MERLIN
DID HE EVER BEGIN, OR WAS HE FOREVER
In literature, Merlin is considered the first wizard. He was a prophet who fled to Scotland after a battle and is said to have developed magical powers there. Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote about Merlin in The Historia Regum Britanniae. Merlin is considered one of the most famous wizards in popular culture.
Geoffrey of Monmouth, in Historia regum Britanniae (1135–38), adapted a story, told by the Welsh antiquary Nennius (flourished c. 800), of a boy, Ambrosius, who had given advice to the legendary British king Vortigern. In Geoffrey’s account Merlin-Ambrosius figured as adviser to Uther Pendragon (King Arthur’s father) and afterward to Arthur himself.
Geoffrey changed the name of the character from Merdinus to Merlinus, with the former too close to the Anglo-Saxon word merde – slang for excrement. In The History of the Kings of Britain, Merlin assists Uther Pendragon (Arthur’s father) and is responsible for transporting the stones of Stonehenge from Ireland, but he is not directly associated with Arthur. In addition to the History of the Kings of Britain, Geoffrey of Monmouth also authored a work specifically on Merlin entitled “The Prophecies of Merlin”, which later became the seventh book in the History of the Kings of Britain. These led to a tradition that is manifested in other medieval works, in eighteenth-century almanac writers who made predictions under such names as Merlinus Anglicus, and in the presentaion of Merlin in later literature.
During the Middle Ages, Merlin became very popular. Not only does he figure prominently in the French Vulgate Cycle, but he shines in the French and English romances. Sir Thomas Mallory is the first to really showcase him as the advisor and guide to King Arthur in his work Le Morte d’Arthur. And ever since the Renaissance, Merlin the magician has remained popular in all Arthurian legends and tales. In The Idylls of the King, Alfred Lord Tennyson makes him the architect of Camelot, and Mark Twain uses him in his works as a villain. Numerous novels, poems and plays center around Merlin, and in American literature and popular culture, Merlin is perhaps the most frequently portrayed Arthurian character.
March 15-16, 2025 - Wizards - From the Ancient shores of Albion and Wales
INITIATION
HOW POWERFUL WAS MERLIN
While not explicitly portrayed as a primary healer in most Arthurian legends, Merlin is sometimes depicted with the ability to heal through his magical powers, particularly in interpretations that draw from the Celtic roots of the myth where his character, "Myrddin," is associated with healing springs and restorative magic; essentially, his healing abilities are considered a secondary aspect of his wider magical powers.
Mythological connection:
In some Celtic tales, the figure of Myrddin (the basis for Merlin) is linked to healing waters and the ability to mend both physical and mental ailments.
Magical healing:
While not always the focus, stories sometimes portray Merlin using his magic to heal wounds, alleviate illnesses, or even restore someone's sanity.
Focus on prophecy and guidance:
In most Arthurian narratives, Merlin's primary role is as a powerful prophet and advisor to King Arthur, with healing powers taking a less prominent role.
In medieval literature Merlin Ambrosius is the most powerful magician in the Arthurian legend. He did some huge things, like moving the stones of Stonehenge from Ireland to Salisbury Plain, extremely rapid movement here to there, moving an entire army from southern France to Britain practically overnight and in secret, arrange with the Lady of the Lake for Arthur to get Excalibur, change the shape of himself and King Uther and his bodyguard Ulfius to look like Duke Gorlois and his entourage, enchanted Excalibur to stun the enemy army at the Battle of Carlion-on-Usk, and prepares several miracles for the Grail Quest, such as putting Balin’s sword into a stone that floats to Camelot when needed. He is a prophet, discerning the problem of Vortigern’s tower and foretelling the tyrant’s death, and writing gold letters into various walls to foretell events like the future combat of Lancelot and Tristram. Impressive!
Apothecary with the Elves
Working with Nature
Working with Nature
Working with Nature
First time ever with the ELVES - using herbs, Sacred plants and energy.
Apothecary
Working with Nature
Working with Nature
Making in class Essential oils, Elixirs and Magical potents with the Elves.
Emerald Tablets
Working with Nature
Emerald Tablets
Elves are the Keepers of the Ancient Wisdom from Atlantis and time immemorial.