Book Review-Pagan Portals: Circe: Goddess of Sorcery by Irisanya Moon
Book Review
Pagan Portals: Circe: Goddess of Sorcery
By Irisanya Moon
Publisher: Moon Books
112 Page E-Book
Release Date: December 1st, 2024
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; I am a huge fan of the Pagan Portals series by Moon Books. Pagan Portals: Circe: Goddess of Sorcery by Irisanya Moon is no different. I practice Hekatean Witchcraft blended with traditional witchcraft, and Circe is a Goddess/Spirit that I’ve encountered on this path before, but she has always been veiled in mystery, especially as it pertains to her functions in the modern world, in modern witchcraft. This book de-mystifies a Goddess that’s much misunderstood, and maligned throughout history.
Pagan Portals: Circe covers Circe’s historical context from multiple literary sources in the Ancient world. Her stories, and their variations are explored, as well as her somewhat mystery-shrouded parents. Is Hekate her mother? Or is Perse? Personally, I find that she is Hekate’s daughter, as is Medea. Either way, Moon takes a thorough exploration of Circe, her mythos, and possible parentage, and also covers her different areas of specialty, especially in witchcraft. From herbs and herbal remedies and spells, to some of the darker arts, like necromancy and shapeshifting, as well as brewing potions to turn men into animals, and even her association with the taming of wild animals through her very nature, give clues to her modern outlook in our Neo-Pagan practices.
This book was on my radar since its release was advertised, and it certainly surpassed my expectations. Through this book, I’ve been able to establish a more firm, and deeper understanding and relationship with Circe, and she has helped in numerous ways in my craft since picking up this book. Anyone looking to find the power within themselves, and their own witchy identity, should give this book a read; Circe is the guide to that and more. Circe is the epitome of the self-made, all powerful and independent woman that patriarchal society fears so much. Perhaps now is her time to shine, inspiring men and women alike to embody their own personal power-mundane and magickal alike. Filled with meditations, rituals and spells, as well as prayers and invocations, and even suggestions to connect with her personally-without the influence of someone else’s lens. I absolutely loved this book, and give it a 5/5 star rating. Pick up a copy for yourself, and meet Circe; you’ll discover yourself like never before, and your magicks will be empowered tenfold!
Irisanya Moon is a priestess, teacher, and initiate in the Reclaiming tradition. She has taught classes and camps in the UK and USA, as well as Canada and Australia. She writes a regular blog, Charged by the Goddess, for Patheos, as well as a Substack newsletter called Heart Magick. She has contributed multiple books to the Pagan Portals series, including Reclaiming Witchcraft, Aphrodite, Iris, The Norns, and Artemis.
You can find more about Irisanya’s teachings and writings at
You can find her blog at:
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/chargedbythegoddess
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Author Bio:
The Modern Merlin has been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Occultist, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. He is a Priest of Hecate, Diana, Hades, Lilith and Persephone. He has experience in the Left and Right Hand Paths, working with both hands as needed. He currently practices Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick, incorporating all of them into a cohesive practice, with some shamanic touches. He studies and practices Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. He is the Co-Editor of PaganPages.Org and he has a personal blog where he shares Astrological, Pagan, and other magickal wisdom for free! He gives readings and other spiritual services on his Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!
