The Ninefold Way of Avalon: Walking the Path of the Priestess
By Jhenah Telyndru
Llewellyn Publications, June 2023
ISBN 9780738764962
The path of the Avalonian priestess is as unique as those who walk it; learn how to apply the nine energies of this path in service to the Goddess, the community, and the self in pursuit of inner wholeness and connection to Avalon within.
Jhenah Telyndru explores Avalon’s legacy through history and lore: examining Arthurian legends; myths from Wales, Brittany, and Ireland; and the accounts of Celtic priestesses recorded by Roman historians.
Presented in two parts, this book first delves into the rich historical and cultural information that informs the Avalonian Stream of Tradition, especially the Ninefold Sisterhoods found in Celtic lands and beyond. Then, you will be introduced to nine modern priestess pathways inspired by ancient ways: Lorekeeper, Lawspeaker, Emissary, Artisan, Hearthtender, Guardian, Seer, Healer, and Ritualist.
You’ll use specialized workings to connect with Avalon’s energetic currents, reclaim your sovereignty, learn to be in priestess service as a bridge between the worlds, and find your way home to Avalon within.
From the Introduction
“The work that follows is a sharing of what this decades-long journey has taught me about the Holy Isle as well as a reflection on the path of the Avalonian priestess as seen through the mirror of my own understanding — both in what it may have looked like in the past and in how it can manifest as in the present. While there are many modern paths inspired by the lore and legends of Avalon, I can only speak for the Avalonian tradition as I have written about it and as the Sisterhood of Avalon practices it.
To this end, the first half of this book will delve into the Streams of Tradition that inform these foundational aspects of Avalon’s mythos: Ninefold Sisterhoods, Vessels of Sovereignty, and Otherworldly Islands. Using history, legend, folk tradition, and comparative mythology, we will explore the symbolism underscoring these motifs as we work to pull aside the veil of mists that obscures the origin, purpose, and cultural context of the Island of Apples and the those who dwell there. We will also investigate what is known about the roles of holy women in pre-Christian Celtic societies, and delve into the origins of the mysterious Nine Sisters of Avalon through an examination of the groups of nine women found in the traditions of many Celtic lands as well as in related cultures of Indo-European derivation.
In the second half of this book, the information we have gathered is used to inform a neoteric approach to a modern Avalonian Priestess Path, inspired by the energies of the Ninefold and the components of Avalon’s Stream of Tradition. The Avalonian perspective that the word “priestess” is a verb — something we do rather than someone we are — also serves to move us beyond the modern Pagan limitations of what priestessing looks like. We all know the priestess-ceremonialist, the priestess-oracle, the priestess-healer. Let us also make space for ex- pressing sacred service in ways that are in Sovereign alignment with our skills, our divinely-gifted passions, and our work in the world — let us come to know the priestess-creator, the priestess-scholar, the priestess-guardian, the priestess-caregiver, the priestess-mediator, and the priestess-advocate, to name just a few.
In support of this, a hands-on system of spiritual engagement is presented to assist in connecting with the Ninefold aspects of the self, experiencing the Nine energetic currents of each Path firsthand, and fostering authentic connections with the Ninefold Guardians of the Holy Isle. Taken together, they reveal the threshold necessary to embark upon a course of service to Avalon guided by the Ninefold Path of the Priestess.
My intention for this book is for it to be the resource I wish I had when I first embarked upon this marshy pathway — sometimes made of solid ground, sometimes hindered by brackish mud, and always obscured by the mists of time — with the faith that it would bring me, in truth, to Avalon. It is my greatest hope that others will find this work to be a good companion on their own journeys to the Holy Isle whether they are in search of well-researched historical and cultural information, or desiring a guided approach to spiritual engagement with the Realms of Avalon. May this book be of assistance to all who wish to build a bridge into connection, understanding, and relationship with Ynys Afallon, the Blessed Isle of wisdom, abundance, and renewal that awaits us in the Annuvian waters beyond the Ninth Wave, and deep within our own hearts.”
– Jhenah Telyndru
Video Discussion
To learn more about The Ninefold Way of Avalon, please join Jhenah in this interview with The Coracle: Books, Bards, and Ballads.
Advance Praise
“This offering by Telyndru is a gift in service to the gods of Cymru and the Avalonian tradition. This is a rich tapestry of history, fine scholarship and the weaving of folklore, story, archaeology and vision into a tome that is reflective, contemplative, informed and practical. It is a love story to the other-worldly landscape that the author is evidently devoted to; and that connection is shared here with the reader, in doing so there is an intimate and deeply personal feel to this book and a familiarity forged from profound practise and journeying to the holy isle. The practical guidance that Telyndru offers in the final chapters is a masterpiece of devotional practise, and one feels safe in her capable and experienced hands to embark on adventure. This book is a journey in the true sense of the term, for the destination is deep transformation that only occurs when we part the mists between worlds and dare to step through.”
Kristoffer Hughes, Head of the Anglesey Druid Order, and author of Cerridwen: Celtic Goddess of Inspiration
“The Ninefold Way of Avalon is a deep dive into the mystery traditions of the Isle of Britain, focusing on the elusive and ever-present otherworld that is Avalon the Isle of women and its priestesses. Richly and rigorously researched, Jhenah guides the reader through the winding paths of magical tradition and Celtic, Brythonic and Arthurian literature to uncover a thread of deep learning and spiritual renewal. Like a priestess from beyond the mists, Jhenah presents us with her rich and deeply soulful personal gnosis as well as her exquisite scholarship to uncover the path of sacred Celtic feminine power for a new generation.
Danu Forest, MA (Celtic Studies), traditional seer and wisewoman, Celtic scholar, and author of Wild Magic
As a native of Glastonbury Avalon and a fellow Celticist, as well as sister priestess, I highly recommend her work as essential reading to all who seek the path of the priestess as well as those who would take a deeper look at the Celtic traditions and their ancient sources. This book is a rare, beautifully written treasure and one I shall be passing to my students and all seekers of liminal places. The perfect guide to diving into the cauldron and awakening the otherworld within you.”
“Jhenah Telyndru embodies the true work of the priestess as she reveals what must be shared, veils what must be sought through mystery, and creates new magickal models with deep roots. In The Ninefold Way of Avalon she weaves threads of poetry, academia, and magickal service, revealing hidden gems of history and lore while sharing treasures only found from direct practice to create a ninefold vision of magickal training and community. Truly inspired and worthy of deeper study for all who are participating in and creating magickal traditions and community.”
Christopher Penczak, co-founder of the Temple of Witchcraft Tradition and author of The Inner Temple of Witchcraft
“The most comprehensive guide to ‘The Matter of Avalon’ that I have encountered in the more than two decades that I’ve walked my own Avalonian path. The Ninefold Way of Avalon deftly weaves an interdisciplinary compendium of history, folklore, legend, and cultural exploration with sacred service and embodied spiritual practice. This book will have an honored place on my shelf as an unparalleled companion and guide between the worlds on my own ever unfolding Grail Quest.”
Danielle Blackwood, author of A Lantern in the Dark
“”In this fantastic and accessible work, Telyndru slowly peels away the shroud of mystery surrounding the mystical shores of Avalon. She invites the reader to drink from a spewing fountain of wisdom and knowledge, this book is surely the culmination of years of research and experience. An insightful guide to the ever-shifting Avalonian stream. Partly an exploration into the mythos of Avalon, and partly a hands-on guide to the Priestess Path. I cannot imagine a better resource for those wishing to immerse themselves in the waters of Avalon.”
Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales
“The Ninefold Way of Avalon is an intriguing and enlightening look at the often confusing subject of Avalon, exploring nearly a millennia of myths, stories, and beliefs that surround the mysterious Isle of Apples and weaving a modern living practice from the evidence of the past. The book offers not only some clarity on the wider subject but guidance for those who want to actively engage with this place and all that it represents, making it an invaluable resource.”
Morgan Daimler, author of Irish Paganism
“The Ninefold Way of Avalon is all about the path of the priestess. It is a deepening of the previous works, Avalon Within and The Mythic Moons of Avalon, for those who feel called to dedicate themselves to a particular path embedded within Avalonian tradition and lore…How you choose to priestess (because it is a verb) falls within any of the ninefold paths provided in this work. The scholarship, the dedication, and the love that brought this book out into the world by Jhenah Telyndru is second to none, and I am immensely happy that this book is available to all sincere seekers on the paths to Avalon.”
Joanna van der Hoeven, author of The Book of Hedge Druidry and The Path of the Hedge Witch
“Telyndru’s great gift as a writer is the ability to draw the essential materials of theology out of fragmented or contested sources with the sharp eye of a professional researcher and scholar, and turn them into something both practical and beautiful that anyone can enjoy. Avalon, as Telyndru sees it, may well emerge from the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, or the curious appearances of the number nine in Celtic stories, or indeed from the Otherworld itself. But Telyndru shows it is now a twenty-first century community whose territory is any place where people gather to love, serve, heal, and enchant each other. The underlying insight here is that “priestess is a verb” – an activity, more than a title or a role. “The Ninefold Way of Avalon” is both an education for spiritual seekers, and a pleasure to read.”
Prof. Brendan Myers, author of The Mysteries of Druidry, and The Circle Of Life Is Broken