Sacred Space Series 4: Awena
- Kelody Fey
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
I had the absolute pleasure of attending workshops by Kristoffer Hughes and Mhara Starling. They both have such genuine and bold personalities. They both have a passion for their areas of interest: Welsh Folk Lore, Myth, and Magic.
I didn't know much of either of these presenters. I believe I had heard Mhara on a podcast just prior to attending the conference. At first I wasn't planning to attend these workshops, but then realized I should attempt to learn more about Celtic Mythology. I am of Celtic heritage, though I haven't been as drawn to the Celtic pantheon.
I am very glad I attended these presentations. Kristoffer Hughes, with Mhara's assistance, lead a very moving and invigorating ritual. Together the group involved Awen, the divine source of creativity. The goddess Cerridwen brews Awen in her cauldron. Kristoffer led us in a path working to get to know Cerridwen better, to access Awen.
This is my recollection: There was a flame in the inner core of the earth. Cerridwen's cauldron sat on the fire and its mixture bubbled into the ocean. From the cauldron, Cerridwen crawled out and then floated amongst the bubbles. She sang and spoke into the watery abyss making more bubbles. As the bubbles popped her voice and messages sounded.
This is all I can remember, but I knew I could access this imagery later if I need to connect with her. As the ritual continued, we all sang and spoke the things we offer to this world and we spoke the things we hoped to create. And it was so.
To follow up from the experience, I attended Mhara's presentation The Witches Awen. Mhara took us on an informative jaunt through the ways Awen channeled through breath, song, and speech. Mhara also review various bits of history and folklore regarding linguistics related to Awen and it's meaning.
In Welsh myth, Awen connects to the otherworld or the depths- of the world and ourselves. It flows and it makes it to our world through the mind, which then inspires creativity in the form of poetry and song that rides on our breath. Our air fuels the fire, the creative force of Awen.
Mhara explained that you do not have to be a druid or Bard to weave the magic of Awen. Though Awen seems to be intricately linked with the Bardic arts. Anyone can draw up the "divine holy breath" through singing "oh, eee, ooo" linked to sea, sky, and earth. Or singing the verb of Awen- Awena, the work of Awen.
I have been intrigued by the Bardic arts for sometimes because of my relationship with singing. Working with Cerridwen might be a better aligned to this aspect of myself instead of the attempt I made to connect with the Irish Goddess, Brigid. In the past, I tried to form a relationship with Brigid but it didn't seem quite right.
I am glad I was able to spend time learning from these presenters. Attached are articles related to the work of Kristoffer Hughes and Mhara Starling.
Cerridwen and the Power of Inspiration by Kristoffer Hughes
An Introduction to Welsh Witchcraft by Mhara Starling
Here is some inspiration I pass on to you!
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