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The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might
“A masterfully blend of history, mythology, spell work and personal anecdote that beautifully explores the depth and breadth of ‘The Great Queen.’” —Amy Blackthorn, priestess of The Morrigan, and author of Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic“She is the spirit of fury and peace, power and destruction, joy and terror,” writes author Courtney Weber. "She is warrior, queen, death omen, mother, murderer, lover, spy, conspirator, faery, shape-shifter, healer, and sometimes the living earth itself. A captivating a demonic female who both haunts and heals; benevolent in one moment, ghastly the next, and kind the moment after that.”The Morrigan is one of Pagan Ireland’s most famous—and notorious—goddesses. Her name translated as “phantom queen” or “great queen,” the Morrigan is famous for being a goddess of war, witchcraft and death, protection and retribution. This book also explores her patronage of motherhood, healing, shapeshifting, and the land. Classified among the Sidhe (fairies), the Morrigan dates back at least to Ireland’s Iron Age, but she is as modern as she is ancient―enjoying a growing contemporary and global following.Author Courtney Weber provides a guide for the modern devotee of this complex, mysterious goddess that encompasses practical veneration with modern devotionals, entwined with traditional lore and Irish-Celtic history.
240 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
November 8, 2022
Since the start of covid I've notice an high rise of paganism, wiccan, spiritualism and vikings belief. Maybe it's always been there but it feels like it's become the the "new" way to believe in religion. I'm not very well learned in religion to start with and paganism and such felt like a daunting thing to learn about as I didn't know where to start so I'll start picking books at random.
I'm not interested in "working" with the Morrigan but I though this audiobook was very interesting and intriguing to learn more of. So much I had no clue about. Felt like listening to a fantasy book but make it non fiction
I'm not interested in "working" with the Morrigan but I though this audiobook was very interesting and intriguing to learn more of. So much I had no clue about. Felt like listening to a fantasy book but make it non fiction
July 16, 2021
For the most part this is one of the better books on the Morrigan that I've read. It does a good job, more or less, explaining the Morrigan's various roles and identities with brief looks at the source lore.
I would say, personally, that anyone new to this goddess' call should understand that a pretty good slice of this book is what's referred to as UPG (unproven personal gnosis). That's not a jab at the author or the others that helped contribute to the book. It's simply the nature of devotion to this goddess. What they found to be true of their experience with Herself may not be anything like yours, so if you don't interact with her in ways described in this book, don't think it's a failing on your part. She just comes to YOU differently, and that's okay.
One thing that did rub me the wrong way was the preaching of Wiccan dogma at the end of the book in the section for spells. While it's not healthy to go around throwing hexes at every last person that looks at you funny, there's not a thing in the world wrong with blasting the ever-lovin' heck out of somebody that deserves it, so don't let that "law of three" silliness stop you if you need to put some jerk in their place. Witchcraft has been used for thousands and thousands of years, up to and including hexes and curses. Wicca was made up in the 50's by Gerald Gardener.
I would say, personally, that anyone new to this goddess' call should understand that a pretty good slice of this book is what's referred to as UPG (unproven personal gnosis). That's not a jab at the author or the others that helped contribute to the book. It's simply the nature of devotion to this goddess. What they found to be true of their experience with Herself may not be anything like yours, so if you don't interact with her in ways described in this book, don't think it's a failing on your part. She just comes to YOU differently, and that's okay.
One thing that did rub me the wrong way was the preaching of Wiccan dogma at the end of the book in the section for spells. While it's not healthy to go around throwing hexes at every last person that looks at you funny, there's not a thing in the world wrong with blasting the ever-lovin' heck out of somebody that deserves it, so don't let that "law of three" silliness stop you if you need to put some jerk in their place. Witchcraft has been used for thousands and thousands of years, up to and including hexes and curses. Wicca was made up in the 50's by Gerald Gardener.
January 6, 2020
A very good insight into the Celtic goddess who I previously knew nothing about. This book was well written and broke down the subject matter very nicely. I really like the history aspect of this book, the main reason behind picking it up, but it was a lot more. I love reading about individual experiences and thoughts on her as well.
January 11, 2021
As a non-binary person, I sometimes tiptoe through pagan literature feeling like an impostor when so much of the time writers focus on a rigid, cisgender understanding of goddess worship and the idea of divine femininity. Courtney Weber is not only an incredible writer who has once again written an engaging, enlightening, and accessible book about a Celtic goddess, but she has also gone out of her way to make room for me as a transgender witch. The simple consideration of using inclusive language made me feel, in some ways for the first time, that I am worthy of having The Morrigan in my life. Bonus points for the intro by Lora O'Brien, another extremely inclusive voice for The Morrigan in our world.
March 4, 2021
".... tough times call for tough goddesses."
November 21, 2019
Simply an excellent book on both the history and working with the Morrigan. If she calls to you, I'd recommend beginning (or continuing on) with this book.
August 23, 2021
I love this book.
It's full of well resurched information. Weber does a great job in retelling and interpreting the myths about the Morrigan in a comprehensive way. The book is easy to read and Courtney weaves together her own expierences, expierences of other devotees of the Morrigan and her history and myths, in a beautiful way, but she always makes it clear which is which.
There are a few practical tipps, rituals, prayers and spells, but they are not the focus of this book.
What makes me love this book is, that Courtney Weber really takes us with her on the journey and shows us what it means to walk with the Morrigan, here and now.
I wasn't sure if the Morrigan was calling me, when i started the book, even though i already read the books of Morgan Daimler, about the Morrigan (which are great, too). But now, I must admit, that the Morrigan may already have been on my side for a long time. At least she seems to be the one I need by my side at present. And now I'm ready to listen and do the work.
It's full of well resurched information. Weber does a great job in retelling and interpreting the myths about the Morrigan in a comprehensive way. The book is easy to read and Courtney weaves together her own expierences, expierences of other devotees of the Morrigan and her history and myths, in a beautiful way, but she always makes it clear which is which.
There are a few practical tipps, rituals, prayers and spells, but they are not the focus of this book.
What makes me love this book is, that Courtney Weber really takes us with her on the journey and shows us what it means to walk with the Morrigan, here and now.
I wasn't sure if the Morrigan was calling me, when i started the book, even though i already read the books of Morgan Daimler, about the Morrigan (which are great, too). But now, I must admit, that the Morrigan may already have been on my side for a long time. At least she seems to be the one I need by my side at present. And now I'm ready to listen and do the work.
December 19, 2019
I've been a fan of Courtney's since her first book, Bridgid: History, Mystery, and Magick. And she's done it again. Evocative and inspiring, Courtney's voice in her writing makes you feel as if you're on the journey with her. Her pain, her joys, her confusion - all of it is relatable, and that The Morrigan might not to so far out of reach. Her scholarship is excellent, (thank goodness they let her have footnotes in this one!), so that you can do your own research after you finish. Courtney blends academic study, personal gnosis, and actionable magick with personal exercises that allow you to both develop and deepen your relationship with The Great Queen. I cannot speak for those who already have a relationship with Her, but for those of us who may be hearing the beginning caws of Her crows - Courtney's book is an encouraging place to begin your journey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2020
This is one of the first Celtic goddess books I've read that doesn't just dryly list all bazillion variations of the many mythology stories with zero interpretation. Weber actually picks one, two versions max, of a telling and then interprets it. She builds back as to how this story could have manifested from possible real-life ancient events as well as how its lessons can be applied to contemporary folks. I am so appreciative of this extra work as well as her writing style in doing so.
January 10, 2021
Came for the information, the myths, legend and the goddess. Left 1star for the ‘find and replace’ contrived wokeness that replaced women with gender identity. The women in the stories weren’t ridiculed, targeted, maligned and ignored because of their gender identity, it was because they were female. The males in the stories kept getting to be men. Replacing women abs attempting to rewrite history is insulting to the very idea in the mythology of the book.
December 19, 2021
It's your basic "if you feel it then it's right" and "all of the divine energy is The Morrigan" kind of stuff I've found in just about every book on goddesses. I was looking for a little more scholarly history as advertised in the blurbs.
March 22, 2020
The author does an excellent job at presenting fragments of lore and collections of personal experiences with The Morrigan, while leaving the interpretation of these things up to the reader. I loved how many different points of view were presented as Celtic Lore is hard to find. After reading the book I felt much more comfortable with my idea of The Morrigan and how she acted in Celtic Lore.
November 19, 2020
A fascinating look at the Morrigan, a key figure in Celtic mythology, exploring her various aspects as war goddess, strategic advisor, patron of motherhood, goddess of the land, shapeshifter, faerie, and queen. I enjoyed the brief retellings and examination of the myths, as well as the commentary and suggestions for connecting with the Morrigan in everyday life. Well-researched and extremely well-written.
October 16, 2023
This was great. It really helped go into the various myths surrounding the Morrigan and possible ways to interpret them. Also I loved the anecdotes of people's own experiences. Morrigan is definitely complicated and mysterious but it makes her story so interesting.
October 24, 2022
Very interesting dive into Celtic goddesses and thought the spells given in the book were cool
May 13, 2020
This book is indeed a recommendation for anyone interested in the Mórrígan. With excerpts, and a foreword from other highly respected authors on this subject, it's a safe bet that it meets its expectations. Not only does Courtney divulge into the history, mythology, and folklore regarding this intriguing goddess, but she provides modern interpretations, and lively rituals of substance for the modern practitioner. Whether you have a more traditional polytheistic methodology, or a more neopagan approach to your practise, the Mórrígan will speak to you in these words.
June 15, 2022
Easy to read. I couldn't stop reading! Really liked to read the mythology behind the Morrigan and all the stories. I really liked to read about the authors own stories aswell working with the Morrigan and also some stories of the others.
Just liked the whole book. Definitely recommend if you want to learn more about the Morrigan.
Just liked the whole book. Definitely recommend if you want to learn more about the Morrigan.
August 10, 2022
A fantastic book of knowledge about The Morrigan, written by someone who knows her well, it feels like it reading the book anyway.
A book for beginners, and for those who have followed the Morrigan for a long time.
I read quickly then dipped back to chapters which pinged my senses and I'm still reading at the moment. So glad I bought the paperback.
A book for beginners, and for those who have followed the Morrigan for a long time.
I read quickly then dipped back to chapters which pinged my senses and I'm still reading at the moment. So glad I bought the paperback.
January 30, 2023
Really excellent book on getting to know the different sides of the Morrigan, blending her historic associations and myths with modern examples of how she may come through in your practice. Definitelty would recommend as a read for anyone curious about her mythology or if you are curious about working with her.
July 8, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. Well written and informative. I would read a chapter and let it sink in. I went into this book knowing nothing and learned a lot.
February 13, 2021
A great, in-depth take on The Morrigan.
January 8, 2024
"tough times call for tough goddesses"
February 7, 2023
The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might by Courtney Weber
There is just a lot to love about this book, like a lot. Going to start off with the gist of the book and go from there!
The book by no means is a comprehensive guide to The Morrigan, nor should it be used as the only reference, however, it is great as a beginner's guide into not only some Celtic mythology but the lore behind the different aspects of the Morrigan. Courtney Webber goes over several aspects of the Morrigan, not only just the sisters, but the sisters as shapeshifters, as healer goddesses, as war goddesses, and as death goddesses, etc. She includes myth retellings with each chapter to further explain the nature of that side of The Morrigan, and in most chapters, a spell and/or prayer are included as well as personal stories for said aspect. There is even a whole chapter dedicated to just spellwork and prayer.
My first love about this book, and that’s on how broad it is. It covers lesser-known aspects and makes you think more complexly about the already complex nature of The Morrigan. Almost everything that is more along the lines of a claim is backed by a source. The retold myths are written in an easy-to-understand format, and she suggests several meanings of said myth, urging the reader to decide of their own interpretation. Weber also does an amazing job of including her own personal stories as well as others. Another smaller detail that I loved was in working with the Healer Morrigan, where Weber urges medicine over magick/mythical means, telling the reader that they should seek modern medicine and conventional healing when the need for healing is urgent. As someone who is a strong advocate for science AND the otherworldly aspects of life, it is good to see the inclusion of mundane>magick.
This book is highly about showing different opinions with all the information and letting you decide what speaks to your specific relationship with The Morrigan. After all, that is what deity work is about! However my opinion should also be taken with a grain of salt because I am new to the craft and working with deities, BUT I truly trust my intuition and opinion with this book, not only just spiritually, but just seeing how much Weber references and the encouragement of doctors when you need them. A great read and a great intro to The Morrigan.
There is just a lot to love about this book, like a lot. Going to start off with the gist of the book and go from there!
The book by no means is a comprehensive guide to The Morrigan, nor should it be used as the only reference, however, it is great as a beginner's guide into not only some Celtic mythology but the lore behind the different aspects of the Morrigan. Courtney Webber goes over several aspects of the Morrigan, not only just the sisters, but the sisters as shapeshifters, as healer goddesses, as war goddesses, and as death goddesses, etc. She includes myth retellings with each chapter to further explain the nature of that side of The Morrigan, and in most chapters, a spell and/or prayer are included as well as personal stories for said aspect. There is even a whole chapter dedicated to just spellwork and prayer.
My first love about this book, and that’s on how broad it is. It covers lesser-known aspects and makes you think more complexly about the already complex nature of The Morrigan. Almost everything that is more along the lines of a claim is backed by a source. The retold myths are written in an easy-to-understand format, and she suggests several meanings of said myth, urging the reader to decide of their own interpretation. Weber also does an amazing job of including her own personal stories as well as others. Another smaller detail that I loved was in working with the Healer Morrigan, where Weber urges medicine over magick/mythical means, telling the reader that they should seek modern medicine and conventional healing when the need for healing is urgent. As someone who is a strong advocate for science AND the otherworldly aspects of life, it is good to see the inclusion of mundane>magick.
This book is highly about showing different opinions with all the information and letting you decide what speaks to your specific relationship with The Morrigan. After all, that is what deity work is about! However my opinion should also be taken with a grain of salt because I am new to the craft and working with deities, BUT I truly trust my intuition and opinion with this book, not only just spiritually, but just seeing how much Weber references and the encouragement of doctors when you need them. A great read and a great intro to The Morrigan.
January 9, 2020
It's great! I feel immensely more connected with Them now. Courtney goes over in detail each piece of the Tain which mentions Them, Their different names (there's quite a few), the ending provides prayers/workings directly related to Them you can use after you've done some Soul housekeeping, throughout the pages she includes other ways to directly work with Them and how to deepen your relationship with Them. I really liked the part where she lists the different animals of An Mórrígan, what they did and what that means and how you can work with that. My only issue in that section was the Eel. Courtney was very vague, and it's hard to to tell if that was intentional or not. The book also contains personal accounts through out and her own experiences.
Some points I noted while reading:
-Bouncing between all the names during the Cattle Raid of Cooley was very difficult. I feel that section could have been split up into two.
-There are two spells that I feel are unethical. One is in regards to competition where you call upon Them to help you sway the competition to your side. The other is one about being unseen and she mentions, "maybe you want to exit a relationship and don't want your partner to know". I feel that promotes dishonesty which I feel is not what An Mórrígan would promote.
Some points I noted while reading:
-Bouncing between all the names during the Cattle Raid of Cooley was very difficult. I feel that section could have been split up into two.
-There are two spells that I feel are unethical. One is in regards to competition where you call upon Them to help you sway the competition to your side. The other is one about being unseen and she mentions, "maybe you want to exit a relationship and don't want your partner to know". I feel that promotes dishonesty which I feel is not what An Mórrígan would promote.
October 26, 2022
I enjoyed this book. While it is not an academic take on the lore of The Morrigan, I liked how the author spun her own experiences and that of others into each chapter along with condensed versions of the Morrigan lore. While I'm not saying I believe every word she has written (the hotel murder with her seeing the dead body being wheeled out past her, didn't seem believable to me. Typically it's the coroner's office who picks up the remains after a police investigation and the public isn't typically allowed to be present and would be asked to leave the area if it was in a public area.), that being said, who am I to judge? I wasn't witness to the event but it seemed off. Towards the end the book, she wrote of casting spells and the possible implications of such, it sounded a wee bit preachy but it's her own method of practice...other pagans, witches may not view spellwork the same way as she does. Those two things aside, I enjoyed the book very much. I loved all the sources, footnotes etc. It will permanently remain within my personal library. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to get to know more about the Morrigan in a less formal manner...pour yourself a cuppa, sit back and have nice visit with this book, like an old or new friend who has stopped by to see you.
September 14, 2023
Non brutto, non eccelso. Rispetto all'altro libro dell'autrice, dedicato a Brigid, questo è di parecchi scalini più in basso a livello di approfondimento della divinità e di immersione.
È molto incentrata, questa volta, sulle proprie esperienze personali, tra cui esperienze traumatiche. Non mi disturba leggere aneddoti autobiografici in questi tipi di libri, ma trovo scocciante dovermi sorbire lo stesso racconto, a più riprese, quando si sarebbero potute usare più parole per descrivere la dea, in correlazione ai miti, alle leggende e alla storia. La Morrigan è tra le dee celtiche più conosciute e venerate: il materiale c'era, ma è stato sfruttato male. Ovviamente all'interno del libro vengono riportati vari miti in cui la dea compare, con tanto di commento da parte dell'autrice.
Molto interessante la parte degli animali sacri.
Utile per chi vuole muovere i suoi primi passi con la Morrigan, un po' meno se già conoscete i miti. Può essere piacevole leggere le esperienze di altri pagani che venerano le nostre stesse divinità, ma personalmente l'ho trovato decisamente più debole rispetto a quello di Brigid - e questo ha influenzato il voto e la percezione finale del lavoro.
È molto incentrata, questa volta, sulle proprie esperienze personali, tra cui esperienze traumatiche. Non mi disturba leggere aneddoti autobiografici in questi tipi di libri, ma trovo scocciante dovermi sorbire lo stesso racconto, a più riprese, quando si sarebbero potute usare più parole per descrivere la dea, in correlazione ai miti, alle leggende e alla storia. La Morrigan è tra le dee celtiche più conosciute e venerate: il materiale c'era, ma è stato sfruttato male. Ovviamente all'interno del libro vengono riportati vari miti in cui la dea compare, con tanto di commento da parte dell'autrice.
Molto interessante la parte degli animali sacri.
Utile per chi vuole muovere i suoi primi passi con la Morrigan, un po' meno se già conoscete i miti. Può essere piacevole leggere le esperienze di altri pagani che venerano le nostre stesse divinità, ma personalmente l'ho trovato decisamente più debole rispetto a quello di Brigid - e questo ha influenzato il voto e la percezione finale del lavoro.
November 14, 2023
I'm a big fan of Courtney Weber and this book does not disappoint. Seeing a forward from Lara O'Brien was an added bonus and only adds to the trust I have in Courtney's words.
I have felt a strange attraction to The Morrigan and found her as fascinating as she is intimidating. For some reason that's totally my taste in women, go figure (I'm kidding... mostly). I've strongly debated looking into her and after some encouragement from another author I deeply respect I finally went for it.
I appreciate the total transparency in Courtney's works and how her voice seems to come from the pages. The Morrigan is as complicated of a deity as I had thought she would be but Courtney really laid out how to start getting to know her. Courtney's recounting her own struggles and experiences in the book but also leading a voice to other devotees really helps you understand there is no one way to see or understand such a force as The Morrigan. I'm strangley reassured by all this.
I deeply appreciate how Courtney opens herself up in the book to make it more personable. It can't be easy to write about some of the things she's experienced but they are things that should be spoken about more.
I have felt a strange attraction to The Morrigan and found her as fascinating as she is intimidating. For some reason that's totally my taste in women, go figure (I'm kidding... mostly). I've strongly debated looking into her and after some encouragement from another author I deeply respect I finally went for it.
I appreciate the total transparency in Courtney's works and how her voice seems to come from the pages. The Morrigan is as complicated of a deity as I had thought she would be but Courtney really laid out how to start getting to know her. Courtney's recounting her own struggles and experiences in the book but also leading a voice to other devotees really helps you understand there is no one way to see or understand such a force as The Morrigan. I'm strangley reassured by all this.
I deeply appreciate how Courtney opens herself up in the book to make it more personable. It can't be easy to write about some of the things she's experienced but they are things that should be spoken about more.
August 29, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. Informative and inspiring book on the Morrigan. The book breaks down specific aspects and lore of the Morrigan and her sisters; rituals and personal anecdotes are given at the end of each chapter. I like this approach because it helped me relate to the rituals, other practitioners, and the Morrigan better. I had a pretty solid knowledge of the Morrigan in Irish lore going into this book, but sometimes the lore can be difficult to relate to yourself and your workings. The rituals themselves are worth picking up this book—straightforward, but powerful! I feel more connected to the Morrigan, and her sisters. I will be picking up more books from the author on other gods/goddesses I work with or am interested in.
February 27, 2021
This was an excellent and informative book which drew heavily from mythology around the Mórrígan, adding personal anecdotes and additional insights that gave a lot of thoughtful nuance. As someone only newly working with the Mórrígan, this was a pleasant read and gave me a lot of excellent information to build on without overwhelming me. I feel much more equipped for this journey. Though I still have much to learn, this gave me a very good foundation. Also, there are plenty of useful prayers and rituals throughout the book!
March 4, 2021
This was a fun quick and easy read, I enjoyed the section on spells snuck in at the end. Author casually tells personal anecdotes about her learning experience and also gives practical advice for ritual recommendations for connecting with Morrigan and inserts condensed Celtic myths to illustrate various aspects of the goddess. Then there's quotes by devotees between the chapters paired with chapter art that looks like they were all sourced from a Morrigan deviant art search. Morrigans a total bad babe. It was what it was!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews