| Sgathach Buanand 'the shadowed one' Skye's Warrior Queen (SCAH-yakh'k) 'the Shadowed One' or "One who Strikes Fear" lived on the Shadow Isle (Skye) in the Hebrides where she taught the greatest warriors. She was known for her crushing skills of warfare, and employed such unusual tactics as the magickal leap and the warrior's cry, a technique also used by the American Indians with their war whoop, and in the American War Between the States by the Conferderates with the famed rebel yell, so hated by the Yankees. Cuchulian, possibly Ireland's greatest warrior, was one of her students, as were many of the Red Branch. Like the Lady of the Lake in the Arthurian sagas, she gifted her most deserving pupil with a magickal sword. Scathach did not tutor women for battle because the Picts/Celts believed only women could train their men in skills and arts of war, and in turn, only the men could pass them onto their women. She was also a powerful magician, rival with her sister Aife. Once again, the depicting of the maid/mother cycle, of the there faces of the Goddess. 
Themes: Sports; Strength; Excellence; Kinship; Art; Tradition; Magic; Protection; Victory Symbols: Tartan (plaids); Celtic Music About Scathach: This Celtic Mother figure endows strength, endurance, and the ability to "go the distance" no matter our situation. In Scotland, she is also a Warrior Goddess who protects the land using magic as a weapon, as implied by the translation of her name, "she who strikes fear." Warriors from around Scotland were said to have studied under Scathach to learn battle cries and jumping techniques (possibly a type of martial arts). To Do Today: In Scotland, the second weekend in July marks the gathering of Scottish clans to revel in their heritage through numerous games of skill, strength, and artistry (including bagpipe competitions). If you have any Scottish or Celtic music, play it while you get ready to energize your whole day with Scathach's perseverance. If you don't have the music, for a similar effect find something to wear with a Scottish motif, like heather perfume, a plaid tie, things bearing the image of a thistle or sheep, or anything woolen. To make a Scathach amulet to protect your home, car, or any personal possessions, begin with a piece of plaid cloth and put some dried heather in it (alternatively, put in several strands of woolen yarn). Tie this up and keep it where you believe her powers are most needed . |
