Relief carved Celtic ceramic sun tile

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Relief carved 2x2 sun tile available at earthsongtiles.com

Happy Solstice!

I danced in the morning when the world was begun

I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun

I was called by the darkness by the song of the earth

I joined in the singing and she gave me birth

The sun is in the south and the days lengthen fast

And soon we will sing for the winter that is past

Now we light the candles and rejoice as they burn

And dance the dance of the suns return!

The moon in her phases and the tides of the sea

the movement of the earth and the seasons that will be

are rhythm for the dancing and a promise through the years

The dance goes on through joy and tears.

Dance then, wherever you may be!

I am the lord of the dance said he!

I'll lead you on wherever you may be!

I will lead you all in the dance said he!

From 'Lord of the dance' Traditional

Relief carved Celtic harp tile

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Relief carved 6x6 ceramic Celtic harp tile available at earthsongtiles.com

When harpers once in wooded hall

a shinning cord would strike

Their songs like arrows pierced the soul

of great and low alike

Aglow by hearth and candle flame

From burning branch to ember

The mist of all they're music sang

as if to ask in wonder

Is there a moment quite as keen

or memory as bright

as light and fire and music sweet

To warm a winters night

Adam Christianson

Decorative relief carved ceramic Celtic dogs tile

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6x6 relief carved Celtic dogs tile available at earthsongtiles.com

Even as magical beasts grew rare in the Western world, travelers tales would suggest they still flourished in remote corners of the earth. Marco Polo, the Italian wanderer,  reported that a society of canine people inhabited the Andaman Island off  what was the coast of  Burma. Although there was mention of sometimes devouring mortals, they still engaged in a prosporous trade with India. A much more peaceful fare of rice, nuts, apples and milk being the usual diet. Several decades after Marco Polos journeys, Sir John Mandeville, an English writer, described another dog headed tribe. The king of these beast people on the Island of Macumeran, a far away place no longer known, had an enormous ruby pendant about his neck. His subjects, reported Mandeville, wore the image of the ox which they worshiped on their turbans. That seemed to be all Mandeville was able to tell of them ; )

Decorative, relief carved ceramic Celtic tree tile

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6x6 relief carved Celtic tree tile available at earthsongtiles.com

The rowan tree, linked with the Norse word 'runa' a charm and the Sanskrit 'runa' meaning a magician has long held the reputation for protection from enchantment.  Opposite their stalks the red rowan berries carry a tiny 5 pointed star or pentagram, the ancient magical symbol of protection. Along with many other trees the Rowan played a central role in Druid ceremonies.  Even in more recent history, in parts of Britian sprigs were placed in the cattle barn, over the main door of the house and worn for protection and to ward off enchantment. In Wales Rowan trees were planted in Churchyards to watch over the spirits of the dead.

Decorative relief carved ceramic griffin tiles

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A bookmatched pair of relief carved 4x10 ceramic griffin tiles

Available at earthsongtiles.com

In medieval Europe, Heraldry evolved as a way to identify various noble families by their emblems in a pre-literate population. Many families favored animals that either connected with their family name in some way or had qualities they felt themselves to possess. Some, such as the griffin were mythical, others like lions, leopards and tigers were exotic but closely resembled more familiar European creatures. Heraldic beasts made their appearance on many things including helmets, shields, pennants and in wood and stone carvings.

The griffin represents vigilance and vengance. An Heraldic beast which combines the attributes of both eagle & lion, symbolic guardian of the tree of life or the path to salvation.