The Fonn

Like other ancient languages, Gaelic has many subtle meanings. The word Fonn, for instance, means not only song or chant, but also a state of mind… and the land itself.

Many of these chants are rooted in pre-Christianity. Some of them are in Modern Gaelic, either the Scots or the Irish variants… some are in Old Irish – the ancestor of modern Gaelic - a language that goes back to the dark ages and beyond. They represent a small part of the huge repertoire of chant and prayer that is used daily within the Céile Dé tradition…

The fuinn (plural) work on many different levels, they harmonise the three parts of us that relate to each of the word’s three meanings - the Spiritual, the Psychic or Otherworldly, and the Physical... They are a powerful spiritual tool that can help one sink into a deep meditative state… or enflame the heart.

All fuinn are short and repeated over and over, like a mantra. Often, certain fuinn are “prescribed” for a particular spiritual purpose by an experienced teacher of the tradition.

They can be applied in many different ways : –

They are used prior to contemplation.

Certain fuinn are spoken along with a paidirean – ancient Celtic prayer beads. A string consists of 150 beads, with dividers at certain symbolically significant points. When used with a paidirean, a fonn is rhythmically spoken, rather than sung. Certain fuinn exist specifically for use with the paidirean. There are also various breathing techniques that are used along with the use of the paidirean.

Paidirean of a Céile Dé Aonaran (Order Member)

As the audio examples below will show, fuinn can be sung alone or in a group. Some lend themselves best to group singing, some seem most powerful when sung alone.

Many fuinn can be linked together and sung or chanted in groups of up to a dozen (traditionally) people. This practice, called “moving over the threshold”, includes special movements and can last for over an hour.

Best of all, perhaps… a fonn can be sung spontaneously at any time - as a sudden impulse to acknowledge the gift of life and the mystery of the Divine woven into all things. They are all very different, with a range of moods and applications, so their uses are limited only to the imagination.

Here are three examples of fuinn. (Please note – these ones are not for use with a paidirean)

  1. “Tar a thighearna… Tar a thi” (Come, Oh thou Lord… Come Oh thou being).
  2. “Sireadh Thall” (Seek Beyond). An improvised fonn.
  3. “Mar a tha… moladh do Dhia…” (as it is… praise to you God… as it is)..

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