Isle of Avalon: Sacred Mysteries of Arthur and Glastonbury Tor

by Nicholas R. Mann

Avalon is a site of great power, revered since ancient times as an entrance to, and exit from, the Otherworld. Book provides a coherent context in which to understand Avalon's many mysteries, including the * Isle * Tor * Glastonbury Zodiac, * Abbey * Tor Labyrinth * St. Michael ley line The author invokes the magical, spiritual power of the English landscape with a wealth of detailed information encompassing other belief systems and scared sites. He discusses * Physical and sacred topography * Symbols * Architecture * History

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, British Literature, Arthurian, Spirituality, History, Paganism

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's no doubt that Glastonbury is a special place, I enjoyed reading about the history of the Tor and the links to the Arthurian legends, which I'm interested in. But the chapters about sacred geometry, zodiacs and other mysticism went straight over my head!

[Joanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

A bunch of geomantic nonsense. Mann charts the mythology and spiritual nature of Glastonbury, traditionally the site of Avalon in Arthurian legend. His writing style is convoluted, and his research methods are beyond sketchy; Mann frequently leans heavily on previous research that has generally been dismissed as unreliable by scholars in the field. I would only recommend this to dabblers in mysticism, pseudo-science, and geographical geometry (yeah, my eyes glazed over too!). This is definitely not for historians or those interested in learning more about Arthurian legend. There are plenty of much better books about Glastonbury out there. It was so painful to get through, it definitely earns a blech from me.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystical Isle of Avalon, where the Lady of the Lake guards Excalibur and the evil Melwas keeps Guinevere a prisoner underneath the Tor; Nicholas Mann, historian and author, explores its legendary mysteries by examining the physical features of place in the context of its mythology, history, and religious significance. Mann is obviously enthralled with Glastonbury, and while he does a through and creditable job relating the factual evidence, he is also prone to conjecture. Goddesses and druids, magical springs and ley lines, dragons and labyrinths all have their place in this book. But the author generally differentiates clearly between what is known and what is imagined, and this book is recommended to anyone interested in Celtic mythology and ancient religions.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a member of the Sisterhood of Avalon and I’m on my second quest with them. This book was sourced as a good reference book for the quest. I decided to read it from front to back and it did take me some time to get through it. There is so much information in this book. I would say that the book as three main themes that they cover in the relationship to Glastonbury, sacred geometry, religion (Christian and Druidism) and myth. I enjoyed the mythological parts the most.

[Hannah Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latter half of the book upped this to a five star. The author's strength really is in the mythological details. The first half of the book that explores sacred geometry, while thoroughly researched, was less interesting, but I feel that that was due to my lesser interest in this particular aspect than any failing of the author. I also love how he documents all his sources, including some other authors that I am a big fan of such as the Matthews, Mitchell, etc. Definitely recommend to any who are interested in Avalon, sacred geometry, mythology, Arthurian lore, and ancient religions.

[Sveva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chiunque voglia scoprire i misteri di Avalon deve passare dalla cittadina di Glastonbury e risolvere i tanti misteri che la avvolgono.
Come mai il Tor è adagiato su un labirinto?
Come mai la Fonte Rossa e quella Bianca sono proprio in quella posizione e formano quel particolare segno a livello geologico?
Come mai il Chalice Well è da secoli meta di peregrinaggio e sacralità?
I resti rinvenuti nella tomba di Re Artù appartengono davvero a lui?
Questo luogo ha davvero visto la presenza di Giuseppe d'Arimatea o delle Sacerdotesse della Dea?

Queste ed altre domande vengono svelate dall'autore che raccoglie leggende e verità senza romanzare nulla ma portandoci mano nella mano in questo viaggio affascinante.