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Aloha, On 7/21/2010 1:14 AM, nagasiva yronwode, YIPPIE Director wrote: > I don't think that i saw this practical reference mentioned: > > R.J. Stewart, "The Underworld Initiation" > > in combination with the Matthews' "The Western Way", these > were strongly recommended to me as valuable study materials > by California Gardnerian witches in the 1990s, giving me > the impression that some Underworld symbolism/ritualism > were being emphasized. > R.J. Stewart emigrated from England to the USA in the 1990s, to the San Francisco Bay Area, in fact, although he has moved several times since then. He began offering an evolving series of workshops and individual instruction that continues to this day. In addition, he has continued to write books and to record albums. He brought with him links to several English/European magical lines and lodges, including William G. Gray. Stewart shares Gray's outlook on approaching inner esoteric mysteries across various religious orientations. I'd say that his presence in North America did enliven the overall occulture scene and various magical and Neo-Pagan Craft endeavors. Among other things, Stewart had personal knowledge of and active links with English and European practitioners known to us Americans mostly from books. Stewart's Underworld Initiation material provides a useful approach to and through Scottish/English/Irish/European mostly folkloric or historical resources (as compared with Tree of Life ritual and pathworking). Although I've never seen it conducted as a ritual drama, I gotta say that it does have possibilities, including Stewart's music. Let me add that I am myself affiliated with Stewart's ongoing endeavors. Musing O! The Many, Many Connections & Influences! Rose, Pitch