Goddess Afoot!: Practicing Magic with Celtic & Norse Goddesses

by Michelle Skye

You are a reflection of the Divine Feminine. You shine like Sunna, Norse Goddess of the Sun; take risks like Cessair, Founding Goddess of Ireland; love like Creiddylad, Welsh May Day Goddess. With this guide, you'll discover how to use spellwork and magic to make lasting changes in your life with the aid and guidance of twelve powerful Celtic and Nordic goddesses. From creating abundance to increasing your psychic abilities to connecting to the land, you'll learn how to attune to a specific goddess and connect with her energy to manifest your dreams and desires. Through ritual, invocation, guided meditations, and magical activities, you'll explore the unique strength of each goddess and discover her gift for your life.

Genres: Paganism, Spirituality, Mythology, Nonfiction, Goddess, Witchcraft, Feminism

312 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ulvhud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non brutto, non bello. Dopo una breve introduzione sulla magia, l'autrice vorrà farci conoscere la "goddess magic" (essenzialmente "low magic" con invocazioni alle divinità, rigorosamente femminili - non è quello che tendenzialmente un pagano dovrebbe già fare? Magari includendo pure gli dèi maschili?). Seguiranno una serie di tre sotto sezioni, gallese, irlandese e norrena, dove approfondirà alcune dee delle rispettive culture. Per sua scelta ha puntato su divinità meno conosciute, che può starci, ma alla fine mi ha lasciato un po' l'amaro in bocca. Non era meglio concentrarsi su una sola cultura (gallese o irlandese o norrena) ma mettere tutte le dee di quella civiltà? Mi è sembrato di avere informazioni a metà.
Le descrizioni delle dee sono piuttosto strette all'osso: essendo divinità quasi sconosciute, abbiamo la citazione del mito e poco più. Segue un'invocazione, una lunga meditazione guidata e poi alcuni riti. Non l'ho reputato un libro fondamentale nonostante sia carino anche esteticamente.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was amazed how inspirational this book was. The walk through meditation guides to invoke a number of goddesses was wonderful. There is a little history of the goddess in the beginning of each chapter, then a meditation or ritual to connect with each one. I never thought reading through a meditation, could open up your psychic senses the way this book did. I am looking forward to reading her next book Goddess Alive!

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get a lot out of this. The guided meditations were long and not very interesting (felt very repetitive and took up a lot of text of the book). I also didn't feel drawn to do any of the craft work (why is it so focused on having/buying specific materials?) I found the goddess stories to be interesting, as there were a few I wasn't at all familiar with.. But a couple of the ones I am familiar with felt off. I don't recommend this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through some of this. I also didn't pay a lot of attention to the guided meditations as they aren't my thing....also, Skye's meditations are really long.

The history and the myths that help flesh out the origin and significance of each goddess was really interesting and I feel is a great introduction for someone who isn't familiar with Norse and Celtic lore and goddesses.

[KHLOARIS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starter book for practicing Magic with 12 chapters introducing 12 goddesses of the North Sea region, focusing on 3 cultures: Welsh (Arianrhod, Blodeuwedd, Cymidai Cymeinfoll), Irish (Airmid, Cessair, Eriu, Macho) & Norse (Frigga, Sif, Skadi, Sunna) cultures. The author connects all kinds lore with some interesting details on how to integrate these goddesses into Magic crafting.

The chapter on Frigga talks about her knowlege of the orlog - it is the basis of reality, which unlike fate (wyrd), cannot be altered. “Frigga's power, then, [is] in knowing the truth of a person and situation and being able to turn it to her will. […] We can change the color of the weft, the pattern of the overall piece of cloth, and the speed at which the shuttle moves. However, we can never change the threads between which it moves. The orlog remains absolute[.]”

In the introductory essay, titled The Essence of Magic, the author frames the craft as a form of self-knowlege, stressing the problematic ripple effect of attempting to use it on other’s lives. Its a short introduction, but lots of fundamental ideas are highlighted, such as the Law of Return, the Witches’ Pyramid, how Goddess Magic combines both low & high Magic, and even a method for claiming your own magic name:

“Items Needed: 2 small bowls, salt, water (in a pitcher or cup), a red candle & holder, lavender stick incense, eyeliner of any color, sparkles, a lighter or matches, a picture of the universe. Moon Phase: Waxing or full […] You have traveled to the Corona Borealis, visited with the goddess Arianrhod, and received your magical name. […] Do not be surprised if you have vivid dreams or enhanced intuition. Pay attention to the messages sent by the universe and write them down in your journal or Book of Shadows.”

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Goddess afoot by Michelle Skye is a perfect beginner book for those who wish to incorporate magic with Goddess worship. This book provides excellent background information of various Norse, Welsh, and Irish Goddesses. Explore ways to manifest abundance, connect to the land around you, and increase your psychic power. A must read for Llewellyn publication fans.

-Colleen G.-

[Corry Hinckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful detailed guided meditations which were good for cultivating imagination in a visual way, which is usually super hard for me. A lot of information that I didn't use, but I appreciated what I got out of it very much.

[Debbie Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as Goddess Alive I really like this book. I thought that the way she explained the steps to getting in touch with the GOddess were simple and yet meaningful.