Priestess of Avalon, Priestess of the Goddess by Kathy Jones © 2006
Green Magic ISBN 0-9552908-1-3 530 pages Paperback
$29.95 (U.S.)
As a general rule, I try to steer away from books which are EXTREMELY
radical, as I feel that the "average" reader may have difficulty relating
to
such concepts and the "average reader" in my intended audience. Many
strongly feminist works fall into this category (witness the use of
"herstory" for "history" and other unconventional terms in the
introduction). HOWEVER, what the author of this book has to say is so
relevant, and so im****tant, that I put aside my own personal bias and
submerged myself in what she had to say.
Ms. Jones' use of the feminine form of words to include the masculine
("priest" as included in "priestess," and "God" as included in "Goddess"
being two examples) takes a bit of getting used to for more conservative
readers, but is quite logical. It also avoids the common usage of
"priest/ess" and "God/dess" by stressing the inclusiveness of these
concepts.
From the point of view of this author one of the unique things about the
Lady of Avalon, whom she names Avallonia or Nolava, is that there are no
pictorial representations of her. As well, there are no myths or legends
specifically connected to her. Her name is unrecorded, as are her
attributes. This permits each of her followers to experience her in their
own, unique way. Ms. Jones does explain how SHE perceives this Lady, but
accepts the fact that her vision may well be unique.
Ms. Jones ties the Nine Morgens (sisters associated with the isle of
Avalon)
with a cross-cultural selection of feminine principles (Valkeries, Furies,
faeries, dakinis, etc.). Personally, I find this a bit unsettling as each
of these principles has its own characteristics which are not necessarily
shared by the others.
Admittedly, this is not a topic to which I am personally drawn (although
perhaps the arrival of this book is an indication that I should look
deeper
into the topic), and therefore was not something which immediately caught
my
attention and drew me in. I did find it kind of slow going in the
beginning. Still, I resolved to give it a fair hearing
The exploration of the Lady of Avalon, and the experience of becoming one
of
her servants must be approached via the imagination since there is no
do***entation, no paintings or carvings, no songs or myths or legends to
serve as a template. Ms. Jones and her compatriots are creating (rather
than re-creating) a way of life which has been missing from our world for
a
very long time.
Although the Isle of Avalon is mythical its physical presence in our world
has, for a very long time, been embodied in the physical location of
Glastonbury. There are many sacred sites in the vicinity, representing
various mythic cycles, both Pagan and Christian. The presence of these
sites is capable of stirring up emotions, and revealing insights for many
people, of various religions and philosophical backgrounds. Each
individual
receives their appropriate revelations in terms they can understand and
relate to.
Ms. Jones is an excellent story teller. Her "Creation Herstory of the
Isle
of Avalon" is fascinating and compelling.
This book is not one to be approached lightly or in an off-hand manner.
You
need to be able to devote some time and energy to this book. Such
devotion,
however, will be more than amply repaid.
|
