River Boyne and the Milky Way

The Wisdom - As above, so below -

This well known phrase - as above, so below - is from The Emerald Tablet of Hermes.

Above - the silvery band of light known as the Milky Way - Bealach na Bó Finne - also -Bothar na Bó Finne - Way / Road of the White Cow - (Bealach - suggests an important road) -

Below - the silvery band of water known as the River Boyne - Abhainn na Bóinne -

- thus the link between them is expressed linguistically through the cow and milk via the Irish word Bó. 

Many European countries call the silvery area that runs across the night sky the Milky Way and this connection might be traced back to the Greek name -Galaxies Kuklos - Milky Circle - and the Roman -Via Lactea- Milky Road.

Japan and China consider the Milky Way as a Great River, whilst Northern and Eastern Europeans speak of it as the Bird's Way or Path - usually a white bird with swan like features.

The Milky Way is also called Lugh's Chain - Slabhbra Luigh.

Rivers were the main means of transport and navigation in ancient times, and one of the most visible areas of the night sky is the Milky Way, also used for navigation.  Birds migrate from the north to warmer southern lands using the Milky Way as guide.

Thus there are several common themes linking the Milky Way above to the River below.

Page last updated: 29th Apr 2010