June 2016 saw the fiftieth
anniversary of the tragic death of a remarkable individual, a man who
posthumously was to become perhaps the most influential figure in Traditional
Witchcraft and Occult thought, during the latter decades of the twentieth
century. That man whose real name was Roy Bowers, is better known today under
his pseudonym Robert Cochrane. Although one should add the qualification that
Cochrane slipped into a coma on Midsummer Eve and did not actually pass until
the 3rd of July 1966. Since he did not regain consciousness however,
many mark that date as his ‘symbolic’ death. He was thirty five years old.
Founder of the People of the
Goda, the Clan of Tubal Cain this man wrote no books and during his brief life,
only a few of his articles saw print. He is today known through the famous
letters written to Bill Gray, Joseph Wilson and Norman Gills, available online
and in print. His influence however, extends far beyond the available works.
Through the continued existence of the Clan and his unpublished manuscripts,
his memory still serves as a candle in the darkness. A lamp that guides those
who seek to explore the deeper mysteries.
On Saturday the 25th
of June (2016) an event of enormous import took place in the English city of
Nottingham. Heritage and the Poetic Vision of Robert Cochrane (Heritage for
short) was in fact a series of linked events, each following on from the other.
The first being an invitation only event to sixty carefully chosen individuals.
This happy few, this band of brothers (and sisters), included not only Clan
supporters and friends; this gathering included in its number the luminaries of
the Craft and the Occult environment in Britain today. A somewhat smaller
number were unable to attend and had sent their apologies. I had a small role
to play in the organisation and running of the event, this included acting as
one of the ushers on the day.
Gathering at the majestic
conference rooms of the Galleries of Justice, a large, ornate and stylish venue,
the private part of the day began post lunch at approximately two o’clock. Here
in this room, with selected Clan artefacts and regalia on display, four
lectures by Clan members were to be presented. The object to celebrate the
heritage of the Clan, its place within the modern Craft movement and to look to
the future.
The opening speaker was Louis
Bourbon with a presentation titled ‘the Faith and Legacy of the Clan of Tubal
Cain.’ Mr Bourbon read selected passages from the works of the Clan founder,
interspaced with the necessary commentary. Our speaker made the observation
that this event was the first joint and unified Clan action of its kind.
Further noting that like the Cochrane material, there is a perceived and
tangible difference between public material and private letters never meant to
be made public.
What the Craft is and what
the Craft does are two points difficult to explain, as understanding comes with
doing. Mr Bourbon was to expand on this theme by explaining the significance of
poetry within the Clan and the poetic insights that enlighten our personal
gnosis, whilst referencing both Shakespeare and Graves. Noting that although
much of the White Goddess may be dismissed, the inspired core elements remain
valid.
Moving to further expand the
subject, Mr Bourbon spoke of the symbolism hidden within verse, children’s
rhymes and other poetic forms, dismissing another contemporary writer on Clan
matters (an outside observer and not a Clan member) as having presented a
‘hodge podge’ work based upon misunderstood teachings. The matter of Poetic
Vision, insight, allegory and metaphor, they were to become the core themes of
the entire afternoon.
The gentleman continued with
a brief question regarding of the place of Wicca within the Traditional Craft,
noting that they are in fact two quite distinct movements, valid but not
conjoined. Interspaced here were historical observances, the matter that the
operations of the wise-woman and the cunning-man were solitary and not coven
based. Even leaving the question of whether there is any connection between the
Italian Craft and Wicca, hanging almost unanswered.
Making a deeply philosophical
observation that ‘we cannot lie to the Gods and we cannot lie to ourselves,’ Mr
Bourbon took a wider perspective from this point, throwing in questions
regarding Cabbalistic influences upon the Craft, the Dark Goddess, the Old Man
and the place of totems, whilst drawing a link between for example, the Stag of
Seven Tines and the Stang.
Drawing a correspondence
across symbolism, linking the idea of a virgin and the wise-woman with the
virtue of compassion, we were reminded that nothing is ever purely good nor
evil. That the Goddess is multifaceted, black and white, both light and dark.
Examining the concept of Truth we observe that the Godhead contains both
masculine and feminine elements, yet what of the Truth within?
Introducing esoteric
Christian symbolism into an already heady mix, we beheld Christ as a Witch or
Magician, observing that the Crucifixion can in allegorical themes, be regarded
as the Sacrifice of the Divine King. Christ was obviously the true Christian
and all that has followed, are variations upon his current.
This led us to the final part
of Mr Bourbon’s most enlightening presentation, a discussion of spirit flight
and the vision of a naked woman on horseback. This patently suggests Godiva as
a Goddess and by returning to our theme of poetic insight, we are able to draw
links with our Lady of Banbury.
Our second speaker was Shani
Oates, the Maid of the Clan of Tubal Cain and whose talk was titled ‘the Rites
and Rights of Truth.’ Here in this presentation, the Maid was to discuss the
influence of Evan John Jones, the link between herself and Cochrane, whilst
seeking to examine Clan history, lore, law and the alleged influences of others
outside of the Clan.
The Maid began with an
appreciative acknowledgment of the work of her late predecessor Evan John Jones,
who took up the mantle of Magister of the Clan after the death of Robert
Cochrane, via his widow. This led not unnaturally onto an examination of roles
within the Clan and the Craft, including those that may be regarded as gender
specific.
Referencing her own work
(Star Crossed Serpent volume 3) and that of Doreen Valiente (Rebirth of
Witchcraft); the Maid discussed the Pharaonic matrilineal descent of ancient Egypt,
as a historical example of the heterogeneous transference of virtue. The
partnership of Magister and Lady, together with the role of the Lady, may
differ in the Clan and other Traditionalist groups, from those with other
origins and influences. Although the genders are equal and although the woman
does not lead, the male leads on a woman’s sufferance or licence. There is a
subtle difference between The Lady and a lady, the former does not for example
renew her vows.
Discussing the transference
of Virtue, we note that power may not be tangible but while residing within,
may only await a trigger. In discussing Robert Cochrane; we observe that his
methodology could using modern terminology, be described as ‘shamanistic.’
Words convey an idea but rites can differ. Rituals change in the process of
performance and perhaps that change is in ways less obvious, than a simple
deviation from any script. “You are all and I am nothing.”
In referencing incidents from
Clan history the Maid touched on areas of controversy, sensitivity and hurt.
How the Regency declined Clan membership and how its members would eventually disown
Cochrane. Finally and most timely the Maid spoke of chants, the Mill and
Crossing the river. Asking us two thought provoking questions; “What do you
hope to gain and do you want to die?”
The third speaker of the day
was Robin the Dart, husband of the Maid and Magister of the Clan of Tubal Cain.
His presentation began in a mildly socialist tone and perhaps an earthier one,
when compared to the previous two but would again return to the themes of
insight, allegory and metaphor. Titled ‘the Mask of Tubal Cain’ he sought to
explore the duties and responsibilities of ancestry.
Speaking of the Craft as the
preserve of the ‘humble peasant’ and as an expression of unity in a society of
lords and serfs, Robin the Dart emphasised that there is no ownership of the
mysteries. Truth is a difficult creature to capture, my Truth may not be your Truth,
each of us must find our own way and each may have their own way. I found
myself asking, is this the Crooked Path, that meandering search for the muse?
It leads to that perennial question and to the words of Pilate when addressing
Christ; “What is Truth?”
Robin the Dart then moved or
rather returned to the themes of insight and poetic vision, observing that we
have a duty and a responsibility to the Ancestors, however we may define that
term. That the essence within myth is eternal, that the light of Truth shines
through World Mythology and that this light is a harsh light. It exposes truth
and wisdom, our honesty and our faults.
Matters pertaining to ethical
living, personal integrity and observations that ‘we are what we do,’ served to
guide us onwards to deeper questions. Noting that Robert Cochrane was part of
that post-war generation that felt something had been lost and therefore,
sought to rediscover. This leads not unnaturally to questions of cultural and
historical belonging, lineage and family, the clan, the tribe and the place of
a tutelary deity.
Linking this with family,
faith and culture within the context of the Clan of Tubal Cain, Robin the Dart
asked a question somewhat unnerving. Today, is part of the Craft nothing more
than window dressing? The Gods need no temple.
Approaching the denouement of
his presentation, Robin the Dart spoke of Yggdrasil, the stang and the stream
of a tradition, noting briefly social distinctions, regional variations in
Staffordshire and the Warren Code, imploring us to overcome our weakness and to
defeat our fear. “Whom the Gods would destroy, they first make mad.”
Myth is the eternal Truth and
although religion erroneously teaches us that spirituality is dead, the path of
true gnosis, is when reaching the Divine becomes the primary objective. Comfort
is an illusion, yet we are all bound under Law, the virtues of Honour and of Mercy.
Love is truly divine and we must announce the Word over the lie. Those that are
of the Blood will hear the call. Truly, I do wish this man would speak (and
write) more often.
The fourth presentation was
given by Ulric “Gestumblindi” Goding, the Tanist of the Clan of Tubal Cain and
therefore, the heir apparent. Titled ‘Wisdom’s Embrace: Living Craft and
Upholding Tradition,’ the speaker was to discuss living the Old Craft, its
gifts of hope, wisdom and its relevance. Unfortunately I had to leave the
assembly at this point, having as part of my usher duties an errand at our
second venue. I provide below a link to a transcript of Ulric’s presentation:
Our
second venue of the day was the Old Salutation Inn on Maid Marion Way. This
ancient building dating back to the thirteenth century, is one of the oldest
buildings in the city. The cellar caves underneath date to the ninth century
and are something of a historical feature. After providing the staff with
suitable music in the form of an assortment of themed folk CDs, it was here in the
wood panelled Cromwell Snug that I set out the tables. This was for the public phase
of the event and to provide an area for the Maid to sign her published works.
The
event today marked the publication of three new works published by the Clan of
Tubal Cain. ‘Heritage’ is an anthology of writings by the People of the Goda
(the Clan itself) and explores its evolution. ‘Tubal’s Mill: the round of life’
is an account of the Robert Cochrane Tradition written by Shani Oates, the Maid
of the Clan of Tubal Cain. To accompany that work there is a third publication ‘Tubal’s
Mill: Legacy.’ This work being a collection of relevant scanned documents. I
took photographs of all three and they are with the rest of the works of Shani
Oates, available via Amazon or Mandrake of Oxford.
Making
my way to the caves, allegedly haunted and certainly mysterious, I began our preparations
for the ‘Sumbel’ later. Here
in the intriguing and atmospheric caves, I lit some two hundred candles and a
hoodlamp. Placing them on various ledges and in the many nooks, to hopefully
provide the necessary light for the ceremonies later. I had an hour to fulfil
my duties and was therefore, somewhat focused. I placed many lights in a manner
to illuminate the steps from the upper levels to the deeper cave and on the uneven
parts of the cave floor as a warning to the unwary.
Soon
after five o’clock the guests from the Galleries of Justice began to arrive and
joined the members of the public that had already taken their place in the
Salutation. The numbers were such that we effectively took over the entire
ground floor of the building, including the other snug. Allowing time for
socialising and book signing, some of us then departed to the caves to prepare
for the ‘Sumbal,’ carrying glasses and mead for our sacred toasts.
Judging
that is was time to hold the toasts, I was asked to summon those gathered, this
I did in my usual pretentious manner and with much bravado, my voice booming
out across the building the invitation to join the Magister in the caves.
Gathering
in the deepest cave of the underground complex, lit only by candle light, Robin
the Dart the Magister of the Clan of Tubal Cain read a poem of his own
composition. This was followed by a short delivery from Ulric “Gestumblindi”
Goding the Tanist of the Clan. We each raised our glass of mead to drink in a
most moving if simple ceremony. There was a moment of connection.
There
was then a ‘round’ as we were invited to name a departed soul, asking the
remainder of the gathering to join us in drinking to their memory. My own toast
was to Evan John Jones, of whom I am a great admirer. In raising our glasses in memory of the departed,
there were one or perhaps two names called, who in my opinion should not have
been mentioned at all. Although the thought and action of raising my glass at
this time and to their memory did make me pause, my unease did not spoil the
moment and I drank in the spirit of the occasion.
Returning to the ground floor
of the Salutation and after more socialising, we began our third phase of the
day. An evening meal at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, that other famous Nottingham
public house. Although the main building dates to the seventeenth century, with ancient
caves and medieval foundations built into Castle Rock. The origins of the site
can be dated to the early Norman period of the eleventh or twelfth centuries.
It is one of several pubs that claims to be the oldest in England.
Walking from the Salutation,
across Maid Marion Way, past the Robin Hood Legacy, Nottingham Castle and down
the hill past the Robin Hood Statue, we made our way to the famous pub. Here on
the upper floors, which like the Salutation we filled, all who wished to,
invited guests and members of the public, came together for a communal meal of
exceptional quality. There sitting under the shadow of the Roe Deer carving and
the famous Haunted Galleon, enjoying the convivial company, I could reflect
that this was a fine ending to an exceptional day.
We had gathered, friends,
supporters and members of the Clan of Tubal Cain, to salute the memory of its
founder Robert Cochrane, that of its second Magister Evan John Jones, to
celebrate their achievements and to look forward in faith with the current
Maid, Magister and Tanist. I am confident that the event has made its mark,
with both the quick and the dead.
USEFUL LINKS
People of Goda
- the Clan of Tubal Cain
Wisdom’s Embrace: Living Craft and
Upholding Tradition by Ulric “Gestumblindi” Goding: http://manofgoda.com/uncategorized/wisdoms-embrace-living-craft-upholding-tradition/
Heritage – Midsummer 2016 (from
Meanderings of the Muse)
Sacred Mask Sacred Dance by Shani Oates
The Devil’s Supper: A Presentation by
Shani Oates at the Castle Bytham Spirit Circle November 2015
A collection of letters and articles
written by Robert Cochrane
The Robert Cochrane Letters (PDF)
http://www.oldways.org/documents/robertcochrane/cochranes_letters_to_norman_gills..pdf
A supplementary piece concerning the Heritage event of 2016 and again written by the Chattering Magpie, can be found on the official blog of the Clan of Tubal Cain.
https://clantubalcain.com/heritage-event-midsummer-2016/heritage-review-and-write-up/
A supplementary piece concerning the Heritage event of 2016 and again written by the Chattering Magpie, can be found on the official blog of the Clan of Tubal Cain.
https://clantubalcain.com/heritage-event-midsummer-2016/heritage-review-and-write-up/
Sigil of the Clan of Tubal Cain used with permission.
