Step into the mythic voice of Britain's greatest bard.For centuries, the legendary bard Taliesin has been celebrated as poet, prophet, and shapeshifter—the radiant voice of Celtic myth. In this evocative new collection, internationally acclaimed author John Matthews gathers decades of his own visionary poems inspired by Taliesin's song.Here the ancient bard speaks again: of Arthur and Merlin, of the Goddess and the Grail, of battles between light and dark, ...

Everywhere we look we see wounded people, hurt by their childhood, by their relationships, by the cultural milieu in which they live. Increasing numbers seek psychiatric help, alternative therapies, healing, and encounter groups. However, valuable though such work has proved to be, it has tended to lack concern for the spiritual dimension of the human experience - the realm of the soul. Many of us suffer from fractured souls, a circumstance brought about by the very nature of ...

Probably the oldest known spiritual discipline, shamanism is the timeless art of living in harmony with creation, providing a universal system to work with today, whatever our religion or spiritual affiliation may be. A reflection of a living tradition with a supremely practical approach to life, it teaches skills for living and ways to utilize latent abilities which we all possess. Celtic Shamanism derives from the native traditions of North-West Europe. The shamanic contribution of the C...

This evocative guide to Shamanism takes you on a journey from its origins in Europe, North America, Siberia and the Arctic Circle through to contemporary rituals to try today. Illustrated with cultural images, totems and people, shaman John Matthews reveals the rich animistic traditions of this ancient spirituality and reveals how it can empower your life.Discover:The significance of power animalsShapeshifting - moving into different states of beingHealing with...

What if the Grail is not only a relic of legend—but a path of transformation?For centuries the Holy Grail has haunted the imagination of poets, mystics, and seekers. It has been called a cup, a stone, a cauldron of ancient power, even a mystery hidden within the human soul. But behind the legend lies a deeper story—one of spiritual challenge, inner healing, and the timeless quest for meaning.In The Gifts of the Grail, renowned Arthurian scholar Joh...

Fully illustrated collection of rare and previously unpublished tales of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, retold for a new generation by leading Arthurian expert, John Matthews, introduced by Sir John Boorman, director of the classic film, Excalibur, and illustrated with paintings and drawings by Tolkien artist, John Howe.It is a time of magic and adventure, of chivalry and courtly love, when great evil must be met with heroic deeds. It is a time of King Arthur and h...

A first full-length collection by one of the world's leading experts on myth and legend, especially those of King Arthur and the Celts. The author of over 100 books on these and other themes, John Matthews here shows that myth has always been a central part of his life. The works published here, many for the first time, date from the 1980s to the present, and cross into many realms and fields of otherworldly grace.JOHN MATTHEWS is an independent scholar, poet and author living in O...

Contemporary American Literature is a meticulously curated anthology, exploring the rich tapestry of early 20th-century American writing. Covering an expansive range of literary styles, from realism to modernism, this collection captures the diverse essence of a nation in flux. Readers will find a spectrum of voices and genres that reflect the dynamic cultural landscape of the time, offering works that challenge societal norms, explore human consciousness, and reflect on the American ident...

Restores Gawain of Camelot to his true role as the foremost representative and servant of the Goddess.• The full story of Gawain of Camelot that restores a lost piece of the great Arthurian tapestry.• Traces the historical trends that demoted Gawain from the foremost knight of the Round Table to a villain and womanizer.• The result of more than 20 years of research by one of the world's leading scholars of Arthurian mythology.Sir Gawain, the nephew of King A...

An extensive investigation of the origins and numerous sightings of the mysterious and terrifying figure known as Spring-Heeled Jack• Shares original 19th-century newspaper accounts of Spring-Heeled Jack encounters as well as 20th and 21st-century reports• Explains his connections to Jack the Ripper and the Slender Man• Explores his origins in earlier mythical beings from folklore, his Steampunk popularity, and the theory that he may be an alien from a high-gravity ...

An accessible and authoritative compendium of key concepts in acting, this book reveals how the craft has been understood by the world's leading practitioners and theorists.What is 'truthful' acting? Am I 'freeing the voice' and being 'authentic' in my performance? The idioms of acting can both delight and confound. While enthusiastic theatregoers and aspiring actors may be attracted to studio slang, theorists and practitioners of the craft will argue fiercely over...

With a foreword by Iain Sinclair.London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into the legendary prehistory of these islands. Not surprisingly it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during this period, many of which, though faithfully recorded at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city.The Secret Lore of London is a guide to the legends, including a discuss...