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A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood
Develop Your Skills and Talents for Effective Pagan Leadership
Join Reverend Lora O'Brien as she explores the duties, responsibilities, challenges, and benefits of becoming a priestess or priest. Whether you are currently in a leadership position, are considering taking on such a role, or would like to be more informed about the Pagan priesthood, this book helps you learn about the practical skills required and provides ideas on how you can improve yours.
There's a pressing need in the Pagan community for strong, aware, responsible, and accountable leaders. A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood provides a skill assessment so you can get a sense of your strengths and areas to work on. You will also discover the two primary categories of priestly duties--pastoral and sacerdotal--as well as insights into group leadership, teaching, crisis counseling, communicating with deity, devotion, healing, life rites, and community celebration. As Paganism continues to grow and new generations become leaders, this guide shares a practical picture of what the Pagan priesthood can be.
Join Reverend Lora O'Brien as she explores the duties, responsibilities, challenges, and benefits of becoming a priestess or priest. Whether you are currently in a leadership position, are considering taking on such a role, or would like to be more informed about the Pagan priesthood, this book helps you learn about the practical skills required and provides ideas on how you can improve yours.
There's a pressing need in the Pagan community for strong, aware, responsible, and accountable leaders. A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood provides a skill assessment so you can get a sense of your strengths and areas to work on. You will also discover the two primary categories of priestly duties--pastoral and sacerdotal--as well as insights into group leadership, teaching, crisis counseling, communicating with deity, devotion, healing, life rites, and community celebration. As Paganism continues to grow and new generations become leaders, this guide shares a practical picture of what the Pagan priesthood can be.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 5, 2025
37 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Lora O'Brien
15 books160 followersLora is an Author, Teacher, and Guide: born and raised in Ireland, with 25+ years personal and professional experience in our history, heritage, archaeology, mythology, and pre-christian Irish Spirituality.
Book publications include - Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch, 2004 (2nd Edition, 2020); A Practical Guide to Irish Spirituality, 2013; Rathcroghan - a Journey, 2015; Tales of Old Ireland - Retold, 2018; Harp, Club & Cauldron - A Harvest of Knowledge [editor, essay], 2018; Politics, Kinship and Culture in Gaelic Ireland [essay], (Wordwell) 2018; A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood, (Llewellyn) 2019; and The Irish Queen Medb, 2020.
She is a modern Draoí – a practitioner and priest of native Irish magic and spirituality. Lora has been consciously following a Pagan path since 1994, and dedicated specifically to the Irish Goddess Mórrígan in 2004.
She managed one of Ireland's most important sacred sites - Cruachán/Rathcroghan - for a decade, and is a co-founder and Reverend legal celebrant with Pagan Life Rites Ireland.
With her partner, Jon O'Sullivan (An Scéalaí Beag), she runs EelandOtterPress.net, and the IrishPaganSchool.com - an online learning environment where you can connect to the heritage, culture and spirituality of Ireland in an authentic and meaningful way, every day.
Lora has three children, one grandchild… but never enough plants in her life to keep her happy.
Though she’s not really one for a lot of responses to personal private messages - consider that your fair warning - you can find her in the comments section on her YouTube Channel content a couple of times a week, sending regular Irish Resources emails to her busy mailing list at LoraOBrien.ie, and personally moderating some very active community groups over on Facebook: The Morrigan’s Cave, Learn Ogham, Journeys in the Irish Otherworld, and the Irish Pagan School Community.
If you would like a personal consultation with Lora, to answer your questions on Irish spirituality, you can access that service here - https://irishpaganschool.com/p/lora-q-a
Book publications include - Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch, 2004 (2nd Edition, 2020); A Practical Guide to Irish Spirituality, 2013; Rathcroghan - a Journey, 2015; Tales of Old Ireland - Retold, 2018; Harp, Club & Cauldron - A Harvest of Knowledge [editor, essay], 2018; Politics, Kinship and Culture in Gaelic Ireland [essay], (Wordwell) 2018; A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood, (Llewellyn) 2019; and The Irish Queen Medb, 2020.
She is a modern Draoí – a practitioner and priest of native Irish magic and spirituality. Lora has been consciously following a Pagan path since 1994, and dedicated specifically to the Irish Goddess Mórrígan in 2004.
She managed one of Ireland's most important sacred sites - Cruachán/Rathcroghan - for a decade, and is a co-founder and Reverend legal celebrant with Pagan Life Rites Ireland.
With her partner, Jon O'Sullivan (An Scéalaí Beag), she runs EelandOtterPress.net, and the IrishPaganSchool.com - an online learning environment where you can connect to the heritage, culture and spirituality of Ireland in an authentic and meaningful way, every day.
Lora has three children, one grandchild… but never enough plants in her life to keep her happy.
Though she’s not really one for a lot of responses to personal private messages - consider that your fair warning - you can find her in the comments section on her YouTube Channel content a couple of times a week, sending regular Irish Resources emails to her busy mailing list at LoraOBrien.ie, and personally moderating some very active community groups over on Facebook: The Morrigan’s Cave, Learn Ogham, Journeys in the Irish Otherworld, and the Irish Pagan School Community.
If you would like a personal consultation with Lora, to answer your questions on Irish spirituality, you can access that service here - https://irishpaganschool.com/p/lora-q-a
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 15, 2019
I am really pleased to see this book on the market. It is exactly what the pagan community at large has needed for many years.
A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood is a bold and fearless look at what modern pagan priesthood is and can (arguably should) be. It offers unflinching guidelines for people who want to live and walk their priesthood with integrity and it is honest about the difficulties that will come with that commitment. It also confronts the unpleasant aspects of this work, both for an individual and within the wider community, drawing attention to ways that we fail to uphold our own standards and places we must do better. Not the usual feel-good text but essential reading for anyone who takes their spirituality seriously and wants to be a pagan priest rather than just play at it.
A must read for anyone considering priesthood.
A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood is a bold and fearless look at what modern pagan priesthood is and can (arguably should) be. It offers unflinching guidelines for people who want to live and walk their priesthood with integrity and it is honest about the difficulties that will come with that commitment. It also confronts the unpleasant aspects of this work, both for an individual and within the wider community, drawing attention to ways that we fail to uphold our own standards and places we must do better. Not the usual feel-good text but essential reading for anyone who takes their spirituality seriously and wants to be a pagan priest rather than just play at it.
A must read for anyone considering priesthood.
January 7, 2020
I was given an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book.
THIS. BOOK.
OMG, this book is a MUST. This book will be an almost mandatory reading for all people who I teach or initiate because it's just that amazing. It's, no doubt, one of the best books in Paganism that I've read lately and the best I've read regarding Priesthood.
Just so you have an idea: When I finished the last page of the book, I placed my kindle down, grabbed my phone and bought my physical copy. Instantly!
The author is fantastic and very clear with her writing, sharing not only her own experiences but also the experiences of others and what she learned during her years in the Pagan communities. There's so many resources and things to learn throughout this book. And, in the end, there's an amazing collection of questionnaires and answers from several people, in tons of different pagans, which I simply loved because it gives such a wide image of our communities.
I recommend this book whole wholeheartedly as one of the best books I've read on Pagan Priesthood. It's AMAZING.
THIS. BOOK.
OMG, this book is a MUST. This book will be an almost mandatory reading for all people who I teach or initiate because it's just that amazing. It's, no doubt, one of the best books in Paganism that I've read lately and the best I've read regarding Priesthood.
Just so you have an idea: When I finished the last page of the book, I placed my kindle down, grabbed my phone and bought my physical copy. Instantly!
The author is fantastic and very clear with her writing, sharing not only her own experiences but also the experiences of others and what she learned during her years in the Pagan communities. There's so many resources and things to learn throughout this book. And, in the end, there's an amazing collection of questionnaires and answers from several people, in tons of different pagans, which I simply loved because it gives such a wide image of our communities.
I recommend this book whole wholeheartedly as one of the best books I've read on Pagan Priesthood. It's AMAZING.
July 28, 2019
Ive been a fan of Lora O'Brien's work for a while now: in particular her willingness to share her spiritual and magical growth, her changing experience and journey towards a better understanding of our culture and heritage.
Her work is filled with practical advice and shared experience, and while I personally dont aspire to priesthood, her setting out of objectives and her sincere approach to this vocation are both interesting and engaging.
A must for those drawn to priesthood in an irish spiritual context and also of general.interest even if not.
Her work is filled with practical advice and shared experience, and while I personally dont aspire to priesthood, her setting out of objectives and her sincere approach to this vocation are both interesting and engaging.
A must for those drawn to priesthood in an irish spiritual context and also of general.interest even if not.
July 28, 2019
An excellent resource! A must read!
March 9, 2020
Scanned this book. Found much dealing with spiritual guideline and support. Found much on approprate methods of relating to and creating effective religious practice
Could not find any community linkages on how to incorporate with the rules of your state and federal government. How do you establish your spiritual group as an official recognized organization.
Could not find any community linkages on how to incorporate with the rules of your state and federal government. How do you establish your spiritual group as an official recognized organization.
October 28, 2019
Informative and filled with useful information, although it was heavy and thick at times, but the author manages to capture your attention at every chapter, also including anecdotes and experiences that serve as an example of what being a Pagan priest is like. I respected the role they represent in Paganism, but now that I know with details what they do and the challenges said role presents, I admire them!
September 15, 2019
Really looking forward to this, Lora's work is always comprehensive and incredibly useful. Her previous works on the Morrigan have been invaluable to me in my studies and practice with this deity, her work is always thought-provoking, enlightening and brings a real sense of lore and knowledge to anyone's library. Lora's work has a profound sense of morality coupled with practical applications for everyday practice, keep up the good work and looking forward to what comes next :)
July 28, 2019
This book is absolutely essential reading if you work with groups! We are so short on leadership training as pagans. Running a ritual and managing a group are different skills and I am so excited to be able to add this book to my library.
March 10, 2020
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 03/10/2020.
I’m blown away by today’s book, “A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood: Community Leadership and Vocation” by Rev. Lora O’Brien. With O’Brien’s experience she could have written any number of “sexy” books about Celtic/Irish religious and magical traditions, however she took up the far less sensational, but far more noble, topic of what it takes to be a valuable spiritual leader.
I’m always curious how new religious groups form and organize. I highly doubt most Pagan groups come together with as much forethought as Rev. O’Brien advises for their leaders. However, they should. While being respectful of each practitioner’s individuality, O’Brien provides heaps of useful suggestions and guidance for those who would want to become leaders in their Pagan communities.
She begins with the duties of a priest, which is divided into the pastoral and sacerdotal. The pastoral covers things such as self-discipline, counseling, holding yourself to high standards, keeping tabs on the community, and how to learn from mistakes. The sacerdotal includes subjects like designing rituals, handling initiation and ordination, facilitating life rites, and more spiritually oriented topics.
This leads to developing pastoral skills, such as group dynamics, accountability and ethics, leadership development, mentoring, teaching classes, and crisis care. Then it’s on to developing sacerdotal skills like connecting to deities, magical skills and the ethics of magic, etc. O’Brien concludes with an interesting, informal survey of leaders of religious communities about their practices and a wonderful list of online resources.
“A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood” by Rev. Lora O’Brien is a must read for anyone who considers themselves a leader and for any who aspire to lead.
I’m blown away by today’s book, “A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood: Community Leadership and Vocation” by Rev. Lora O’Brien. With O’Brien’s experience she could have written any number of “sexy” books about Celtic/Irish religious and magical traditions, however she took up the far less sensational, but far more noble, topic of what it takes to be a valuable spiritual leader.
I’m always curious how new religious groups form and organize. I highly doubt most Pagan groups come together with as much forethought as Rev. O’Brien advises for their leaders. However, they should. While being respectful of each practitioner’s individuality, O’Brien provides heaps of useful suggestions and guidance for those who would want to become leaders in their Pagan communities.
She begins with the duties of a priest, which is divided into the pastoral and sacerdotal. The pastoral covers things such as self-discipline, counseling, holding yourself to high standards, keeping tabs on the community, and how to learn from mistakes. The sacerdotal includes subjects like designing rituals, handling initiation and ordination, facilitating life rites, and more spiritually oriented topics.
This leads to developing pastoral skills, such as group dynamics, accountability and ethics, leadership development, mentoring, teaching classes, and crisis care. Then it’s on to developing sacerdotal skills like connecting to deities, magical skills and the ethics of magic, etc. O’Brien concludes with an interesting, informal survey of leaders of religious communities about their practices and a wonderful list of online resources.
“A Practical Guide to Pagan Priesthood” by Rev. Lora O’Brien is a must read for anyone who considers themselves a leader and for any who aspire to lead.
July 30, 2020
This is one of those resource books I'll re-read often and bookmark for practical reference and workings. Lora O'Brien gives an excellent no-nonsense view into what it's like to be clergy in paganism (this is not a Wicca specific guide). From ethics to activities to devotions, this work sets out not only to help create a more consistent general "clergy" job description but also to help the reader decide if they even WANT to pursue the path. Of course, there are also practical steps on becoming/maintaining/growing within the pagan priesthood, should that be the reader's path.
I highly recommend this book, not only for people who are or want to be a Priest/Priestess in their personal tradition(s), but also for non-clergy pagans. It's useful to have some understanding of the hows/whys in priesthood, and absolutely everyone should think about the ethical questions presented. Even for those those newer to their paths, or those just curious in general, will grow with this book.
Lora O'Brien is a fabulous teacher and a fun writer who mixes smartass liberally throughout the information she presents.
I gave this one five stars for high quality writing and excellent content. It's an essential reference guide on my shelf.
I highly recommend this book, not only for people who are or want to be a Priest/Priestess in their personal tradition(s), but also for non-clergy pagans. It's useful to have some understanding of the hows/whys in priesthood, and absolutely everyone should think about the ethical questions presented. Even for those those newer to their paths, or those just curious in general, will grow with this book.
Lora O'Brien is a fabulous teacher and a fun writer who mixes smartass liberally throughout the information she presents.
I gave this one five stars for high quality writing and excellent content. It's an essential reference guide on my shelf.
May 18, 2020
This is an amazing starter book for anyone who is interested in learning about or becoming a pagan priest.
It goes over the different duties of what a priest/priestess/priestex possible duties and responsibilities are, the spiritual need and work in order to maintain responsible leadership, and practical guides and in working with small or large groups. It also offers some fantastic meditation and journeying techniques that I have found very exciting and useful in my own practice.
This is just the tool I needed to determine whether priesthood was right for me or not. Very grateful for this resource.
It goes over the different duties of what a priest/priestess/priestex possible duties and responsibilities are, the spiritual need and work in order to maintain responsible leadership, and practical guides and in working with small or large groups. It also offers some fantastic meditation and journeying techniques that I have found very exciting and useful in my own practice.
This is just the tool I needed to determine whether priesthood was right for me or not. Very grateful for this resource.
January 23, 2022
I had reservations with receiving this book but was hopeful. Sadly, like so many Llewellyn books, this one was oversimplified and basic - not something I would hope for from something that was supposed to be fore people in a leadership role in their communities. A great book to look at for people outside of the faith or who are new and have dreams of stepping up to those roles as they learn more but...I think if you are wanting to become part of the priesthood in your community, I would hope there would be more from you and more for you than this.
December 4, 2023
3/5 I was a bit disappointed in this book. If you are pagan curious and wanted to know the basic steps that one would have to take yes I would recommend this book. The first half of the book is generic enough that it could apply to any religion. The second half talks about how you would need to explore devotion to deities and work on your magical skills. Hello…… wasn’t that a given. The last chapter, the conclusion I thought way the best. There were several questions to think about why an individual may want to take this path. The author interviewed several people. It was very interesting.
July 7, 2024
Non male, ma nemmeno benissimo.
Il libro è base, adatto a chi è nuovo nel mondo pagano ma ha pensato di poter diventare un sacerdote (d'altronde è un tema caldo, di questi tempi). Purtroppo l'ho trovata una lettura che, alla fine, non ti lascia nulla e non spiega nulla. D'altronde, parlando in generale, non poteva. Avrei preferito qualcosa di più mirato nella sua tradizione e meno generalista.
È positivo però che faccia porre molte domande al lettore. È un libro che esiste per interrogarti e farti dare le tue personali risposte.
Il libro è base, adatto a chi è nuovo nel mondo pagano ma ha pensato di poter diventare un sacerdote (d'altronde è un tema caldo, di questi tempi). Purtroppo l'ho trovata una lettura che, alla fine, non ti lascia nulla e non spiega nulla. D'altronde, parlando in generale, non poteva. Avrei preferito qualcosa di più mirato nella sua tradizione e meno generalista.
È positivo però che faccia porre molte domande al lettore. È un libro che esiste per interrogarti e farti dare le tue personali risposte.
December 20, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I did not know all that was required or went into the priesthood for being a pagan. This book does a great job of just breaking it up into steps and chapters. I now have a better understanding to the process and what it takes. This was something that I wanted to know that is why I requested to read this book.
March 4, 2020
Stellar overview of both the pastoral and sacerdotal Priestixly duties. There is a lot in here that will have you examining whether or not you want to take on the responsibility of Priestix work and if you have already begun, you can always re-evaluate and do better. Essential title in a working Priestix library.
August 12, 2019
For me, this was an okay read. Nothing more, nothing less. I sometimes felt that the book was a bit universal in regards of priesthood, even though it was supposedly aimed towards pagans.
November 10, 2019
Fantastic resource! Definitely worth the time to read and absorb. M. O'Brien is a fantastic teacher and writer.
November 14, 2019
A well written and researched dive into the responsibilities of modern priesthood.
November 21, 2019
Another excellent book from this native Irish authority on pagan spirituality.
August 10, 2020
Powerful Resource
Lora O'Brien is a great teacher of practice application and self insight. I highly encourage anyone who is considering Priesthood to READ THIS BOOK
Lora O'Brien is a great teacher of practice application and self insight. I highly encourage anyone who is considering Priesthood to READ THIS BOOK
May 8, 2021
A very nice and complete guide to what Pagan Priesthood is
February 2, 2022
Absolutely wonderful book about the fundamentals of taking up Pagan Priesthood. I would also recommend this for a lot of other types of community organizing.
September 17, 2022
There are some really helpful tips in this book. I think it covers a lot of ground and should set someone up with a good base as they move into priesthood
August 17, 2019
It does have a variety of topics one can learn about / use as a priest or leader of a group. But also as an individual. It helps you in a different area that you may or likely will encounter when entering in leadership, as well as you continuing on. In the end, there are some resources that could be helpful. Not for me, since I do not plan on going into something like this but can be a great resource for those who do want to.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews