Short description
Taliesin, Chief Bard of Britain and Celtic shaman, was an historical figure who lived in Wales during the latter half of the sixth century. This work sheds light on the poems of Taliesin and on the vast body of allusion, story and myth that grew from his body of work and shamanic practice.
Long description
Taliesin, Chief Bard of Britain and Celtic shaman, was an historical figure who lived in Wales during the latter half of the sixth century. Encoded within his work are the ancestral beliefs of the Celtic and pre-Celtic peoples. In addition, his verse is established as a direct precursor to the Arthurian legends - and Taliesin himself, shaman and shapeshifter, is said to be the direct forebear to Merlin. Though the bard's work is steeped in the rich traditions of Druidic practice, few have explored the revelations of his writings - the secret poetic language of the bard's revelatory information about divination, the ancient mysteries of the Druids and the cosmological rites that were central to Celtic worship. John Matthews, one of today's pre-eminent Celtic scholars, sheds new light on the poems of Taliesin and on the vast body of allusion, story and myth that grew from his body of work and shamanic practice. With the help of fellow scholar, Caitlin Matthews, the author presents new translations of Taliesin's major poems in their entirety, uncovering the meanings behind these great works for the first time. This is the first collection of Taliesin's major poetry with commentary by John Matthews, author of more than 40 books on the Celts. It reveals Druidic prophecy, methods of divination and the rites, rituals and beliefs that were essential to Celtic spiritual practice. It also features Taliesin's works as keys to the Arthurian legends.
Review
. . . this is a deeply intriguing book and should be on the reading lists of all seekers of the Celtic ways, especially aspiring bards.