Customer Reviews

Glastonbury: Avalon of the Heart

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Celebrate! This delightful book is no longer out of print! After unsuccessfully searching used and out-of-print bookstores for this book for many years, it has recently been reissued by Samuel Weiser, Inc. I was NOT disappointed. Dion Fortune, a.k.a. Violet Mary Firth, wrote this classic work in the 1930s, yet her observations on Glastonbury still ring true today. GLASTONBURY: AVALON OF THE HEART eloquently brings together in one place all of the various mundane and esoteric lore that surrounds this quaint little hamlet in the middle of the English West Country. All of the mystery, intrigue and sacredness of this ancient land are beautifully rendered in her tiny collection of essays. To read this book is to inspire a visit to that sacred land. To visit the ancient seat of Avalon is a life-changing experience. Those of you who are familiar with Dion Fortune know clearly of her association with esoteric secret societies, the sacred Qabalah, and the use of psychic defense measures to combat Nazism during World War II. Fortunately, for those of you who haven't the time or the inclination to pursue those other noble but complex disciplines and intersts, AVALON OF THE HEART has been kept simple and accessible. Read it. Then visit this truly magical land and see it for yourself. And by all means, take a copy of this book with you.

The author's love for the Glastonbury area shines through in the wonderfully detailed images she is able to convey to the reader. We learn a bit about the surrounding countryside, the history of the area, and the stories and myths of Avalon. Christian and Pagan alike will find things that touch the heart in this book. If you have been to Glastonbury, it will bring back fond memories. If not, after reading the book you will probably want to visit some day. Minus one star for slightly redundant writing style; otherwise a five star book.

I don't believe for a moment that Joseph of Arimathea or Jesus Christ ever set foot in Britain, but there is no denying the charm of the legends surrounding the quaint town of Glastonbury. And no one tells it better than Dion Fortune, the pioneering British occultist who spent some years in Glastonbury and was captivated by the romance surrounding the Great Tor, Chalice Well, Glastonbury Abbey, and the Legend of the Holy Grail.

Unlike some Glastonbury books which go into gteat detail about gematria and esoteric symbolism, Fortune's book reads more like a spiritual travelogue. For those interested in the Western Mystery Tradition and "The Matter of Britain," this slender volume will make an enjoyable weekend read.

This is written by someone who lived in the area and knew the legends first hand and other insights not widely known. It is a collection of brief descriptions of the local legends. I found it very interesting. It would have been nice to visit when some of the archeological research was going on from messages reportedly given by the spirit of a monk who had lived there.

When I heard of Dion Fortune I was skeptical. But then I read her novels and her depictions of Arlantis in The Sea Priestess was fantastic. Then I heard of this one- WHO is Dion Fortune? WHY is she so special? Well this one I can tell you that Glastonbury is a holy place that really exists in Euro land. It even depicted King Arthur and Merlyn the Magician so they must've really existed, too. If you're looking to spice up your reading sdventures or social and religious life, pick this one up. Go to Glastonbury and you'll never regret it. I like books it's better than watching TV.