Publisher Description

This exploration of the Welsh-Celtic myth of the prophet/poet Taliesin and the witch/goddess Cerridwen takes the reader on a transformative journey. It introduces them to core Celtic philosophy and magic, then embarks on a powerful, experiential foray into one of Wales' most profound legends. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the myth that is the heart of Celtic mystery and become well-versed in a magical ritual for successfully working with one of Celtica's most esteemed goddesses: Cerridwen. Author Kristoffer Hughes, a practising Druid and scholar, examines the historical development of the Taliesin myth, provides an engaging in-depth analysis of each character's archetypal role in the story, and presents practical applications, including a year-long magic ritual. As lyrical as it is practical, this unique guide offers readers the tools and understanding to immerse themselves fully into the mysteries of Celtic magic.

Notes

A book on Welsh myth and magic, from a respected member of the Druid community.

Author Biography

Kristoffer Hughes is Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order, a Mount Haemus Scholar, and a member of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. He is a teacher, writer, workshop leader, and guest speaker at Pagan conferences, camps, and festivals throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Hughes is also a frequent contributor and consultant to Welsh and English television companies and the France 5 network.

Table of Contents

Contents Acknowledgments xi Introduction xiii Part 1 The Cauldron Born 1 Part 2 One Tale of Old, Thrice Retold 25 Part 3 Unravelling the Mystery 45 Divine Intoxication: The Three Blessed Drops 51 Cerridwen's Cauldron: The Womb of Enchantment 65 Morfran Afagddu: The Dance of Darkness 83 Creirfyw: The Heart of Beauty 93 Tegid Foel: Nobility and Strength 103 Morda: The Key to Liminality 111 Cerridwen: In Search of the Witch Goddess 127 Gwion Bach: The Heart of Transformation 161 Taliesin: The Prophetic Spirit 197 Conclusion: A Template for Transformation 217 Part 4 Stirring the Cauldron: Ritual and Practise 221 Afterword 253 Glossary 255 A Guide to Welsh Pronunciation 263 Bibliography 267 Index 275

Review

"This book, like its subject, the story of Taliesin, is multilayered, magical and potent." --Penny Billington, Author of The Path of Druidry "If you are captivated by the exploration of Welsh and Celtic myth, Kristoffer Hughes' in depth, scholarly work belongs on your bookshelf." --Ellen Dugan, author of Practical Protection Magick & Witches Tarot "In this book, Kris Hughes takes up his druid's staff and guides us through the winding paths of the tale of Taliesin with insight, learning and inspiration so that we too may drink the magical brew in the Cauldron of Cerridwen and emerge transformed."--Anna Franklin, author of The Sacred Circle Tarot "The story of Cerridwen and Taliesin can be heard from the bones of Britain itself. Kris acts as your guide through this seminal tale of the Island of the Mighty, a tale you won't just read, but will become a part of, with each turning of the page. Highly recommended."--Damh the Bard, Pendragon of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. "Kristoffer presents a transformational Welsh legend to a worldwide audience and the connection through the magickal elements of tending to our own cauldrons.It is refreshing to see a modern interpretation of the tales of the Welsh Gods & Goddesses that blends the scholarly with the visionary."--Kimberly Morgan, author of Understanding Wicca and High Priestess, and the editor of Deosil Dance: A Journal of Paganism in the 21st Century "A book such as this is a rare gem, encouraging deep explorations of personal and universal truths in a style which is immensely readable and enjoyable and which beguilingly leads the reader into deeper and deeper spiritual territory."--Claire Hamilton, author of Tales of the Celtic Bards

Review Text

"This book, like its subject, the story of Taliesin, is multilayered, magical and potent." --Penny Billington, Author of The Path of Druidry "If you are captivated by the exploration of Welsh and Celtic myth, Kristoffer Hughes' in depth, scholarly work belongs on your bookshelf." --Ellen Dugan, author of Practical Protection Magick& Witches Tarot "In this book, Kris Hughes takes up his druid's staff and guides us through the winding paths of the tale of Taliesin with insight, learning and inspiration so that we too may drink the magical brew in the Cauldron of Cerridwen and emerge transformed."--Anna Franklin, author of The Sacred Circle Tarot "The story of Cerridwen and Taliesin can be heard from the bones of Britain itself. Kris acts as your guide through this seminal tale of the Island of the Mighty, a tale you won't just read, but will become a part of, with each turning of the page. Highly recommended."--Damh the Bard, Pendragon of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. "Kristoffer presents a transformational Welsh legend to a worldwide audience and the connection through the magickal elements of tending to our own cauldrons.It is refreshing to see a modern interpretation of the tales of the Welsh Gods & Goddesses that blends the scholarly with the visionary."--Kimberly Morgan, author of Understanding Wiccaand High Priestess, and the editor of Deosil Dance: A Journal of Paganism in the 21st Century "A book such as this is a rare gem, encouraging deep explorations of personal and universal truths in a style which is immensely readable and enjoyable and which beguilingly leads the reader into deeper and deeper spiritual territory."--Claire Hamilton, author of Tales of the Celtic Bards

Review Quote

"This book, like its subject, the story of Taliesin, is multilayered, magical and potent." --Penny Billington, Author of The Path of Druidry "If you are captivated by the exploration of Welsh and Celtic myth, Kristoffer Hughes' in depth, scholarly work belongs on your bookshelf." --Ellen Dugan, author of Practical Protection Magick & Witches Tarot "In this book, Kris Hughes takes up his druid's staff and guides us through the winding paths of the tale of Taliesin with insight, learning and inspiration so that we too may drink the magical brew in the Cauldron of Cerridwen and emerge transformed."--Anna Franklin, author of The Sacred Circle Tarot "The story of Cerridwen and Taliesin can be heard from the bones of Britain itself. Kris acts as your guide through this seminal tale of the Island of the Mighty, a tale you won't just read, but will become a part of, with each turning of the page. Highly recommended."--Damh the Bard, Pendragon of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. "Kristoffer presents a transformational Welsh legend to a worldwide audience and the connection through the magickal elements of tending to our own cauldrons.It is refreshing to see a modern interpretation of the tales of the Welsh Gods & Goddesses that blends the scholarly with the visionary."--Kimberly Morgan, author of Understanding Wicca and High Priestess, and the editor of Deosil Dance: A Journal of Paganism in the 21st Century "A book such as this is a rare gem, encouraging deep explorations of personal and universal truths in a style which is immensely readable and enjoyable and which beguilingly leads the reader into deeper and deeper spiritual territory."--Claire Hamilton, author of Tales of the Celtic Bards

Details