The Grail Seeker's Companion [antikvár]

Introduction The origin of any symbol is not something which can be traced to a giver point in time or space. This is no less true where the Grail is concerned, and despite many attempts to fasten such a label upon it, it has resisted them all. There are those who subscribe to the belief in a Celtic Grail, a Cauldron which holds the secrets of Ufe and death and promises food for all comers. Others prefer the Christian interpretation which identifies the Grail with the chalice of the Eucharist or the vessel in which some of Christ's blood was collected. Still others seek an emerald from the crown of Lucifer, the Light-Bringer, which fell to earth during the war in Heaven that ended with the rebel angel's descent into our own sphere. Whatever one's personal choice the goal is consistent: the Grail is a life-enhancer, bringing change and enlightenment to those who seek it, offering gifts sometimes greater than those sought, sometimes lesser And, as with aU such more-than-ordinary objects, the search is often long and hard, taking in many by-ways of human experience. Let us suppose, then, that you, the reader, are about to set out upon such a quest. What would you need to know that might improve your chances of success? How would you start, and who, or what, would you be likely to meet along the way? In this book we have tried to supply at least some answers to these questions — only some because no one can give them all — and to suggest some practical ways in which the knowledge gained thereby can be applied to daily life, thus indicating what, in fact, the relevance of the Grail search might be for us now We have tried to make this a guide-book not just to places, but also to people, stories, theories — a reference book of Gradl-ology, including history, ritual, meditation, advice and instruction. In short, it considers everything you are likely to need before you set out on the most important adventure of your life — an adventure requiring dedication, determination, a good deal of common sense, and an ability to delve deeply into strange and arcane mysteries. It will not be easy. To every journey there must be a purpose, and this is true also of the Grail Quest, but because this venture can take you through many worlds and different levels of experience, what is brought back may not be physical