'Avaluable tool on how to develop a relationship with the Goddess of Rainbows, Iris. With historic sources, how to work the colors of the rainbow, and how to create rituals in her mighty name, this book will open your eyes and soul to this Messenger of the Gods.'- Jennifer Teixeira - Author of Pagan Temple of the Bones; Rituals to the Goddess Hekate
Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow, is an often-overlooked goddess in Greek mythology. As a messenger, she offers us the words and wisdom of the gods, traveling between worlds to tell us what we need to know. In Pagan Portals - Iris Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds, we will explore the mysterious Iris, following the colors of her magick to inspire our lives.
Nominated for a 2021 Witchies Outstanding Devotional Book of the Year
I recently read “Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds” by Irisanya Moon which is a Pagan Portals book coming in at a lovely 79 pages long. As someone who has only recently begun working with Deities, this book was intriguing to me, particularly because I had never heard of this Goddess! What fun to explore something totally new. I also invited the author, Irisanya Moon onto the Witch Talks Podcast so stay tuned for that future episode!
Here's what the publisher has to say about this book. “Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow, is an often-overlooked Goddess in Greek mythology. As a messenger, she offers us the words and wisdom of the Gods, traveling between worlds to tell us what we need to know. In Pagan Portals – Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds, we will explore the mysterious Iris, following the colours of her magick to inspire out lives
What I liked: They say don’t judge a book by its cover but WOW is this cover pretty. I’m considering taking it to my hairdresser to replicate on me! I also loved that I received tiny mini bookmarks with the cover on them, like I was marking the book with a mini version of itself, super cute and very appreciated. On Page 1 of this book it opens with this sentence “I invite you to consider the places rainbows have already shown up for you” and when I tell you, I was sobbing, on my couch, crying into my cup of tea at this introduction because earlier this year, in January, I lost my Nanna and on the day of her funeral, we attended the burial. The moment we threw the first handful of dirt on her grave, the heavens opened up and rained down upon us. My Dad joked that she liked a little drama, my grandfather said she was trying to make us all stay a bit longer and I said, No, she wants a rainbow. Once the rains finished, which was only about 10 minutes later, she got her rainbow. I will also note that Noahs Ark is one of her favourite bible stories, so it felt extra fitting that she was sending us some hope and a message that it was all going to be ok. I honestly believe this book about Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow showed up for me in perfect divine timing, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the book by Irisanya.
I loved the gender neutral term ‘Godds’ which is used throughout this book too. The author states “I will use ‘godd’ to help move away from gendered words for deity who I believe move beyond human categorization.” Not only is it wonderful to see such inclusive language, but it makes total sense to me that the Godds are so much more than the gender binary we have been taught to see them within.
This book was a lovely, light filled introduction to the Goddess Iris. There are excerpts from mythology that paint a wonderful picture of who this Goddess is and what she represents. Irisanya does such an incredible job of giving you all the necessary information to go and meet with this Goddess yourself if you so wish. I particularly loved the chapter on aspecting, a form of consensual deity possession which I have found rarely discussed in pagan and witchy books. I’m always grateful to find words of wisdom tucked into the books I read, whether they’re the authors words, or others that they’ve shared. There is a quote on page 10 that says “unspoken expectations are pre-meditated resentments” by John A Johnson PHD which blew my mind and was a major takeaway for me from this book.
What I disliked: I wanted more! I love Pagan Portals because they’re short and to the point and make absorbing the knowledge quick and easy, but I wanted to go deeper with Iris and unfortunately the key takeaway from this book is that there simply isn’t a lot of information on this often overlooked Rainbow Goddess. I believe Irisanya has offered us most of what is out there which is a hard pill to swallow when your curiosity has been piqued.
Do I recommend it? Yes I do. If you’re interested in deity work, the Greek Pantheon or drawn to rainbows & messenger Godds then this book may be just right for you.
I adore everything Irisanya Moon writes. I fell in love with her book “Aphrodite” which led me to find deeper connection with her. I learned so much about Iris in this book- from mythology to exercises and rituals to connect with Her. The author’s writing flows beautifully and is rich with information in a compact book. No unnecessary filler- just lovingly and well-researched content.
It was interesting to hear a devotee's perspective on Iris. The book made a lot of assumptions, though, that worshipping Gods is the same as witchcraft, and it uses the "working with" and "called by" language that can be a bit theologically misleading for newcomers. I do think that people in non-initiatory Wicca who are interested in Iris could get a lot out of this, though.
I think I’ve always had a relationship with this Goddess. Who doesn't marvel at rainbows or get giddy about spotting double rainbows? The way they pop up in my life has always brought me joy. But I didn't have much knowledge about Iris until I was deep-diving into Astrology and realized there is an asteroid named for her. Naturally, it's in my 12th house and I haven't been able to find much information about Her.
This book connected so many dots for me! Her connection to Somnos and her work as a messenger were things I was happy to get more context about. Then we get lovely journeys, rituals, and dedications to work with Iris from a high priestess! These are all excellent and I’m excited to intentionally deepen my relationship with Iris. I'm so happy I found this book! I know I will return to it often.