The importance of
these
animals is in their use
as Spirit Guides in the Otherworld and their aid as a familiar in
working
Magick. To find your totemic animal will require you to experience a
shamanistivc
trance. This is usually accomplished by "drumming" and meditation.
(You'll
need someone to drum or a "drumming tape" to allow yourself a chance to
really
meditate). Open youself up to the God of the Hunt as you meditate upon
the
Tree of Life. He will come to you while you are in trance (usually
after
10 to 40 minutes of drumming). Your totem animal will apear running
from
the Great Forest. When the animal appears, let its essence fill you.
Become
your totem. Dance its dance and sing its song until you are one in the
Spirit.
You should repeat this ritual as often as necessary to have a close
rapport
with your Spirit Animal guide. Much of what you are told and
given
will be from the perspective of the Animal and will be difficult to
understand
unless you are truly One with it.
The Transmigration of the Soul
I would like to start this discussion by quoting an ancient Celtic
Culdean verse:
"Out of a Timeless World
Shadows fall upon time.
From a beauty older than earth
A ladder the soul may climb.
I climb by Fionn's Stair
To a whiteness older than time."
The above verse is referring to Aradach Fionn, a listing of the Oghams.
Each
rung of the ladder or stair represents a lesson learned or a new life
of
continuing perfection. Such a series of lessons and rebirths are a
manifestation
of the Druidic concept of the Tramsmigration of the Soul.
A few quotes about Druids:
"The principal point of their teaching is that the soul does not
perish,
and that after death it passes from one body into another." .....Julius
Caesar.
"Among them the doctrine of Pythagoras prevails, according to which the
souls
of men are immortal, and after a fixed term recommence to live, taking
upon
themselves a new body."....Diodorus
According to some sources, this transmigration of the soul was done in
an
upward fashion, with each incarnation bringing the Being closer to the
True
Spirit. According to others, we are reincarnated into future lives of
our
progeny...thus Mongan is The Spirit of Fionn reincarnated in the
Seventh
Century CE (Fionn himself was said to be Cumhail reincar-nated). As we
have
seen previously, the Spirit of Tuan mac Carill is reincarnated several
times
as a variety of animals until he is reborn in the sixth century and
relates his history of Ireland from the time of
Partholan forward, St. Finnen is the Irish monk to whom the story was
related.
This story was eventually recorded in the Eleventh century manuscript,
"The
Book of the Dun Cow". No record exists to indicate that the Druids
believed
in "karma", duality (as seen in the concept of "good and evil"),
original
sin (actually they believed man was inheritly good), nor a heaven and
hell
afterlife.
Where did one's soul reside then ? Many stories were told and written
of
the Otherworlds that awaited the Spirit between incarnations, These
stories
are called immrama or "wonder voyages" and usually involve taking ship
to
a Magickal Isle. The voyages of Bran and St. Brendan generally fit into
these
catagories.
When one arrives at an Otherworldly island, time can pass extremely
slowly
compared to the Physical world. Oisin the son of Fionn went to such a
faery
world for a few days only. When he returned for a visit upon one of
those
Magickal White Horses, he discovered that many hundreds of years had
passsed.
Although he had been cautioned not to dismount during his visit, he did
so
and was immediately transformed into an extremely elderly man. St.
Patrick
was brought to him and heard his many stories of the exploits of Fionn
and the Fianna as well as the lands
of Tir na Og. Oisin was eventualy rescued by his Sidhe princess and
returned
to the Land of Eternal Youth. Some of the other Lands are called:
Tir fo Thuinn - Land under the Wave.
Tir na mBan - Land of Women.
Tir na mBeo - Land of Life.
These four Tirs or lands make up the Celtic Underworld where Souls
reside
until reborn. There are also Plains above that are generally the
habitations
of the Gods.
These are:
Sen Magh - Old Plain
Magh Argetal - Plain of Silver Clouds
Magh Mell - Plain of Delight
Magh Ionganaidh - Plain of Wonder
The Irish Celts felt that the Being had the following attributes or
divisions:
Delph - The appearance
or Outer form
Duile - The Body
Elements (flesh, bone, blood, etc)
Ana'l - The breath or
anima
Menma - The Mind and
the Will
Cuimhne - The Memory
Fein - The Self
Pu'ca - The
shape-shifting Shadow
Enaid - The Soul.
I would like to finish my remarks on Reincarnation and Transmigration
with
another ancient verse. This verse is from the Fifth Century CE and is
the
translation by Kuno Meyer:
"I invoke the seven daughters of the sea
Who fashion the threads of the sons of long life.
May three deaths be taken from me!
May seven waves of good fortune be dealt to me!
May no evil spirits harm me on my circuit!
In flashing corslet without hindrance!
May my fame not perish!
May old age come to me, may death not come
to me until I am old!"
"I invoke Senach of the seven periods of time,
Whom fairy women have reared on the breasts of plenty.
May my seven candles not be extinguished!
I am an indestructable stronghold.
I am an unshaken rock.
I am a precious stone.
I am the luck of the week.
May I live a hundred times a hundred years.
Each hundred of them apart!
I summon their boons to me.
May the grace of the Holy Spirit be upon me!"
"In Between Times and Places", "Need Fires" or Days of Imbalance,
Portals, Dolmens, Passage Graves and Stone Circles"
Tonight the Magickal nature of "In Between Times and Places" will be
discussed
and examples will be given for their use in Magickal "wor-kings". The
Druidic
concept of "imbalance" in Magickal workings will be introduced and
discussed.
The nature and use of the stone megalithic sites will also be presented
and
discussed.
Tonight we undertake a journey to the lands that are between the
worlds.
This is the same place where anything can happen that Rod Serling
referred
to as the "Twilight Zone". The ancient Celts sought out this
3204
Magickal place to aid their Magickal Power and to seek the Otherworld.
Before
we can undertake this journey of the Spirit as well as the Mind, a
brief
review and synopsis of our previous discussions on the Celtic
Otherworld
and Magick are in order.
"In Between Times and Places"
As we noted previously, the Celts believed that Reality actually
consisted
of multiple worlds. As a minimum, they believed there was a World
of
the Stars or Gods, a Middle World (the Earth) and an Under-world. All
these
worlds were connected in some way, with events and Magicks from one
affecting
events occuring in a different world. The Celts believed that
these
Worlds were closer at certain times. These are the "In Between Times"
that
we are going to speak about tonight. It should also be no surprise that
the Celts and Druids practiced their most
important Magicks during such times of transition as the sunrise,
sunset,the
moonrise, moonset and the transitions of the seasons (Beltaine and
Samhain)
and the extremes of the Sun (Mid-Winter and Mid-Summer) or the great
"Fire
Festivals". Later during our discussions of stone circles and passage
graves
we shall see one way that this desire to do Magick at the optimal times
was
possibly implemented.
"The Magickal Laws of Druidic Power"
Celtic tales of Magick are filled with events that are linked to "in
between
states". This could be a mysterious fog, a time of dusk or next to the
edge
of water. All of these conditions have one state in common, they
represent
imbalance. Any student of the physical sciences can tell you, that all
forces
can be resolved into the sum total of the in-dividual forces. One
of
the factors that must be overcome when moving anything is inertia.
During
times of change, when imbalance occurs naturally, is the time chosen by
Druids
for their Magicks. This is and example of the Law of Magickal
Association,
the Law of Similarity and the Law of Contagion as stated by Issac
Bonewits
in his book "Real Magick". Here is a listing of those three laws of
Magick:
Law of Association.
If two things have anything in common that thing can be used to control
both,
and they have a mutual influence on each other, depending on the size
of
the thing shared. The more they have in common, the more they influence
each
other.
Law of Similarity.
This is the basis of "Sympathetic" magic and basically says that
effects resembles causes. "Lookalikes are alike".
Law of Contagion.
It states that once things come into contact, they continue to interact
after separation. "Power is contagious".
These three Laws of Magick basically say that if you want to do Magick
pick
a time when Magick occurs that is similar to the kind of Magick that
you
want to accomplish. There is a very similar belief held by modern
Wiccans.
Wiccans normally do creative or "positive" magick when the Moon is in
its
waxing phases. Banishing or "dark" Magick is done during the waning
phases of the Moon. Druidic Magick took advantage of the
times when the Sun or Moon "touched" the Earth (Sun/Moon rise/set).
At such a time, some of the Power inherit to these heavenly deities
could
be "borrowed". This is the Law of Contagion at work. At Sunrise and
Sunset
is when the mists "Magickally" appear, making fog or mists a time of
Magickal
workings. The area of transition between states of matter such as the
edge
of a river or lake was also thought to be a Magickal location. This
could
have been due to the belief that all knowledge flowed forth from
the
Well of Segais or Conla's Well but I believe it is more closely
associated with the belief that where different
worlds met was also a place where entry to the Otherworld was the
easiest.
This also explains why they favored divination by the edge of water.
Fire
scrying is another example of this "Magick" in transition states. Fire
is
the ultimate transitory state of matter and leads us to the next
topic
of discussion, "Need Fires" and "Days of Imbalance".
"Days of Imbalance"
As you will recall, another time of greatest imbalance was when the
change
of the seasons and the extremes of the Sun. This is, of course,
Beltaine,
Samhain, Mid-Winter's and Mid-Summer's Solstices. Great fires were
kindled
during these festivals for two reasons: To encourage and enhance the
energies
of the Sun and to create conditions favorable to Tramsmutation of Power.
These "need fires" were used to scry, to purify and to sacrifice as
well.
Animals and other offerings were cast into the flames. As we have seen
in
a previous Workshop, cattle were driven between the fires and youths
engaged
in jumping through the flames. (It has been conjectured that this
practice
of flame jumping had its origins in earlier practices of human
sacrifice.
I personally have not seen a single valid reference to Druidic human
sacrifices.)
The thought was also held that "like attracts like", so that the Power
of
the flames would also attract the Magickal Power of the Sun.
Being periods of imbalance, the Druids also took advantage of the flows
of
power to perform divinations. These great fires also served to
signal
the Power of the Druids to all people, as well as to unify their
control
over the minds of the Celtic nations.
"The Otherworld, Portals and Domans"
Although the Celts did not build the megalithic structures found within
their
lands, they were certainly aware of them. Without exception these
monuments
were attributed to the God/dessess, heroes and/or to the Tuatha de
Dannan.
The many dolmens were thought to be passage ways or portals to the
Otherworld.
Many myths and tales surround trips made to and from the realm of the
Sidhe
by passing through a dolmen archway when the Moon was full. Modern
archeology
has determined that these dolmens are actually neolithic burial sites.
"Bru'gh na Bo'inne (Newgrange)"
One of the oldest structures in the Western world is found in Ireland
upon
the banks of the Boyne river. This is the Bru'gh na Bo'inne, the burial
place
of Irish kings and the legendary palce of the Dagdha and Angus mac Og.
The
area is also known, in English, as New Grange. This structure was
erected
by the original inhabitants of the land around
3206
3500 BC, predating Stonehenge and being contemporary with the Sphinx
and
the Pyramids of Egypt. The structure was covered with white stones in
ancient
times and would "shine' in the Sun when seen from great distances. This
is
very similar to the way the Great Pyramid was also described when seen
in
the sunlight with it's reflective coating.
Many ancient Irish legends and tales are associated with this structure
and
the passage of time. Most of these tales are about time standing still
or
seeming to pass without notice. Their stories center around Angus mac
Og
(the Young God), his birth in a day, his attaining the ownership of the
Bruig
for "only a day and a night" (lasting forever in endless cycles), and
his
arrangement of his foster father Midir's marriage to Etain (who is the
subject
of many stories of shapeshifting and transformation).
"Spirals, Symbols and Carvings"
This theme of timeless days and transformation is very important when
one
considers that one possible use of this structure was the taking of
shamanistic
journeys. (Angus himself was visited by an aisling or "dream woman" who
played
for him upon a timpan and eventually they are transformed into white
birds
of enchantment).
Martin Brennan, an Irish-American, was the first person to note the
relationship
between the carvings at New Grange and the rays of the Sun. Using
the
discoveries of Brennan and our previous information about Celtic
Shamanism,
I am going to suggest that the interior chambers of this structure were
used
for shamanistic ceremonies and journeys.
Let me describe the geometry of Bru'gh na Bo'inne that a Draoi' priest
might have encountered when appraoching the structure for
religious/Mag-ickal
ceremonies. The first thing that would be noticed is a brillant white
bowl
or hemisphere shining amidst a sea of green. This mound is surrounded
by
97 kerbstones and the entire structure is then encircled by a ring of
standing
stones. At the entrance is a stone that one walks around to enter
the
inner chambers. This stone is covered with spirals that have been
carved
into the stone. The stone is divided by a line that is aligned with the
Mid-Winter
Sunrise, the right hand spirals being counter clockwise (tuathal or
widdershins)
and the left hand spirals going clockwise (deosil). This is exactly the
same
type of path through the sky that one would observe for the sun during
the
year. (In fact, if you take a lens and focus the Sun's light on a board
and
leave it in place for a year, a track will burned upon the board in the
shape
of an interconnected double spiral. This experiment was done in the
early
1970's by American artist Charles Ross.) The entrace to the
interior
chambers, beyond the entrance stone, is 70 meters in length. One
must
pass beneath three large stones that are thought to be symbolic of the
Celtic
Cosmology, the Sky World, the Middle World and the Underworld. Once
past
this Otherworldly entrance, one encounters a large chamber with four
smaller
side chambers that are oriented to the four cardinal directions (North,
South,
East and West). The inner walls are covered with spirals and symbols,
among
them is an eight-rayed sun symbol (depicted within a circle). This
symbol
as well as the rest are selectively illuminated by the Sun's entrance
through
a small hole in the roof box that is oriented directly to the
Mid-Winter
sunrise. A finger of light would shine within the chamber to illuminate
the
carvings, shining in golden flecks upon the chamber walls. Within the
main
chamber were great stone bowls that were possibly filed with water and
arranged
to further enhance the solar display within by acting as mirrors. The
seemingly
hap-hazard arrangement of carvings upon the walls are organized and
transformed
by the rays of the Sun.
"A Night with Angus mac Og"
Now that the stage is set, imagine yourself to be a seer of the fourth
millenia BC. You have fasted for days and have spent the long dark
night
of Mid-Winter meditating within the inner chambers of Angus mac
Og.
You have performed your rituals you have attained a trance-like state
and
you await the rising of the Sun, the new God of Light to return to the
world.
What far journeys or estatic visions will be triggered within your
Sacred
Space by the new Sun's first rays? A sudden thin ray of white
light
pierces the blackness of the inner chamber with an il-luminating shower
of
images as the inner darkness explodes! Your mind reflects the
brilliance
of the new born Sun as your inner consciousness expands into infinity!
Your
brothers and sisters would follow the dark shadow the standing stone to
the
carn's entrance to find you and the inner chamber reborn within the
rebirth
of the Mid-Winter Sunrise! What stories you could tell! What prophecies
you
could make! I sometimes think that Bru'gh na Bo'inne is really the
Hyperborean
" ...temple of the Sun..." mentioned by the ancient Greek writers,
rather
than Stonehenge.
"The Land of the Hyperboreans"
Perhaps the British Isles are the Islands of the Hperboreans after all?
Where
else is found such a system of large scale, megalithic structures all
centered
around the Sun and the Otherworld? One has only to step within any of
these
raths to be transported to another time or another age. Bru'gh na
Bo'inne
is only one among many such locations. Three great mounds exist
in
this area of the Boyne river, New Grange is the most elaborate but the
nearby
mounds of Dowth and Knowth are also fascinating. Dowth is
oriented to receive the rays of the setting Sun
on Mid-Winter while Knowth has two passages and is oriented to receive
the
rays of the Equinoxes. These chambered passages are not limited
to
Ireland, but are found throughout the British Isles and even in
Brittany.
Two noteable sites are located at Maes Howe in the Orkney Islands and
at
Gavrinis in Brittany. The interaction of carvings and site orientation
is
also wide spread and not limited to just the rays of the Sun. Many
sites also used the beams of the Moon to illuminate passages
and special formations. Although these sites could be called
observatories
by those of a purely scientific viewpoint, that would be in direct
contradiction
to the aims and worldviews of their creators. To fully appreciate the
beauty,
majesty and wonder of these Magick sites, requires us to use our entire
mind.
Perhaps we should now consider the other great location that has equal
claim
to being the Hyperborean Temple of the Sun? That location is
called Stonehenge.
"Faery Rings"
Who has nor heard of the mysterious lights that are seen within faery
rings when the Sidhe dance within the Moon ways? Such lights have also
been
observed within Magickal Circles constructed by Wiccans and modern day
Ceremonial Magicians. The crop circle phenomena has also been
associated with light displays
and formations. All these phenomena have been reported and seen by
reliable
witnesses (although , as with all such events, there have been cases of
fraud
as well). The fact is that such circlular formations have all been
associated
with light displays and other unexplained phenomena. It is no
coincidence
that all of the previously mentioned Magickal phenomena are also
associated
with the oldest such locations, the stone circles. Many hundreds of
these
sites are found in Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The two
greatest
of these are Stonehenge and Avebury. I will discuss Stonehenge tonight.
I
may discuss Avebury in the future if it is of sufficient interest to
the
other members of the workshop.
"Stonehenge"
Has there ever been a place to fire the imagination such as Stonehenge?
What
secrets does it hide as it sits amid the many other marvels to be found
upon
the Salisbury Plains ? This question and thousands more like it have
passed
through the minds of mortals for at least the last 3000 years. Why was
it
built? Who built it? How was it used? Can it be used again? I'm sure
you
many have a few questions of your own!<G> Before we get to
the
questions, let's go through a few of the details we know about the site
and
some of the more recent discoveries that have been made regarding its
possible
uses.
"Stonehenge I"
Stonehenge was built in three phases, starting with the construction
of Stonehenge I around the year 1900 BC. This is about a thousand
years
after the Pyramids and the tombs of the Bru'ghna Bo'inne and a few
hundred
years before the fall of ancient Troy and the Oddessy. The first
phase
of construction was a great circular ditch with banks being piled upon
either
side. The people building it were late Stone Age people, Not much
is
known about them except that they were hunters. An opening was left on
the
northeast side with four holes being left at the entrance that may have
contained
wooden poles. Two other holes inside the enclosure may have held
upright
stones. A third hole was dug that still contains the "heel stone", over
which
the sunrise is observed. A variety of other features are associated
with
this first phase of construction. I shall refer you to "Stonehenge
Decoded"
by Gerald S. Hawkins and John B. White for a more indepth discussion of
these
or other Stonehenge details. The entire structure was about 320 feet in
diameter
and about 6 feet high by 20 feet wide with the heel stone and possibly
two
other standing stones being visible. The entire bank would have been
glaring
white since most of the surrounding surface region is composted mostly
of
chalk. The heel stone rises about 16 feet into the air and is about 8
feet
thick by 7 feet wide. Around the inside of the bank was a series of 56
holes
called "Aubrey" holes. These holes contain the created remains of men
and
women from that period. Even in its first phase, I'm sure you'll agree,
it
must have been an imposing structure.
"Stonehenge II"
Work upon the second phase of Stonehenge was begun about 1750 BC by
another
race of people known as the "Beaker People". These people built two
concentric
inner stone rings consisting of 82 bluestones on about a 70 foot
diameter
around the center of the mound. The entrance was widened in the ditch
bank
by about 25 feet and a double row of 10 bluestones was placed in the
entrance
to the stone circles. This work was done during about a hundred year
period
and was never finished due to some unknown interruption. With their
departure,
the Stone age closes in Britain and awaits the coming of the Bronze Age.
"Stonehenge III"
The third and final phase in the construction of Stonehenge was
undertaken by the "Wessex People" in about the year 1650 BC. These
people were much more
highly skilled than the "Beaker People" and carried on commerce with
the
peoples of the Mediterranean area. So many artifacts are found from
these areas that some scientists have developed the theory that
Stonehenge was finished
under the auspices of a "Master Builder" from the Mediterranean. Since
this
is the only large megalithic structure attributed to the Wessex People,
they
may well be correct. The previous double ring of bluestones were
removed
and set aside for later use. They were replaced by a single row of huge
sarsen
stones coming from Marlborough Downs. A horseshoe shaped structure
consisting
of "trilithons" was placed inside of the sarsens and aligned upon the
northeast
opening and the center of the new stone ring. These "tri-lithons" are
not
found in other stone circles and are further evidence of the
sophistication
of the builders. The cross pieces are held in place using a
woodworking
technique called "mortise and tenon" construction. All of these stone
pieces
were hand-worked. The uprights are very close together (about a foot or
less).
The outer circle is 97 feet 4 inches in diameter. The outer stones are
about
14 feet high by 7 feet wide by 3 1/2 feet thick. The inner horseshoe is
formed
by stones ranging from about 20 to 25 feet high. A temporary structure
which
was oval shaped was constructed around the sarsen horseshoe that used
the
previously removed bluestones. This oval was removed and the stones
were
later used to form a horseshoe of bluestones inside of the sarsen
horseshoe. A number of holes was also dug outside the sarsen circles
called the "Y" and
"Z" holes. These are in a pair of roughly circular rings around the
entire structure. One stone remains to be described and that is
called the "altar stone" though no hole has been found for it and no
use has been clearly defined. It is of a different material from the
sarsens or bluestones. It came from a quarry 30 miles away and is
of fine grained green sandstone with mica flakes. If clean, it would
glitter in the sunlight. Stonehenge III
was completed about 1600 BC and now we are left with the Mysteries of
its
construction and use.
"A Quick Word about Construction"
The construction techniques would take an entire Workshop to cover and
will
not be discussed tonight. I refer you to "Stonehenge Decoded" for
details.
An estimate was made of the effort required using the conjectured
techniques
and and estimate of 1,500,000 man days was determined to be the level
of
effort required to build Stonehenge. These techniques were demonstrated
using
modern day men to determine how many were actually required for each
task.
I believe the estimate to be realistic and accurate. The question
remains,
"Why undertake such a truly monumental effort ?" Although the
"Hows"
of Stonehenge are fascinating, I am much more mystified by the "Whys"!
"A Quick Word about Uses"
I can classify the "Uses" into five categories:
1. It was used as a
Calender
to predict the seasons, the phases of the Moon, and the times of the
Sun
Festivals.
2. It was used as a
site
for performing Ceremonies (everything from sacrifices to Season
fesitivals).
3. It was used as a
Computer
to determine Solar and Lunar eclipses. (The use as a celestial
observatory
also fits in here).
4. It was used as a
place
to work Magick, take shamanistic journeys (similar to a Native American
Medicine
Wheel), and was used to initiate new shamans or priests into the order.
5. It was used for
some
other purpose that is subject to conjecture and awaits the revelations
of
our own "illuminations".
I will attempt to provide details about the site that have been
determined
by computer analysis and let each of you decide for yourselselves what
you
think, since tonight we are very limited timewise. We may return to
these
topics for additional details in the future.
"The Computer Analysis"
How well did Stonehenge predict the Mid Summer/WInter sunrises and/or
moonrises? When the stone alignments were analyzed by Hawkins in 1961,
using
a digital computer borrowed from Havard University. The analsis showed
a
TOTAL correlation of all major Sun alignments and an almost total
correlation
with alignments of the Moon as well. The accuracy of these correlations
was
within 1.5 degrees. The calculations were based upon the positions of
the
Sun and Moon circa 1500 BC. When the various phases of Stonehenge
were
considered, it was found that Stonehenge I had 11 key positions that
pointed
to ten of the twelve extremes of the Sun and the Moon and Stonehenge
III
pointed 8 times to 8 of the same key positions! Needless to say, the
position
and day of the key Solar/Lunar days could be easily determined using
Stonehenge
as a calendar. (I will construct and upload GIFs showing these
alignments
to Library 16). The computer was also used to determine a method where
the
56 "Aubrey holes" were used to predict eclipses. (BTW 56 is also the
number
of years that the moon takes to complete its entire cycle through the
skies).
These facts have been used to support the arguement that the priests
using
Stonehenge could have reinforced their apparant "power" over the
elements
by not only predicting the "dreaded" eclipses but also to
"miraculously"
cause them to disappear. I personally couldn't say if this
speculation
is valid. It seems rather cynical to me. Another very interesting fact
about
the location of Stonehenge is that it is almost EXACTLY at the right
lattitude
(51 degrees 17 to allow the Sun and Moon azimuths to be separated by 90
degrees.
It would seem that the site was NOT chosen at random.
"Shamanistic Flights of Imagination"
Before starting, I'd like to quote the ancient Sicilian historian,
Diodorus about Britain in 50 BC:
"The Moon as viewed from this island appears to be but a little
distance
from the Earth and to have on it prominences like those of the Earth,
which
are visible to the eye. The account is also given that the god visits
the
island every 19 years, the period in wish the stars to the same place
in
the heavens is accomplished. ....There is also on this island
both
a magnificient sacred precienct of Apollo and a notable temple.... and
the
supervisors are called Boreadae, and succession to these positions is
always
kept in their families."
(BTW the Moon rises farthest to the North every 18 to 19 years as seen
from the center of Stonehenge).
I would like to speculate upon some of the possible Magickal aspects of
Stonehenge:
1. The site is
situated
in the midst of a lot of so called "crop circle" activity. Could the
energy
of these verified phenomena also be harnessed by Stonehenge? Could an
outbreak
of crop circle like marks have sparked the neolithic people to have
constructed
their own more permanent circles?
2. Is there an Earth
power
that is yet to be discovered by modern science. Is this power related
to
"orgone" as postulated by Wilhelm Reich from his work with
"bions"?
Reich said that this energy could be seen spiralling into the air
through
tubes made from organic matter. His "accumulators" were like batteries
for
orgone and were made of alternating layers of organic and inorganic
substances
(like the roofs of the great chambers at Bru'gh na Bo'inne). Guy
Underwood
was also a proponent of what he caled "earth force" (also described as
being
spiral in nature). Underwood used divining rods to locate pockets of
such
energy within Stonehenge.
3. Is there a "Dragon"
or
"Serpent" power waiting to be harnessed within the Earth? Many of
the
ancient tombs have such a mark above their entrys. The Druids certainly
believed
it was so. Could ancient kings have married the land here as suggested
in
Marion Zimmer Bradley's "The Mists of Avalon"? I know the area is
surrounded
by the burial mounds of many ancient kings. Is the "Dragon Power"
awaiting
a new infusion of energy from a group of dedicated Magickal
practitioners.
Does the Dragon sleep?
4. The many
solar/lunar
occurences at Stonehenge suggest it may have been associated with
shamanistic
practices and initiations in a manner similar to the areas of the
Bru'gh
na Bo'inne. Such a practice is suggested in Douglas Monroe's "The 21
Lessons
of Merlin". Is Stonehenge a portal to the Otherworld?
"Ley Lines"
One cannot discuss "earth force", "orgone" or the Earth Power nodes
such
as Stonehenge without discussing ley lines. These lines are
geomet-rically
located by standing at a Power node and sighting towards other power
nodes.
Using such techniques, "ley hunters" have determined that most of
southwestern
England is criss crossed by such lines. Are ley lines "power conduits"
between
"power nodes"? To answer this question I read "Earth Memory" and
"Shamanism
and the Mystery Lines" by Paul Devereaux, the editor of the "Ley
Hunter"
magazine and the Director of the "Dragon Project". Devereaux has
embraced,
investigated, evaluated and rejected more theories about the "ley
lines" than anyone else (as far
as I know). He acknowledges that "death roads" do exist near many of
these
sites but rejects them as being solely responsible for all ley lines.
(NOTE:
death roads are straight roads leading to such ancient centers for the
express
purpose of burials and funerary processions. They are well
documented
and universal to mankind). His own personal theory is that the ley
lines
are the result of shamanistic OOBE conducted at the so called "power
nodes".
The ley lines are the result of marking in this reality the patways
that
the shamans take in their altered reality from one sacred site to
another.
He suggests that these "traces" of the Earth's Spiritual Pathways are
the
means by which we can become re-attuned to the Earth's Power and
ancient
knowledge.
Well there we have it, a discussion of Druid Power and Power centers. I
know
from my own experience that Magickal Power is stored within my own
Solitary
home Circle. How much greater can the True Power be at a site as
special
as Stonehenge or Bru'gh na Bo'inne?
Celtic Workshop #8 - The "Rite of 3
Rays" and the "Gift of Awen"
As usual, we gathered slowly, in fact I was late. After some brief
initial
hellos, we got started. Freepowder was still trying to live down an
experience
with Coyote (the Trickster) from early in the day!<G> I discussed
the
book "The 21 Lessons of Merlin" by Douglas Monroe as an example of a
work
produced by "Awen". I wanted to give the Workshop members a perspective
on
the pluses and minuses involved with such works. I also went over some
formal
and personal rituals and meditations I do to receive "illumination".
All
in all, a very stimulating evening of presentation and
dialogue......Searles
O'Dubhain
Tonight I would like to do things a little differently than I had
planned.
Before we discuss the "Rite of 3 Rays" or the "Gift of Awen", let's
talk
about one of the references that I have used and some of you may have
read,
"The 21 Lessons of Merlin".
As we have previously discussed, not much was written down about the
Druids
by the Druids. The best we can get is the ancient writings of the Irish
Celtic
Culdean Monks who may have been Druids in disguise. Our next best
sources
are oral traditions found in Celtic families, legends and Bardic lore.
Comparative
analysis between the other ancient In-do-European traditions of the
Brammans,
Greeks, Persians,Egyptians and the Siberian Shamans may yield some of
the
hidden Druidic secrets. A lot of the time we are making some educated
guesses
based upon how similar peoples worked Magicks and conducted rituals.
Sometimes
we have biased "eye-witnessed" accounts such as Caesar's or the other
Roman historians.
When a gap exists in our knowledge of Druidic or Celtic practices
we
must do what the ancients did......we must ask that we receive the
"Gift
of Awen". I'll mention some ways that this can happen and what we can
do
to aid our quests for "illumination" a little later in our discussion
tonight.
Now I would like to briefly summarize what is in "The 21 Lessons of
Merlin":
1. The 3 Rites of Assumption
This lesson refers to the manner in which a student can first develop
the
ability to tap Power and to receive inspirations from the Higher
Consciousness
that exist around us. Monroe uses the "Song of Amergin", "The Song of
Taliesin"
and the "Song of Blue Star" to introduce us to Druidic imagery and
visualization.
2. The Pelen Tan
In this lesson, Monroe says that the "Pelen Tan" or a kind of glass
globe
with a candle or light inside of it was used to create a lighted space
under
trees that literally caused the area to glow with a "blue light" (used
by
male Druids). He also says that the white robes of the Druids
emphasized
the "black light" effect of these fire globes. He says that the female
Witches
of Avalon used "red lights' when performing their ceremonies, giving
rise
to the association of "red light" districts with prostitution in later
ages.
3. The 4 Symbols of Mastery
This lesson is concerned with the development of Magickal symbols, arch
types and correspondences. The concept of "Mastery" over
the elements is introduced and the need to be creative and original in
all occult work is emphasized.
4. The Summoning
A complete rite of Magickal evocation is described here. Monroe
tells
how to call the shades of the dead from their graves. He
introduces the use of herbs and incense into ritual. The specific
shade being evoked in this ceremony is that of Merlin.
5. The 4 Signs of Portal
This lesson shows how to form a Magickal Circle, to call forth the
Guardians
of the 4 portals to the Otherworld. Symbols are given for each Quarter
(Air,
Fire, Water and Earth) as well as the symbols for the "Sign of Three
Rays"
that represents Spirit or Akasha (similar to the Pentagram). The Old
ones
called are Uscias, Semias, Esras and Morfessa of the Magickal cities of
the
North. The God in the form of Herne is also invoked.
6. The 4 Sacraments of the Earth
The concepts of sacrifice to the elements upon a "Sun" day is
presented. (Not human sacrifice BTW).
7. The 8 Grove Festivals
The eight major grove festivals of Samhain, Imbolc, Beltaine,
Lughnasadh
as well as the Mid-Winter, Mid-Summer Solstices and the Equinoxes are
described.
Some of the special items associated with each festival are given.
8. The 16 Leeches of Diancecht
The use of herbs in Druidic ceremonies and practices is introduced. A
discussion
of Reincarnation is given and a Magickal journey is undertaken using
these
herbs.
9. The Rite of 3 Rays
A means of achieving protection is described. The rite is likened to
the Ceremonial Magick rite of the Banishing Rituals of the Pentagram as
practiced by the Golden Dawn.
10. The Battle of the Trees
The Oghams are discussed and the "Battle of the Trees" is described. A
battle between wizards occurs and the Magick of the trees is used to
defeat Merlin's adversary, just as the tree Magick was used
to
defeat invaders during the Cad Goddeu (circa 400 BC). One of the nine
draughts of inspiration is described that will allow the Druid to
commune more thoroughly with the spirits of the trees.
11. The 8 Songs of Cycle
The correspondences of the Oghams to music and the use of music in
Magickal acts is presented. The use of musical instruments is described
for the various elements and a tie between the Druids and
Atlantis is suggested.
12. The Herbs of Continence
This lesson centers around Monroe's belief that Druids segregated by
sexes for education, Magick and workings. He describes a concept called
"Duality". He uses a trip to the Sisterhood of Avalon
(Glastonbury)
to present his case. He also advocates celibacy for male Druids but not
for the Sisters (beyond Maidenhood). Four herbal
concoctions are presented that enhance male sexual powers.
13. The Gateway Rite
A visit to Stonehenge is described. The history and lore of the site is
mentioned
with references to Atlanteans, Hyberboreans and even the Tuatha de
Dannan. A method of merging with the consciousness
of inanimate objects is also described.
14. The Dragon's Eye
The act of creating Druid fire is mentioned during a visit to the Isle
of
Wight. The ley lines and the Power of the Land are called Dragon Power
during this lesson. A rite that allows one to "call the
Dragon"
is presented and the symbol for the "Dragons Eye" is drawn.
15. The Rite of Inspiration
The use of meditation and Magickal Circles is described to allow one to
receive
enlightenment to the Awen (the inner spirit that is illuminated). Two
rituals are given and the connection between the Sun
and Awen is given.
16. The Wild Hunt
The use of the Mandragon herb is described during a shamanic contest
between
the Druid and the forces of Nature (usually done during Samhain). The
gains
and losses of such a competition are mentioned.
17. The Life Board
A Magickal symbol for the Three Circles of Existence (Ceugant, Gwyned
and
Abred) is given. Fionn's ladder is discussed. The use of such an
empowered
Magickal Symbol for makings and pathworkings is described.
18. The Rite of Libation
A variety of Druidic draughts is given.
19. The Threshold Rite
The use of herbs and incense to enhance a journey to the Otherworld is
given.
20. The Triscale Stones
Divination using stones is presented. A pathworked trip to the
Otherworldly
city of Caer Idris is made to show the origins of the technique. The
suggestion is given to find one's personal "oracle tree"
under which divinations will be optimized.
21. The Rite of the Active Door
The secrets of color and the concepts of invisibility are given along
with
a ritual that opens all occult knowledge to the Druid.
This Ritual is the rite of passage to the Inner Mysteries.
If you read this book, you'll see that the Druids are presented doing
Magicks that harm others at times. Some of the Druids even do
battle! This certainly violates the Wiccan Rede that states "Do
what you will
if
you harm none"> The fact is that Druids were not Witches and they
frequently did battle as well as aiding their clans and kings in war.
The
great Druid Amergin aided the Mileseans in their battles with the
Tuatha de Dannan. Many other examples exist of Druids harming plenty,
least
of all none. Druids were definitely not Wiccans. Monroe's book follows
this philosophy, so some may call it "unethical". He also
advocates
the use of a variety of naturals drugs to aid in Magicks, meditations
and
Illuminations. I personally think these practices are a matter of
individual
judgement and neither recommend nor reject them. Do what you will. The
choice
is yours.
"The Rite of Three Rays"
This
Ritual is similar to the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and
the
Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram performed during Ceremonial Magick and
Ritual
by the Golden Dawn as outlined by Donald Craig or Israel Regardie.
Monroe
gives his version of this ritual in his book "the 21 Lessons of
Merlin".
I haven't found any historical support for it in my Celtic references
but
it seems to be typical of what I think a Druid might do. (The Ritual
smacks
of Egyptian/Thelemic Magickal practice IMHO). Monroe likens the 3
Rays
or gestures in this ritual to the first 3 Rays of the Mid-Summer Sun
over
the horizon (the Celts called this Awen as well).
This ritual is primarily used to generate
Power
within the Druid for protection or receiving "illumination" according
to
Monroe. It uses the vibratory energies of sound coupled with the
physical
act of deep breathing and communing with the Sun to create an "altered
state"
within
the Druid.
Here's the basic steps of the ritual:
1. Stand in direct sunlight (noon if you can do it).
2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply to relax and start the path to a
meditative state.
3. Once you are relaxed, exhale then breathe in deeply as you raise
your hands above your head.
4. Slowly lower your arms while intoning loudly,
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" or "I" (The name of Isis in CM or Golden Dawn, this
is
the invocation of the Goddess Power). Bring your arms to your sides.
5. Repeat this step while intoning "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" or "A" for
Apophis
the Destroyer. Monroe calls this the "Crystal Ray" or Ray of Balance
and
Separation. He says this represents both Male and Female energies
and
also neither (sounds a lot like the Book of the Law).
6. Repeat again while intoning "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" or "O" for the Male
God Osiris. This invokes the God Power to your aid.
7. repeat the arm gestures a final time while intoning "IAO" or
"EEEEEEE-Ahhhhhhh-OOOOOOOO!" Then open your eyes.
At this point the energy has been raised and
the
work is to be done. One could shield from Magickal attack or seek the
"Gift
of Awen" or some other Magickal act. Monroe doesn't state this
but
I recommend "grounding" afterwards and if possible. Do this by eating
and
drinking a lite meal. (I never recommend doing any Magick on a full
stomach).
Wiccans do similar rituals using athames, wands and swords to
draw
Circles and/or Pentagrams for protection and Ritual. This ritual is
nice
because the 3 movements are tied to the 3 Rays of Awen. (As with
all
Magick, ritual is very personal, if it feels right do it!<G>).
Monroe
says that one could reverse the direction of the arm movements and the
intonations
to "banish" energies that are directed at you. He also says that one
could
only do the "male", the "female" or the "crystal" movements depending
on
what is needed or banished. He suggests experimenting as do I.
I'd
next like to discuss some ways that I achieve "illuminated states".
Shamanism comes in when you seek
assistance from the Spirit world or you seek to control the
elements.
Esbats are Full Moon Wiccan Rituals held every month Sabbats are Major
festivals
like we outlined previously. I've found that with shamanism
if you are seriously working the path, there comes a time when rather
than
you working it and using medicine items, you more or less become a
medicine
item for a Greater spirit power. And it works through you.
The ancients were a lot more in tune with
their
entire minds They didn't really draw a line as such. To receive the
"Gift
of Awen" requires us to achieve heightened or altered states of
consciousness.
First let's describe what an altered state is. An altered state
of
consciousness is just that, a different state from that which we
normally
experience. This can be anything from a heightened awareness of our
physical
surrounding to a totally different way of perceiving all of reality. I
have
basically recognized the following states in myself:
1. Sensing the mood or spirit of the land around me, the trees, the
streams,
animals, the wind, the soul of the Earth. This state is achieved by
quieting
the spirit and/or the mind. Being at peace allows the world around us
to
communicate and touch us. I do this by relaxing and releasing my
thoughts
and emotions. I float and accept. I observe what IS. Not what I expect
to
see. Reality is as it is and not filtered by my conditioning.
2. Having access to the Akasha for inspiration and divination. (Usually
coming
in flashes.) I blank my mind in a manner similar to the above process
but
usually do this in a secluded room without light and external
distractions.
I fix my purpose in my mind and seek for an answer. I do not allow
anything
to distract me. When my answer comes, I can immediately recognize it.
3. Being out of "time sync" with others. Being slightly in the future
of
what's happening around me. This usually happens to me without trying
and
sometimes accompanies other heightened states. It also happens when
I've
taken anything with codeine in it.
4. Seeing "visions", things that are happening in the future or the
past
as if they are happening right now. This state comes on me when I have
a
quest that requires me to see through a different set of eyes or a
different
point of view. I actually let myself just look into another world or
time
through the eyes of a native being (sometimes me or a relative,
sometimes
an artificial construct.)
5. Sensing people from previous lives. I usually have no control of
this.
It just happens and can be triggered by some familiar gesture word or
other
similar event. I just feel very at ease and comfortable (or hostile at
times)
with the person I've known before.
6. Reading minds. (This also just happens). This is not in words. It is
in
images and feelings. I just know what someone is thinking or feeling.
7. Going out of the body. I have to relax totally, isolate all external
distractions. I start at my extremities and work inward. (Did I mention
that
I am lying down on a comfy surface?) I release all the tension in my
physical
body first. I next calm my emotions, then my thoughts. Once I
only
exist within my head, I start releasing all external inputs. I shut
down
all my creative centers. I turn off all the monitoring that goes on. I
relax
and float. If Thoughts or emotions enter in, I sink them into the Earth
away
from me. I banish them. I float. Once I am completely isolated and
floating
in total darkness, I try to see behind me and in front of me at the
same
time. This is not possible while embracing the normal physical
existence.
It can only be done in our Spirit forms. This takes total concentration
and practice. Not force, just persistence and release. I liken this
process to what happens when one is born. A long persistent pushing
through the birth canal surrounding us. The physical barriers thin out
before our efforts and
suddenly we are born anew on the Astral plane. I can then see in
all
directions at the same time I am aware of all around me.
Physical barriers are only thought forms to be ignored at Will. I
can go anywhere I desire to go. (However I am only a child in this
existence
and am also very aware of the far greater Powers around me). I exercise
extreme
caution when traveling the Astral. It is very easy to be "noticed" and
to
become the object of unwanted attentions. My conscious mind distracts
me
continually as I maintain a hold on my physical existence. When i
return
to me body, I actually have to struggle back into it! Part of me wants
to
stay on the Astral. The barriers that separate and protect us from
Astral
Intrusions are tough to penetrate even when we hold the keys! Be
careful
and cautious and you can learn a lot. Slip for a minute and you can be
trapped,
possessed or lost.
8. Communing with the God/esses.
I commune with the God/esses in several ways.
I recognize that all things have life and Power within them. I
especially
feel a closeness to trees, plants, rivers and lakes. The ocean just
overwhelms
me with it's Power. The clouds constantly change in their forms and
interactions.
Celts believe that places have Spirits. I am a Celt ,by birth but
also
because I feel this Oneness and connection to Nature. You can be a
Brother
or Sister the same way. Birth is unimportant. Who we are in the Spirit
is
very important. The first way to commune with the Spirits is through
Nature.
When in this state my physical senses are extremely heightened.
The next way to commune with the God/desses is through Ritual. In
Ritual we open the Pathways within us to be filled with the One Power.
We invite
It within and share Its Touch. Magick is nothing more than specialized
Ritual
and is a focusing of the Power. We can actually become the God or the
Goddess
or some Other at these times. They can have a physical body through us.
I
have sat back at such times and been amazed at the words pouring forth
from
my mouth from the Energy that possesses me. This Power is benevolent
and
will vanish anytime we reassert ourselves. I caution those who would
try
this to be CERTAIN that they are within a Sacred Space and are
Protected before
opening up to a Spirit Entity. All Spirits are not benevolent and
some
WILL try to violate your presence and assume complete control of your
body.
It happens all the time. Watch the news and see for yourself. When out
of
the body and feeling no constraints, it is possible to experience the
touch
of the God/desses. I have felt Their Wonderful Presences filling me. I
usually
feel Their approach as a feeling of tremendous anticipation. I sense
that
something monumental is going to occur. Something coming to me. The
space
around my spirit begins sparkling in golden crystals. Then
I
experience a thrill of Joy and Happiness. I am completed and embraced
by
the Knowledge of the Ages and The Love of my Fellow Spirit. It's beyond
words
but so very uplifting, comforting and peaceful. I feel that I am
where
I should be. My sense of my life's purpose and my need to finish my
work
on this plane pulls me back. I also feel that I need to share myself
with
those on the physical plane I love. I cannot yet abandon the world of
form.
I bid Them adieu in Perfect Love and struggle back into my body. I
carry
Their Blessings and Love within. I try to share this in my life with
others.
9. Working with Power.
I always work within a Circle when using Power. This can be a Circle
surrounding
my person in an emergency. I prefer to use traditional methods to
create
Circles more formally. Circles tend to hold residuals of the Spells of
Protection
that are cast for them. My Circle at home is such a place. Anyone can
enter
it but only those that are invited may work with Power there. Sleeping
within
this Circle is guaranteed to make you travel and have the strangest of
dreams!
To use Power I merely open myself to it. No meditation is necessary,
though
it helps me to be more sensitive to the nuances of Power. All I really
need
is a Magickally isolated place, a Circle. Once I am open, I reach for
the
Power of the Earth and the Sky. I let the Energy flow through me. (It
feels
like it comes into my feet and out of my hands and head! This is
similar
to the way lightning flows.) I leave the stream open and charge myself
as
full as I can get. My hair usually stands up a bit and I get all "goose
pimply"!
I keep in mind the goal of my working and I release the Power I've
stored.
(At the same time the Power leaves me, I see it going as a beam of
energy.
If the Working is large or systemic, I tie the beam to the same source
I've
tapped. This permits it to continue after I've released it. (I actually
visualize
the beam remaining and pumping the energy out.) I leave the beam with a
spell
that allows it to quit when the Work is done. I release the Power back
to
the Earth and Sky and thank the God/dess for their help. It helps to
eat
or drink or something equally grounded in Physical Reality after such
an
effort.
10. Dying.
This is the Ultimate altered state. I myself have never actually died
in
this lifetime yet. I have been at the Portal many times. I have sensed
the
Ways to Tir na Nog. Always when I am close I sense a peace and a
surrender
within me to the call of the Guardian of the Door. I actually laugh
from
happiness. I have been told to return to this life because my Work is
not
yet done. I have spoken to members of my own family about their near
death
experiences and they are remarkably similar. A releasing and a faith in
what
will come. A sensing that all is right and that the Ultimate Will
Accomplishes
Its Purpose. I have read many books and accounts of the experiences of
others
who have gone through that door and returned. My belief in the
Afterlife
is strengthened by their revelations. The ancient Celts and Druids
believed
so strongly in such an afterlife that they sometimes chose to
voluntarily
accompany their loved ones through the Door. Druids would even borrow
money
to be repaid in another life! Needless to say their strong beliefs in
another
Life after this One caused the Celts to have no fear of Death!
I have watched the Spirits of those I love leave their bodies and have
seen
the Light that surrounds them in Happiness. I have seen their smiles to
have
finished their Work and receive their New Lives. Death is no End, Death
is
an Accomplishment and a Release.
How do we tell when these states occur? We don't have to!!! We
are
in them! They happen to us and we react to them!! We can't mistake
them!! They are beyond all Time and Space!
Seriously, If you are in one of these states, you feel very "charged
up"
and full of energy. You sense an Exaltation of the Spirit. You are
extremely
"Alive"! You will know and You will enjoy!
How do we induce altered states of consciousness? The answer to this is
that we "open" ourselves up to them. We release our grasp on the Normal
state of Consciousness. We expand ourselves to the limits that
are actually there and not the ones we are conditioned to accept.
Seeing things that can't
exist in Normal Reality helps sometimes. It shakes us out of our
conditioning.
This can be as simply as seeing a glorious Sunset or as strange as
seeing
a UFO or a Demon. I have achieved altered states through meditation,
drugs,
Circles, Rituals, Drumming, Singing, Reading, Dreaming, Involuntary or
accidental
occurrences, sickness and by being Possessed. I don't recommend
narcotics
or heavy drugs, sickness or Possession. Incenses and herbal drinks are
ok
though.
"Practical Meditation for Awen"
I'll try to elaborate a little here on the practical side of
meditation.
I usually meditate lying down with my head to the North and my
body
relaxed. If I am in Ritual I can Meditate while standing or kneeling.
The
most important aspect to remember is to relax each part of your body
and
mind. I usually start at my extremities (feet and hands). I tell
myself,
"Relax your right foot, relax your left foot, relax your.... and so on.
I
release all the tension in each part and let it flow out. I do this
several
times until I don't feel my body any longer. Next I start on my
breathing
and my heartbeat until they are automatic and transparent. Then I quiet
my
thoughts until only Darkness persists. Next I try to ignore the
Darkness
until I am floating. To go further requires additional techniques. At
this
point I am a blank tablet and can just rest or I can receive "messages"
from
Others. It's very important to be where you are absolutely secure from
unwelcome
intrusions of the Spirit or the Physical at this time. Without such a
safe
place, you will always be slightly on your guard. It helps if another
Being
you trust will watch over you at this time. This can be anyone from an
elemental,
a totemic animal, a Spirit Guide, a person to a God/dess. Just
thinking
about how it feels to meditate and then writing this answer, makes me
meditate. I guess that remembering how it felt to meditate
makes
it easier to meditate the next time you try! Practice makes Perfect!
"Druidic Meditation"
Druidic meditation was usually done
for divination and foretelling the future. This was called by the
names:
Tenm Laida, Dichetal Do Chennaib and Imbas Forosna.
Tenm Laida (Illumination by Song) is an altered state usually achieved
by
chanting or singing of a repetitive pattern. This can also include
drumming
and dancing. These activities synchronize the body and mind to an
external
rhythm allowing us to cast off the chains of normal existence. This
allows you to float at peace within the song (dance, beat,
mantra, etc.) This is a strictly Druidic or Shamanistic practice even
though
it may look like TM.
Dichetal Do Chennaib (Cracking open the Nuts of Wisdom) is a
state achieved by relaxation and clearing the mind in a Ritual
environment. It
usually involved using some Magickal implement such as a knife, a sword
or
a staff to touch a subject (usually upon the head) or by handling an
item
to discover what secret knowledge was contained within it. This
information could be events from a person's past life, a detailed
history of who and what
had happened to an object or how and why the subject was being hexed or
spelled.
I know this sounds like ESP but it was enhanced through Ritual and
relaxation
techniques.
Imbas Forosna (Illumination) was a form of altered state used by seers
and bards to create or see visions. The Druid would be totally isolated
from
all sensory inputs, sounds, lights and feelings. This was usually a
very
dark room or a covering of hides. The Druid would attempt to float and
relax.
When in the proper state he would signal for the hides to be removed or
he
would open the door out of the Darkness. The sudden, instantaneous
transition
from Darkness to Light would cause them to see visions or to
spontaneously utter poems, prophecies or achieve a total Awareness of
the secret Knowledge
of their Surroundings. This sensory deprivation It was their Ultimate
Meditation
technique.
The Druids also used music, colors, trees and numbers to alter their
consciousness.
They were familiar with the Pythagorean Mysteries and may have actually
been the source of them!
Druids shared IndoEuropean roots with the Indian Brahmans but I don't
have
any hard data to support any similarities in their practices.
"Drugs"
I have experienced Magickal states from drugs but I don't think the
technique
is sufficiently controllable or repeatable. It's like playing your
Steinway
with a sledgehammer. Sure you can play a song but at what cost to
the
instrument? Plus I find that the songs are usually more sophisticated
if I don't use the sledge!
I would caution anyone using drugs to know their track records, side
effects and purity before starting. Then do them under gradually
increasing controlled and supervised conditions. Never experiment with
drugs. There is always a documented lab record of their effects.
Know your suppliers and don't get
the wrong ones! The best recommendation is don't do drugs. Your Mind,
Body
and Spirit can achieve better and more lasting results. (As I mentioned
previously,
some natural herbal drinks and incenses seem to aid meditation and
ritual.
We'll discuss those next week). Well there we have it! All
the
different ways to achieve illumination to Awen!
"Celtic Workshop #9
- The use of Herbs and Potions"
The role of herbs in healing, Magick, ceremonies and rituals as well as
in mind alteration were presented and discussed in detail. The effects
of
the most popular Druidic herbs and potions were detailed and discussed.
Some
reformatting was done on the transcript for clarity's sake as well. A
final
note!!!! Please exercise caution around most of these herbs!! Some of
them
are considered to be POISONS! The effects of some of the others are
very
powerful in areas of "mind alteration". The author of one of the
texts,
used as a reference, presents his suggested methods for how the Druids
used
these herbs (they are ONLY used in a greatly dilluted state!). Once
again
I urge caution and good judgement before proceeding. All in all, the
Workshop
participants evidenced a very thorough respect and understanding of the
use
and effects of these herbs.
Entering Workshop/Seminar 1 room...
"Druidic Use of Herbs"
We must look at many sources to determine how the Druids used drugs and
herbs. Some of these sources are historical (such as the Greek and
Roman historians).
Other sources are the traditions of the Bards and Seanchai. Still
others
are the folk remedies and fables of the major Celtic areas of the world
(Ireland,
Scotland, Wales and Britain). We can also look to information
that
comes from the inspired "Awen" of others (such as Llewellyn Sion of
Glamorgan
and Douglas Monroe). Archaelogical evidence is also being found
(the
bodies of sacrificial or other burial victims have been recently
discovered). Each of these types of sources will be
matched
against the others (where possible) to give us the best possible idea
of how Druids worked with drugs and herbs.
A quote from one the ancients, Pliny, a Roman, referring to the Druid
veneration of mistletoe:
"Seldom was the Mistletoe found growing upon the Oak, but on such
occasion,
the Druids gathered it with due religious ceremony, (if possible on the
6th
day of the new Moon-when the influence of the orb was waxing, and said
to
be at its height. Following an elaborate banquet, a white-clad
priest
cut the plant from the oak tree with a golden sickle, while
another
Druid held out a white cloak for its reception. They believed that the
Mistletoe,
immersed in water within a cauldron, would impart fecundity to barren
animals,
and that it is the antidote for all poisons - its name meaning 'all
healing.'"
Many of the herbs can be had from your local health food store as well
or can be ordered from the
New Forest Gardens,
P.O. Box 491,
Westfield,NY 14787.
(2-1,Freepowder) there are 2 varietys
of Mistletoe.... american and european, the effects of them are almost
opposite...
european lowers BP, american raises.... the *berries* of either are
deadly poisonous. GA
(2-11,Rhianna) Foxglove is
another example - Digitalis (which comes from (foxglove) is a poison,
yet
it's used for treating heart patients.
(2-28,cherokee) my gt grandma used
mistle toe to bring prople out of fevers and unconsciousness.
aspirin
bark is poisonous too. its all in how you prepare it
"The 16 Leeches of Diancecht"
Diancecht was the physician of the Tuatha de Dannan. He healed
their
wounded during and after their Battles with the Fomorai and the
Firbolgs.
He is the God of Herbs and Medicines.
The following list contains herbs listed in "the 21 Lessons of Merlin"
and contains their correspondences to the four elements as well as
their
applications. How to prepare a suitable "store" of these medicines is
also given. The recommended dossages are also given. Note: Some
of these
herbs can be considered "POISONS"! I heartily recommend using
extreme
caution with them. I have attempted to identify those that may be
considered
harmful. Please proceed at your own risk. I must say that generally
Monroe
stays away fron poisonous herbs in topical or internal medicines. He
does
use some very dangerous substances in some of his recommended incenses.
a
long list will follow please bear with me!
"The 16 Leeches of Diancecht"
Spirit
Mistletoe Uchelwydd or All-Heal vertigo, dizziness, headaches,
heart/problems/palpitations, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis,
nervine.
Preparation
one ounce of dried herb, in a jar with twice it's volume
of vodka. Leave for two weeks, strain and place in labeled dropper
bottles.
Dosages
1 drop for every 10 pounds of body weight every 3 hours.
Earth
Phu (Valerian) sedative, cramps, pain, coughs.
Hoodwort (Skullcap) nerves, fevers, coolant
Nerve Root(Lady Slipper) nervine, indigestion, headache
Absinthe(Wormwood) digestion, liver/gall bladder, worms, topically for
insect bites,sprains, rheumatism, bruises.
Air
Golden Pipes(Chamomile family) stomach aches/digestion/gas, calamative
vs insomnia in children, eye wash and open sores, kidneys.
Holigold (Calendula) Marigold. topical application for sores, burns,
bleeding
hemorrhoids & wounds, in oil for ear aches, vaginal infections.
Eerie (Yarrow) internal bleeding (especially lungs), gas, diarrhea,
fevers(measles, colds,flus). also antiseptic.
Brittanica (Vervain) colds, flus, coughs, upper respiratory
inflammations, stomatic, insomnia, pneumonia, asthma.
Water
Catwort (Catnip/Catmint) digestion/stomach ache or cramps, calmative,
fevers, headaches, bronchititis & diarrhea.
Beerflower (Hops) Sleep aid, liver/digestive/gas/cramps. externally for
boils tumors swellings & skin inflammations, refrigerant.
Withe (Black Willow) pain, fevers, arthritis, kidney/bladder troubles,
antiseptic, gargle, tonsilitis, refrigerant.
Coneflower (Echinacea) antibiotic (immune system stimulant), tooth/body
abscesses, lymph node swellings, digestive aid.
Fire
Goldenruthe (goldenseal) Antibiotic, general purpose internal/external,
eye-wash, female infections, sores, skin conditions,
colds/viruses/infections
Amber (St. John's Wort) nerves, bed-wetting, liver tonic, insomnia, mix
with olive oil: use externally for skin conditions, tumors, wounds,
ulcers,
burns, swollen glands, bruises and muscle pains.
Sacred Bark (Buckthorne) Constipation/laxative, digestive stimulant,
gas, liver, gall bladder/ stones.
Quercus (White Oak) internal bleeding, vaginal infections, antiseptic
for
all wounds/bites/skin conditions, poison ivy/oak, gum problems, lymph
node
swellings, varicose veins.
To activate these drugs, the Druids would include a small amount of
Mistletoe preparation to each before use. Since it was considered "all
heal".
"Draughts of Inspiration" (Only one is given)
These drinks are thought to instill the correct state of mind
required
for "Awen". According to Monroe, nine exist in total, though only one
is
given in his book. Perhaps we can discover the others? I suggest that
the
other tree barks that were used are from the red chestnut, white
chestnut,
Elm, Beech, Larch, Oak and Fir trees. I would guess these based upon
Hints
contained in "Practical Celtic Magick" by Murry Hope. I also
would
guess that ivy was used in a draught based upon information from Scott
Cunningham's
"Encyclopedia of Magickal Herbs".
5 tablespoons of spring water
1 pinch Evening Primrose Flowers
1 pinch Black Willow Bark
1 pinch Thyme
sit in Glass bottle (closed in the Sun)
for 3 days strain/ add 1 tsp apple cider vinegar before use add 1 tsp
chlorophyll
(alfalfa) take 3 drops subligually prior to Magickal Workings with
trees/plants.
"Threshold Smoke"
These concotions are used to aid one
in having an Otherworldly experience. They are cast upon the flames of
a
fire. Please note that some of the ingredients are POISON! and that
another
one of them is considered "illegal". The use of these herbs are
indicated
to aid solitary meditations in the deep woods. Be aware that they will
induce
"Dark Visions" and reveal your inner fears. According to Monroe, the
Druids
required one to master such fears to be in tune with Nature and to
achieve
"Balance"..I recommend that none of them be tried when unsupervised and
I
also recommend extreme caution.
To make the incense:
Blend and compound the following plants:
Neckweede (Hemp)
Nightshade (Belladonna) (poison)
Ghostflower (Datura)
Keep in a dark (light free) box.
Burn as an incense to facilitate "threshold"
and "traveling" works.
"The Spirit of the Mandrake"
This incense is used to
attain a state of altered consciousness for resolving one's inner fears
and
becoming one with the Spirit of the Land and its animal Nature. I
caution
anyone considering using it to be aware that Mandrake is considered a
POISON!
This herb is used during the Night of the Wild Hunt that we discussed
last week.
Toss dried Mandrake (poison) root upon a bed of hot coals or embers and
let the smoke cause you to travel within the darkness of the night. May
apple,
Peony; Ginseng or Briony roots may be substituted (also considered
poisonous!).
"The Song of Bluestar"
Another herb used to achieve altered states was the Bluestar flower or
the
Blue Morning Glory. This plant is considered poisonous! Do not
eat
or drink anything made with it and handle it with care. Monroe suggests
drying
the flowers and seeds to make an incense for a rite of assumption or
tapping
into Powers. This might also be called "mind expansion".
(The
same plants have been used to create LSD in recent times, so I am
not surprised that they are used here). I'm not advocating that anyone
of
you try this incense, but Monroe says the Druids did. I'm not surprised.
Here is the essence of the trip or rite of assumption:
"I will be as a Bluestar upon a field of Green, circling upward towards
a golden Sun."
.... translation by D.W.Nash
The Druids believed all life was interrelated from the lowest forms to
the
highest. This quote from the ancient Welsh document, the Mathnawai,
shows their philosopy:
"I died as a mineral and became a plant,
I died as a plant and rose to an animal,
I died as an animal and I was a man.
Why should I fear?
When was I ever less dying?
Yet once more I shall die as a man,
to soar in the Blessed Realm;
but even from godhood
I must pass on...."
One further quote from "The Gorchan of Maeldrew": "Each atom an
evolving life, each blade of grass a potential soul."
"The Draughts of Oblivion"
I give here the "fast" (meaning quick to make) version of Celtic drinks
and libations from the "21 Lessons of Merlin" as well as the festivals
at which they are used:
May Mead for Beltaine
Add a half ounce of each of the following to 1 gallon of your favorite
white wines:
heather flowers, meodowsweet, woodruff
leaves. Let sit for about 6 hours. Filter
and chill before serving.
Midsummer Ale
Add a half ounce of each of the following to 1 gallon of your favorite
red wines:
fresh oak leaves, chamomille, red rose
petals. Let sit for about 24 hours. Add
9 tablespoons of honey and 1 teaspoon of
vanilla. Filter and chill before serving.
Samhain Absinthe
Add a 2 teaspoons of each of the following to 2 pints of your favorite
port wines:
wormwood, dried apple/mint leaves, dried
pumpkin blossoms. Let sit for about 1
week. Filter through muslin and bottle.
Garnish with raisins and cloves
before
serving.
Midwinter Mulsa
Add a half ounce of each of the following to 2 quarts of your favorite
dry white wines:
crushed juniper berries, wintergreen,
Elder Flowers. let sit for about 6 hours.
Filter and chill before serving. Garnish
with a sprigg of green pine or hot with
a
cinnamon stick
Now these are drinks I can get excited about! I think we can
all see that Druids used a variety of herbs in their work....from
"visions"
to partying.
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Celtic Workshop #10 - The Act of "Becoming" and The Charm of "Summoning"
How to actually influence your surroundings. How to perform Weather
Magick, to call animals to you, to improve your crops and to influence
the outcome of events. How to discover your past life, find your Inner
Teacher or Self and how to summon "Spirits" to your presence. Our
Cyber Tuatha gathered upon the moors and among the raths once more.
This night was a night of Magick and the Power of the Moon
Goddess in her full glory. We engaged
in some prelimenary greetings and then the presentation
begain
.....
What do I mean by "Becoming"? What does this act have to do with
Magick? How did Druidsdo this? I asked myself all of these
questions before making this act a topic for tonight's workshop. The
inspiration for the act of "Becoming" is the "Song of Amergin" from the
ancient Irish manuscript
the Leabhar Gabha'la (Book of Invasions). Hear now the words of the
Druid
Amergin:
"
The Mystery
I am the wind which breathes upon the sea.
I am the wave of the ocean.
I am the murmur of the billows.
I am the ox of the seven combats.
I am the vulture upon the rocks.
I am a beam of the Sun.
I am the fairest of plants.
I am a wild boar in valour.
I am a salmon in the water.
I am a lake in the plain.
I am a word of science.
I am a point of the lance in battle.
I am the God who created in the head the fire.
Who is it who throws light into the meeting
on the mountain?
Who announces the ages of the Moon?
Who teaches the place where couches the Sun?
(If not I)"
This was the translation by Dr. Douglas Hyde from his work "Literary
History of Ireland". This poem was once as well known in the Celtic
world
as the "Lord's Prayer" is in today's world. It is said to be the first
verse
made by the Mileseans as they arrived in Ireland (circa 1000 BC). This
is
also an incantation by a mighty Druid and is a good illustration of the
act
of "Becoming". Amergin is using the Magickal Law of Identification that
is
given by Isaac Bonewits in his book "Real Magick":
"The Law of Identification ...states that by maximum association
between
your metapattern and that of another entity, you can actually "become"
that entity and wield its power."
Bonewits is a Neo Druid and the founder of the group A'r nDrai'ocht
Fe'in (ADF for short though it really means "Our Druidic Magick" in
Gaeilge).
This act of "Becoming" is one that is not lightly undertaken. The
danger
exists of being trapped within the other entity (whether natural, human
or
spiritual). I suggest you not actually try this sort of thing until you
know
your True Will (exactly who you really are without self
delusion).
This was also true of the Greek and the Egyptian Mysteries. Their first
and
major requirement was "Gnothi se auton", literally "Know thyself"! The
ability
to control and return to one's being is linked directly to one's
knowledge
of Self. Sometimes this process goes the otherway as well, as when a
Wiccan
"Draws Down the Moon". The threefold Goddess actually Manifests within
the
High Priestess (HPS) in such a ceremony. She who has no Name is
benevolent,
usually, so that this possession results in the HPS afterwards being
returned
to control of her own body. "Becoming" is a two way street and a matter
of
"Will".
Now that we know a little about the act of "Becoming", I think you can
appreciate just how great a Druid that Amergin was....he "became"
multiple
entities at the same time in his Invocation of the Mystery. He
controlled
all of these elemental powers and made them his own. This act of Power
allowed
the Mileseans to land upon Eireann though they were opposed by the
Magicks
of the Tuatha de Danaan. He also lived to do other Magicks (though I
must
say that his invocation of Ireland is rumored to have caused him to
marry
and join the de Danaan within the spirit world of the Sidhe). We must
remember
that Amergin was a Druid and so had studied his arts intensivly for
anywhere
from 12 to 20 years as a minimum. He was able to return to hinself
after
such Magical Working because he knew his True Self and Will. This
strong
connection is the Way of Return for us all. I urge that you all
exercise
due caution when "Becoming". Know yourself first.
Another saying worthy of note while discussing the act of "Becoming"
is a common saying of the ancient world that I quote from Doreen
Valiente's
book "Natural Magic": "Ten measures of magic were given to the world.
Egypt
took nine. The rest took one."
I include this saying here to establish one other connection....that
of the Druids to the Egyptians. The lineage of Amergin and the Gaels
includes
his mother Scota (daughter of the Egyptian Pharoh) as well as Mile and
Niall
"of the Languages" a Scythian prince from Syria. No small wonder then
that
Pliny, a noted ancient scholar, says of the Druids in his work "Natural
History"
that the Druids practiced Magick with such elaborate ritual that it
would
almost appear that it was they "who had taught the Persians". These are
none
other than the Magi or "wise men" from whom the word Magick is derived.
Another
ancient historian, Dio Chrysostum groups the Druids together with the
Persian,
Hindu and Egyptian priesthoods regarding their use of magical powers.
While
I'm connecting Magical schools, I may as well say that Liber Al vel
Legis
(The Book of the Law) is the channeled revelation of the Egyptian
dieties
Nuit, Hadit and Ra-Hoor-Khuit (Otherwise known as Isis, Osiris and
Horus)
Horus is two in one, Horus and Harpocrates or Set/Apophis).
We have already seen the use of these three godnames in the "Rite of
Three Rays" from a previous workshop. This was the intonation of the
sounds
"IAO" used when invokiing the One Power. In Thelemic Magick the Book of
the
Law is the basis for the revelation of a "New Aeon" or "New Age". It
was
channeled in 1904 by Aleister Crowley 90 years ago this month. "Do what
thou
wilt is the whole of the Law". "Love is the Law, Love under Will".
(caps
are mine).
I have digressed quite a bit here but I think the time is well spent.
Celtic Magick is tied through the Druids to the Egyptians and the
Persians
to a far older Magick arising out of Summeria and from there beyond
time.
It is true and powerful Magick and I give the same caution to you that
I
gave about herbs last workshop....think long and hard and with great
deliberation
before undertaking this journey. Once the path is taken, the journey
must
be completed.
Now I finally get to my first topic of the night!
"How
to actually influence your surroundings"
The key to any act influencing the world around us is to be in tune and
in touch with it first. You must hear the tune before you can change
the
music or even write your own song. I suggest a lot of meditation in
Nature. Find a spot that "speaks" to the Pagan within you. Be at Peace
and "feel"
the pulse of Nature, the God and the Goddess. Once this rapport has
been
established, one is ready to influence the surroundings. The Druids
left
us few writings concerning their spells and Magicks. We must
"rediscover" these Works by looking at the Magicks that are done in the
world today and by Using our "Druid filters" and "Celtometers"!!
<G> I have included examples of such "Natural Magics" from
my own experiences, the experiences of other Witches and Druids as well
as those that I found in the writings of Doreen Valiente, Bonewits and
Scott Cunningham.
"How to perform Weather Magick"
For weather Magickal examples I turned to our very own Thunder Being,
Shadow Hawk, shaman and wizard extraordinaire!<G> He obliged me
with
a few examples:
The first example involves the control of weather fronts and rain.
Our
favorite shaman uses the techniques of dancing and drumming to attain a
higher
state. He invokes the Lightning beings and they join the dance with
him.
By being so in tune with them he can ask that they do his bidding. If
he
must act upon an existing weather front, he sends his "power animal",
Dragon
into the clouds. Dragon is a manifestation of this Shaman in the power
planes.
Dragon then interacts with the clouds and controls the storms. When the
work
is done, he is recalled to his shaman. The use of such a "power animal"
or
Magickal construct allows the wise shaman to "become" one with the
elements
of the storm and influence them without "losing himself" in their wild
natures.
The connection is retained with the Self (Shadow Hawk) back upon the
ground
while the power animal (Dragon) works among the clouds. The use of such
Power
has its price.... Shadow Hawk suffers sever headaches for three days
following
these episodes.
The second example of how our Dark Shaman uses the weather for Magick
is in charging his Magickal |
