Gwyn ap Nudd
Ancient British God & Hero
Because many derivatives of Gwyn ap Nudd are associated with healing, by virtue of his name, Gwyn can be applied as a programme for self development. By focusing on the concept of Gwyn’s meanings, our own meanings can be identified and, if desired, altered.
Gwyn, Archetypal Hero
The term ‘Archetype’ was created by Jung who regarded behaviour as structural patterns inherited from the origin of creation. He believed they are always shaping matter and the mind, behaving in accordance to the same laws, whatever the situation. Jung created the term, the Universal Unconscious, to describe his theory in that humans are not separate beings with personal unconscious minds, but share a single Universal Unconscious, ie that we are all influenced by a very few basic archetypes or patterns which exist at the unconscious level and that there are an infinite variety of specific images which relate to these few patterns, better known to us as aspects of our nature. In respect of Gwyn, the aspects that influence his major archetype, the Hero, can be explored through how the roles accredited to him may be reflected in ourselves. Therefore to reflect on Gwyn ap Nudd can be applied as a starter method for developing self awareness (Gwynvyd), that in welcoming the Hero within may assist achieving full potential.
The following is a summary of 13 specific aspects of Gwyn ap Nudd. As each are linked to a separate page the reader can explore each aspect individually, the format consisting of:
An
introduction
Task(s)
5
closed questions, incorporating:
An
offered alternative perspective
A
closure
Beginning with the introduction, the aspect is objectively explored with facts and comparable evidence to other ancient deities. As the objective of the programme is to encourage self awareness, the reader can proceed to do tasks, ask themselves questions and consider the last offered comments as an alternative perspective to that which they may have.
Conclusively, as Gwynvyd (Self Awareness) can be explored through reflecting on Gwyn, it can be achieved on any path that encourages numerous perspectives. As there are many ways to experience Gwyn ap Nudd, there are no fewer ways we can know ourselves as individuals and as part of a greater whole. It is by seeing the fuller picture that our potential becomes achievable and it is by being in the picture we can become more aware.
The Shadow is a term used to describe the personification of human psychic possibility, aspects of our nature which are not consciously controlled. Because we tend to not own what we dislike about ourselves, we generally project our faults onto others. However, this behaviour can not bring accord into our lives as it conflicts with our personal development. By our nature, humans cannot feel complete unless what we deny of ourselves is integrated into our total experience. Considering how to do this can be reflected through Gwyn, the Lord of Shadows. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method can introduce you to your own Shadow so that you can begin to own what you have disowned.
In present history a more respectful regard for the ‘old ways’ has exonerated the former perception of the Lord of Death and given a new focus to the critical part our own death plays in the cycle of existence. When we begin to consider Death as the personification of Life’s great closure, our former perceptions may become more positive. How we can become more accepting of death can be reflected through Gwyn, the Lord of Death. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method can reduce fears based on the concept of finality.
In the Mabinogion Gwyn ap Nudd was required by the Creator to 'set the spirit of the demons of Annwn, lest this world be destroyed'. As an Underworld Guardian, Gwyn kept the dead separated from the living by gathering their souls and taking them to their Afterlife. As Guardians offer protection to others and are a welcome deferent against harm there is within our own nature the ability to protect others in need of help. However, as not every situation will benefit from assistance the ability to assess when it may be of benefit can be reflected through Gwyn, the Guardian. Working through the Gwynvyd Method can help you objectively decide when to assist and when not to interfere.
The task of a Guide is largely twofold, they can show us the way and they can teach. There is nothing to fear with the Guide as they will not lose you. It is our lack of taking in the information of our environment that can cause our confusion. How to pick up the clues and remain in control can be reflected through Gwyn, the Guide. Defined as the Hope in Our Darkness, Gwyn can encourage you to trust in your own abilities. As the Cosmic Son, he can lead you from ignorance to self knowledge. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will appraise your capacity for indecision and assist you in becoming unlost.
As The White Son of Night Gwyn, like a cameo, is indistinguishable unless framed in light or darkness. His light is reflective of our light and his darkness, our shadow! When we acknowledge our Shadow self we begin to address our failures. When we acknowledge our Light we become enlightened over issues that have flawed us. How to become a champion of your own clarity can be reflected through Gwyn, the White. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method can encourage you to seek solutions to your own life issues.
Because Dark Lord’s are not the creators of our ignorance but supervisors of what we have chosen to believe, they are reflective of ourselves. Because our grim way of looking at things can become our prison, our ancestors believed Gwyn ap Nudd was chose to release us from fear. As in Gwyn was 'set the spirit of the demons of Annwn, lest this world be destroyed', it is our fear made into reality that destroys our lives. How to exchange your uncertainties for what you can be sure of can be reflected through Gwyn, the Dark Lord. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will encourage you to consider your ideas and reassess your perception of truth.
It is the Enchanter/Magician who is the charming/magical archetype in our stories. It enters our dreams and can awaken our sense of personal values. Throughout the world of man, dreams and art have been an opening for the imagination. As we can all dream an empire, we can all become part of our own product. The result is that man’s world is not just of timeless imagery, but a theatre of played out dramas of some basic archetypal themes. How to identify your own life drama can be reflected through Gwyn, the Enchanter. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will evoke your own curiosity of what is fascinating about life.
Because 'a good death' could inspire the valour of future generations, an honourable death was encouraged to secure a sense of solidarity. However, though men have always fought for income and adventure, excellence of battle could only be derived from determined resolution. In the Black Book of Carmarthen, Gwyddno Garranhir, describes Gwyn ap Nudd as a Bull of Conflict, a sacred title that denoted his excellence in battle. How to resolve the issues in your own life with excellence can be reflected through Gwyn, the Warrior. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will encourage you to be more honourable in your commitments.
Gwyn’s role as the Lord of the Wild Hunt is comparable with that of a shepherd (or a swineherd). As the ancient term for a priest of souls was the Royal Swineherd, Gwyn's hunting/gathering of the dead is synonymous with that we associate with someone who watchers over and gathers that which is entrusted to their care. As true hunters care for what they hunt and take only what they must, an altered perception of what we take from life may enable us to use it better. How to consider your environment more effectively can be reflected through Gwyn, the Hunter. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will encourage you to use your senses, including your common one.
The ancient concept of death and winter was not of finality but that life slept in the darkest season and death was but an interval before rebirth. As sleep is likened to death and animals hibernate in winter, the Master of Winter and God of Death was the assistant to Life's great cycle. That Death was a pause for Life and winter a break for rest can be applied to our own outlook of winter now. How to consider winter as an opportunity for recuperation can be reflected through Gwyn, the Winter King. Working through this part of the programme will enable you to allow time for recovery!
Because love is an opportunity fuelled by desire we may take risks in the pursuit of one thing above all else. However, in our ultimate quest for love we could be more careful. How to be less self possessed and more preservative of your relationships can be reflected through Gwyn, the Lover. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will enable you to be conscious of what love means to you and more sensitive to others.
When the ancients perceived the celestial skies were patterns related to their own lives they believed their viewpoint of life could likewise affect their own behaviour. How to become more observant of how your conduct will affect you and may affect others can be reflected through Gwyn, the Constellation. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method will enable you to be more effective in your life engagements.
Known as the snake today, the ancients revered the serpent as a symbol of rebirth, wisdom and infinity. As our ancestors appropriated all living things as having sacred meaning they perceived the serpent, a natural protector of its own property, the eligible guardian for what was valued most and was unconfined - the soul! With life and death having no dominion, infinity was the expected ultimatum conceived in the concept that all existence never ceases to exist but only changes. How to become more aware of your own existence and your own changes can be reflected through Gwyn, the Serpent. Working through this part of the Gwynvyd Method may help you consider your own new age of awareness.
Reference Sources/Links