Overview

We speak often in this Order of the need to avoid eclecticism, of not mingling different paths even within the Tradition. It may seem strange then that we should devote an entire page to a comparative exploration of the major forms of Avalonian Immram; yet it is not at all inconsistent. We do not advocate devotion to this path out of ignorance of other ways, but as a result of the heart's calling and the mind's will to see it through. To a great extent, we learn discernment through comparative study; therefore when we have sufficient experience and competence of ADO teachings, we may occasionally, cautiously explore the similarities and differences between various Avalonian practices. We may do this by comparing myth cycles, tribal life, customs, art and culture, or key points of spiritual practice. One of these keys is the practice of Immram (Welsh, "y Morio").

As has been said, Immram is the oldest form of Dreaming; its practice is common to us all. It is tempting to assume that the experience of Immram must be the same across traditions and groups, yet this is not at all the case. 'Superficial' differences often have a profound effect in the moment of experience. Like so many things relating to experiential spirituality, this seems easy to say but hard to believe. Why should slight variations have such an impact? One key may lie in the basic spiritual inadequacy of the modern worldview. Ours is not a Spirit-centered society, but a materialist society. We are unaccustomed to thinking holistically, to feeling our connection to Being, or to seeing everything around us as alive, aware, and ensouled; thus we are prone to make wrong assumptions about the essential nature of energy and the function of Natural Laws.

A lifetime of conditioning is not lightly laid aside. Until the weight of our experience of Avalon begins to balance the conditioning that says She is not real, there will always be a tendency to revert to the familiar: the nonmagical materialist perspective of modern society. But each direct experience helps to reach this point of balance, and when the balance is struck we may finally begin to 'see' and experience Avalon as did the far ancestors. It is our hope that the brief glimpses into other Avalonian Ages and Archetypes offered by the material below will serve to speed us each on our way to Truth.

Structure of Immram

As the Singers amongst us know, stories, whether scripted or improvised, may unfold in infinite variation, but they are all built upon a single structure: A protagonist enters pursuing a specific purpose. A second player appears and obstructs this purpose. This conflict builds to a climax. The conflict builds to a crisis or peak, then resolves and the story ends. Immram functions in much the same way: We establish a starting place, state our intention and cross to Avalon, where we receive insights on how to manifest our intention. We return to our starting place to address them and manifest our intention. Challenges and obstacles arise to obstruct our purpose and must be resolved for our intention to manifest. All Immrama follow this basic pattern; what is different is how "the action" unfolds in each Age and Archetype. These seemingly insignificant "details" subtly shape and define our experiences and worldview.

The Devil in the Details

[NOTE: Please do not attempt this exercise if you are still an Aspirant learning the ADO approach to Immram,

or if you are having difficulty in your usual practice as observed in ADO. If you begin to experience difficulty in

ADO Immram after entering into these examples, please discontinue these exercises immediately and contact your

ADO mentor for assistance.]

Each style of Immram belongs to a specific Avalonian lineage, Age and Archetype, and was governed by different cultures within different environments and societies. It is these subtle shades of difference with which we are concerned; differences that may at first seem very slight, even unimportant. Yet if we simply experience and observe with detachment, how different they appear! The nature of these differences can only be understood through direct experience. To begin, search online for sites that offer some form of Immrama. (NOTE: ADO, SOA, Avalon Priestess School, and Avalon Mystery School, among others, have all published forms of immrama to the web. A diligent search will turn up these different versions, either at their original locations or at secondary sites where the information was republished when it was available.) Study the differences between each of these variants and our own spiritual practice. What do these differences suggest to you?

Explore each form of immrama once a week for one month, being sure to follow the instructions given exactly. Contemplate deeply before proceeding to the next form a month later, and record your observations of what is the same, and also everything that is different about your experience. Seek out your Braithion Guide for help in understanding these subtle shades of difference, and remember to share your explorations with other members engaged in the same explorations.

The Forms

We had thought originally to publish a sampling of Immrama from different Avalonian groups , using materials made available free to the public at their respective websites. However, some of these permissions have since been retracted (a regrettable, but sometimes necessary action), and others may follow. Therefore, in the interest of avoiding conflict, we will content ourselves with a discussion of the basic differences between methods serving different points in the timeline -- and beg your forgiveness for any disappointment this may cause you.

Inevitably, any attempt to define the methods of other Avalonian practitioners and/or groups is bound to be met with argument and hostility. No one likes feeling they are being defined by "ignorant outsiders", least of all people whose attainments represent a lifetime's work. While we fully understand these feelings and sympathize, such fears cannot be allowed to define the limits of our understanding. However, we can minimize the danger of spreading misinformation by avoiding the temptation to interpret others' intentions and simply reporting observable differences in methodology and the subtler indicators arising from direct experience.

The main points of methodological divergence fall into a very few categories:

• Purpose  (healing, study, magic):  In ADO, we journey for healing and for learning. If you're journeying for any other purpose, consider it a point of divergence.
  

• Mode of Travel  (by barge, by exertion, or by mount):  In ADO, women take the barge and men ride the white stag. Modes of travel used in other Avalonian Ages include swimming underwater, walking a blade's edge across a ravine, leaping a drawbridge, hitching a ride with a swan (or some other type of bird) or shape-shifting into forms that allow other modes of travel. We may observe one or more of these approaches whilst in Immrama; we may even be taught some of them by our Guide(s), but we should not be using them as our own primary method of transportation. If you are, consider it a point of divergence.
  

• Type of Barge  (currough, coracle, punt, glass boat, etc.):  Generally in ADO only one kind of barge will come to bring you to the Holy Isle: a black punt or 'boat' similar in shape to a wide, shallow currough. If a different type of barge comes, consider it a point of divergence.
  

• Destination  (Emain Ablach, Avalon, The Isles of the Blest, etc.):  In ADO, you will only be taken to the Holy Isle of Avalon as she exists in each of the nine archetypal sites. You should not find yourself on any other holy isle. These will not generally match the descriptions given in Irish Celtic literature, anymore than does the experience of Avalon's early gods. If your experiences include strong Irish Otherworld images, and you believe them to be a legitimate part of your ADO work, consult an Elder; but be prepared to accept it as a point of divergence.
  

• Type of Guide  (ancestor, oneself in a past life, other orders of Being): In ADO, your usual spiritual Guide will not be a God or one of the Fae, and will never be yourself in a past life (although your Guide may bring you face-to-face with any of these). Guides are usually spiritual ancestors. If you are meeting someone else as a Guide again, you may consult an Elder, but be prepared to accept it as a point of divergence. Also, Avalonians always travel with a Guide. We never 'outgrow' the need to travel with one. If you believe you've been guided to travel alone, see an Elder -- and again, be prepared to accept that such practices (and the results gained from them) may be false or, at best, may represent a point of divergence.
  

A change to any of these areas will bring very different results, so pay close attention as you undertake this exercise and make note of any points that seem to diverge from the method taught in ADO. (Please do not undertake this exercise until you've not been taught Immram by an ADO Druid! Once you've connected with your authentic Guide, you will not need an Elder to lead you, but without this initial assistance you've no way to be sure you got where you thought you were going. Members may write our cyber community to request an Elder to lead them the first time out.)

Remember to tell the Guide(s) who come to meet you in each of these journeys that you are studying Avalon is all her various forms and would like to visit the place and time in Avalon that is best known to them. If they refuse you, you must graciously accept their refusal, give them thanks and a gift in token of your gratitude for their having come to meet you, and end the Immram. As you explore the different possibilities, pay close attention to how different each form of Immram feels, as well as the modes of transportation, the type of barge, your destination, and your Guide. With which type of Immram are you  most comfortable? Which mode of transport? Which barge? And which destination? Those who find themselves strongly drawn to a different historical point of focus than our own may want to note that whilst journaling, so that you may return to explore this further later. Remember you will have to keep these explorations separate from your usual ADO studies and practice. Even in this exercise we do not mix the ways of these other groups with ADO teachings. This can be difficult to remember, but if we start out making clear distinctions it will be easier later on.

Experiencing constant divergence from the ADO form of Immrama does not mean that your Immrama are invalid or any less "real"; on the contrary, if often means that your spirit is called to a different point in Avalon's historical timeline. This may mean leaving ADO to find mentors and/or groups working the same Age or historical period, a possibility that members often resist out of fear of rejection or of losing their friends and community. But remaining under such circumstances can only lead to sorrow. Never attempt to modify your experiences in Immram to conform to your hopes or desires. We can often provide useful suggestions about where to seek others with similar callings. Refusing your heart's true calling obstructs your soul's purpose in this life and impedes others working to fulfil their own destinies. Better to acknowledge the message and press onwards. If your journey should call you elsewhere, you've no need to end your friendships here; in the course of our work there arise many opportunities to collaborate across groups and even across Traditions. As you begin to find your footing, the loss of sharing the daily work of the Order will weigh less heavily upon you, and with time you will begin to see how your true path of service in the world complements that of others.

Sharing Wisdoms

As with all of our spiritual life in ADO, sharing our results is of utmost importance. Please do post your observations and experiences to the appropriate place(s) and remind us which exercise(s) you are doing by providing the lesson, topic, skill, or theme that provides the context for your post. Also, remember that sharing is a reciprocal relationship; just we we expect you to share, so we shall share responses on what you have posted. Do not underestimate the value of this information. It is often more valuable than anything else you will receive beyond your own experience. The more of us share and respond to results, the faster and deeper and faster the journey and the greater the pleasure we take in it, so please do make it a habit!

We look forward to sharing wisdoms with you!

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