Journey into Spirit
2002
Each Autumn as we enter the introspective Dark Half of the Year,
our Autumn Retreat reminds us of the inner magick
of this quieter season. In 2002 the Fall retreat focused on the bardic lore
of Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. The theme was transformation, facilitated by rituals based on some of the old lore,
aided by exercises and workshops.
Poetry of the Bard Taliesin, stories from the Welsh Mabinogi,
and the Scottish ballad of Tam Lin were used
to portray various types of encounters with the OtherWorld.
All of the lore in the rituals was brought vividly to life
by impressive props and masks created by Jennifer's Ritual Art Committee!
The Eldest Beasts of the Forest: Raven, Eagle, Stag, and Salmon
LEFT: Yspaddaden, King of All Giants
BELOW: The giant boar Twrch Trwyth is menaced
by the Hawk Warrior Menw
we gathered objects from the forest to assemble a faerie altar.
Many participants also made their own masks of their OtherWorldly selves . . .
. . . while Yspaddaden the Giant and Ceridwen the Shapeshifter take a break from terrorizing seekers.
An inspirational time was had by all!