Some while ago now I decided that I wanted to combine some skills and gifts that had been given to me and make the learning/experience I had gained available to others. This was the seed from which the first merlin workshop grey. In those first days Merlin, I now realise, was very present, gently guiding but obscured by a mist that I could not perceive. Now Merlin is far more apparent, often short tempered, frequently confusing and never to be taken for granted. There are aspects of him that seem familiar from story, myth and legend and other aspects that are far too solid and often harsh to be anything other than what I can only describe as "real".

In those early days the concept of "Merlin's Wisdom" was that it would simply be a way to combine techniques of running a sweat house in a gentle, respectful and yet powerful way - taught to me by a wonderful giant of a man called Ivan McBeth - with the foundation teachings in Shamanic Wisdom taught by John and Caitlin Matthews. Merlin had other ideas. The core of the first group that came together are still engaged in this path of discovery. Working through what we believe may be seven different teachings, each in a different Celtic landscape and leading who knows where.
Each member of that first group have gone through changes, sometimes subtle often dramatic, both in this every day world in which we live and also in spirit. Sometimes those changes have been hard and painful, but I think we would all agree (including those that for now have decided not to journey further on this quest of exploration) have been deeply rewarding and worthwhile.

We believe that, for as long as the work is meaningful and productive and supported by Merlin, we will continue and that the groups that from time to time come together will weave a web of mystery and magic. Welcome then to Merlin's enclosure, the start of a journey of discovery and re-birth. I cannot say what lies ahead, for each it will be different and yet each will in some way play a part in each others quest. May you follow the pathways that emerge around you and find the way to the stars of your truth.

The first gateway taught in North Wales introduces a technique, used by our ancestors, by which we may find cleansing and healing, and obtain understanding, knowledge and wisdom. It is a journey of preparation for both the immediate in our lives and the more distant. This may be further work with the group that sets out together or the way towards an individual path. The sweat house and preparation undertaken to enter the sweat often serve as an other worldly gateway which will lead to a re-birth or transformation from a previous state of being. As well as giving participants the opportunity to enter the sweat to work on issues currently important to them time will be taken to instruct those present on both the practical techniques involved in constructing the sweat and foundations needed so that they in time may move towards building their own sweat and integrate this into their own ways of working.

It is important to note that there may well be differences between the way in which the sweat ceremony for Merlin's Wisdom is conducted when compared to those of other traditions. Further as for many participants this may be their first experience of a sweat the preparation and sweat itself will be conducted in a gentle and respectful manner to ensure that all present are able to experience the power and protection that the sweat offers.

Sweat's are extremely sacred and powerful. To use a current advertising campaign "Sweats Reach the Parts That Other Techniques Do not Reach". We work slowly and carefully. We work with great respect but also with the importance of having fun.

In the run up to participation in the Merlin Sweat, it is important to ask your guides, spirits and helpers advice on the following issues.

1.How can I use this work and the sweat in my work and life?
2.Is there a new guide, animal or helper that can help me prepare for the sweat?
3.Are there any special tools, aids or songs that I need for the sweat?
4.What does Merlin mean to me?
5.Why do I feel drawn/why have I been drawn to this particular work?

It is very important for this work that you have a strong and close relationship with your guides, spirits and helpers. If you have been out of the habit of journeying, contacting or being with your guides regularly you should start to re-establish your connections as quickly as possible. If any of this sounds strange to you don't worry. You have found this work for a reason. Training in any of the above disciplines can be given or covered in the course, please feel free to contact us for any details.

Now for some general stuff:

Health: You should be sensible about your state of health. Sweats are fairly hot and take place in a confined and dark space. The day of preparation (Saturday) is likely to be a fairly long day and so a certain amount of stamina and fitness is required (but nothing too crazy). If you are not used to spending a lot of time outdoors remember that you will be living on the land (using natural facilities) for the entire course. This is all part of the preparation for the sweat and it is good if a lot of this may come as a new experience. Please do not attend if you are pregnant. This is not only for health reasons of you and your child but as your child cannot at this stage independently agree to enter the sweat. There will be no restriction on women that may be in menstruation as there are in other traditions. If anyone has questions regarding their health tplease use the feedback form.

The Sweat House: The house will be constructed by the time that people arrive. The space inside the house will be very limited and participants will be in close proximity with each other. Participants may fell more comfortable in the house without clothing although there is no difficulty if people prefer to have some covering. If this is the case then loose coverings are appropriate such as a sarong or light shawl. Again, any questions in advance can be addressed to me by phone or email.
What you need to bring: A notebook and pen; a rattle - if you have one or a drum; walking shoes or boots; some object sacred to you that you can place on a sacred space during the work - don't worry the object can be taken away by you at the end of the work; a towel to sit on in the sweat; a towel for drying after the sweat; warm and waterproof clothes; a sleeping bag or bed roll/quilt etc. North Wales at this time of year can often be cold and wet. It is better to bring an extra jumper/socks/towel etc that end up being uncomfortable.