Forward to Bardic Cronicles

When I write my stories I am writing in a general sense about the Bards of ancient Cymru (Wales), what I envision that their lives were like and what their beliefs and disciplines were about. Saying that, these stories are not meant to be too closely examined for historical merit and are what is often termed 'alternative history', being 'very loosely' based on Cymru in about the 4th to 5th Centuries ce. Though the Bards did have a time of power in Cymru, I really don't know that it had the dominance that I envision in my works. In all, these works are more or less my perception of what a Bardic Society might well be like if it were allowed to truly flower to its full potential

I am far more concerned in my tales not just to present a life style, but also to explore spiritual mysteries. Often I am using the tales as a device in which to explain my experiences with alternate reality and how it works from my perspective. I am also obviously explaining the artist's role in that process. I certainly believe that the Bards were involved in that sort of process and that their real goal was heightened awareness and enlightenment, just like any other spiritual discipline. Where they may truly differ from other disciplines is that via their art they were also trying to do that for others. Their spiritual life was external as well as internal and in this exhibit a generosity of spirit seen in few other disciplines other than perhaps teaching.

I am hopeful that these stories will also help to explain what I am trying to give in my exercises to help a person realize their own 'Bardness'. The exercises are really the 'bare bones' of what a Bard is (in my thinking) and the stories are a way of explaining just where one might go with that sort of training. In other words, they are a way of 'fleshing that training out' via the stories' examples. Also, the pieces go much further into the world of alternate reality and that that, too, is in truth, a part of the Bardic life.

One of the most important aspects that I do teach as part of a Bardic Path and wish to point out now for its significance in all my work (both in the creation of the exercises as well as the stories) is what I term 'surrogate teachers.' It is where I ask a student to pick a Bard, either from history or present, and through meditation ask that Bard ­ politely and with 'respect' to teach them. If the Bard says 'yes' they will let the student know (there is always a significant 'sign' of some kind) and that student will begin to receive information from that Bard. I believe that this is a method Bards really did use to 'teach' each other and a contact held between a physical Bardic student and teacher so that a student might continue to learn regardless whether or not their teacher were still physically present. I tend to perceive what I call 'lines of knowledge' that pass between all Bards and that it is a network that all Bards, if open, are free to partake of. Yet it seems the easiest way to do that is to 'focus' on another Bard (politely and respectfully ­ I can not emphasize that enough) and allow her or him to 'teach' the student what they have to give. It is my belief that the student is generally drawn to the teacher they need at the time and that the knowledge they seek can be met in this fashion.

I do not feel that I am presenting a unique idea in the Occult Community, but in my Bardic work, it has been an important one. And so, with that understanding in mind, I wish to deeply thank all the Bards who have so generously, opening and freely taught me. I have truly tried my best to be 'polite and respectful' as what I do could easily become intrusive on their psyches (this is why I emphasize this so much ­ though I also believe Bards are quite capable of protecting themselves and will do so) and I do really wonder at their frank generosity. I have done my poor best to honor them in my tales and hope the Gods take note of their works and honor them as well.

Having said that, I am going to be especially open and thank Rhiannon, Taliesin and Talibah; for the three Bards they represent in my stories are like daily inspirations and the knowledge they have bequeathed to me is impossible to repay.

I hope that the Gods are listening ­ for I love all my teachers and hope that in some small way, these tales show and give back the love that I feel.

Donna Lyon Rhose