HALLOWQUEST NEWSLETTER no 101
Courses and Events - July 2025
Dear Reader
The picture we chose for this issue of the newsletter reminds us of the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, that say:
‘Still round the corner there may wait A new road or a secret gate
And though I oft have passed them by A day will come at last when I Shall take the hidden paths that run West of the Moon, East of the Sun,’
Which is just what Bilbo Baggins and his nephew, Frodo, eventually did. As we pass into ‘more interesting times’ ourselves, we are all being challenged by what may lie round the corner. In such times, we need to be prepared to maintain our integrity, to do our part, though not at the expense of others. Upkeeping our quest means being flexible and curious too, so that we can still perceive the hidden paths that open to deeper support, and not to miss the signs because we are too busy being careful.
John & Caitlín have now traversed the last 50 years together: we decided to have our anniversary of running away again before our legs would no longer carry us for such capers. We had a lovely few days in Bosham in February to celebrate, write poetry and catch up with ourselves, which was very pleasant.
We had our own little thatched house by the mill-race, in walking distance of Bosham church and harbour, and although it was a blowy month, we had a lovely time. Then home to have lots of tests to determine the cause of Caitlín’s breathlessness, which we assume is Post-Covid related, since the research is still not collated for true definition yet, apparently.
Our shamanic training course is opening out at the more experienced end finally as, after 35 years, more students are coming through to help us teach others, and hand on the teachings. This is all happening at a time when expenditure has risen while income is lessening. In the assembling this newsletter for the year ahead, we are aware that prices on courses have risen sharply: we just want to say that these rises are entirely to do with accommodation and hire prices and not our fees, which have barely risen since the last millennium. We’ve always tried to keep our rates reasonable, and we know things are more of a struggle these days. We are determined to keep our shamanic and magical courses in person as long as possible, and to leave to online transmission just for talks and seminars.
John has been having an interesting year: in the wake of one media project that sank due to the Writers’ and Actors’ strike, a new one come floating into harbour, which is being sorted out. More of this anon.
John has also been busy: ‘For reasons best known to the dwellers in the Otherworld, I've been writing my autobiography over the past year. What else can one do when one looks back over 77 years of life and wonders what on earth it was all for? I'm not sure, at the moment, whether this will ever be published, or indeed if anyone will want to read it, but it is something I felt I had to do. It's about magic, myth, travels around quite a bit of the globe, and meetings with many remarkable people. So, if you think this sounds interesting, toot your horn as you drive past and watch this space for further details.;
We both have new books out this year, as you will see below.
John also has a good interview concerning Book of Merlin which you can catch here:
On Caitlín’s Substack: Caitlín Matthews: A Hallowquest Sanctuary, she is currently running a 35 part course on the Golden Verses of Hierocles, based upon Pythagoras’ teachings on leading a harmonious life: it contains 25 centuries of wisdom, helping us live ethically and spiritually in an ensouled cosmos. https://substack.com/@caitlinmatthewstigerna/
John’s Substack is John Matthews’ Little House of Myth and Legend
https://substack.com/profile/145880028-john-matthews
May the unfolding year bring you the joys of fulfillment! Many blessings
Caitlín & John Matthews
WALKERS BETWEEN THE WORLDS
FOUNDATION COURSE IN THE SHAMANISM OF THE SISTER ISLES OF BRITAIN & IRELAND.
LEVEL A TRAINING: OPEN TO ALL
This two-part course begins the Level A training in the shamanic traditions of the Sister Isles. We are delighted to be able to offer the Foundation Course in 3 locations again this year. Completion of the Foundation Course – which must be completed at one location - enables students to proceed to the Intermediate level of the Walkers Between Worlds Shamanic Training Programme with Caitlín Matthews and other teachers. To view the full curriculum: http://www.hallowquest.org.uk/resources/curriculumtraining.pdf
Part One, THE TREE OF TRADITION: Walking Between Worlds, concentrates on acquiring journey skills, learning the basics in a supportive and friendly environment.
Part Two, SACRED COMPANIONS Deepening Our Spiritual Connection with Allies, which builds upon the relationship with our spirits, and helps balance our shamanizing. We explore the basic healing skills & deepen our journeying.
Applicants are asked to fill in a questionnaire to assess their background and suitability for each Foundation Course, so that we can best teach you. Both parts must be taken to qualify for Intermediate Level courses
26-28 September 2025 and 20-22 February 2026. 3nd Irish WALKERS BETWEEN THE WORLDS Foundation Course with Margot Harrison, and Kait Curtis.
This residential two-part course teaches students to journey, heal, quest and arbitrate along the ancient paths of wisdom, gathering spirit allies. We ground in the ancient mysteries of our native shamanic tradition, gathering as a clan of the sacred earth. Held at Danu Lodge in Co. Wexford, Ireland. Fees: Residential sharing is 480 Euros, non-residential 340 Euros, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Booking: Non-returnable deposit of 150 Euros to Kate
Curtis kaitcurtis@icloud.com Phone +353 (0) 872325383. http://www.danulodge.com/
15-16 November 2025 and 21-22 February 2026. WALKERS BETWEEN THE WORLDS 2nd South Coast Foundation Course with Dr. Tish Marrable & Jonathon Huet.
This non-residential course teaches students to journey, heal, quest and arbitrate along the ancient paths of wisdom, gathering spirit allies. We ground in the ancient mysteries of our native shamanic tradition, gathering as a clan of the sacred earth. Held at the Sustainability Centre is East Meon, Hampshire. Take both weekends to qualify for Level B courses. Total fee £490 (£245 for each weekend). Food is £24 per weekend extra, including a substantial lunch, tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day. Or for those who wish to self-cater, £8 per weekend for tea, coffee and biscuits. While this is a non-residential course, accommodation is available at the centre and locally, please contact Tish for further details. £150 deposit can be paid by cheque, made out to L. F. Marrable and sent to 16 Ravenswood Drive, Brighton BN2 6WN. Email Tish at ravenswoodshamanics@gmail.com for further details or to pay by bank transfer.
21-22 March 2026 and 12-13 Sept 2026 WALKERS BETWEEN THE WORLDS 36th UK Foundation Course in Celtic & Ancestral Shamanism with John Matthews and Wil Kinghan.
This non-residential course teaches students to journey, heal, quest and arbitrate along the ancient paths of wisdom, gathering spirit allies. We ground in the ancient mysteries of our native shamanic tradition, gathering as a clan of the sacred earth. Take both weekends to qualify for Level B courses. Total fee £540. (£275 for each weekend). Please bring a packed lunch for each day: you can heat food in the kitchen. Tea, coffee & biscuits are available for the breaks. Send a deposit of £150 payable to ‘John Matthews’ to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680.) Held in North Moreton, Oxon. Contact Jane May for bank transfers or course details: janedmay@btinternet.com Please note that this course is open to 12 students only.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER TRAINING: LEVEL B. For those who’ve completed the Foundation Course. Please take Thresholds of Power First and then Midwifing the Soul: as these as the two hands of healing
*12-15 April 2026 (Sunday-Wednesday) THRESHOLDS OF POWER & HEALING
with Caitlín & Dr. Tish Marrable at Little Earth, Earthspirit, Compton Dundon Somerset.
This course teaches a full range of shamanic healing ways including plant-spirit healing, extraction of intrusions, embodiment of personal allies and includes the shamanic ceremony of The Mare Mother's Dream-Dance. This course is an essential next component for shamanic practitioner training. Held at EarthSpirit’s Main centre, Dundon, Somerset. FEE: Ensuite £579, Standard £489, Camping £453, Non-res £392. Additionally: Single Occupancy £64, Special Diet Supplement £32, Gluten/Vegan food £8.50. BOOKING: Non-returnable deposit of £190 to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680) janedmay@btinternet.com
*12-15 October 2025 MIDWIFING the SOUL (Sunday-Wednesday) with Caitlín Matthews & Dr. Angela Cotter This residential course teaches the essential skills of shamanic soul healing, exploring the nature of the soul, soul-loss, soul retrieval, and how intrusions are removed for soul to return. We also explore how healing can be brought by the Reconsecration Ritual. Only for those who completed Thresholds of Power: we do not accept students trained elsewhere on this course. Held at EarthSpirit’s Little Earth centre, Compton Dundon, Somerset. FEES: Ensuite £490, Standard £457, Camp/Caravan £425, Non Res £370 + Single supplement £60 Dietary Supplement £32. Non- returnable deposit of £190 to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680) janedmay@btinternet.com
*25-28 October 2026 MIDWIFING the SOUL (Sunday-Wednesday) with Caitlín Matthews & Dr. Angela Cotter This residential course teaches the essential skills of shamanic soul healing, exploring the nature of the soul, soul-loss, soul retrieval, and how intrusions are removed for soul to return. We also explore how healing can be brought by the Reconsecration Ritual. Only for those who completed Thresholds of Power: we do not accept students trained elsewhere on this course. Held at EarthSpirit’s Main Course centre, Compton Dundon, Somerset. FEES: Ensuite £579, Standard £489, Camping £453, Non-res £392. Additional: Single Occupancy £64, Special Diet Supplement £18, Gluten/Vegan £10. Non- returnable deposit of £190 to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680) janedmay@btinternet.com
A NOTE FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE TRAINED SHAMANICALLY ELSEWHERE
If you are journeying fluently, have a good and trusting relationship with your allies and can conduct yourself with grace, focus and compassion, let us know the nature of your training and its duration: we will assess your response and, if we feel it appropriate, ask such students to start with the Intermediate Courses first, so that we are all on the same page! We do not join you to later courses, under no matter what persuasion! We require you to inform us honestly about your background on our application form.
ADVANCED LEVEL SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER TRAINING: LEVEL C. for those who’ve completed Intermediate Level B.
Note: The Advanced Level courses run over a 3-4 year cycle and are not all available every year. When sufficient students stay on to activate it, we open up Level D courses every five years or so, which happened earlier this year. The nature of this training takes into account that people need to stop or assimilate teachings for a while between courses. Work your way through the levels in order. We do not take apprentices, but we do expect consistency in, and dedication to, the work.
*1-4 February 2026 SPEAKING GOLD: Oracle Work and Shamanic Divination of the Sister Isles. with Caitlín Matthews and Dr Angela Cotter, at the Main Centre, Earthspirit, Dundon, Somerset
This course stems from Caitlín’s research in the Art of Seership from the Sister Isles, working with traditional and oracular methods of speaking spiritual wisdom.
On this course we will learn how to pick up the gló-snáithe or ‘thread of speech’ that leads from our questions to the source of the answer. The giving of oracles and divinations is one of the central tasks of traditional shamanic work, to counsel the doubtful, to open the way to action, to divine for tribal survival. Copious commercial divination methods exist (I have been responsible for some of these!), but all have criteria set by someone else. On this course we will make our own unique divining method, discovering a criteria of reading our tokens through journeying. We will also learn to read auguries from nature from middle-world observation and to use traditional oracle-work methods with the help of our spirits. Oracles will be uttered through the mediation of our spirits, where specific and well-boundaried embodiment is used.
We will explore the processes of casting, interpretation and speaking the divination in pairs and groups, as well as the consequences of receiving an oracle or giving an augury for the client. Our ritual will be The Chair of Vision, wherein oracles from the spirits will be given and received, based upon the practices of the Awenyddion, the Welsh seers of the middle ages. We will conclude with the giving of blessings. The oral nature of oracle is primal to many traditional cultures service with a spirit and returns to her world with the ability to utter blessings whenever she speaks. This course is intended to give practitioners access to traditional divinatory methods that they can use in their own practice to aid their own diagnosis and to support clients. FEES: Cordwood suite £618, Ensuite £608, Standard £516, Camping £482, Non-res £430. Additional: Single Occupancy £64, Spec.Diet Suppl £18, Gluten/Vegan Suppl £10. BOOKING: Deposit of £190 to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680)
22-24 August 2025 THE WAY OF COUNCIL: Deep Listening • Heartfelt Speaking • Authentic Connection, with Pippa Bondy, introduced by Caitlín Matthews
The Way of Council is a timeless practice—both ancient and modern—that fosters deep, honest communication and authentic connection. In a circle of respect and equality, Council invites us to speak from the heart and listen with full attention. This is a practice for anyone longing to slow down, listen deeply, and be heard in a meaningful way. In Council, you will:
Listen with presence – beyond judgment, opinion, or distraction
Speak your truth – from personal experience, with honesty and care
Build trust and understanding – even in the midst of challenge
Strengthen relationships – with compassion, inclusion, and clarity
Rediscover community – through shared humanity and mutual respect
In a world that often feels hurried and fragmented, Council offers a space to reconnect—to yourself, to others, and to what truly matters. Whether you're seeking more genuine connection, working through a difficulty, or longing for a deeper sense of community, Council is a practice that welcomes you.To find out more please visit - https://www.ancienthealingways.co.uk/way-of-council
Pippa Bondy is a wilderness rites of passage guide and a carrier/trainer of Council. She will lead us to experience the empty vessel that Council provides to look at truth, intentions, questions, fixed ideas, mistakes, and other issues in ways that will help support ourselves, our shamanic clients, our community and the world.
Fees: Single £495, Shared £445, Non-res £345.) Please send your non-returnable deposit of £150 payable to Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Rd., Stroud, Glos GL6 7QW (01453 759034)
24-27 September 2026 THE ART OF THE HEALING VOICE: ENCHANTMENTS OF THE SISTER ISLES With Cáit Branigan and Caitlín Matthews.
The healing voice speaks directly to the soul, bypassing all barriers. In this course, we shall explore the use of the voice in shamanic healing practice, using toning and keening to access our inner worlds, and exploring the use of chant to heal and unblock our energetic bodies. Based upon the three musical strains or modes of ancient Ireland, and upon the traditional gifts of the three cauldrons. This course is also open to people who can journey fluently. Prices tbc Last year’s fees for comparison: Single: £675 Shared: £600, Non-Res: 480. Please send your non-returnable deposit of £150 payable to Hawkwood College, Painswick Old Rd., Stroud, Glos GL6 7QW (01453 759034)
CÁIT BRANIGAN is a Bean Feasa (Shamanic Practitioner) and healer working within the Irish tradition. She teaches groups and conducts ceremonies, teaching internationally. She teaches regularly on the Walkers Between Worlds curriculum.
SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER IN TRAINING LEVEL D COURSE
LEVEL D COURSE –
CASE-WORKS FOR PROBATIONER PRACTITIONER
Level D courses are generally only open to those who have done 2-3 or more advanced courses & are not open to those trained elsewhere. CaseWorks courses are for those who are beginning to practice under supervision. This course is only for those who have taken Blessing Ancestral Hearths:
11-14 May 2026 TRACKING THE ANCESTRAL BEQUEST: HEALING TRANS-GENERATIONAL TRAUMA LEVEL D. (Monday-Thursday) with Caitlín Matthews, Dr. Angela Cotter & Margot Harrison.
What is it that hangs over the family like a curse, running and recurring virally through the system across many generations? As shamans, we can identify this as ‘the ancestral bequest,’ or a traumatic pattern which becomes the inheritance of everyone within the family line, or within distinct groups. From genetic physical conditions to epigenetic triggers, and the projection of ancestral behaviours and reactions upon the living, this new course examines how the ancestral bequest can repeat trans-generationally.
We will track problems of ancestral causation, to help us work with clients from families and groups who are trying to tackle ancestral bequests affecting those now living. In such cases, while it is the client who requests help, the healing also includes the traumatized strand of ancestors who are stuck in time. Healing transgenerational trauma benefits not only the client, but also their family, and the ancestors and descendants who are or will come to be affected, since healing runs forwards and backwards in time, from within the timelessness of shamanic work.
This is the first of a Shamanic CaseWorks series for all who are extending their skill-range into probationer practitioner level, replicating the conditions for shaman-client sessions, with supervision. On this course, practitioners will work as shaman and client in one pairing and client and shaman in a different pairing, drawing upon their own family history. Students are requested to complete a questionnaire which will be sent to their shaman, ahead of the course. Each shaman will prepare to work on this case history before the course starts, completing the work upon the course.
Please send a letter about your interest in the course, with your shamanic experience to Caitlín on tigerna9@gmail.com. The course is held at the beautiful medieval Charney Manor, Charney Bassett, Wantage, Oxfordshire, OX12 0EJ. Fee: £786 shared, £876 single. After you have been accepted on this course, please send a deposit of £250 to secure your place to Jane May, Briarwood, Long Wittenham, Oxon OX14 4QW (01865 407680) NOTE: This course requires a firm commitment, since it is based upon dedicated pair-work, without which we cannot run it.
INTRODUCING OUR SHAMANIC CO-TEACHERS in 2025-6
Dr. ANGELA COTTER is a Jungian analyst who integrates constellations work, energy psychotherapy and shamanic approaches into her practice.
MARGOT HARRISON is an experienced healer, shamanic practitioner and systemic ritualist working within the traditions of Ireland and Britain. Her practice Hinterlands is in Sligo.
KATE CURTIS works as an acupuncturist and herbalist and a Grof breathwork teacher/facilitator. She runs a small retreat centre near Gorey in County Wexford.
CAIT BRANIGAN is a Bean Feasa and healer working within the traditions of Ireland. She teaches worldwide. Listen to her being interviewed here:
Dr TISH MARRABLE is a wellbeing educator and researcher with a background in counselling and griefwork. She has been working shamanically for over 20 years. She has a shamanic practice on the South Downs and a deep love of Welsh and Irish mythology and the land from which it emerges.
JONATHON HUET is a professional storyteller and environmental educator with extensive experience of running events, especially working with trauma, mental health and wellbeing. He has a shamanic practice in Brighton informed by a deep connection to the land and especially Celtic traditions and lore.
MAGICAL AND MYTHIC COURSES & OTHER EVENTS
These courses, events and signings are open to all who are on their spiritual path.
6 August 2025 Launch of THE PROPHECIES OF MERLIN: The First English Translation of the15th Century Text by John Matthews at the Atlantis Bookshop, 49A Museum St, London WC1A 1LY from 5-6 pm. John will be present and will speak about this exciting new translation of a Merlin text that gives us some lost stories previously unknown. See below in NEW BOOKS. Sadly, Maarten Haverkamp passed away after a brief illness, in May 2025. John wishes to honour him and his amazing work on the manuscript, without which this book could not have been completed.
4 September 2025 LAUNCH OF MAGIC LANTERN SIBILLA. This first English Vera Sibilla comes with 52 cards by Anastacia Kashian and a substantial book by Caitlín with which to learn this traditional system of divination over the course of a year. Like the Lenormand, Kipper and other small oracles of Europe, this one tells it like it is, sometimes firkling in your mind for the question you wanted to ask but were too frightened. The talk is from 5-6pm and Caitlín will be happy to sign copies for you. Watkins Bookshop, 19-21 Cecil Ct, London WC2N 4EZ, UK
28-30 November 2025. CELTIC MYTH AND VEDIC TRADITION: From India to Ireland. With John and Caitlín Matthews and special guest, Dwina Murphy-Gibb.
In our 41st open mystery school course, we will be tracing the heroic and spiritual myths that join the Indo-European stream of these two cultures. Through storytelling, meditation and ritual, we will explore some of the notable myths: including the Sacred Directions, the Chariot, the teachings of rishis and druids, the heroic sagas, Faery Lovers, and the Goddess of Sovereignty – all myths we share with India. Our ritual is the Seeking the Four Treasures. Please join us for this great bridging of mythic traditions! FEES: Single: £475. Shared: £425. Non-Res £345. Please send your non-returnable deposit of £150 payable to Hawkwood College,Painswick Old Rd., Stroud, Glos GL6 7QW (01453 759034)
KEEP THE DATE: Our 2026 OPEN MYSTERY SCHOOL will be on 4-6 December 2026, topic to be announced!