Filed under: Podcast Episodes, The Tales | Tags: Cerridwen, initiation, mythology, paganism, shamanism, spirituality, storytelling, Taliesin, Welsh mythology, witchcraft
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In this third installment of HedgeFolk Tales the witch covers the initiation of the shaman – from knowledge of this world into knowledge of all worlds and the universe itself. You will be hearing two tales; first a retelling of the Welsh myth of the famous bard and poet Taliesin and then a special appearance of Mojo from the Wigglian Way Pagan Podcast with a trancework tale of an apprentice’s journey into initiation. Join us on the shaman’s journey to find out if it is reflected in your own life… (and excuse my possibly horrible Welsh pronunciation)
Main Characters: Cerridwen, Morfran, Gwion Bach, Taliesin, Gwyddno Garanhir, King Maelgwn, Elphin, Rhun, Heinnin Fardd (chief bard)
Music Credits: Opening — “Cân Cerridwen” by Gwydion; Closing — “Crystal Cave” by S.J. Tucker
References & Resources:
- Cochrane, Jennifer. “Taliesin”. Encyclopedia Mythica <http://www.pantheon.org/articles/t/taliesin.html>
- Dr. Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson
- Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. Princeton University Press, 2004.
- Guest, Lady Charlotte. The Mabinogion. Bernard Quaritch, 1877.
- Harris-Logan, Stuart A. Singing With Blackbirds: The Survival of Primal Celtic Shamanism in later Folk-Traditions. Grey House in the Woods, 2006.
- Llyfr Taliesin – The Book of Taliesin
- Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru by Elis Gruffydd
- Wilby, Emma. Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits: Shamanistic Visionary Traditions in Early Modern British Witchcraft and Magic. Sussex Academic Press, 2005.
3 Comments so far
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Wonderful as per usual!
I loved Taliesin’s story retold by you, you seem to have a smile in your voice and always keep me interested
I also really enjoyed listening to Mojo’s initiation trance work again, I must get myself a drum as listening to him drumming on the Wigglian way and in this meditation always brings me to that wonderful place between waking and dreaming worlds.
Can’t wait to hear more from you
Comment by Miaerowyn May 6, 2010 @ 6:10 pmThank you very much Miaerowyn!!
Comment by Sarah May 7, 2010 @ 6:47 pmLoved it!!
Started re-reading The White Goddess and it was wonderful to hear the tale of Taliesin told while I’m pondering Graves’ pursuit of that crazy lapwing.
Hearing Mojo relate (his?) initiation added even more depth to a podkin hero I much admire.
Thanks again Sarah and I look forward to hearing more.
Comment by Jay O'Skully May 19, 2010 @ 4:40 pm