Customer Reviews

The Quest: A Search for the Grail of Immortality

5 star:		(60)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(47)

 

 

First, I am not one to be taken in the Welsh Nationalist extremists, by the nasty people who seem to dislike the author, by con artists or shysters, including those who warned me not to read this book. So I did a great deal of research over the past months since first reading a used copy of this book. I have also looked at the documents and information generated by Taliesin enion vawr and Gerald Gardner. I have also explored Barddas and other documents written by Old Iolo. I have researched the bards of Prince Llewelyn (which this book is supposedly based upon). I have explored the University of Wales Library in Cardiff and in Aberstwyth. The following is a summary of the results of my research: 1) Llewelyns Bards were descendants of Druids. 2) Llewelyn was favorably drawn to Druidism 3) there is evidence that Llewelyn was a Knights Templar 4) There is evidence that his wife was a member of a mystery organization in France. 5) I found out who Taliesin enion Vawr was and where he was born. 6) I found out who Sarah (Rhuddlwm Gawrs teacher was 7) I interviewed a member of Dynion Mwyn in Cardiff Wales who witnessed Rhuddlwm Gawrs initiation 8) I actually visited the area near Betws-y-coed where Rhuddlwm met his teachers. AND found it at the direction of a member from Cardiff. It is not quite as recognizable as it is in the book, but I believe that could be because of the long period of time between Rhuddlwm Gawrs Welsh experience and when this book was written. Does it contain some similarities to Gardnerian practices. Of course. Most Witchcraft in Wales/Scotland/Cornwall comes from similar backgrounds. I looked at the Witchcraft that was practiced as late as the 1600s, that which was practiced in the 1800s and that whicch survived even into the 1900s. It is all very similar in its practice. This Book is no exception. Read it for the story of someone who became drawn into the Craft and "Old Religion" as the Americans say.

This book is an inspired work of NON-fiction, but I am sure the Gardnerians will attack it, the Christians will attack it, and the "NeoPagan Welsh Critics will attack it. Don't listen to them. Listen to your heart as you read excerpts from it. It is not only neat, it is valuable as a good introduction to how a family tradition is practiced. In fact, its story has been copied by a great number of "nitiates" who claim to be Welsh Witches" but only read the book. Great Read!!!

Taliesin, Enion Vawr, is a ninth level Elder in his family's tradition of Welsh Witchcraft. He was born in North Wales in the 1920s and raised by an aunt and uncle in a small village near the town of Betws y Coed. It was here he learned of his family's heritage of Druidism and Welsh Witchcraft as he met Y Tylwyth Teg (Welsh fairies) at Fairy Ring near Betws y Coed, and swam with the water sprites in the local river. He spent a great deal of time with his aunt who was an herbalist and elder of the Dynion Mwyn tradition. He learned of the energy of the mountains through doing "Cave Workings" and hiking near Mt. Snowdonia. In 1963 while visiting friends in Bangor, he was inspired to begin teaching the first class from outside the family. (Taliesin taught the Old Ways until 1992 when he turned over the
leadership of Dynion Mwyn to his sister who became chief elder until she died in 1999. Taliesin was responsible for opening up the Welsh tradition to outsiders. His dying wish was that the basic philosophy of the Welsh tradition be available to all through the Internet, and that seekers be given a "Taste of Wales" through home study classes. He died in January 2000.)

Lord Rhuddlwm Gawr and Lady Cerridwen Gawr, of the United States, inherited the leadership of Dynion Mwyn. Rhuddlwm Gawr, BLA, D.D., N.D. was initiated into the Dynion Mwyn tradition of Welsh Witchcraft in 1966 and is an authority on the ancient Celtic
mystery religions. He draws extensively on his Welsh, English and Native American ancestors in relating the various philosophies inherent in the religion of Dynion Mwyn. He is an author of several books, a successful lecturer, and holds degrees in Environmental Design, Naturopathy, Religion, and Computer Technology and is even now completing studies toward a Ph.D. in Psychology. In addition to formal academic training, Rhuddlwm has intensely applied himself to the study of Metaphysics, Occult Mysteries, Parapsychology, western and eastern philosophies, world history, Native American studies, archaeology, and quantum physics. Rhuddlwm is founder of The International Association of Cymry Wiccae, The Church of Y Tylwyth Teg in the U.S., and Co-founder of The Universal Federation of Pagans. He is an elder of Dynion Mwyn and Y Tylwyth Teg and has presented workshops on Welsh Witchcraft and Druidism since 1973. Merridden Gawr B.A., D.D., is a sixth level high priestess and Elder of Y Tylwyth Teg. She has been teaching Welsh Witchcraft for over twelve years. She holds degrees in Ancient Religion and Celtic Mysteries, and is studying Law. She was born in a small town in the Midwest section of the United States, but grew up in Kansas City where she was first exposed to college life. Merridden draws on her Welsh and Native American heritage in teaching the mysteries. From an early age she questioned her conservative religious upbringing and eventually rejected it to begin studies in Metaphysics. Merridden is an Elder of The Church of Y Tylwyth Teg, Inc. in the United States. Merridden makes her home in the foothills of North Georgia, where she teaches, writes and raises her daughter, Brittany Ffion who is even now learning about her Welsh heritage. Their book offers you an "alternative" philosophy, one that gives back your personal spiritual power. Their charming writing style is unique among modern teachers. Using a rare blend of Welsh humor and mystical knowledge, they present complex information in a language anyone can understand. There is something about their words that you can't quite put your finger on, but you will find that reading this book may cause your life to change dramatically. They ask nothing of you other than you open your heart to a new aspect of reality.

I don't know what those other people are writing about. They must be angry at someone. And it seems strange that their reviews were written over a just a period of few days. No bad ones before and none after (although I expect as soon as they see this one they will renew their efforts to keep people from reading this book.) I am thirty-six, wife to a wonderful man who understands my interest in occult matters and ancient Wales and is very supportive. I have two wonderful daughters. I feel one of them must be a descendant of Taliesin since when she was born she had a glowing halo around her head.

Being a book of Welsh Witchcraft initially attracted me to this book. That and the small mass of nasty comments which actually seemed to coming from here in the UK rather than the US where they claimed to have originated. But I digress.

The Quest has become my stalwart friend in a time when my spirituality had become clouded with doubt. I didn't know where to go and who to turn to. My husband tried to help, but he didn't understand.

Then while searching for books on spirituality and Wales, a friend came across The Quest. She sent me the information and I went on Amazon.com.uk the very next day and purchased it.

I don't know how or why this book has affected me this way, but I am absolutely delighted in what I have learned and how my life changed in a period of two days. It took me two days to finish the book and I almost could not put the bloody thing down!

Yes there are some mistakes in spelling, of both English and Welsh words. But overall an excellent tribute to the spirituality of the Welsh people.

I have learned there are more books written by the same people and I am excited to continue my reading.

I feel I can recommend This book to ANYONE who is concerned about the progress of their spirituality. It is WONDERFUL! Thank you Amazon.com. It has changed my life!

Branwen

I am a pagan and always looking for new pagan books. When I read the reviews of the Quest on Amazon.com, I was puzzled. Half the reviews were very good and made a great deal of sense, the other half were like hate mail: very emotional and nasty with very little sense to them. So, intrigued, of course I bought it. And since I am studying UK history and very interested in Wales (my grandparents came from Cardigan) I have been looking up everything I can find about Welsh Witchcraft and Celtic Paganism and Druidism. When I finished The Quest, I knew I had found my spiritual home. This is real. This is part of the Mysteries. There is more truth and honesty in this book, than I would find in a hundred fluffy bunny pagan books, or in all the so called Welsh Nationalistic movement in Wales (It is said from a person in Wales that I know, thats where the previous nasty reviews actually came from). I am so thankful to them. If it had not been for their nasty reviews, I would never have spent the money. No I am sending my registration form in and hope there is room for me.

I am afraid these terroristic reviewers are becoming more daring. As I understand it from word of mouth, these people who are doing the nasty reviews have threatened the authors daughter and threatened him to shut up or else. Well, he told me about the threats and I saw the nasty e-mails which had an ip resolution of Cardiff Wales. I am trying to discover who is sending these e-mails, and I have turned over what I have found to New Scotland Yard. It is very sick when they would go after your daughter and to all the extremes to try to get people not to read the truth. There have been rumours that other real Witches have been threatened by them.

I wish more Welsh non-pagans and Welsh non-witches would read this book. It has a ton of information, yes, it is a little advanced, the first time I had read it though was after 8 years of practicing. There are no spells in there, so its not for someone who is looking for Witchcraft or paganism as a way to practice magick and be different from their friends, but a look at true religion. It has history, and ethics and practices and beliefs, something everyone should know. Beginning Welsh Witches should read this book. I have never read a book yet that has absolutly everything.

One really good book, and the first I ever read, is the ABC's of Witchcraft. It also gives a ton of great information, in a little bit easier to understand format. But I think everyone should read this book. I agree that the word Quest threw me off in buying it, only because I didn't want to look like I was trying to be one of the wanna be wiccans who are interested in it because its a book with the word that stands out, Quest. But I am extremly glad that I did buy it. My copy is dogeared and stained and dusty and looks as well used and read and loved as any ritualistic book should. all I can say is buy it, read it, if you don't understand it the first time, read it again. If that still doesn't work, keep it, and read it after practicing longer, and after reading some of the easier to read books. But keep this book. :)

I will admit I was entrigued by the range of reviews. I am a citizen of UK and live in a small village near Hay-on-wye. My parents were English but I consider myself Welsh.

This book is an excellent story of a young man's visit to our country and relates how he became a Welsh Witch.

The writing is obviously from the heart. It impressed me, and I am not easily impressed.

I bought the book, read the book in three days and am trying to contact the author. I rate it very high on my sincerity scale.
I think anyone who steps out on lifes stage should get a fair hearing. Obviously those who gave it a bad review had not read it, otherwise they would have reviewed the book instead of the author.

The picture that this book paints wants me to look at my Welsh ancestors (I have several) with a new respect. I am also going to learn more about my nations history.

GOOD BOOK!

I enjoyed reading the author's insights on Welsh Witchcraft with all of its esoteric reflections. I do not think the common reader would enjoy this book due to its complexity. I do believe that anyone truly interested in real Witchcraft would find this book interesting and informative.

This is a book that is beautiful & poignant. It is a journey into a young man's actual quest into being intiated into a Welsh Witchcraft Tradition. Unlike other Occult books, this one lets the reader go behind closed doors. As of all of Lord Rhuddlwm Gawr's books, it is to the point. The reader will find that they will not be able to put this book down without finishing it first. I only wish this story had happened to myself! Lord Rhuddlwm Gawr makes learning this tradition easy, and trust me it is not. This book is a must for anyone interested in any Witchcraft tradition. R.R.D.Newsome

Many years ago I read this book. At that time, I was not a Pagan. I was a member of the Church of England, what you Yanks would call episcopalian. (can't spell tonight). I thought the author made very wild claims. But, giving the author the benefit of the doubt, over the next several months, I made several inquiries concerning the groups and persons mentioned. I was very happy to find that with a minimum of work, I was able to contact a member of Dynion Mwyn. To cut this tale short, I was eventually initiated and began my spiritual journey. There was no threats or sex or abuse involved. There was no cult climate. This was my Way, which I found myself and worked on myself. No one made me do anything. This book was instrumental in changing my life. There are charges that the author placed text in this book that was not not historically accurate. To what standard? Everything in The Quest is accurate according to the historical evidence available. So it must be something else. The author was in England entering in November 1965 and leaving July 1966 so that cannot be it. He was doing something in Wales in 1966 according to postcards he sent home. With all the crap these supposed welsh are putting on this review page you would think the author had in some way insulted each and every one of them. Well ignoring the fact that none of them are pagan, and ignoring the fact they have a hidden agenda, there must be some reason they don't want you to read this excellent book. A little rough? Considering this was his first attempt at writing a book, I think it was lovely. But, it was his story from the heart. That is what drew me to the book. The complete story, not just history. By the way, Llewelyn the last had bards in his court. For the information of those pseudo-history buffs, Bards were connected to the Druidic circles of the day. Excellent first book. I can see the author attempting to tell his story as best he can. I would buy ten of these if I could find them, to give to friends and students.

The book is very informative as far as one who was contemplating going into the craft. He talks about his experiences with his teachers, his vision quest and how he had started up his coven group here in the states. It is good to read about someone who has been in the same position as myself and who can give guidence in the written word for us to gage our decisions on as to what path we can
follow.