This story is again from my home of the Scottish Borders. It continues the theme of the last two episodes, these extreme moments of total enlightenment after the accidental consumption of a magical liquid - just like Taliesin in Wales and Finn McCoull in Ireland. Michael Scott was a historical person in the early thirteenth century who became knows as the Border's Wizard.

Adventures in the Otherworld is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

He was a highly educated man who studied in some of the finest schools of the time in Europe and translated Arabic texts. He likely held much esoteric knowledge. Another legend tells that he created the Eildon Hill in the Borders by cutting a larger hill in three pieces. The Eildons, you might remember from Episode 1, are where Thomas the Rhymer was whisked away by the Queen of Elphame.

We may never know the reality of Michael Scott's knowledge and magical ability but this is one story that became attached to his name over the years and survived into our time as part of the lore of the Scottish Borders.

Learn more about me here:

https://www.kathoughton.com/

To delve deeper into the images and archetypes that stand out for you in this story I invite you to subscribe to the free email course: Working with Archetypes here https://soul.kathoughton.com/working-with-archetypes

This story from Ireland is from one of the deep layers of Celtic mythology. If you listened to the previous episode with the Welsh story of the Birth of Taliesin you will see the similarities between these two tales that suggest an older, foundational myth.

It's an iconic Celtic tale of the crossing between the two worlds - ordinary reality and the place of all Wisdom - and here it happens in one defining moment of enlightenment.

This story forms the early beginnings of the large collection of myths and folktales known as the Fianna Cycle that comes from the third century CE. These tales were, and still are, told across Ireland and the West of Scotland. They call forth a long Celtic oral tradition of wonder and magic.

The salmon shows up across Celtic folklore and archeology as an important animal. Learn more:

Learn more about me here:

https://www.kathoughton.com/

To delve deeper into the images and archetypes that stand out for you in this story I invite you to subscribe to the free email course: Working with Archetypes here https://soul.kathoughton.com/working-with-archetypes

Thanks for listening to Celtic Medicine Stories, part of Adventures in the Otherworld. This post is public so feel free to share it.

The story I am sharing with you today is The Birth of Taliesin. The word means "radiant brow" in Welsh, and you'll see why at the end of the story. Taliesin is another one of these Celtic figures who crosses back and forth between history and myth.

There was indeed a famous Welsh Bard in the 6th century called Taliesin and there seem to be stories that pre-date that person and weave throughout the mythic landscape after him. Bards after the 6th century would often compose poetry in the voice of Taliesin or channel him as they created - however you want to see that process.

This is the story of Taliesin's birth. it's quintessential Celtic Myth - there's a cauldron - of course, shapeshifting, death, re-birth and initiation all set in the dramatic Welsh landscape. This story carries a vibrancy that I can't help feel as I tell it. It's fun and full of mystery. I hope you enjoy this version of the Birth of Taliesin.