{"id":23310,"date":"2020-12-01T01:10:47","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T05:10:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/?p=23310"},"modified":"2020-11-10T13:59:10","modified_gmt":"2020-11-10T17:59:10","slug":"book-review-priestess-of-the-morrigan-by-stephanie-woodfield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/2020\/12\/01\/book-review-priestess-of-the-morrigan-by-stephanie-woodfield\/","title":{"rendered":"Book Review &#8211; Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &#038; Devotional Work to the Great Queen by Stephanie Woodfield"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Book Review<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Priestess of the Morrigan<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Work to the Great Queen<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>by Stephanie Woodfield<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>Llewellyn Publications<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<h1><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><b>336 <\/b><b>Pages<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-23311\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"265\" height=\"398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1.png 300w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 265px) 100vw, 265px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>From the Publisher:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>&#8230;.<\/b><\/i> <i><b>Become a priestess of the Morrigan and build a personalized devotional practice with this profound book on deepening your connection to her. Through stories, prayers, and rituals for groups and solitaries,\u00a0Priestess of the Morrigan\u00a0shows you how to serve the Great Queen and enhance your spiritual journey.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Explore the true nature of the Morrigan, discover what it means to channel her voice, and learn about her role in prophecies and curse work. Create your own unique tradition with this book&#8217;s ritual-building advice and guidelines for developing a yearly cycle of celebrations. Stephanie Woodfield, a devotee to the Great Queen for over twenty years, uses her personal triumphs and challenges as beacons for your path to becoming a priestess of the Morrigan&#8230;.<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen <\/b>by Stephanie Woodfield is divided into four (4) Parts and sixteen (16) chapters, each providing the reader with an in depth introduction to one of the most formidable Goddesses of the path. Beginning each of the chapters is a personal account relating to the topic of focus. This lends a very intimate quality to the book, as is always the case, when the authors share their own experiences in a very relatable way into the information given. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">As the author explains in her Introduction, this book was not written as a step-by-step guide towards becoming a devotee of the Morrigan. Rather, it is an exploration of the work and the level of commitment required to walk the path of the Morrigan and claim your power as her priestess. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\">\u2026<span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Priestess is a word that means many different things to many different people. Across different cultures we can see some threads of similarity, but the expression of this kind of devotion varies wildly. I suspect it is because in each case we find a different god or set of gods, being worshipped&#8230;&#8230;.I belong to the Morrigan. And that devotion, that connection between the Great Queen and myself colors everything else I do as a priestess&#8230;<\/b><\/i>(Introduction)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Part 1: The Nature of the Morrigan <\/b>serves as a starting point in getting to know the energy and lore of this \u201cGreat Queen\u201d, as she is called as one of her epithets<b>. <\/b>I appreciated the format of<b> Chapter 1: The Morrigan: Who She Is and Who She Isn\u2019t <\/b>and its use of a Q&amp;A format.<b> <\/b>So often when we read books such as these, some of the smaller details such as pronunciation, the addition of other words surrounding the name as descriptors and discourse on others who play prominently in the lore of the god\/goddess are not addressed. This small attention to those particulars supports the intention of the book in providing the reader with clarity of who and how that Deity is perceived. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>&#8230;Vision and prophecy are perhaps the most defining aspects of my work as a priestess of the Morrigan. Wherever the Morrigan goes there are prophecies spoken over bloody battlefields, there are visions of the future; there are omens and warnings given in prophetic dreams. Prophecy is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the Morrigan\u2019s nature, yet it is in almost all of her stories&#8230; <\/b><\/i>(Part 2)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">I especially enjoyed the chapters of <b>Part 2: Vision and Prophecy. <\/b>This section includes the recounting of Ms. Woodfield\u2019s ritual of agreement that set her on the path as vessel for the visionary work. The experience was presented in such as way as to make it palpable and powerful even as a reader sitting in observation and gave great insight into the nature of a commitment such as this. In support of the nature of prophetic work there is information about the <i>Historic Irish Prophetic Practices<\/i>, <i>Modern Oracular Work<\/i> and the tools and exercises required such as trance, engaging triggers and others to step into this mantle. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Part 3: Chapter 12: Devotional Work<\/b> speaks to what evolves as creative outpouring when one steps into the mantle of deepening their devotion and commitment to the Morrigan. An example of this is expressed in Ms. Woodfield\u2019s personalization of Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (aka. LBRP), that is familiar to ceremonialists and kabbalists. She has made use of basic structure of the LBPR as a template that evolves to become <i>The Morrigan Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.<\/i> The LBRP is a well-anchored and very powerful magickal practice that many incorporate into their daily practice. Ms. Woodfield has adapted the LBRP to align with the Morrigan\u2019s prophecy from one of her battles of lore and in place of the traditional angelic beings and names of God in Hebrew, replaces these with various names of the Morrigan. The angelic beings associated with the compass directions are replaced by the four treasures of the Irish gods and the gods connected with them. This adaptation was well thought and when executed produced a very different form of energy from that of the original LBPR, and further exemplified the power in taking the foundational work and adapting it to align with your focus of devotion. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Chapter 13: The Halidom of Macha: Oaths and Vows <\/b>spends an appropriate amount of time explaining the extended responsibilities that accompany any oath given. I appreciated the succinct details and inferences of what it actually means to offer oaths to the Divine. I am a firm believer that any practitioner of any path should be clear and informed about the \u201cwhat and why\u2019s\u201d of their actions and engagement. And, especially when one is giving oaths to formidable Deities, who will most certainly call you to task. Topics such as <i>\u201cWho are you offering It (oaths) To?\u201d; \u201cNegotiate<\/i>\u201d and \u201c<i>When Oaths Are Broken<\/i>\u201d are all a call to be reflective about what you offer and walk with an abundance of caution. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Part 4: Sorcery and Ritual Craft<\/b> ties everything together. Having gone through the necessary information and soul searching regarding your choice to form a more intimate relationship with The Morrigan, now the focus becomes one of using magick as a means of devotion and ritual as a tool of manifesting the work of the Morrigan. Chapters on the art of <i>Curse Work and the Morrigan<\/i> (<b>Chapter 14<\/b>) and the <i>Dynamics of Ritual<\/i> (<b>Chapter 15<\/b>) provide the foundations for the suggested rituals that follow in <b>Chapter 16: Group Rituals<\/b>. These include one of <i>Keening<\/i>, <i>A Ritual to the Goddess of Battle, A Ritual of Dream Prophesy<\/i> and others crafted to bring the practitioner into direct experience with the Morrigan and those who stand with her. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><a name=\"_GoBack\"><\/a> <span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">The Appendix provides the reader with snapshots of the myths and lore associated with the Morrigan and the Bibliography shows the depth and scholarly approach given by Ms. Woodfield in writing <b>Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen<\/b>. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: x-large;\"><u><b>Would I Recommend:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen <\/b>by Stephanie Woodfield is clearly a work of loving devotion. From the beginning of the book, through its end, the emotion, energy and dedication as a Priestess of the Morrigan flows through the words and writings. And, although this book is written specifically about the nature of the Morrigan, I would say that the topics and offerings shared within this title give example of methodical and scrupulous approach that should be given in stepping into the mantle of devotee and priestess to any Deity. I also believe that we are in changing times that require fiercer and more assertive Deities that will stir us to action. The Morrigan is one such goddess and having access to valuable and personal accounts and resources such as <b>Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen <\/b>by Stephanie Woodfield to light the fires of our path is much needed know. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>To read more about the Morrigan and Stephanie\u2019s journey check out her companion book:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Celtic-Lore-Spellcraft-Dark-Goddess\/dp\/0738727679\/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=morrigan&amp;qid=1603710945&amp;s=books&amp;sr=1-3\">Celtic Lore &amp; Spellcraft of the dark Goddess: Invoking the Morrigan<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-23312\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-2.png 381w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-2-247x300.png 247w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><u><b>About Author <\/b><\/u><u><b>Stephanie Woodfield<\/b><\/u><u><b>:<\/b><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #333333;\"><i><b>Stephanie Woodfield\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333;\">(Orlando, FL) has been a practicing Pagan for the past twenty years. A devotional polytheist, teacher, and Priestess of the Morrigan, she is one of the founding members of Morrigu&#8217;s Daughters and is an organizer for several Pagan gatherings. Stephanie teaches classes on devotional work and magical practice in the US and internationally. A long time New Englander, she now resides in the Orlando area with her husband, a very pampered cat, and various reptiles. In her spare time she enjoys creating art out of skulls and other dead things. She is called to helping others forge meaningful experiences with the Morrigan, as well as the Gods and land of Ireland.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-23311\" src=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"125\" height=\"188\" srcset=\"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1.png 300w, https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Priestess-of-the-Morrigan-1-200x300.png 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 125px) 100vw, 125px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/0738766658\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0738766658&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=paganpages-20&amp;linkId=403643e9b7bee0e8ae0ff4245bb39865\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Priestess of The Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen on Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;\" src=\"\/\/ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com\/e\/ir?t=paganpages-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=0738766658\" alt=\"\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\" border=\"0\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">***<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><span style=\"color: #333333;\">About the author:<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><i><b>Robin Fennelly\u00a0<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">is an Elder within\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sacredwheel.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition<\/a>\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.oakandwillow.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">C<\/a><a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">oven of the Mystic Path<\/a>, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Coven of the Mystic Path<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCI08DQcpZUH4d26Ht4Afzog\/\">A Journey to the Inner Chamber<\/a>. <\/b><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/teachingsonthepathwithrobin.bandcamp.com\/\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Teachings on the Path with Robin.<\/b><\/span><\/span> <\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n<p align=\"justify\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Robin is the owner of\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><i>Holistic Embrace\u00a0<\/i><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Robin\u2019s Website<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/\">www.robinfennelly.com<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.covenofthemysticpath.org\/\">www.covenofthemysticpath.org<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website:<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><b>For more info<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\">:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html\">http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The Temple of the Sun: An Astrological Solar Year<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: Times New Roman, serif;\"><span style=\"font-size: large;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Writings in the Shadow: An Exploration of the Shadow Nature<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Book Review Priestess of the Morrigan Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen by Stephanie Woodfield Llewellyn Publications 336 Pages &nbsp; &nbsp; From the Publisher: &#8230;. Become a priestess of the Morrigan and build a personalized devotional practice with this profound book on deepening your connection to her. Through stories, prayers, and rituals for groups and solitaries,\u00a0Priestess of the Morrigan\u00a0shows you how to serve the Great Queen and enhance your spiritual journey. Explore the true nature of the Morrigan, discover what it means to channel her voice, and learn about her role in prophecies and curse work. Create your own unique tradition with this book&#8217;s ritual-building advice and guidelines for developing a yearly cycle of celebrations. Stephanie Woodfield, a devotee to the Great Queen for over twenty years, uses her personal triumphs and challenges as beacons for your path to becoming a priestess of the Morrigan&#8230;. Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen by Stephanie Woodfield is divided into four (4) Parts and sixteen (16) chapters, each providing the reader with an in depth introduction to one of the most formidable Goddesses of the path. Beginning each of the chapters is a personal account relating to the topic of focus. This lends a very intimate quality to the book, as is always the case, when the authors share their own experiences in a very relatable way into the information given. As the author explains in her Introduction, this book was not written as a step-by-step guide towards becoming a devotee of the Morrigan. Rather, it is an exploration of the work and the level of commitment required to walk the path of the Morrigan and claim your power as her priestess. \u2026Priestess is a word that means many different things to many different people. Across different cultures we can see some threads of similarity, but the expression of this kind of devotion varies wildly. I suspect it is because in each case we find a different god or set of gods, being worshipped&#8230;&#8230;.I belong to the Morrigan. And that devotion, that connection between the Great Queen and myself colors everything else I do as a priestess&#8230;(Introduction) Part 1: The Nature of the Morrigan serves as a starting point in getting to know the energy and lore of this \u201cGreat Queen\u201d, as she is called as one of her epithets. I appreciated the format of Chapter 1: The Morrigan: Who She Is and Who She Isn\u2019t and its use of a Q&amp;A format. So often when we read books such as these, some of the smaller details such as pronunciation, the addition of other words surrounding the name as descriptors and discourse on others who play prominently in the lore of the god\/goddess are not addressed. This small attention to those particulars supports the intention of the book in providing the reader with clarity of who and how that Deity is perceived. &#8230;Vision and prophecy are perhaps the most defining aspects of my work as a priestess of the Morrigan. Wherever the Morrigan goes there are prophecies spoken over bloody battlefields, there are visions of the future; there are omens and warnings given in prophetic dreams. Prophecy is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of the Morrigan\u2019s nature, yet it is in almost all of her stories&#8230; (Part 2) I especially enjoyed the chapters of Part 2: Vision and Prophecy. This section includes the recounting of Ms. Woodfield\u2019s ritual of agreement that set her on the path as vessel for the visionary work. The experience was presented in such as way as to make it palpable and powerful even as a reader sitting in observation and gave great insight into the nature of a commitment such as this. In support of the nature of prophetic work there is information about the Historic Irish Prophetic Practices, Modern Oracular Work and the tools and exercises required such as trance, engaging triggers and others to step into this mantle. Part 3: Chapter 12: Devotional Work speaks to what evolves as creative outpouring when one steps into the mantle of deepening their devotion and commitment to the Morrigan. An example of this is expressed in Ms. Woodfield\u2019s personalization of Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (aka. LBRP), that is familiar to ceremonialists and kabbalists. She has made use of basic structure of the LBPR as a template that evolves to become The Morrigan Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. The LBRP is a well-anchored and very powerful magickal practice that many incorporate into their daily practice. Ms. Woodfield has adapted the LBRP to align with the Morrigan\u2019s prophecy from one of her battles of lore and in place of the traditional angelic beings and names of God in Hebrew, replaces these with various names of the Morrigan. The angelic beings associated with the compass directions are replaced by the four treasures of the Irish gods and the gods connected with them. This adaptation was well thought and when executed produced a very different form of energy from that of the original LBPR, and further exemplified the power in taking the foundational work and adapting it to align with your focus of devotion. Chapter 13: The Halidom of Macha: Oaths and Vows spends an appropriate amount of time explaining the extended responsibilities that accompany any oath given. I appreciated the succinct details and inferences of what it actually means to offer oaths to the Divine. I am a firm believer that any practitioner of any path should be clear and informed about the \u201cwhat and why\u2019s\u201d of their actions and engagement. And, especially when one is giving oaths to formidable Deities, who will most certainly call you to task. Topics such as \u201cWho are you offering It (oaths) To?\u201d; \u201cNegotiate\u201d and \u201cWhen Oaths Are Broken\u201d are all a call to be reflective about what you offer and walk with an abundance of caution. Part 4: Sorcery and Ritual Craft ties everything together. Having gone through the necessary information and soul searching regarding your choice to form a more intimate relationship with The Morrigan, now the focus becomes one of using magick as a means of devotion and ritual as a tool of manifesting the work of the Morrigan. Chapters on the art of Curse Work and the Morrigan (Chapter 14) and the Dynamics of Ritual (Chapter 15) provide the foundations for the suggested rituals that follow in Chapter 16: Group Rituals. These include one of Keening, A Ritual to the Goddess of Battle, A Ritual of Dream Prophesy and others crafted to bring the practitioner into direct experience with the Morrigan and those who stand with her. The Appendix provides the reader with snapshots of the myths and lore associated with the Morrigan and the Bibliography shows the depth and scholarly approach given by Ms. Woodfield in writing Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen. Would I Recommend: Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen by Stephanie Woodfield is clearly a work of loving devotion. From the beginning of the book, through its end, the emotion, energy and dedication as a Priestess of the Morrigan flows through the words and writings. And, although this book is written specifically about the nature of the Morrigan, I would say that the topics and offerings shared within this title give example of methodical and scrupulous approach that should be given in stepping into the mantle of devotee and priestess to any Deity. I also believe that we are in changing times that require fiercer and more assertive Deities that will stir us to action. The Morrigan is one such goddess and having access to valuable and personal accounts and resources such as Priestess of the Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen by Stephanie Woodfield to light the fires of our path is much needed know. To read more about the Morrigan and Stephanie\u2019s journey check out her companion book: Celtic Lore &amp; Spellcraft of the dark Goddess: Invoking the Morrigan About Author Stephanie Woodfield: Stephanie Woodfield\u00a0(Orlando, FL) has been a practicing Pagan for the past twenty years. A devotional polytheist, teacher, and Priestess of the Morrigan, she is one of the founding members of Morrigu&#8217;s Daughters and is an organizer for several Pagan gatherings. Stephanie teaches classes on devotional work and magical practice in the US and internationally. A long time New Englander, she now resides in the Orlando area with her husband, a very pampered cat, and various reptiles. In her spare time she enjoys creating art out of skulls and other dead things. She is called to helping others forge meaningful experiences with the Morrigan, as well as the Gods and land of Ireland. Priestess of The Morrigan: Prayers, Rituals &amp; Devotional Work to the Great Queen on Amazon *** About the author: Robin Fennelly\u00a0is an Elder within\u00a0The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition\u00a0and serves as High Priestess of\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven\u00a0within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches\u00a0and facilitates\u00a0classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that\u00a0serves as foundation for membership within\u00a0Coven of the Mystic Path.\u00a0\u00a0 Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice.\u00a0 A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge\u00a0base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers. Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following a practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to\u00a0Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her\u00a01st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th (Elder) degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of two ASW covens since Samhain of 2001 and the Winter Solstice of 2015. As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies\u00a0she uses Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25\u00a0years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work. Robin\u2019s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally.\u00a0 She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented.\u00a0 She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival. Her most recent projects include a channel on youtube: A Journey to the Inner Chamber. She also shares audio pathworkings and ritual on her bandcamp site: Teachings on the Path with Robin. Robin is the owner of\u00a0Holistic Embrace\u00a0providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance\u00a0and other related offerings.\u00a0 She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education. Robin\u2019s Website:\u00a0www.robinfennelly.com Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW:\u00a0www.covenofthemysticpath.org Her books can be found on Amazon or purchased directly through her website: For more info:\u00a0http:\/\/www.robinfennelly.com\/books.html The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It\u2019s Written in the Stars-Astrology The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World The Temple of the Sun: An&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10005],"tags":[10346,10095,12559,12560,12558,12557,10075,10054,12561],"class_list":["post-23310","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews","tag-author","tag-book","tag-devotional-work-to-the","tag-great-queen","tag-prayers","tag-priestess-of-the-morrigan","tag-review","tag-rituals","tag-stephanie-woodfield"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23310","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/208"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23310"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23310\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23316,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23310\/revisions\/23316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23310"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23310"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/paganpages.org\/emagazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23310"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}