The Modern Merlin
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 has also been investigating the paranormal for over 10 years and has a keen interest in researching various mythologies, cosmologies and folklore from around the world. 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!
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Book Review-Pagan Portals: Maman Brigitte: Dark Goddess of Africa and Ireland by Pauline Breen
Book Review Pagan Portals: Maman Brigitte: Dark Goddess of Africa and Ireland By Pauline Breen Publisher: Moon Books 104 page E-Book Release Date: December 1st, 2024 Pagan Portals: Maman Brigitte is a fascinating exploration of an oft-misunderstood goddess within the Vodou traditions of Haiti and Louisiana. Breen makes clear that she has no “in” with these cultures that have been the subject of centuries of exploitation, from slavery to the appropriation of their beliefs. I appreciate the author’s intent to avoid an attempt at appropriation, but rather the exploration of the Goddess, in this case, Brigid, as she evolved to meet the needs of peoples who had been exploited and sold…
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The Modern Merlin’s Corner-December 2024: Saturnalia, Yule and Winter Celebrations
IO Saturnalia! I hope my readers are having a joyful and blessed Saturnalia and start of the holiday season. Before getting into the subject of this month’s column, I want to take a moment to address some changes coming in 2025 to this column. Rest assured, I will still be contributing this column to our publication, but I will be re-defining it in some ways, excluding certain subject areas, as they will be touched on by other columns I will be writing, and add in other subject areas into this one. This column will still remain fairly eclectic, but I will be expanding it to include more on the subjects…
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Scary, Strange and Mythical Encounters: A Paranormal, Folklore & Mythology Column-December 2024: Introduction and Friday the 13th
Happy Friday the 13th! I’m so excited to start one of my new columns, and on Friday the 13th no less! How perfect for a Paranormal Column! Before I get into the content of my article, which I promise is themed for this Friday the 13th, and we will look at lore, legends, and myths as well as possible Pagan basis for the current superstitions and beliefs surrounding this magickal day. Before we get into the fun that I have in store for you, I want to explain what this column will be, and why I chose to tackle these subjects, both separately and apart. Stay with me, as it’s…
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News & Notes from the Editor-December 9th-15th, 2024: Reclaiming Paganism
Hello again friends! I hope you’re all doing well, and that your week is getting on without any major issues as we continue to navigate the end of Mercury retrograde this week. I’ve decided to take on an Op-Ed style for this week’s Editorial. Paganism is, and has been, pervasive in history, with its cultures, traditions and folk beliefs influencing everything, from our outlooks, philosophy and our holiday traditions. Different Gods, Goddesses and spirits have taken on similar attributes for each culture, helping explain things like the changing of the seasons, weather events, death, birth and similar, unavoidable aspects of life. For large parts of recent, modern history, Christianity and…
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Book Review-Pagan Portals: Cerridwen: Keeper of the Cauldron by Danu Forest
Book Review Pagan Portals: Cerridwen: Keeper of the Cauldron By Danu Forest Publisher: Moon Books 137 Page e-Book Release Date: December 1st, 2024 Pagan Portals: Cerridwen: Keeper of the Cauldron by Danu Forest is a fascinating examination of Cerrdiwen through mythology, worship and modern Paganism. Danu Forest is a well-known author on Celtic Pagan subjects, and she takes the cake in this book! Cerridwen is a somewhat complex, and multi-faceted goddess; some see her as mother, others as a crone. She’s the keeper of the cauldron of Awen, or inspiration, and the mother of Taliesin. She’s intertwined in the Arthurian Mythos as well, and serves as a central figure in…
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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…
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The Modern Merlin’s Mars Retrograde in Leo Survival Guide
Another planet has entered its retrograde phase, this time, it’s Mars, the planet of energy, action, sexuality and masculinity. Mars is transiting in Leo, but with the retrograde motion, will careen back into Cancer, making for an interesting retrograde transit. We’ll discuss what Mars retrograde typically brings, as well as sign specific things to expect for both Leo and Cancer. After this, we’ll discuss certain aspects this retrograde period will make with other planets, and the effects they may have. Without further ado, let’s begin! Mars Retrograde: What it means Mars retrograde is known to typically bring with it a propensity for short tempers, especially as setbacks are experienced and…
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News and Notes from the Editor-December 2nd-8th, 2024
Hello friends! This is a new column that we’re adding as we make some changes to our site. I want to take this chance to introduce myself, although, you probably all know who I am by now! For those who don’t know who I am, they call me The Modern Merlin, and I have happily accepted an offer to be the Co-Editor of this wonderful E-Magazine! I’ve enjoyed writing with PaganPages.Org so much since I came on board in February of this year. I’ve met some amazing people, and have learned and grown as a person, and as a Pagan and Witch/Sorcerer. I give nothing but thanks to the Gods…
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Book Review-A Confluence of Witches: A Modern Witches Anthology, compiled & edited by Casey Zabala
Book Review A Confluence of Witches: A Modern Witches Anthology Compiled & Edited by Casey Zabala Publisher: Weiser Books 208 page paperback Release Date: October 14th, 2024 A Confluence of Witches is a compilation of different articles compiled into a single volume, all dealing with Witchcraft, its roots, and its modern applications and practice. Many of these authors are known movers and shakers of the modern witchcraft world, making this a valuable addition to many a modern witch’s library. From pieces on lunar lore and how to work with the lunar phases, to money magic, to de-colonizing witchcraft, A Confluence of Witches will reignite a flame in any witch that feels as…
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Book Review-What Happens Next? Answers About the Afterlife by Jade-Sky
Book Review What Happens Next? Answers About the Afterlife By Jade-Sky Publisher: Rockpool Publishing 150 page Hardcover Release Date: October 1st, 2024 What Happens Next? Answers About the Afterlife by Jade-Sky is a non-religious approach to answering those nagging questions about the afterlife, even getting into specifics about death, spirits visiting you, whether hell is real or not, and more. This book came to me at a time of grief in my personal life, as I grieve the slow deterioration of my grandfather-who was more like a father to me-from cancer. While I personally don’t have as many questions about the afterlife, death, and similar topics, being a practicing Necromancer and…
