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WIZARDS ARE REAL ...but we're not sure about you
A Wizard Does Not Work Alone
Wizards, or ritual magicians, sought communication with intangible realms of higher intelligence, typically by summoning spirits to the lowest elementary sphere: earth. This required courage, skill and erudition.
In fictional stories, wizards are typically depicted as individuals who "cast spells," meaning they use magical words or actions to perform supernatural feats, often requiring a wand movement and a spoken incantation to activate the magic.
Spells were the every-purpose tools of a wizard or witch; short bursts of magic used to accomplish single specialized tasks such as opening locks or creating fire. Spells were divided into rough categories, such as "charms", "curses", "hexes", or "jinxes".
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PRELUDE
Wizards precede all other magical, mystical human-esque beings, to include magicians, sorcerers and sorceresses, witches and warlocks, and the sages and druids. Although the scope of them will be explored, there will be an emphasis on “Merlin,” the wizard that is first in everyone’s mind.
In "the Wizards workshop", christian|TOREN will go beyond the active training of new Wizards, to reveal the true identity of Merlin, …and of King Arthur. Also, he will show their relationship. This has not been before, in fact, the truth has been deliberately negated to hide the spiritual nature of these two foundational characters to all of existence.
The truth of the tradition will give you the foundation to understand Merlin and Arthur as [REAL] people, …or at least, real figures. We may have to explore the ramifications that [REAL] can infer. When we do, so much more about history, mythology, religion and belief systems will become clear, too.
March 15-16, 2025 - Wizards - From the Ancient shores of Albion.
WIZARDRY is a series of three separate weekend workshops, each with take on the Wizards topic, but the focus and emphasis will change for each. You can take one weekend, two or even three separate weekends.
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The first offering MAR 15-16, 2025 will be on Wizards in general, and will focus on MERLIN.
PROJECT: The MERLIN project throughout the weekend will include Apothecary, Magic Elixers, Potions, Wizard summoning mixtures, Shapeshifting accouterment, Nature Spirit enticements.
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The second offering (TBD) will focus on the HOLY GRAIL.
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The third offering (TBD) will focus on EXCALIBUR.
Wizardry is an enormously large topic. Each weekend will contain a lot of your topics of interests, to some degree, but certain areas will be elaborated on. Too, the exercises, workshops, demonstrations, projects will match the focus.
INITIATION
BRAND NEW WISARDRY WORKSHOP - MAR 15-16, 2025 Projects
Druid initiation involves training in ancient traditions and becoming part of a living continuum of wisdom:
Training
Joining an order like the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids - for example - provides access to training that includes Bardic teachings. Training can help you discover your creative power and develop a deeper connection with the spirits of the land and your ancestors.
Contemplation
Contemplating a living tradition of wisdom can help you reflect the light of ancient times and become a witnessed druidic successor.
Honoring ancestors
Making a place for your ancestors at community gatherings and at your hearth can help you continue the traditions and wisdom of your land.
IMAGE - in last year's Wizards training, we focused on making high quality magical wands, and practicing with our especially curated Wizard spells.
Christian Toren
Dr. Christian von Lähr is a modern day Seer, whose clairvoyant mediumship inspires through connections from the Higher Planes of Existence; one's Higher Self or Soul; Ascended Masters, Prophets and Saints; Master and Teacher Guides; and a sitters crossed-over family and friends --- to include influencing 'spirit' who’s attendance is necessary to deliver urgent messages.
His sage advice and visions draw from the highest realm he can draw from for any individual Sitter. Often entertaining, usually prophetic, and always eminently important to the current needs of the person being read, he brings the messages and connections that need to be delivered. Christian is a most welcome, and much anticipated visiting Seer and Clairvoyant Medium who travels the country participating in most popular New Age, and Mind, Body, Spirit type Expositions.
Chris Valentine
You already know Chris Valentine as Hollywood's most prolific Runway host - the host to the stars. But, on weekends he also stars alongside Master Clairvoyant Christian von Lahr, as the all powerful, all knowing, wearer of all hats to host the christianTOREN.LA seminars and workshops. Ditch the broom, witches, ...you're in the big leagues now. You're going to love making your new Wizard tools.
You Have To Start Somewhere
IT STARTED AT A MYSTICAL PLACE
Although we intend to take you to the end in this expertise Wizardry class, you are going to have to learn your [roots] in order to re-discover your latent Druid. Magic [MUST] be synchronized to something material here in the Physical Plane, regardless that it is sourced as a counterpart in another realm. Knowing the history allows you to stumble over the many story elements that were the Nature counterparts from Earth to those energy sourcing parts. All of the symbolism, including words, numbers, weather, places, animals and effects in those old stories are trying to TELL YOU SOMETHING. We will show you what is hidden in plain sight.
By the way, those roots started it all. That [wood] was the power of the druids. Those knots should be looking downright Celtic to you. The Tree of Birth. As above, so below. Heaven and Earth. Ying Yang. Feel free to keep the symbolization going.
The oak tree was a sacred tree to the Druids, a Celtic priestly class. Druids believed that oak trees were gifts from the heavens and were a gateway between the physical and spiritual worlds. They practiced their rituals and worshipped in oak groves, and believed the trees had healing properties.
Some modern scholars agree with the classical Roman and Greek authors that the most likely derivation for ‘Druid’ is from the word for oak, combined with the Indo-European root wid – to know, giving their translation of the word Druid as ‘One with knowledge of the oak’ or ‘Wise person of the oak’. Those who possessed knowledge of the oak possessed knowledge of all the trees. The Druid was one with ‘knowledge of the trees’ and was a ‘Forest Sage’. Other scholars suggest that Druid is derived from the pre-Indo-European root deru – which means firm, solid, strong or steadfast, combined with the root weid – which means to see, creating a term that could translate as ‘Strong Seer’. To get a sense of how it might feel to be a Druid, try saying this: “I am strong – a steadfast seer, a knower of magic and enchantment. I am a sage of the forest. I know the secrets of the oak and the wildwood.” Say it several times over, with as little inhibition and as much conviction as you can muster. It’s important to say it out loud, because the voice has magical properties. If the exercise works for you, you will have experienced something of what it means to be a Druid – a man or a woman who even today can feel the pulse of life in the earth beneath them and the trees around them.
The Canton Oak
The Caton Oak is rooted in the River Lune and the trunk protrudes above a set of old sandstone steps known as the "Fish Stones". In Medieval times monks from Cockersand Abbey used the steps to display for sale salmon that had been caught in the river. The village of Caton lies within the Forest of Bowland area of outstanding natural beauty.
Druidic Sickle Athame
Historically, there were female druids, and quite powerful members of their order. In Ireland they were known as bandruí ("woman-druid") and banfilid. The beandrui used a Druidic Sickle Athame for use in your rituals, celebrations and spells. Double sided, tempered blade. Used for focusing energy to direct power.
Holistic medicines:
Druids used holistic medicines to treat illnesses, and sometimes to cause them. The ancient Druids believed that the magical and healing properties of herbs were connected to the seasons and the movement of the planets. They practiced a shamanic religion that combined holistic medicines and contact with the spirit world to treat and cause illnesses
Did druids do magic?
Dictionary of the Irish Language defines a druí (which has numerous variant forms, including draoi) as a magician, wizard, or diviner. In the literature, the druids cast spells and turn people into animals or stones, or curse peoples' crops to be blighted.
Druidic Magic is the primal magic of nature and life itself unleashed by the druids and Druidic Priests of the Old Faith. It is strongly nature-oriented and allows druids and Druidic Priests to make friends with animals, assume animal form and animate trees and other flora.
Alternative name for Great Britain
Albion is an alternative name for Great Britain. The oldest attestation of the toponym comes from the Greek language.
The phrase 'Are such things done on Albion's shore?' refers to an old poetic term for England. This phrase is often used in British literature and poetry to refer to England. It was particularly popular during the Romantic era. Albion itself is the oldest known name of the island of Great Britain.
Albion is pre-Celtic
Albion is an ancient, pre-Celtic word for Britain. Albus means “white” in Latin, leading to the theory that the white cliffs of Dover & along the south coast, which explorers saw when sailing over from the 'mainland' gave rise to the name Albion.
What is the legend of Albion?
In the mythical story of the founding of Britain, Albion was a giant and a son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He was a contemporary of Heracles, who killed him. Albion founded a country on the island and ruled there.
About Wizards
Merlin
Holy Grail
Merlin
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 m
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.
Merlin is a wizard and advisor to King Arthur in the Arthurian legends and is known for many things, including:
Prophecy
Merlin is a prophet who can predict the future, including the birth of Arthur and Britain's defeat by the Saxons.
Shapeshifting
Merlin can transform into different forms.
Magical powers
Merlin has magical powers that include controlling the elements and reading minds.
Helping Arthur
Merlin helped conceive, birth, and educate Arthur, and guided him to pull the sword from the stone.
Building Stonehenge
Merlin is said to have transported the magical stones known as the Giant's Dance from Ireland to Salisbury Plain to build Stonehenge.
Welsh origins
Merlin originated in Celtic, Welsh, and pagan mythology. The Welsh version of Merlin tells of how he became a prophet after losing his mind in the forest.
Literary character
Merlin first appeared in Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain in 1136 CE.
ATTEND | LISTEN | LEARN | DO
Albion
Holy Grail
Merlin
A SMALL BEGINNING THAT MAY THE RULING SEAT OF THE WORLD TODAY
Wales was rural throughout the era, characterized by small settlements called trefi. The local landscape was controlled by a local aristocracy.
MAKE THE WELSH CONNECTION ...they're really old people
So, who are the Welsh? The early settlers of Wales are believed to be descendants
A SMALL BEGINNING THAT MAY THE RULING SEAT OF THE WORLD TODAY
Wales was rural throughout the era, characterized by small settlements called trefi. The local landscape was controlled by a local aristocracy.
MAKE THE WELSH CONNECTION ...they're really old people
So, who are the Welsh? The early settlers of Wales are believed to be descendants of the Beaker culture, mixed with immigrants coming from what is now Ireland (Celts) and the Basque country in Northern [SPAIN].
THE REAL EUROPE OCURED BEFORE THE ANGLO SAXONS
It only changed dramatically during and after the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons at the end of the 9th century. So yes, in a way Wales is probably the oldest country in the UK.
THE WHITE ISLAND
"Albion" is an ancient name for the island of Great Britain, often used poetically or in literature to refer to the British Isles, particularly in historical contexts, and is believed to derive from the Latin word "albus" meaning "white," likely referencing the white cliffs of Dover visible from the European continent; essentially, "Albion" signifies a historical and literary way to refer to Britain, often evoking a sense of national identity and tradition.
ALBION IS THE ENTIRETY OF THE ANCIENT DRUIDIC TERRITORY
Throughout history, the name Albion has been frequently used to designate the significant geographical entity that comprises England, Scotland, and Wales. It has also served as a symbol of national identity and unity within Britain.
ALBION IS PROTECTED BY POSEIDON
In the mythical story of the founding of Britain, Albion was a giant and a son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He was a contemporary of Heracles, who killed him. Albion founded a country on the island and ruled there.
ALBION IS TIED TO ARTHUR
In Arthurian legends, Albion is a name for the island of Britain. According to Geoffrey of Monmouth, this was the name of Britain when it was inhabited only by giants. When humans came to the island, led by the Trojan hero Brutus, they renamed the island "Britain".
Holy Grail
Holy Grail
Holy Grail
Is the Holy Grail in Merlin?
The text lays great emphasis on Merlin's power to shape-shift, his joking personality, and his connection to the Holy Grail, the quest for which he later foretells. Merlin was originally part of a cycle of Robert's poems telling the story of the Grail over the centuries.
He could battle gods single-handedly, in
Is the Holy Grail in Merlin?
The text lays great emphasis on Merlin's power to shape-shift, his joking personality, and his connection to the Holy Grail, the quest for which he later foretells. Merlin was originally part of a cycle of Robert's poems telling the story of the Grail over the centuries.
He could battle gods single-handedly, instantaneously teleport anywhere in the world, or summon mythological creatures to do his bidding. He also possessed astral projection, telekinesis, reality manipulation, and the ability to bring anyone back to life. Often, he could use his magic by speaking backwards.
Merlin developed many powers and abilities during this time, including shape-shifting, the ability to appear and disappear without notice, the ability to control climate, summon darkness, mists, storms, fire, and smoke to aid Arthur, and cast sleep spells.
In Arthurian legend, Merlin is primarily connected to the Holy Grail story through his role as a prophet and advisor to King Arthur, often predicting the quest for the Grail and even influencing its course by creating the Round Table, which is considered the central gathering place for knights seeking the Holy Grail in many interpretations of the myth; essentially, Merlin sets the stage for the Grail quest by shaping Arthur's reign and establishing the Round Table as a symbol of the search for the sacred cup.
Key points about Merlin and the Holy Grail:
Prophetic visions:
Merlin is often depicted as having visions about the Holy Grail, foretelling who will be worthy to find it.
Creation of the Round Table:
Many stories attribute the creation of the Round Table to Merlin, which is seen as a key element in the Grail quest as it symbolizes equality among knights and their shared pursuit of the Grail.
Guidance to Arthur:
Merlin acts as a mentor to King Arthur, guiding him towards his destiny and subtly hinting at the importance of the Grail quest.