G is for Galahad

"I have given all of my life to the search for truth. My vision may sometimes show more than I can understand, but I offer to share the clarity and insight with which I was born."

-The Camelot Oracle-

Galahad is a person of great mystery, as he is in a sense, everywhere throughout the tales of King Arthur. All that takes place, is shaped for Galahad. Many of the characters from previous posts are united, with Galahad being the uniting force. Galahad at first though, can come across as distant, stern, and lacking any true emotion. This is not the case of who Galahad really is though. After learning of his upbringing, his trials, and his struggle, one can understand Galahad truly. Most people know the basics of Galahad, that he is the one who finds the grail. It is that one act that defines Galahad, but there is still much more to know. Today, many have come to see Galahad's character as a liking to Christ. This was perhaps done intentionally within the medieval time period. The audience would have accepted such a character, but Galahad is more than just a character. He is a source of spiritual and daily insight. 

The birth of Galahad is not a happy one, its actually quite sad. Elaine of Carbonek, King Pelles' daughter, is madly in love with Lancelot. Being in love with another though, Lancelot would never betray his love. It is King Pelles, wanting only the best knight, who furthers Galahad's birth. Tricked into thinking Elaine is actually Guenievre, Lancelot sleeps with her. When he discovers this mistake, Lancelot almost kills Elaine. Thankfully, she is now pregnant, and Lancelot quickly spares her life. He wants nothing to do with her, or her child however. Elaine is left alone, and the only parent that Galahad knows throughout his childhood. In fact, Galahad grows up in a nunnery, in the care of a great aunt. He is given his father's given name, and so Galahad grew up waiting for his quest to begin. 

When he reaches adulthood, Lancelot comes back for Galahad. At once, he is knighted, and welcomed at Camelot. To the surprise of King Arthur, Galahad is able to sit at the seat reserved for the one who finds the grail. All others who wished to attain that spot, had died on the spot. Upon seeing this as a good omen, Galahad is taken to pull a sword from the stone. The sword is meant only for the greatest knight, which Arthur soon proclaims him to be. Shortly after this, the vision of the grail is seen at Camelot, and Galahad begins the quest for which he was born. Joined by Bors and Perceval, the knights led to Dindrane, Perceval's sister. It is she who gives Galahad the necessary tools to find the grail. When Galahad does find the grail, he asks to die at the time of his choosing. It is said that Galahad was later taken to heaven, at a time of his choosing. 

The legend says that Galahad was visited by Joseph of Arimathea, on his way back to Camelot. Galahad is actually believed to have been related to Joseph of Arimathea, through Galahad's grandfather, King Pelles. This is significant because it is believed that Joseph of Arimathea was the first original keeper of the grail. For Galahad, this was no doubt a sacred moment. Legend says that Galahad was so awe struck, so captivated by the sacred moment, that he asked to die. Accordingly, he said goodbye to his two companions, Bors and Perceval, and was taken to heaven by angels. Galahad's body is said to be buried in the sacred town of Sarras, next to the body of Dindrane. For many, the two have come to represent both the male and female aspects of the grail. 

In ritual today, Galahad has many faces. He is hard to work with, as his nature makes him appear unsympathetic. This though, makes Galahad a representation of otherworldliness. There is a trustworthy and generous side that only Galahad can real to us. As is shown throughout his whole life, Galahad is also a keeper of visions. All his life he knew of his purpose, and simply sought it out without end. If one finds the world too confusing, Galahad can also serve as a guide. He brings great clarity and focus, and undoubtedly that is a source of his true strength. For Christians of the time, he represented also a holiness. As the one who found the grail, he serves as a reminder that what we seek we will eventually find. In magic this is a critical belief, and is a good reminder to have. 

Whether one chooses to identify with Galahad in his childhood, or his adulthood, Galahad is surprisingly relatable. In today's world, where so many come from broken families, Galahad seems aspiring. He was able to keep his goal, and achieve it above all else. Despite the hardships, he remained spiritually sacred to all who met him. As with many of the grail characters, Galahad is both a Pagan symbol and a Christian one. He can be likened to Christ, or seen to stand on his own. Galahad is by far one of the most important characters throughout the Arthurian Legends, and yet, we know so little about him. His character was almost an afterthought, and not added to the tale until years later. Perhaps, it shows, just how much of an impact Galahad's nature truly has in the end. 

F is for Fionn MacCumhal

"All Eire does tremble to the beat of the steads, the wild, fearless ghosts charging forth as they heed, the spectral call of the ancients, and then, "Ride to victory!" cry out Fionn's warrior men." 

-Morina Carol O'Reilly- 

Fionn MacCumhal is a both a legend and a god of Ireland. This fact is strange, only because he has Scottish origins as well. As a god and warrior, the legends of Fionn are vast, almost as great as King Arthur. One of the more famous tales, is that of Fionn acquiring vast knowledge and wisdom. This he did, after burning himself on the Salmon of Knowledge. Having acquired such knowledge in his childhood, Fionn seemed destined for great things early on. He was the child of the Fianna leader, son of Murna of the White neck and Cumhal. One day, he would take over the leadership of the Fianna. As a leader of this group of warriors, the tales of Fionn MacCumhal are too numerous to count.

One legend of Fionn is shortly after he acquires his vast knowledge. He acquires a bit of foresight, and is able to tell how to defeat a coming giant. This giant's size is not startling to Fionn in the least. In some legends, Fionn is a giant himself. In this tale, his nature is a bit unknown, but one thing is for certain, he defeats the giant. Hiding and disguised as his own child, Fionn's teeth fascinate the giant. When the giant tests the strength of such teeth, Fionn bites off the giant's finger. This shrinks the giant to that of human size, and sends him running off into the surrounding lands. As with many stories of Celtic legend, Fionn's victory is not out of sheer brute force. The victory is won by an intelligence, which can only expected from one who has acquired Fionn's knowledge.

Perhaps the most famous legend of all however, is Fionn's driving away of snakes. It is Fionn, not St. Patrick, that is said to have driven the snakes from Ireland. This creates a bit of astonishment, because snakes represent the Druidic power. Legend says though, that he destroyed the snakes only when they rose up and threatened to eat the island's food supply. Such a legend seems strange to us now, especially after hearing that of St. Patrick. Snakes however, also represent a feminine power. This legend could very well be the first that captures the dismantling of feminine power within Ireland. Either way, whether it is St. Patrick or Fionn MacCumhal, you've no doubt heard the legend before. Perhaps this is only another example of growing legends, both new and old.

In my practice today, Fionn remains ever present. He is a sleeping god, like that of King Arthur. Legend has it, that he lived over two hundred years. His vast knowledge acquired in childhood, was advanced with over two hundred years of life. For many following an Irish based tradition, it is only right to honor Fionn's memory at Yule. He represents wisdom, creation, and of course protection. His nature is more than that though, as Fionn continues to be a warrior. As a warrior, Fionn can help conquer enemies, no matter their nature. Because of this, he can become a source of strength and pride. Fionn is a vision of what makes a leader great, both the acquirement of knowledge and strength. For some, Fionn can also help with arts of divination, a fine god to have in any practice.

This last week was St. Patrick's Day weekend, and partying soon ensued. For many, it was a time to drink and be merry. There is nothing wrong with this, as the day has come to be a celebration of Irish heritage here in the United States. I understand this well, as that includes my own family. For me though, there were no drinks to be had. Instead, there were bagpipes to listen to, tales to be told, and knowledge to be gained. There's something haunting about hearing the songs long passed on. Some of these songs, even hint at the vastness of Celtic myths. For me, St. Patrick's day could have passed unnoticed, save for the sea of green colored shirts. This was exciting, for the moment at least, people wanted to share in the traditions. People wanted to be part of the Celtic world, if only for an hour or a day.

While Fionn MacCumhal may not be as infamous as St. Patrick, I cannot help but think of the two together. In my mind, buried deep within, is the realization that the two remain linked. Perhaps both legends have a bit of truth to their origins. Long ago people thought the snakes driven from Ireland, but today, that is not the case. However, the snakes had to go somewhere, and many, like my family, traveled to the United States. The Druidic culture and legends followed them here, though probably unknowingly so. Today, I still hear the same tales as no doubt my ancestors told. The tale has changed a bit, but I have come to know the name of Fionn MacCumhal. Many no doubt have, but some still have not. Perhaps one day, maybe even St. Patrick's Day, they'll come to hear the stories of his famous adventures and knowledge.  

F is for Fisher King Pelles

"I have known the weight of suffering and woundedness for most of my life and have learned much through this.I bring the wisdom of suffering and the hope of restoration that attends all men in such situations."

-The Camelot Oracle-

King Pelles isn't as complex as some of the previous characters have been. What he is though, is a King with many faces. In fact, many people wonder if Pelles is really four characters combined into one. As the test of time advances though, his character has reflected many events. King Pelles is not a grand King, even though he is a keeper of the grail. Such a noteworthy, and sacred thing, for such a broken King as King Pelles. While the many different natures and events of King Pelles shine forth knowledge, none are more significant than his love of fishing. It is this one moment, this one characteristic, that has given him a distinct name amongst all of the Arthurian Tales. 

King Pelles is at first, wounded by the Lance of Longinus. This lance is, in a sense, cursed. Only the grail winner, wielding the same lance, can heal the wound of King Pelles. The kingdom, as a result of the seemingly permanent wound, suffers. It was believed that only a whole king could be kind, and King Pelles' lands became desolate. This wasteland earned King Pelles a new name, the Maimed King. It wasn't long before the only comfort he felt, came from a small fishing boat. This love and comfort of fishing, earned the Maimed King a fonder name. The Fisher King was born in that moment, only waiting for the day that he could be healed by the grail winner.

Soon, King Pelles became tired of waiting for the grail winner. Pelles recognized in Lancelot, the qualities of a grail winner. When Pelles' daughter, Elaine, fell in love for Lancelot, the future became clear. The King approved of the magic used to bring about Galahad's birth, though could never produce that magic himself. As the story goes, Galahad would become the true grail winner. In a sense, King Pelles, is the head of the grail family. His kingdom becomes restored, only when Galahad has wielded the Lance of Longinus. While the land became whole again, King Pelles, was never the same king. He retired to a monastery, choosing to become, in his final moments, a holy man.

While the tales of King Arthur are mixed with Paganism and Christianity, it is Christianity that shines through in King Pelles. He is the original "fisher of men" of the time period. This parallel is painstakingly obvious, even for those who know little about Christianity. While King Pelles approved of magic, he could, himself, not perform it. There is the slight hint of a blending of religions in that statement. The fact that King Pelles retires to a monastery and becomes a holy man, is also intriguing. He does not stay a prosperous king, despite being repaired physically. In a way, he is made new, and becomes a new creature. Such reflections of the Christian faith, make King Pelles, an oddly Christian figure within the Arthurian Tales.

In magic, King Pelles can be seen as a guide to comfort the sorrowful. He knows the pain of physical inability, yet hopes for the day he is restored.  The time he spends maimed, has taught him to be restful. He knows now the ways to enjoy life, though in quite solitude. The spirit rests, and finds its own comfort, especially if one seeks out King Pelles' guidance. At times, King Pelles can simply be a direct link to the act of fishing. The comfort of fishing is real for many people, including those walking a Pagan path. The Fisher King stands as a welcoming figure, to the secrets of a small boat and a fishing pole. For those brave enough to try, silence can be a welcomed comfort.

Whether one sees King Pelles as a generally Pagan or Christian figure, he remains with many faces. He is the Maimed King, who can be made whole again. There is also the Fisher King, a king lost of his grandeur, and finding comfort in a small fishing boat. He is the grandfather of Galahad, father of Elaine, and head of a the grail family. A retired king turned holy man, or a king still left to be maimed of his kingdom. In the end, King Pelles is a kind, gentle, and wise figure. We could all do well to learn his lessons, and to seek comfort in the silence of that small fishing boat. At times, we need to quite our daily lives, and hear the small waves of the water. We need to feel the warmth of the sun on our back, and know one day, we will be restored again and made completely new. 

E is for Epona

"A horse is the projection of people's dreams about themselves - strong, powerful, beautiful, and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence."

-Pam Brown-

Epona is a Celtic Goddess, and seen as a protector of horses. Her name actually means "on horse," which hints directly to her meaning. Though Epona is a Celtic Goddess, her worship quickly spread to many different areas. In a way, she was a popular Goddess, probably due to her link to travel. Of course, when this happens, many cultures interpret the Goddess in a different way. Because of this, Epona is also known as Rhiannon and Macha. Each name brought with it a different aspect, a different culture, and different depictions. Today, this leaves worshipping Epona open to a few different areas. Some worship Epona specifically as a horse goddess, while others see her as a protector of all animals. 

 Getting to know Epona as Macha is a little difficult. Macha's name itself means plain, or field. This connects Macha to the fertility of the land. Much like Epona, Macha captures a link with fertility. Unlike Epona though, Macha also represents an aspect of battle. She is a Warrior Goddess, and it is this part of her that spread her fame in Rome. During battle, Epona was said to protect the horse and its rider. The Celts strongly placed their battles success then on Epona. It wasn't long before her fame spread through Rome, and both Epona and Macha became known under a different name altogether. A good way to tell the difference between Macha and Epona though, is the animal. Macha is often linked with crows, while Epona is still strongly linked to the horse.

Rhiannon is another Goddess that became popular in Rome. The name actually means Great Queen, and shows the high regard in which she was worshipped. The link between Macha and Epona, in my opinion, are more balanced in Rhiannon. For, she is a link to the Otherworld. It is her horse that is said to accompany a soul to the Otherworld. There is a great love in Rhiannon, and she can bring comfort to the grieving. Still, she carries with her the fertility of Epona. Rhiannon is also said to be the wrongly accused wife, and can bring comfort to the wronged. With the common link to fertility, she is also a mother figure. Out of all the names, and ways to see Epona, it is Rhiannon that can sometimes wear the most faces. 

The popularity of Epona today, is often found in her link to horses. She speaks to many people who still find that strong bond to a special horse. Still, the animal involved doesn't always have to be a horse. In some practices, Epona is seen merely as a protector of animals. Her love becomes common among animal lovers, as her powers are invoked to protect their beloved pet. One doesn't have to initially have a bond to horses, but merely their representations, in order to feel that bond to Epona. To date, she is one of the more popular Celtic Goddess out there today. Anyone who practices within Celtic circles will no doubt find a friend who in some way, connects to the Goddess Epona. 

My own connection to Epona though, comes in her comforting form. Through my grief, I'm reminded of the mothering comfort one can bring. Epona represents both fertility, but also the death that's a part of life. At times, the freedom finally comes in the freedom of the spirit from the body. This is not an easy journey, but one that we all will someday take. For those left behind at the moment, Epona will remain by our side. As she comforted the soul along its journey, she will comfort those left here behind. While the grief is still so fresh for me, I cannot help but find a bit of comfort in that fact. When any God/dess makes themselves known, it is sometimes not the easiest way to get acquainted with them. 

Whatever name one knows Epona, one can simply know her as the Great Mare. Her loving nature, freedom in life, and comfort to the grieving, will continue to speak out. In Paganism, it isn't always about the deep connections to the God/desses initially formed. At times, it's about getting to know just another piece of the great force that drives our lives. As these God/desses transcended cultures, so too does our recognition of them. The bonds we form are not always strong, but the bond is a necessary one. Epona is a Goddess that can be many things for many people. It is no wonder her popularity has only grown since the time of the Celts. Today, Epona remains a reminder of just how much life can be mixed with death. 

E is for Elaine of Carbonek

"I have known both the joy of motherhood and the pains of loss, I can look deeply into your heart's gravest ills and offer ways to assuage them. No matter what strife or anguish shadows your path, I will seek to show ways to move beyond these feelings."

-The Camelot Oracle-

Elaine of Carbonek is the daughter of King Pelles, and keeper of the grail. It is in Carbonek that the grail resides, and there that Lancelot follows. Lancelot hears of what fate has befallen Elaine, who is stuck in a boiling cauldron. Morgan le Fey has trapped Elaine there, claiming that only the greatest knight could free her. When he hears this, Lancelot quickly rescues the young girl. Elaine is at once smitten by Lancelot, and falls deeply in love with him. King Pelles only furthers this love of his daughter's, wanting only the best knight to further protect the grail. Lancelot though, loves only Guinevere, and will not Elaine for a wife. Having been rejected, Elaine goes to the one person she thinks can solve this issue.

Brisen is Elaine's handmaiden, who happens to be somewhat of a sorceress. Using a potion, she convinces Lancelot that Elaine is really Guinevere. Upon seeing what he thinks is Guinevere, Lancelot quickly sleeps with Elaine. It isn't until the morning that Lancelot realizes the deception, but by then its too late. Elaine becomes with child, while Lancelot leaves the castle. It is this child of Lancelot's that will become the Knight and protector of the grail. For the moment though, Elaine is secluded within her castle, and raises the young Galahad. Soon after this, Elaine manages to go to Camelot. With Lancelot's child, Elaine suspects that Lancelot will love her, but she's sadly mistaken.

Once again though, Lancelot is tricked into sleeping with Elaine. This time however, Guinevere catches Lancelot with Elaine. Guinevere quickly revokes Lancelot, which causes him to go mad with grief. During this time, Lancelot wanders mad through the land. With no one to truly search for him, it is only by a miracle he stumbles to Elaine's garden. When she finds Lancelot is mad with grief, she takes him to the grail. This cures Lancelot, and he decides to stay with Elaine for some time. Years later though, Guinevere seeks out Lancelot. Upon hearing of her forgiveness, Lancelot takes off for Camelot. This time though, he takes a young Galahad with him. Galahad hopes to become a knight like his father. Elaine is left alone, with no one to love or to love her.

In practice, one may seem apprehensive to work with Elaine. She is neither good nor bad, but stays constantly in between.We have our judgments as to her actions, usually from our own experiences. It is easy to condemn her, but it is just as easy to defend her. Elaine is a woman who has known love, and yet knows what it is like not to be loved in return. A woman of purity, she is strongly loyal to the man she loves, even when he may not love her. She is also keeper of the grail, and therefore knows its secrets. This has led her to become known as the grail princess. Elaine is a King's daughter, but seems not to be treated as such. Her beauty is said to rival that of Guinevere, but goes unnoticed by the man she's smitten with.

As the mother of Galahad, one cannot help but wonder how she raised such a virtuous child. Worse though, is wondering how she ever watched him go. She knows great loss, and the pains that life can bring. As a mother though, she knows how to bring us comfort. In our path, she can be a great console in our times of need. While her methods may not always be virtuous, her intentions are good. Elaine is a loving daughter, while her father's intentions may be clouded with prophecies. It is up to the person, as to how Elaine presents herself. She can wear many faces, be many things, yet she remains a keeper of that which we seek on our journey. At some point, we must all encounter her for that knowledge.

With our craft, Elaine can be used to reveal our deepest secrets. She can be a healer, especially when it comes to the pain of loss. It is this loss that can help us see that we must move forward, and accept our fate. Her chastity though, can be a connection to any virgin goddess or any mother. Her healing powers transcend that of emotions, and extends into the depths of our heart. Elaine's essence can reveal even that which we do not want to face. She can become a source of strength in that moment, as she has been there before. Her garden is a place of solitude, and yet it brings with it an inner peace. It is this peace, and emotional fearlessness that we could all use a little piece of in our lives.