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! 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.

What does all this have to do with "the 21 Lessons of Merlin" you ask? .....
The answer is that this is precisely the approach that Douglas Monroe seems to
have taken in his book. He fills in the gaps with concepts that have come to
him as illuminations and also uses the illuminations of the "Bardic Mysteries"
of Wales (also arrived at by the aforementioned methods). Since we are all
humans, some mistakes can occur when we interpret our "illuminated" thoughts
and concepts. This is precisely why ALL SOURCES should be viewed critically and
questioned (even as our very own Freepowder is prone to do!). I know I
constantly question and compare. Monroe's book has some very good concepts in
it and some that I dispute. My primary dispute with him is over his concepts
regarding the sexual polarities and workings of Magick.

He states that Druids were segregated in their Magickal workings because men
and women cannot work together in a symbiotic manner Magickally. He says that
women receive Magick from men but do not return it when a working is done. This
is directly opposite my own experiences where I have found the presence of
women to Powerfully enhance the working of Magicks. He also states that male
Druids did not marry and were celibate. That may be true in Wales, but the
Irish Druids married and had many children. Abstaining from sex would have 
severely depleted the Magickal "gene pool"! The Druids were not stupid! I doubt 
seriously if they abstained from sex or procreation! Sex Magick is Big Magick! 
(As I'm sure we will all agree!). So Monroe does make mistakes....so do it. Time 
and experimentation are the two best tools to evaluate any system and the 
systems of this book will be analyzed fully before we are done in this series of
Workshops.

Now I would like to briefly summarize what is in "The 21 Lessons of Merlin":
(click here for the summary)

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 (click here for the ritual)

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).

(2-24,Nan) how would you describe the basic differences/similarities between
Wicca and Druidry? (25 words or less )

(2-22,O'Dubhain) The Druids use the Sun and the Moon. And the Druids were more
political back then. Nowadays I'd say that the Druids tend to be more left
brained than the Wiccans and they tend to be more bilateral with their Deity
worship.

(2-24,Nan) a point of clarification for me .......Wicca doesn't use the sun?

(2-22,O'Dubhain) Most of the major Wiccan celebrations are done under the Moon.
The Sun is also used but does not play as great a role as in Druidry.

(2-6,Heather & Michel) We have both Wiccans & Druid here, so perhaps we can
clarify...

(2-22,O'Dubhain) good

(2-6,Heather & Michel) Wicca uses the sun as much as Druidism. Moon is
primarily for esbats... Wiccans don't tend to be culturally specific with their
worship, while Druids go for mostly celtic stuff and only share 4 of... Wicca's
8 festivals. (At least how we do it.)

(2-22,O'Dubhain) ok!! seems to be a diversity of opinions and practices as
usual! thanks

(2-10,Trailstalker) Where would "shamanism" fit in with all of this? We do
ceremony under the Sun, the Moon, the Stars,... in swamps, forests, deserts,
living rooms, ... you get the picture... and what's an "esbats"?

(2-22,O'Dubhain) 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

(2-10,Trailstalker) 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.

(2-17,Freepowder) I remember, Druids are left brain based on Bonewits? or
others too?

(2-22,O'Dubhain) Actually Druids are both sided. I think some Wiccans tend to
reject the left side approach at times Bonewits seems to be left brain heavy!
IMHO!

(2-17,Freepowder) modern druids, as previously cited?

(2-22,O'Dubhain) yes.... Modern Druids.

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.
(We'll discuss these next week).

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

Some of this material was covered previously but I repeat it here for clarity
and the benefit of those that may no have seen that particular Workshop yet!
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!