The Grace of the Grail

The Grace of the Grail

"The Grail, whether chalice or cauldron,
Gives of its grace unstinting
To gentle and simple, wise and wanting."
   ____ Caitlin Matthews, 'Avebury Easter'


    The Celtic mythic tradition speaks of the vessels of grace that restore the life of the world. In the early legends, we find that many cauldrons nurture heroes, initiate and inspire poets and bring rebirth to those slain in battle. In the later stories, the cauldron has become the Grail - which is sometimes associated with the cup of the Last Supper. Grail and cauldron have similar properties: they provide the food that people most desire, bring revelation and wisdom to those on spiritual quest, heal the sick, and revive the dead. The Grail is a vessel of divine grace that appears upon the earth at times of greatest need (though only if help and restoration are sincerely sought). No action of ours can bring it into operation.
     What causes the Grail to appear? A large factor seems to be the concerned hearts of many individuals who realize that their personal quest is part of a larger one. It seems that the thing that individuals cannot achieve alone - peace, harmony, healing - becomes possible whenever like-minded people are gathered together to discuss it; then something profoundly mysterious happens. The concentration of hope and desire upon the object of need creates the ability to see the Grail and hear its message.

"Meditate upon the Grail as a vessel of grace and healing. Present your needs and those of the world to its grace."
{From: The Celtic Spirit by Caitlin Matthews]