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Arthurian Magic: A Practical Guide to the Wisdom of Camelot
Discover a system of magical work based on the stories of Arthur and his legendary realm. With meditations, rituals, visualizations, and pioneering shamanic techniques, Arthurian Magic leads you on a profound soul journey designed to raise consciousness and unleash deep levels of wisdom. Discover dozens of exercises and a complete twelve-month course of study that will bring the mysteries alive and open your inner awareness to the mystical power of these profound legends.
Dozens of magical groups and countless individuals have turned to the Arthurian tales for inspiration, instruction, and initiation. This book is a guide for beginners and experienced practitioners to cultivate the spiritual power of these influential myths. Explore the sacred sites, songs, blessings, invocations, and festivals. Create incense and oils for magical workings. Meet the most important and influential archetypal figures as you discover how to awaken the knight within.
Dozens of magical groups and countless individuals have turned to the Arthurian tales for inspiration, instruction, and initiation. This book is a guide for beginners and experienced practitioners to cultivate the spiritual power of these influential myths. Explore the sacred sites, songs, blessings, invocations, and festivals. Create incense and oils for magical workings. Meet the most important and influential archetypal figures as you discover how to awaken the knight within.
650 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2017
24 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
John Matthews
425 books198 followersJohn Matthews is an historian, folklorist and author. He has been a full time writer since 1980 and has produced over ninety books on the Arthurian Legends and Grail Studies, as well as short stories and a volume of poetry. He has devoted much of the past thirty years to the study of Arthurian Traditions and myth in general. His best known and most widely read works are ‘Pirates’ (Carlton/Atheneum), No 1 children’s book on the New York Times Review best-seller list for 22 weeks in 2006, ‘The Grail, Quest for Eternal Life’ (Thames & Hudson, 1981) ‘The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Wisdom’ (Element, 1994) and ‘The Winter Solstice’ (Quest Books, 1999) which won the Benjamin Franklin Award for that year. His book ‘Celtic Warrior Chiefs’ was a New York Public Library recommended title for young people.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 22, 2018
Another book I may have passed on by when browsing the bookstore but caught my interest as a free arc on netgalley. It's an interesting take on meditation and pagan ritual. I know bits about Arthur and his legends but would still class myself as a novice so for me I loved that the book works for both beginners and those who have delved into this topic more deeply.
It's fascinating and comprehensive and a really interesting read.
It's fascinating and comprehensive and a really interesting read.
February 16, 2018
This book has almost everything a person could need to do magical work centered on the symbolism of Arthurian lore and the Holy Grail, with two caveats.
1. Especially as the Matthews and Chandler have presented it, Arthurian spirituality is deeply and explicitly connected with the land, people, and national character of Britain. While theoretically accessible to anyone who feels drawn to the lore, I don't know if someone who lacks that connection will be able to fully engage with it. For me, a genetic connection wasn't enough, nor was previous in-depth work with the Grail mysteries. I've never visited Britain, nor am I deeply invested in its culture and history, and I was frequently aware that this book is based on the assumption of being immersed in it. Your mileage may vary.
2. This material was developed over decades of work by a large group, and many of the major rituals require a lot of people. It is possible for a person working alone to enact a version of them either by taking all the parts or doing it as a visualization, but it's something you should be aware of before buying the book.
However, even with those caveats, this is a worthwhile book to read and to have as a reference. It is primarily a magical (transformative, healing) guide, but it also is a useful encyclopedia of the lore of Camelot and the Grail Quest. I'm not going to be using the system, but I still found it inspiring, and it gave me some ideas for my own work.
1. Especially as the Matthews and Chandler have presented it, Arthurian spirituality is deeply and explicitly connected with the land, people, and national character of Britain. While theoretically accessible to anyone who feels drawn to the lore, I don't know if someone who lacks that connection will be able to fully engage with it. For me, a genetic connection wasn't enough, nor was previous in-depth work with the Grail mysteries. I've never visited Britain, nor am I deeply invested in its culture and history, and I was frequently aware that this book is based on the assumption of being immersed in it. Your mileage may vary.
2. This material was developed over decades of work by a large group, and many of the major rituals require a lot of people. It is possible for a person working alone to enact a version of them either by taking all the parts or doing it as a visualization, but it's something you should be aware of before buying the book.
However, even with those caveats, this is a worthwhile book to read and to have as a reference. It is primarily a magical (transformative, healing) guide, but it also is a useful encyclopedia of the lore of Camelot and the Grail Quest. I'm not going to be using the system, but I still found it inspiring, and it gave me some ideas for my own work.
January 10, 2018
I finished this magical book "Arthurian Magic" by Virginia Chandler, John Matthews, Caitlin Matthews and Gareth Knight. Now, I know little about King Arthur other than the basic mythology, but this book goes way deeper into ancient magics and mythos of the fabled king and Merlin.
This book really is fascinating, and goes much deeper than I first expected. John and Caitlin Matthews are experts in the field, they've written several books about the subject and even a tarot deck.
Working through the mythology, the authors go into extensive meditation and visualization work. This could be used as a sort of course in the material, something you can work your way through at your own pace. There are a number of these, to go deeper into your own path. If you are into druidry or have an affinity for the Celtic magics, I recommend this book. If you are wanting to learn more about the Arthurian legends, and the archetypes of Arthur and Merlin, this is the book. I recommend starting here, as it is so well written and gives such a comprehensive background.
Though this usually isn't an area I read about, I would add this to my bookshelf. Its not only good for referencing, but the meditations are beautifully done.
I received an e-book version from NetGalley for my honest review.
This book really is fascinating, and goes much deeper than I first expected. John and Caitlin Matthews are experts in the field, they've written several books about the subject and even a tarot deck.
Working through the mythology, the authors go into extensive meditation and visualization work. This could be used as a sort of course in the material, something you can work your way through at your own pace. There are a number of these, to go deeper into your own path. If you are into druidry or have an affinity for the Celtic magics, I recommend this book. If you are wanting to learn more about the Arthurian legends, and the archetypes of Arthur and Merlin, this is the book. I recommend starting here, as it is so well written and gives such a comprehensive background.
Though this usually isn't an area I read about, I would add this to my bookshelf. Its not only good for referencing, but the meditations are beautifully done.
I received an e-book version from NetGalley for my honest review.
October 11, 2021
If one is seeking a vast compendium of the Matthews works regarding the Arthurian Mysteries they have taught over the last few decades, this is that book.
This rather hefty tome unifies their efforts, and experiences as shared in workshops, and classes. The first section familiarizes the reader with the legends they consider the most relevant to the inner journey, and offer their perspectives on interpretation. The second half of the book is dedicated to experiencing these texts by enacting the tales in dramatic form. I would dare call them Mystery Plays.
The tales layer upon each other to form a whole theatric coherence when one is able to directly participate in sensing these stories for oneself.
The Readings, Seasons, and Further Readings impart deeper studies to explore this subject.
This rather hefty tome unifies their efforts, and experiences as shared in workshops, and classes. The first section familiarizes the reader with the legends they consider the most relevant to the inner journey, and offer their perspectives on interpretation. The second half of the book is dedicated to experiencing these texts by enacting the tales in dramatic form. I would dare call them Mystery Plays.
The tales layer upon each other to form a whole theatric coherence when one is able to directly participate in sensing these stories for oneself.
The Readings, Seasons, and Further Readings impart deeper studies to explore this subject.
April 12, 2023
A nice book about the Arthurian tradition and lore.
It describes interesting medication methods and pagan rituals. I found some useful, others they might be difficult to do with only one person. The books is divided in three parts: the first one is research, papers on the history and in concepts of the period; the second one, gives more details on rituals and lessons and; the third part is more information and additional material.
An interesting read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy.
It describes interesting medication methods and pagan rituals. I found some useful, others they might be difficult to do with only one person. The books is divided in three parts: the first one is research, papers on the history and in concepts of the period; the second one, gives more details on rituals and lessons and; the third part is more information and additional material.
An interesting read!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced digital copy.
September 11, 2020
Really cool book about the Arthurian Tradition. Lots of information and well written. Didn't like the ritual format given however, it seemed a bit awkward for one person.
September 12, 2021
This is a truly amazing book on the magic of Arthurian legends!
December 1, 2017
I received a copy of Part one in exchange for a fair review.
This book describes an interesting take on meditation and pagan ritual. I love the Arthurian mythos, and was curious to see how a canon that has been interpreted so many ways over time would be invoked as something concrete and teachable. The book begins with stories of how this idea came about, and how it can be implemented. I am not a pagan, but have a casual interest due to pagan friends, and even I could understand the thought processes, and entry level work needed to engage with the material. You are not engaging with a canonical or historical Arthur, but trying to commune with the archetype, or the idea that inspired the mythology from what I understand. You are encouraged to use your imagination,and focus your meditation on ideals instead of trying to resurrect or communicate with (the possibly historical, possibly fake) Arthur.
This guide offers helpful tips on meditation, including sitting in a chair to not fall asleep (like I always seem to) and recording readings or observations to listen to, so you can then focus your brain instead of reading and focusing. Whether you are a fan of the Disney movie, T.H White's series, or the ancient texts filled with conflicting ideas, this is an interesting book that may spark an interest in another way of appreciating the Arthurian mythos.
This book describes an interesting take on meditation and pagan ritual. I love the Arthurian mythos, and was curious to see how a canon that has been interpreted so many ways over time would be invoked as something concrete and teachable. The book begins with stories of how this idea came about, and how it can be implemented. I am not a pagan, but have a casual interest due to pagan friends, and even I could understand the thought processes, and entry level work needed to engage with the material. You are not engaging with a canonical or historical Arthur, but trying to commune with the archetype, or the idea that inspired the mythology from what I understand. You are encouraged to use your imagination,and focus your meditation on ideals instead of trying to resurrect or communicate with (the possibly historical, possibly fake) Arthur.
This guide offers helpful tips on meditation, including sitting in a chair to not fall asleep (like I always seem to) and recording readings or observations to listen to, so you can then focus your brain instead of reading and focusing. Whether you are a fan of the Disney movie, T.H White's series, or the ancient texts filled with conflicting ideas, this is an interesting book that may spark an interest in another way of appreciating the Arthurian mythos.
March 22, 2018
I can only review this first part of this book as it was only a sample but from what i have read I will definitely be purchasing the book for myself. For anybody interested in the King Arthur legend, Merlin, the spirituality it has spurred on and the impact it has had on history and the development of many systems including the Templars, Rosicrucianism, Golden Dawn and modern Wicca etc this book will prove immensely enjoyable. The book is going to be full of exercises and rituals to connect with this system.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews