The Celts defined the world as made up
of three different realms of reality, interconnected and interdependent.
These are the realms of land, sea and sky. They are not merely the physical
manifestations of earth, air and water, but are also the metaphysical realities,
stretching into the Otherworld and underpinning the world we see, providing
substance and support for our waking consciousness.
In the Celtic tales there are many different
ways that people gain access to and knowledge of the Otherworld. Some of
these seem specifically geared to journeying through particular realms.
Immram, for instance, always refers to a voyage by water.
This is the journey into the realm of sea.
Echtra is the "adventure" into
the Sidhe mounds, and is the journey into the realm of land.
Aisling means "vision" or "dream."
It is a process that brings an experience or an insight to a person, rather
than carrying the person through a realm. It may be the process of "second
sight" well known from Celtic folk tales and long family traditions. The
tales give no examples of mortals journeying into the realm of sky, but there
are many tales that show the Gods coming from there and revealing things.
Aisling, therefore, will be the method we use to touch the sky.
So what is journeying, anyway? At its
root, a journey is a method of getting into or seeing into an Otherworld
place. Journeying requires acting consciously within a non-ordinary realm.
This process can be accomplished in a number of different ways. A few simple methods
are offered here. Work them with intention and with care. There are many
methods that work, but each will produce somewhat different results and lead
to different places. Know that journeying without a goal is really only aimless
wandering, and to wander lost in the Otherworld is to invite madness. Be
sure that you know what you want to achieve when you embark on your travels,
for journeying is not without its dangers.
