health therapies as Zen Shiatsu, Chinese Cupping and Moxibustion, and Innovative Natural Beauty Anti-ageing therapy Zone Face Lift.

Featured Practitioner
07/11/2017
Anna is a fully qualified and registered (SSI, IMTA) Shiatsu and Zone Face Lift practitioner. Her clinic is located in the luxurious 5-star Urban Wellbeing Centre in Galway city. She is offering holistic health therapies as Zen Shiatsu, Chinese Cupping and Moxibustion, and Innovative Natural Beauty Anti-ageing therapy Zone Face Lift.