The Many Faces of the Goddess by AynCates on May 1, 2018 in Uncategorized
There is one subject that really lights me up without fail. Any mention of Grail legend and you have my full attention. What is the Grail? The Grail is a symbol that means different things to different people, and some people swear it is a physical object.
The image pictured here is the Vesica Pisces that is on the cover of the Chalice Well in Glastonbury. Early Christians thought of the symbol as the meeting of Heaven and Earth. The place where the two circles met was known as the Fish, a symbol for Christ. Others see the symbol as the meeting of the masculine and feminine, the dance of the Green Lady and the Green Man. There is also a 2,000 year old rumor that Joseph of Arimathea came to Glastonbury England bringing with him the Grail Cup that had been used during the Last Supper, and also contained the blood of Christ from the Crucifixion. This object had incredible healing powers and was said to be hidden inside the Chalice Well. There were others who said that the Cup was actually the Magdalene who had been hidden for her safety in France or the British isles. Kabbalists argue that we have it all wrong, and that the Holy Grail is an emerald or a blue stone with amazing restorative powers. Whatever Joseph brought, the legend is that he started the first church in England. Glastonbury became the pilgrimage place for seekers, and continues to hold a great fascination to all seekers of Divine Light.
There are older stories also, in which the Grail is a dark cauldron that must be won from the Underworld of Annwn. Sometimes the object sits between the thighs of a strong Goddess, which makes us wonder what else the Cup might be. Clearly there is a connection with feminine genitalia. Some would say that Sheela Ni Gig who displays an exaggerated vulva is a Grail Goddess, others would find that sacrilegious.
To me the Grail is the missing feminine that we must quest for in order to rediscover our wholeness. In myth and legend, when the Grail is achieved the Wasteland heals. In other words, when we discover what is missing in our psyche, everything in our life and the life around us flourishes. It is a worthy quest.
Lost Wisdom of the Grail Telesummit I was rather pleased recently when Saira Salmon contacted me and asked if I would be a speaker on the Lost Wisdom of the Grail Telesummit. I am excited to be joining experts around the world to discuss my favorite topic. I will be focusing on the Grail as the missing feminine in most religious and spiritual traditions. The Goddess does appear in ancient Welsh texts, and in my next book (due out this autumn), I do connect the Celtic traditions with the Judeo-Christian tales of Grail Knights and Champions. Did you know that the first person to achieve the Holy Grail was a woman? Please sign up and join us: https://www.sairasalmon.com/grail/
Happy Beltane! Beltane is the Celtic May Day that begins on moonrise on May Day’s Eve, and is generally celebrated on May 1. The Spring fertility festival honors the solar divinity Belenos and his union with the May Queen. Weddings and handfastings are common at this time. It is often celebrated with May Pole Dancing and jumping the Beltane fire for luck. It is a happy day that supports both the masculine and feminine, and our continuation of life on Earth. So happy Beltane! May you have luck in love and a long healthy life!
Blessings, Ayn www.ayncatessullivan.com