Grail Quest in the Vales of Avalon by Chris Trwoga (Illustrated)

This is a treasurehouse for anyone interested in the Grail myths. The thoroughly researched and fascinating details about the legends are sufficient alone to recommend this book. The legends of King Arthur and the Quest for the Holy Grail are rich with Pagan symbolism, though a tale of heroic Christian endeavours. Mythic symbols of rebirth, Oak and Holly King deities of the solar year, and the Goddess in many aspects lived on in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the great tapestry of associated myth.

To read, I found the way narrative and fact are presented captivating, very rich in details, which put you right in the world of 'Dark Age' Britain, and in the minds of later writers about King Arthur and the Grail Knights, such as Geoffrey of Monmouth, and how they added to the tales we know today. Some of the extracts from the earliest sources reveal extraordinary insights of the earlier Celtic culture which influenced the way the Grail myths developed, and the reference lists are a superb source for those interested in reading both modern translations of original texts, or finding the best books on particular facets covered.

Part of the book is structured so readers can follow a kind of personal Grail Quest, either in the mind as the reader discovers the true underlying meaning and significance of the legendary tales of the Quest Knights, or actually use the little maps, readings and walks relating to the legends appropriate to the landscape in the exquisite countryside around Glastonbury.

 

These are so enchantingly described that one can visualise the experience of each quest even if a visit isn't possible, and the details from ancient texts, Druidism, and the symbolism behind the legends thrill the imagination. Best of all, you really will learn a great deal about the actual origins of the Grail myths with this very enjoyable read. Also, the whole book is quite beautifully illustrated throughout. A wonderful present for the Arthurian enthusiast.

(Paperback, 190 pages, publishers: Speaking Tree, Glastonbury. ISBN 0 9536745 1 7)

 

   Meet Me In The Greenwood

Invocation & Earth Goddess Charge by Anita Ireland

 

 

This powerful poetry evokes the connection between sex, love and spirituality in a very personal way.

Evocatively beautiful, the poem echoes the voice of the Threefold Goddess, either in ceremonial invocation or as a preliminary to the Wiccan Great Rite. As poetry, it speaks as the Goddess within to the Pagan Soul, reaffirming that her love will always be there for you, whether manifest as Mother, Lover or She whose love enfolds her children when the time returns them to the Portals of the Summerlands.

Simply but attractively presented on light green card (appropriate for use 'in ceremony') in an A3 poster format. Clear to read in candlelit room or Circle.

   The 'Pagan Heritage' Notice

An eye-catching little (A4) notice printed on red card, headed:

"YOU ARE POLITELY BUT FIRMLY REQUESTED NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OUR PAGAN SPIRITUAL HERITAGE"

...continuing with a no-holds-barred and academically correct defence of Paganism, citing historical persecution, and quoting from the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

It's a thought-provoking little reference, and looks good framed. It makes a useful gift for those annoyed by 'doorstep fundamentalists' and you'll want one by the door when 'fundies' call! It's accompanied by an A4 leaflet with more factual information to use in discussion with them.

(This item will be superseded in due course by a new A2 'Pagan Heritage' poster, far more detailed for Pagan reference, as part of the 'Pagan Ethos' Series.)