The Lady of the Lake

The Lady of the Lake

"Beware and do not stir the lake
Untimely, lest she take offence.
Bring gifts of gladness well bestowed,
No sadness for your recompense."
    ____ Caitlin Matthews, "In Avalon"

    The Lady of the Lake stands at both the beginning and the end of King Arthur's story, as fosterer of his youth and as healer of his wounded body. She gives Arthur his sword and the scabbard that goes with it. When Arthur first receives these gifts, Merlin asks him which he regards as more important. Arthur musing upon his sharp blade's ability never to fail him in battle, names the sword. But Merlin informs him that the scabbard which guards him against loss of blood, is equally important. The sword that Arthur wields all his life is raised in defense of the land, but it is not his personal property, nor can it be passed by him as an heirloom to any successor he might choose. Wounded at the battle of Camlann, he demands that it be thrown back into the lake from which it came, that the Lady might take charge of it again.
    The Island of Avalon, the home of the Lady of the Lake, is one of the deep guardians of the land, to whom all heroic defenders must return for healing and restoration. The island is an abode of bliss where the weather is always temperate and where those who are overburdened by their sorrows or wounds can find recovery. Like all parts of the otherworld, it is accessible to those who make the soul-flight thither.

"Building on yesterday's meditation (Herbs), take a soul-flight to visit the Lady of the Lake to seek for healing, taking with the herb that you found. Give the herb to the Lady of the Lake and let her
use the plant to bring healing to you. Give thanks for her help and return to your own time and place."
[From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]