Becoming the Enchanter: A Journey to the Heart of the Celtic Mysteries (Paperback)

Becoming the Enchanter, which could just as easily be called, 'Becoming the Trickster/Gwyddion', is a fantastical tale, full of loads of flash and whistles, which could be left at maybe entertaining if it weren't a 'true' story, and hence very irresponsible, if not bordering on dangerous, as far as new and impressionable minds in the Craft are concerned.

This is a book to be read with one's eyes wide open. Eye's that, as Ms. Wilde references herself in the book, should seek more than just the big startling experiences. Yet it is just these flashy experiences, that seem to have garnered Ms. Wilde fans of the book, who seem not to have done much in the way of research, and or open minded thinking.

The story told in the book revolves around another story, that of Math and Mathonwy from the Mabinogion. A story that at best, she has an obvious working knowledge of, and at worst, she is out right manipulating and contorting.

My biggest problems with this book, is the insidious way in which she handles 'archetyping' the various Gods and Goddesses in the tale. That Gwyddion, the Trickster, who arranges for Gowein's rape by his brother, who also steals his sister's baby, and raises him as his own, is glorified as the Hero in Ms. Wilde's version of the tale.

That Gilfaethwy, the Rapist, is archetyped as the 'Passionate Lover', the one who holds 'Irresistible Desire'. His rape referred to in the later text of the book, as an analogy to a 'transgression' that had to take place. One that is ok, and understood from the view point of a higher 'simpler world, that is only wrong via the view points of our lower 'complex world'. This is lazy, derogatory reasoning at best. The two brothers being seen as champions in her re-working of the deeper meaning of the myth. She keeps referring to going back to the beginning of the myth, when Arianrhod's virginity is tested, and Llew stolen, or back to when Gowein is raped. She can 'justify' the archetyping of the two brothers in such a positive light, when she sees either of these as the beginning of the Myth. Over riding that the beginning is Math having his feet in the lap of a virgin when at home. That is, grounded within the Earth, acknowledging the Lady as Sovereign(a virgin-a woman unto herself). Also, leaving out that this story takes place in the context of a much larger story. Leaving out the war with Pryderi, etc.. Her viewpoint on the myth is sloppy. Irregardless of how fantastical the tale is, it is still, in my opinion, designed to lead anyone reading it astray. In the complete*wrong* direction.

Bloudewedd and Gronwn, who represent respectively, the Flower-Bride, and the Green Knight if you will, guardian of the Lady's Sovereignty, are both treated with mere disdain. Seen only, and purely as adulterous liars, and nothing more.

It's fascinating and sad, that such a smart woman, who has written so many books referencing the power of Celtic women, has seen fit to write her first first hand magical account, as one where rapists, kidnappers, manipulators, tricksters, are applauded and condoned, and the woman are really on close examination, given no dignified credence.

It is telling that through out the book, 'paganism', 'witchcraft', and 'goddess worship', are all seen as in there totality, synonymous with being inauthentic, new age crap. Now, while obviously, there is some truth to certain strains of modern day pagan practise being purely show and bells and whistles, to say that this is true of the *entire* community is ridiculous. And seems to hint at some bitterness on the end of Ms. Wilde.

Yes, if your magical viewpoint has developed to where you are condoning/actually glorifying the kind of *anti* Sovereignty stance of the Feminine, as is put forth in this book, and state: 'The longing of the female to be mastered, entered, so that the sacred fire ignites her. The longing of the male to be consumed, swallowed, devoured, so that he may return to union with the great mother'. Then yes, it is understandable that she would have disdain for any version of a tradition that at it's core sees both men *and* women as Sacred, and in fact having the option for autonomy.

And her fellow journeyers in the book, any of them that take issue with her 'game', 'the only game in town worth playing', are written off as having issues, or not being ready, etc..

To end, from the very beginning of the book, starting with the riddle, it is clear if you have your thinking cap on, that the spirit that Ms. Wilde is working with is the spirit of the trickster. The side of the trickster that intentionally guides you down the *wrong* path. The riddle itself, asks you to become Gwyddion. The name of the book is 'becoming the enchanter'(Gwyddion). One of the roles of the trickster can be to offer you all the wrong things. Wrong ideas, wrong road, wrong map. This is done to test your ability to think for yourself. To *know* when your being lied to. To know the difference between wise wizardry, and magic that is slight of hand. This book is slight of hand. The only question remains, is is this done on purpose?

Read this book with your brain in tact. Read the full sources and some of the *other* discussions on the meaning of the story of Arianrhod and her relations, etc..

And remember, if your endeavouring into the Craft of the Wise, it is imperative that you learn to Think for yourself. Keep those eyes open.