My
exploration of Australian aboriginal spirituality has led to a really
interesting challenge: what do I know about the spirituality of my own people,
the Celts of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall? This quest has led me to a
fascinating book, Anam Cara/A Book of
Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue. (1997, HarperCollins) The title is Gaelic
for soul friend. Among the many themes that O’Donohue pursues is the symbolic
power of the circle in Celtic spirituality:
The Celtic imagination loved the circle. It
recognized how the rhythm of experience, nature, and divinity followed a
circular pattern. (introduction, page xix)
With that
thought in mind, I decided last week to seek out images of circles for this
blog posting. While Bill was having dental surgery in Kingston on Thursday, I
wandered the beautiful campus of Queen’s University, seeking out circular
images in every guise: architectural flourishes, mechanical details, bicycle
racks, trademarks, even high voltage buried cables. In 90 minutes, I had over
300 photographs, each one a mini-lesson in the power of circles. I hope you enjoy
my Celtic circular wanderings!
Abandoned cap on playing field.
Fountain in front of Frontenac County Court House.
Hydro meters.
Main door, St. James' Anglican Church.
Light fixture in Dupuis Hall, the chemical engineering building
(and named after a relative, Nathan Fellowes Dupuis)
Bikes outside the Douglas Library.
Above the main entrance to the Queen's University Library
Lighting fixture, Queen's University Library
Security mirror, Queen's University Library
Fire hose, Queen's University Library
Skyjack platform, outside Ontario Hall
Skyjack control panel.
Elegant shadow of a garbage pail.
Detail, Ontario Hall
Sculpture near the Agnes Etherington Art Gallery.
(Sorry, I didn't get the name of the sculptor.)
Clock face on Richardson Hall.
Concrete circular saw.
Ventilation vent.
Playing field lighting.
Theological Hall entrance.
Plaque honouring the purest of hearts.
High voltage warning.
No frisky dogs allowed!
Queen's mail delivery van.
19...a Masonic code?
Mini car badge.
Limestone wall details.
Wrought iron fence.
Bring on the Benz!
Lawnmower detail.
Until next time.
