Two Luminaries: Alexei Kondratiev and Isaac Bonewits
I have just seen a new Druid blog ‘Under the Ironwood Tree’ which I have added to the blogroll. It was here that I learnt that Celtic Reconstructionist scholar Alexei Kondratiev has just died. From the Ironwood Tree blog:
The Celtic Reconstructionist and Druid communities are in a state of shock over the news of Alexei Kondratiev’s passing. He inspired a lot of people to approach Celtic spirituality from an academic point of view. His book, “The Apple Branch: A Path to Celtic Ritual” is well worth the read. Travel well, Alexei.
In addition to this sad news, readers may not know that another leading light in Druid studies in the USA is at the moment struggling to regain his health. Again from the Ironwood Tree blog:
Tonight,[27 May – but any time is a good time to send healing PCG] the community is offering its energies and prayers to Isaac Bonewits. Isaac is suffering from a rare form of colon cancer which was diagnosed in October of last year. Conditions have not improved. The twenty-first hour (9pm) has been designated as “Rolling Thunder” when members of spiritual and religious communities will send their prayers and energies to Isaac (with his and Phaedra’s permission) in their respective time zones.
Isaac is responsible for helping hundreds, maybe even thousands of people with his writings and workshops. I consider him a mentor and community friend as well as one of the foremost authorities on the spiritual subjects that I hold close to my heart. My hope is for healing, recovery, and thirty more years of his presence on this earth.
Periodic updates on his status are available on Isaac and Phaedra’s Facebook page
May Alexei’s journey to the Summerlands be swift and sure. May Isaac regain his health and continue to inspire and entertain us with his razor-sharp mind and his infectious sense of humour!