Taliesin: The Last Celtic Shaman

This is a complete study of all the poems attributed to the bard, Taliesin, and reveals the depth and wisdom of the poetry. It is well researched and meticulously translated and stands next to Fire in the Head by Tom Cowan as being important for modern practitioners of Celtic Shamanism. It is, however, a circuitous and difficult read, as all the Matthews works tend to be, and requires the reader to "stick to it" to work your way through.

I've been fascinated with myths and dreams and prophecy for some time, so I found John Matthews book TALIESIN THE LAST SHAMAN quite intriguing. The book has two parts: 1) an exploration of what is known or thought to be known about Taliesin who was probably a real person who lived in the 5th - 6th centuries in Britain as well as an interpretation of what Taliesin's works represent; 2) a collection of Taliesin's poetry translated by Matthews and his wife Caitlin.Taliesin was probably British or Welsh although he might have considered himself something else-perhaps Cymry. The Romans described the inhabitants of what is today the United Kingdom as British, while the English referred to them as Welsh-their word for foreigner. Matthews refers to Taliesin as Celtic (Keltoi), a word the Greeks used to describe the people of northern Europe. Matthews describes the Celtic society that probably produced Taliesin and links his poetry to the Celtic view of the cosmos. He sees Taliesin as a "wise" man who penetrated the secrets of the universe and then attempted to share his vision via words. Since I don't speak or read ancient Welsh or Irish, I can't pretend to know whether or not Matthews' interpretation of the Taliesin poetry is good or bad or even accurate. Although the book is not from a mainstream academic source, Matthews appears to be relatively scholarly, frequently citing from respected works and noting where his perspective differs from that of others. He also uses contextual material to locate Taliesin in time and space as an historical person. This secondary material seems to be consistent with various academic interpretations.

There is no true study of the Celts or of Druidry that omits the work of the Bards themselves. While we may all await with baited breath an English translation of the Four Ancient Books of Wales, Matthews has provided us with substantial, fresh, sensitive translations of much of Taliesin's work. An indispensible volume.

Taliesin is an epic adventure in Celtic Mythology, Legend, Oral Tradition and many other areas of interest (Ceridwen, Bardic tradition, etc.). Anyone interested in The Mysteries, History, Celtic Lore, Bardic Legend, Freemasonry & Bardic Legend will find this book extremely interesting. Also, you may want to grab a copy of "The Mabinogi And Other Welsh Tales," by Patrick K. Ford, to round-out your studies. I am surprised that this book was "out of print" for a while--it is one of my most-treasured books, and certainly a very mystical treatise on the subject. Mystics will truly appreciate this fine work! Luckily, this new edition is available and the Tradition lives on. Anyone interested in Celtic Mythology, Western Mystery schools, Freemasonry, Goddess Worship, Druids, etc. should definitely acquire this book. I have never found a more comprehensive treatise on the subject of Bardic Song, and the secret knowledge perpetuated in Oral Tradition. This book is simply amazing.

I am surprised that this book is "out of print!" When I read this book, in '93, I was compelled to finish it in a few days, although I had little time to read. Taliesin is an epic adventure in Mythology, Legend, Oral Tradition and many other areas of interest. I recently loaned it out and my friend devoured it! Anyone interested in The Mysteries, History, Celtic Lore, etc. will find this book worthy of searching-for. Also, you may want to grab a copy of "The Mabinogi And Other Welsh Tales," by Patrick K. Ford.