Arianrhod: Myth & Movement Class

Moon kin,

Last night, we heard Arianrhod’s myth, the version passed down to us, and then had the opportunity to hear her own voice, herstory speak through our bodies as we moved in response to the tale.

If you’re planning to watch the replay, I’ve shared some guidance for our céilí below. This weekend’s new moon feels like an auspicious time to move with Arianrhod — I’ll be experiencing the céilí again myself, for a third time.

And if you desire to devote to Arianrhod, or even to work more intentionally with the moon, you also have this month’s ritual, ‘Arianrhod and the Silver Wheel’, where you will travel to Caer Arianrhod, the goddess’s fortress in the western sea, and surrender to Arianrhod’s guidance for your life at this time. Let her reveal to you what moon phase you are in, and how this can be an oracle for your path.

• The main body of Arianrhod’s story, which comes from the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, the Welsh cycle of myths.

• Shame, the silencing of women’s voices, and cultural taboos like Arianrhod’s rejection of motherhood.

• The casting of the three tynghedau by Arianrhod. A ‘tynged’ is a destiny or fate or what in the Irish tradition is known as a ‘geis’ or ‘geas’, a taboo or spell that prohibits the recipient from carrying out specific actions, or in the reverse, requires them to take these actions. More often than not, it is women who cast these spells.

• The treachery of illusion and reclaiming our own sense of magic in our bodies.

If you are watching the replay or revisiting our gathering, a reminder of what you will need:

• A candle (make sure to keep it in a safe place when moving)

• A journal and pen

• Comforts like a warm brew or a blanket, whatever you require to enter the realm of story

• A quiet, safe space where you feel comfortable to move with your eyes closed

• A yoga mat, rug or blanket to support your knees as you move, along with comfy clothes that allow a full range of movement

• An eye mask (optional) if you prefer to move with covered eyes

• Good sound equipment to hear the narration and music clearly

• You’ll also have a rest period after the movement part of the céilí so perhaps have a pillow and blanket at the ready