Ninefold Way of Avalon

Jhenah Telyndru (New York) holds an MA in Celtic Studies from the University of Wales, Trinity St. David, and has a bachelor's degree in archaeology. She is the founder of the Sisterhood of Avalon, an international Celtic women's mysteries organization. Jhenah teaches four-day residential training retreats around North America and the UK, and facilitates pilgrimages to sacred sites in the British Isles and Ireland through Mythic Seeker Tours. She is a frequent presenter and guest speaker at academic conferences, religious symposia, Women's Spirituality gatherings, and Pagan festivals. A priestess in the Avalonian Tradition for over 25 years, Jhenah has been following a Pagan path since 1986.

"This book is a deepening of the previous works, Avalon Within and The Mythic Moons of Avalon, for those who feel called to dedicate themselves to a particular path embedded within Avalonian tradition and lore...The scholarship, the dedication, and the love that brought this book out into the world by Jhenah Telyndru is second to none."—Joanna van der Hoeven, author of The Book of Hedge Druidry and The Path of the Hedge Witch"Jhenah Telyndru embodies the true work of the priestess as she reveals what must be shared, veils what must be sought through mystery, and creates new magickal models with deep roots. In The Ninefold Way of Avalon, she weaves threads of poetry, academia, and magickal service, revealing hidden gems of history and lore while sharing treasures only found from direct practice to create a ninefold vision of magickal training and community."—Christopher Penczak, co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft Tradition and author of The Inner Temple of Witchcraft"An intriguing and enlightening look at the often-confusing subject of Avalon, exploring nearly a millennia of myths, stories, and beliefs that surround the mysterious Isle of Apples and weaving a modern living practice from the evidence of the past. The book offers not only some clarity on the wider subject but guidance for those who want to actively engage with this place and all that it represents, making it an invaluable resource."—Morgan Daimler, author of Irish Paganism"Jhenah presents us with her rich and deeply soulful personal gnosis as well as her exquisite scholarship to uncover the path of sacred Celtic feminine power for a new generation. As a native of Glastonbury Avalon, a fellow Celticist, and a sister priestess, I highly recommend her work as essential reading to all who seek the path of the priestess as well as those who would take a deeper look at the Celtic traditions and their ancient sources."—Danu Forest, MA (Celtic Studies), traditional seer and wisewoman, Celtic scholar, and author of Wild Magic"In this fantastic and accessible work, Telyndru slowly peels away the shroud of mystery surrounding the mystical shores of Avalon...I cannot imagine a better resource for those wishing to immerse themselves in the waters of Avalon."—Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft"The most comprehensive guide to 'The Matter of Avalon' that I have encountered in the more than two decades that I've walked my own Avalonian path. This book deftly weaves an interdisciplinary compendium of history, folklore, legend, and cultural exploration with sacred service and embodied spiritual practice."—Danielle Blackwood, author of A Lantern in the Dark"A rich tapestry of history, fine scholarship, and the weaving of folklore, story, archaeology, and vision...The practical guidance that Telyndru offers in the final chapters is a masterpiece of devotional practice, and one feels safe in her capable and experienced hands to embark on adventure. This book is a journey in the true sense of the term, for the destination is deep transformation that only occurs when we part the mists between worlds and dare to step through."—Kristoffer Hughes, Head of the Anglesey Druid Order and author of Cerridwen"Telyndru's great gift as a writer is the ability to draw the essential materials of theology out of fragmented or contested sources with the sharp eye of a professional researcher and scholar and turn them into something both practical and beautiful that anyone can enjoy...The underlying insight here is that 'priestess is a verb' - an activity, more than a title or a role."—Prof. Brendan Myers, author of The Mysteries of Druidry

• ContentsAcknowledgments ixIntroduction 11 • The Matter of Avalon...............................................72 • Entering the Otherworld......................................513 • The Ninefold Sisterhoods........................................714 • Celtic Priestesses and Holy Women.....................1155 • Vessels of Sovereignty...........................................1496 • The Nine Sisters of Avalon...................................1777 • To Be in Service....................................................2058 • The Stream of Tradition.......................................2259 • Reclaiming the Ninefold.......................................24710 • Following the Mythic Map..................................27511 • The Ninefold Path of the Priestess.....................293 The Path of the Lorekeeper..................................299The Path of the Lawspeaker.................................307The Path of the Emissary.....................................313The Path of the Artisan........................................321The Path of the Hearthtender..............................327The Path of the Guardian.....................................335The Path of the Seer.............................................343The Path of the Healer.........................................353The Path of the Ritualist......................................35912 • The Ninefold Immersion.......................................36713 • Phase One: Illuminating the Paths.....................39514 • Phase Two: Exploring the Currents.....................41315 • Phase Three: Awakening the Orchard................42916 • Phase Four: Meeting the Guardians....................44717 • Phase Five: Kindling the Cauldron......................457Conclusion: Living Avalon 467Bibliography 469Index 485