One of my favourite cuts on "An Ancient Muse" is "Beneath a Phrygian Sky". There is something about it that touches my soul...as does most of Miss McKennitt's music. I have not seen much in the way of comment on this wonderful song. I'd be interested in what the inspiration was. I have researched Ancient Phrygia and find it fascinating. The "mountains" portrayed in the art on "An Ancient Muse" are from this general area of Turkey...a place called Cappadoccia and I was amazed to see that they are not mountains at all but wonderful rock formations. When Miss McKennitt had her on-line session, I wanted to ask her about the formations and whether they played a role in the writing of "Beneath a Phrygian Sky". Unfortunately, my question never made it.
Does anyone else wish to comment on this beautiful song?

Hi from sunny Spain

Beneath a Phrygian Sky is a magical song... it is my favourite one, with Never Ending Road, from her last album...

These two songs make me dream... when I listen to them, at night,looking at the stars over the Mediterranean, just before going to sleep, they relax my mind, my soul and my body...

I think I have better sleep and dreams since I practice that therapy !!!!

I hope to see Loreena in concert next summer in Spain, it must be an unforgetable experience, mustn´t it??

MARTÍN (Castellón, Spain)

Hi Mike,

Like you... I did not discover Miss McKennitt's music until about ...gee, I believe I said 3 years ago...but it is about 4 now. I wish that I had known of her earlier. I am 56 this year, and I sure could have used her music in the more turbulent times of my life.
I think all of her music is amazing...and I now have everything that she has done. I find something special about "Beneath a Phrygian Sky". Besides the words..which have much to teach us...I find the music,and of course Miss McKennitt's voice,remarkable and I have to say soothing...calming. It speaks to me. Is it my favourite? Hmm.. Right now I guess it is. It is right up there with Dante's Prayer, The Old Ways, and Stolen Child...followed closely by the rest of Miss McKennitt's repetoire.
Thank you for the personal note, I am currently researching my roots. I am learning about my heritage...and, when I retire, plan to act on a desire... a calling...to go to Scotland.

Hi
try this if you are a Dr Who fan, if you are not I apologize in advance Bombadil still good though
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1yOpmrc_MQs

Sure John, I`ll jump in.I only became familiar with Loreena and her music I guess about 4 years or so ago actually ,at one of the lowest points in my life , Blah Blah Blah , won`t bore you with all the details , suffice it to say it has completely changed my life and indeed sent it in a direction I would never have guessed it to go.
Anyway , as to " Beneath A Phrygian Sky " , although I can say there is not one song I have ever heard Loreena perform that I do not think is wonderful , this particular one is my favorite by far.I have had " An Ancient Muse " since it first came available for purchase , so between then and now I have listened to it , well , let`s just say a lot.Whenever I find myself tired , forgeting what`s important , straying from MY path , it always pulls me right back to where I`m supposed to be.
I have had the honor and priveledge of seeing Loreena in concert twice now ( Victoria in May 2007 , and Calgary Sept 2007 ).She performed this song on stage in Victoria and it ( actually that whole concert ) is something I shall never forget.Conclusion = It`s a powerful song.
P.S. Mr.Cameron,
On a personal note my mother`s family name is Cameron , and one of the factors which has contributed to my personal future path in life.It is a good name.
Mike H - ( Calgary AB )

It is a wonderful song that tells a sad story with hope at the end. Don't we all want a happy ending with what has been going on today, yesterday and hope for a brighter and happier tomorrow? Unfortunetly cultures have different ideas of what happiness should be. Those indifferences clash and ugliness rules over the skies until a new day arrives and people have had enough war and hatred. I know I have.
I do love that song and hope its message is heard and understood to make this world a better place for all.
Love,
Gina

"Beneath the Phrygian Sky" is a great song, I mean, a touching ballad. It's so poetic and very metaphorical. I can apply this song to today, considering the Iraq war and the crises in the Middle East. I believe Ms. McKennitt was thinking about those current events as she was writing this song.

--Loreenya