Consistently performing the Three Realms working will facilitate and improve your ability to receive, process, and act upon information from the universe in a place of clarity and connection.
10
Pilgrimage of the Spirit
So they rode till they came to a lake, the which was a fair water and broad, and in the midst of the lake Arthur was aware of an arm clothed in white samite, that held a fair sword in that hand. Lo! said Merlin, yonder is that sword that I spake of. With that they saw a damosel going upon the lake. What damosel is that? said Arthur. That is the Lady of the Lake, said Merlin; and within that lake is a rock, and therein is as fair a place as any on earth, and richly beseen.
Le Morte d’Arthur, Sir Thomas Malory
As pastoralists and agriculturalists, there was perhaps nothing more honored and revered by our Celtic forebears than the very land they lived on. Subject to the cycles of the moon and sun, and the ebb and flow of the ocean tides, ancient Britons aspired to align themselves with these forces for their survival. They sought the good favor of the spirits of nature—the indwelling life force of Land, Sea, and Sky—and requested their intercession for abundant harvests and healthy livestock. They created earthen burial chambers in honor of the sacred dead and used these sites as places to connect with their ancestors through the veil of the Otherworld. They acknowledged the power of the landscape by erecting megalithic monuments along ley lines and by worshiping the Divine in natural settings—especially those with the power to inspire.
Ancient Avalon’s physical location was specifically chosen because of the uniquely powerful landscape features that comprise the Holy Island. These features—which include springs, hills, sacred groves, and an surrounding lake—both generated and supported Avalon’s transformational energies. Although Avalon no longer exists on this plane, the powerful energies of Glastonbury provide portals through which we can connect with the Avalon of old. Journeying to Glastonbury in pilgrimage is an incredible spiritual experience but we need not physically travel to the site to connect with Avalon’s essence. Firmly rooted in the archetypal realm, Avalon can be accessed through focused and disciplined inner questing.
We have used the Immram as a powerful tool for journeying to the spiritual landscape of ancient Avalon, yet there are as many ways of knowing as there are portals to the Otherworld. The Immram is an active process: we journey across the waters of the unconscious to access the realms of the spirit and connect with the Holy Island’s archetypal essence. Another effective technique takes a more receptive approach, allowing us to bypass the material plane and enter into a shifted state of consciousness through the act of merging. Using this physical meditation discipline, one can connect directly with the energies of the Avalonian landscape, so revered by the ancient Britons.
Synthesizing Gnosis
One of the most exciting revisionings of recent years is a holistic tool called ecstatic trance postures, a synthesis of many different disciplines: psychology, anthropology, neurology and shamanism. Anthropologist Felicitas Goodman studied figural artifacts from many cultures around the planet and, through her work, realized these images were specific records of ritualistic poses intended to induce a particular state of consciousness.
Like the mudras of the East, these meditational postures seemed to evoke a particular experience in people who assumed them in a ritual manner. Uncanny similarities were noted in the trance visions of people practicing a particular posture; the end result of Dr. Goodman’s research is the cataloging of over fifty different shamanic postures. It is truly a universal language that uses the body to form words and sentences.
Neurologically speaking, the brain and nervous system are affected by the body’s position. Information is sent along the neural pathways, giving information to the brain. Trance postures posit a sort of kinesthetic memory, that when reactivated by holding the body in a particular position will trigger a shift in the practitioner’s consciousness. Coupled with rhythmic breathing and drumming to occupy the left side of the brain, these postures facilitate the right hemisphere’s ability to transcend bodily limitations and enter a different realm of awareness. It is believed these records of the ancients were meant to preserve techniques of spiritual awakening and provide the seeker with helpers and guides from the spirit world.
Celtic Images
Inspired by the work of Dr. Goodman and her students, I have done trance work with the few anthropomorphized images that remain available from the Celtic people. Either because they did not believe in creating images of the Divine in human form, or because, as the archaeological record suggests, they created such cult objects out of materials that would not have survived through time, there are only a few such images known to us today from pre-Roman times. The Gundestrup cauldron, an incredible silver ritual object that dates back to the first century bce, boasts some of the best examples of such figural work.
This unique vessel was found in a peat bog in Denmark, of possible Gaulish or Thracian origin, and is believed to have been intentionally dismantled as a religious offering. It depicts people, animals, and plants in the La Téne art style. The seven outer plates of the cauldron feature busts of figures believed to be gods and goddesses, and each is rendered holding a specific (perhaps ritualized) pose, sometimes holding symbolic objects. Replicating these postures for trance journeying has resulted in powerful shamanic experiences, and the author is continuing research into their lessons and uses.
One of the most well-known images from the Gundestrup cauldron is found on one of the inner plates. Depicting what is believed to be the Celtic god Cernunnos, an antlered figure sits cross-legged and wearing highly stylized garments including striped breeches suggestive of those believed to have been favored by the Celts. In his right hand he holds aloft a torc, a symbol of sovereignty, and in his left he holds a horned snake, perhaps referring to his role as a fertility deity. Taken alone, this plate is a masterful religious icon in its own right, but when compared to an image that comes to us from the Indo-European peoples of the ancient Harappan culture of the Indus Valley, it takes on a deeper meaning.
Found in Mohenjo-Daro, an Indus Valley city that existed between 2600 and 1900 bce, an object known as the Pashupati Seal bears many similarities to the Gundestrup Cernunnos image; the seal depicts a crossed-legged, horned male figure surrounded by animals. Pashupati (“Lord of the Animals”) is seen by many to be a precursor to the Hindu god Shiva, and most scholars agree the stylized posture in the seal represents one of the earliest depictions of a yoga pose.
Although the Pashupati image predates the Gundestrup cauldron by more than a thousand years, it is significant when we consider the Indo-European mother culture that birthed the Celtic people. Could it be that the Celts practiced a physical meditative discipline similar to yoga, as demonstrated by the Gundestrup Cernunnos? It seems especially significant, as his entire body was intentionally depicted, whereas an overwhelming majority of the other images are rendered as busts. Perhaps the artisans were trying to communicate something important about the stance of the Cernunnos figure. Whatever their intention, these clues—while far from conclusive—paint a picture that makes use of a physical spiritual discipline in a Celtic context seem more plausible.
Avalonian Landscape Postures
When it comes to the Avalonian Tradition, there are no figural images to use for trance journeying that are directly related to the Holy Island. What we do have, however, are the very distinctive and prominent landscape features that drew ancient Britons to settle in and around Glastonbury. Taking these into consideration, a system of unique postures was developed that emulate and connect to power points in the Avalonian landscape. These postures provide vehicles for journeying to specific sites on the Priestess Isle, and each opens a specific doorway of inner understanding and transformational energies into our lives. The complete system of Avalonian Landscape postures permits the seeker to embark upon
a series of spiritual pilgrimages that facilitate work with the spiritual essence of the Holy Isle. Such a journey allows us to discern meaning and to identify the Isle’s role on our paths to the Goddess.
These postures have several goals. They provide a mechanism by which we can explore the sacred landscape of Avalon, learning thus the importance of each site, its relevance to the work of Avalon, and its usage by the priestesses of old. As well, the postures stimulate and awaken specific transformational energies in your own life, bringing forth insights and wisdoms related to your personal process and your soul growth. The postures are doorways of understanding to both the Avalonian Landscape and the Sacred Landscape within.
The five postures presented in this book correspond with the landscape areas related to each of the Stations of the Avalonian Cycle of Healing. There are several ways to approach the use of these postures. You can use the cycle of the moon, performing the appropriate posture at each lunar phase, or you can align your work with the cycle of the sun, using the posture that relates to the upcoming holy day for as long as you need to prepare for the deep work associated with each Station.
Avalonian Landscape Postures and Cycle Correspondences
Once you have spent an entire yearly cycle working with these postures, documenting your insights, experiences, and personal processes, you can then work with individual postures at your discretion, connecting with those sites and energies you feel you need most to experience based upon discernment built during your month of workings. For example, if connecting to the Red Spring helped provide insight for your shadow work, you can return to this site through the landscape posture, bringing with you specific questions relating to the work at hand.
Before you begin to cycle through the postures—each one moving you deeper and deeper into the energies of Avalon—you may consider dedicating an entire month to the exploration of one sacred site at a time. In this way, you can fully explore this aspect of Avalon and experience the resonance of this sacred site in your life. It is recommended you perform each posture at least three times a week during the course of the month; more is ideal.
Applying the Postures
This deceptively simple technique is incredibly powerful, and one which works well both in group settings and for a solitary practitioner. Following these steps will move you down the path of experiencing a rewarding and transformational physical discipline with limitless potential for insight and personal growth.
For each posture:
1. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
2. Use a fifteen-minute recording of rapid drumming or rattling, which you can purchase or make for yourself. In her research, Dr. Goodman found that a rhythm of 200–210 beats per minute seems to trigger the nervous system into entering the altered state of consciousness desired for these postures. A metronome or other such repetitive sound will have the same effect. This is an important ingredient, but if you simply cannot make a tape or find a pre-recorded CD, focus on your Power Breath, which should be performed for at least fifteen minutes before beginning any landscape posture session. A callback drum beat or a gentle alarm set to go off after fifteen minutes will bring you back from your journey. An MP3 of a drumming session is available on the author’s website (see appendix).
3. Work in your sacred space, surrounded by those things that trigger entrance into the realm of the spiritual. The simple act of spreading a sarong or cloth dedicated solely for use in these workings can help move you into a receptive space for journeying.
4. Clear and center and fall into your Power Breath for fifteen minutes before assuming the posture you are working on.
5. When ready, play your drumming recording and assume the position of the posture using the following photographs as a visual guide. Practice the posture before journeying so you are sure that you know it well and can make any necessary adjustments for comfort.
6. Should you feel you must adjust your posture for comfort’s sake during the fifteen minutes, do so briefly while holding the intention of the posture clearly. Resume the posture when you are able. Some of these postures can be physically challenging, especially when held for a lengthy period of time. Always keep in mind that your best approximation of the posture will unlock its transformational power in your life. It is better to do the best you can than not to do the postures at all.
7. Keep your focus clear as you journey, allowing insight to flow. Spend the entire fifteen minutes of drumming or breathing in this posture, remaining as clear and open to the experience as you can. Pay attention to any and all visions, scenes, emotions, insights or information presented to you. How does the posture make you feel? What would you name this posture? What is this posture’s lesson? How does it relate to you and your process? Are there any issues this posture brings up for you? In what way does this sacred site find resonance in your soul?
8. It is important to ground and center after every posture session. This is discussed later in this chapter.
9. Be sure to journal your experiences.
Please note: As with any exercise routine or physical discipline, it is recommended you consult your health care practitioner before undertaking these postures. The creator of this work accepts no responsibility for injuries or issues that may arise from the use of these postures.
Y Tarddell Rudd—The Red Spring
The Landscape
The sacred, iron-tinged waters of the Red Spring have been a source of reverence and inspiration for thousands of years. Although its outward appearance has shifted over the centuries, the waters of the Red Spring have maintained a constant flow, a consistent temperature, and a continuous connection to holy and healing energies. The Y Tarddell Rudd posture emulates the bubbling forth of these waters at its source—intentional, contained, and reflecting the deep chthonic symbolism of this liminal site—and is closely aligned with the Station of Decent.
Posture Description
Kneel with your legs close together.
Keep your back straight and your torso upright.
Extend your arms at a 30-degree angle from the body.
Flex your hands at the wrists, keeping your fingers together. The position of the arms and hands suggest the fountaining forth of the waters from the ground.
This posture may be difficult on the knees, so it may be helpful to kneel on a cushion. Alternatively, you may perform this posture sitting upright at the edge of a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your legs and knees held tightly together.
Once you have settled into the position, hold it for fifteen minutes with a rhythmic breathing pattern. Playing a shamanic drumming track while holding the posture is ideal.
Y Tarddell Rudd Posture
As you perform this posture, connect with the corresponding energies within you as well as the archetypal essence of this aspect of Avalon. What does the Red Spring bring to the surface from the depths of your soul? What can it teach you about the hidden nature of Avalon—both within and without?
Y Twrr—The Tor
The Landscape
A holy site and ritual center, the labyrinthine terraces of the Tor spin the great magicks of Avalon. Often compared to the body of a woman in repose over the landscape, the slumbering silhouette of the Tor lends itself naturally to imitation as a trance posture. Glastonbury Tor is believed to be a gateway into Annwn, the Celtic Otherworld, and Y Twrr posture opens many a doorway into the realms of the unconscious, facilitating the work of the Station of Confrontation.
Posture Description
Lie on your left side with one leg on top of the other and both bent at hip and knee. Keep your calves parallel to your torso, with both feet pointed in the opposite direction of the head.
Your upper left arm is on the floor and bent at the elbow. Rest your forearm against your abdomen and place your left hand face-down on the crest of your right hip.
> Keep your upper body propped up on your left side with your right shoulder rolled back and your chest twisted to point towards the ceiling. Your head is facing forward with your left cheek on the floor. Extend your right arm behind your head and rest it on your right wrist and hand, which is palm up on the floor.
Once you have settled into the position, hold it for fifteen minutes with a rhythmic breathing pattern. Playing a shamanic drumming track while holding the posture is ideal.
Y Twrr Posture
While performing this posture, connect with the corresponding energies within as well as the archetypal essence of this aspect of Avalon. Why is the Tor considered the entrance to the Otherworld? What is the importance of this sacred Avalonian hill?
Y Tarddell Wen—The White Spring
The Landscape
The natural beauty of the White Spring has been disrupted by the presence of a reservoir built in 1872, and we are haunted by eyewitness descriptions of a flowstone-encrusted coombe (a small valley), issuing forth waters which have percolated through the limestone layers of the Tor. The Tor Springs, as it is also called, is actually made up of a confluence of waters that connect underground before gushing forth from the surface. The calcium-rich waters of White Spring are as unpredictable in their flow rate and temperature as the sources are varied, and can remake the environment with their limestone deposition. Y Tarddell Wen reflects the active, far-reaching essence of the White Spring and its connection to the renewing energies of the Station of Emergence.
Posture Description
Avalon Within Page 19