The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might

by Courtney Weber, Lora O'Brien (Foreword)

“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.

Genres: Mythology, Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Paganism, Occult, Magic

240 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2019

Reviews

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Indigo Crow · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Classic Bhaer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Latasha]

DNF, not for me at this time.

[S. Wigget · Rating 5 out of 5]

".... tough times call for tough goddesses."

[Ophelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving this one 4 stars because well written and comprehensive. I don't feel a draw to this Goddess, so personally this book wasn't for me, but it was still worth reading in my opinion.

[Edric Unsane · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sas UrbaneHexe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[JP · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Bailey Jean · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[Kottigel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Той випадок, коли дуже не вистачає "половинчастих" оцінок, бо цій книзі я би хотіла поставити саме 4.5

Це дійсно було інформативно, а разом з тим цікаво й легко. Мені сподобалося, як авторка розкриває різні аспекти богині, і робить це не шляхом якихось власних нью-ейджевих фантазій, чим іноді грішать автори подібних книг, а спираючись на цілком конкретні міфи про Морріґан і відомі нам факти про життя кельтів (здебільшого ірландських). Авторка також цілком чесно зазначає, що деякі речі важко пояснити через те, що кельтська міфологія, та й історія, загалом мало досліджені через брак письмових джерел, тому вона в таких місцях пропонує кілька можливих варіантів пояснень з приміткою, що тут вона якраз лише припускає, але аж ніяк не стверджує.

Загалом мені захотілося прочитати інші книги авторки, про Бріґід і Гекату

[William Bloomingdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because I was interested in the Morrigan as a mythological figure and enjoyed the mythology and possible symbolism the author presented about the Morrigan. This is, however, a handbook for the worship of the Morrigan and spell casting. I was not as interested in this part. It was interesting to read some of the experiences the author and others had that led to self-improvement. Ultimately, I see this as another quest for spiritual fulfillment

[Jenny T · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sabrina Leyba · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Ali Menke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting dive into Celtic goddesses and thought the spells given in the book were cool

[Kristy Marquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource!

[Micheál · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anoek Pastoor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Adele Marie Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Lorelei · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ani J]

Okay, I give up on this. I read, like, 50 pages and I just DON'T care.

[Lori Zuppinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great, in-depth take on The Morrigan.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"tough times call for tough goddesses"

[Trinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Alexia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is approachable, easy to read, and the myths do not become overwhelming to someone who knows little of the Celts. Well explained, as well as the historical contexts of Ireland. I also enjoyed reading the personal examples of the relationship with the Morrigan. Although I’m more interested in the mythological and historical aspects, the rituals were a nice addition and to me, an introduction in this sort of thing. Either way, interesting to read about. My favourite part if the book has to be ‘The Morrigan on the Battlefield’, absolutely loved the stories and the interpretations.

“She appeared with two handfuls of blood, which suggests she herself was her own weapon. With this example being an exception, the sisters' primary battlefield roles do not involve violence as much as cooperation and voice. The Morrigan sisters, through their magick, changed the circumstances of the fights. Their people could not have triumphed without them. Invoking the important role of Celtic women in war, they stand as a reminder that victory lives not in the hands of a few, but in the collective contributions of all involved.”

I liked the book for the insight into Morrigan and Celtic history, myths and deities, but, as someone said below, I couldn’t quite understand the use of saying “gender identity” when the word was “woman.” I’ve seen this a lot in American speech, and as a native romance language speaker it’s very strange. Are people afraid of saying “woman” these days? You have to say “because of my gender identity” instead of saying “because I am a woman”? This feels stranger in a book on this particular topic and contradicts the meaning of some of the myths, which the author described. To me, this falls in the category of calling women “females.” Strange. Strange indeed.

“Humanity's future is scary. We don't know what our world will look like in twenty years. But tough times call for tough goddesses. Many of the things that will happen to us may be out of our control. The Morrigan is a goddess of many things, but perhaps the greatest one is that of navigating the darkness, and acknowledging our fears and proceeding anyway. Because she walks in the liminal places, she can accompany us through these difficult transitions. The sisters may not solve things for us, but we will not be alone while we try to solve them, ourselves.”

[SamTheOwl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.