Born and raised in Scotland, Michael now lives in rural western MA. An internationally recognized speaker and teacher, Michael is also founder of the Yew Mysteries, a mystery school based on the direct transmission of the ancient wisdom of the yew tree, Eya – ‘Tree of Eternity.’ He also runs a busy biodynamic craniosacral practice and teaches that work as well as the Yew Mysteries in UK and USA. Michael has a background in the visual arts, having graduated from the Edinburgh College of Art, and as a former professional jazz musician has toured widely with various ensembles, physical theatre and contemporary dance companies. A regular guest on
spiritually flavored podcasts, Michael has also written for magazines such as Indie Shaman, Sacred Hoop and, A Journal for Contemporary Shamanism. www.yewmysteries.com
Why the Yew?
Why are the remaining ancient yew trees of the world important to the spiritual evolution of humanity?
To answer this question, Michael will explore the significance of the yew from the vantage point of world mythology as well as from his own 30 years of direct experience with the yew and its profound mysteries.
Scáthach the Seer
As described in the Ulster Cycle, the great warrior Cu-Chulainn is sent to Alba, (Scotland) to be tutored by the otherworldly female seer, Scáthach, the ‘Shadowy One’ who lives in a yew tree surrounded by her ‘listening sons.’
Drawing from his own formative and healing experiences with an ancient yew tree in Scotland, Michael will explore the meaning of the story of Scáthach and how that story might support us today as modern seers seeking to deepen our human relationship with the Sidhe.