Morgan Daimler is a prolific author, especially about fairy lore and goddesses. I was eager to read her new short Pagan Portals book about Freya because, as I suspected and as Daimler concludes, Freya is “more than just a beautiful face or a bringer of love, more than just the ‘Norse Venus’.” She represents both “the beautiful and the terrifying.” We read in Daimler’s introduction that the name “Freya” derives from an Old Norse word meaning lady or woman, a general term or title. A modern word related to Freya’s name is the German “frau,” meaning woman or wife. That the name Freya is so generic shows her wider importance in German and Norse cultures but it makes research about her harder. Daimler acknowledges that this book is more of a starting point than an exhaustive treatment. Freya’s familial relationships are complex. She has been integral to various northern European mythologies across many centuries. Some aspects of the mythologies are perpetually debated, including whether Freya and Frigga are one in the same or distinct deities. Freya is a goddess associated with love, sex, fertility, remembrance of the battle dead, and with the shamanic-like practices of seidhr. The sixth day of the week, Friday, is named after Freya according to some Icelandic sources. Amber has long been a symbol of Freya, used for protection and healing. Amber has been used by humans for at least 10,000 years as evidenced in archeological discoveries. Daimler delves into how Freya figures into seidhr. As practiced today, Daimler writes, seidhr is a “reconstructed practice and how it is practiced varies greatly from person to person or group to group.” Any type of seidhr work, for Daimler, involves some level of trance work. Connecting with Freya, Daimler writes, has her wanting to raise a subject mentioned often in the Heathen community, of which she’s a participant: “unverified personal gnosis.” She shortens this to “personal gnosis.” It is spiritual knowledge “gained through direct spiritual experience, dreams, visions, or similar personal sources and which can’t be verified in older material.” If it’s from verified lore, it’s not personal gnosis. If people find they’ve had similar experiences without knowing each other ahead of time, that’s shared personal gnosis or group gnosis. Much of what’s going on among people who work with Freya, Daimler says, is in the category of group gnosis, i.e. not necessarily verified through historical source material. For making connections with Freya as an individual practitioner or with a group, Daimler’s got lists of useful tools, such as statues, shrines and correspondences for offerings. Ultimately, Daimler says, “all you really need is a willingness to be open to her. In connecting to Freya in our current context, Daimler offers what she calls a “caveat to readers,” and it’s this: One “problematic aspect of modern Heathenry, and by extension an issue that will impact anyone seeking to understand or connect to Norse gods,” is white supremacy. Since the beginning of the revival of Heathen spirituality, the ugly and dangerous shadow of Nazism and neo-Nazism has been a factor to be cognizant of, and to steer clear from. I’m glad Daimler made that explicit point even in this short treatment of the goddess Freya. ~ https://facingnorth.net/books/deity/freya, Sara RDaimond, Facing North

A wonderful introduction to one of the better known Norse goddesses, and quite a powerful one. Daimler did an excellent job of compiling information on Freya, and presenting it in an easy-to-read book. Broken into easy-to-read in one sitting sections, you’ll get a peek at the goddess in lore and pop culture, as well as ways to incorporate her into your life and rituals. The suggestions for getting to know Freya better on your own, are probably my favorite part of this book. If you decide you’d like to do more research after reading this, there’s a bibliography and suggestions for further study at the end. Perfect for those who are curious and starting out, or those who want to learn more and need a place to begin. ~ L Shadowlyn, https://lshadowlynauthor.com/2023/08/26/review-freya-meeting-the-norse-goddess-of-magic/

This is an intense and dense book, rich with information. If you are new to the Norse Gods, or new to Freya, this is a really good place to start out. It’s an ideal book for someone at the start of their journey. Morgan Damiler covers the available historical information about Freya, and the academic thinking that relates to what we know. Alongside this, there is information about contemporary representations and modern practice. It’s always clear what information comes from where so the reader can confidently make their own choices about how to interpret stories or relate to aspects of this Goddess. Where modern content is involved, Morgan expresses something of the diversity of approaches. No one reading this book could come away from it with the mistaken idea that there’s consensus over the right way to do things. It’s a very readable book – Morgan is able to deal with the more academic side of things in a way that a non-academic reader isn’t going to struggle with. If you’re already steeped in Norse lore, you might find this interesting for the contemporary practice aspects. I read it as someone who just finds this kind of thing interesting – I don’t practice Heathenry and I’m not considering a relationship with Freya. My primary interest is in the stories. It turns out that I knew all of Freya’s key stories already, which was affirming to learn. Given how random my reading can be, it’s a good experience having a book that consolidates the things I’ve picked up here and there like some sort of wordy crow. ~ Nimue Brown, https://druidlife.wordpress.com/2023/07/10/freya/

Morgan Daimler has once again provided a concise, foundational, and clever introduction to another Great Spirit. In this case it is Freya, the golden one, Vanadis, master of Seidr, and life-affirming sovereignty-teaching Goddess of Norse cultures. Daimler's style is charming, comprehensive, and invitational. ~ Fio Gede Parma, author of The Witch Belongs to the World, Elements of Magic & Magic of the Iron Pentacle

"Approachable and clearly written, Morgan Daimler's Pagan Portals: Freyja is a fantastic introduction to one of the most popular yet oft-misunderstood and sexualized deities of the modern Heathen revival. As someone who has been Heathen and worshipped Freyja for over two decades, I have seen a lot of disappointing and borderline disrespectful discourse surrounding this goddess with regards to sex. The discussion that Morgan offers in this book on this topic is worth the price of the book alone. This book is concise, providing an overview of Freyja in the sources, her main attributes, her connection to seiðr, and her representation in modern media. But it also includes the author's perspective, personal gnosis, and advice for connecting with this mighty goddess. At times, it feels like Morgan is not just acting in the role of teacher, but messenger as well, delivering nuggets of wisdom capable of both challenging and enriching the reader if allowed. In short, I highly recommend this book." ~ Cat Heath, author of Elves, Witches, & Gods

"Pagan Portals ~ Freya: Meeting the Norse Goddess of Magic is a fantastic exploration of the history and lore behind one of the most well-known goddesses. Daimler offers a comprehensive overview of Freya that is useful to scholars and mystic practitioners alike. A must-read for anyone wanting to deepen their knowledge of this Norse goddess!” ~ Maria DeBlassie, author of Practically Pagan ~ An Alternative Guide to Magical Living and Everyday Enchantments: Musings on Ordinary Magic & Daily Conjurings

Once again, Morgan Daimler has achieved what should be nigh on impossible: a slim, introductory volume that packs more punch than many heavier, denser books about this magical and fascinating goddess. Morgan brings Freya to life for modern Heathens and anyone interested in Norse deities, mythology, and spirituality using a unique balance of academic sources and personal experiences. And, like all good introductions, this book encourages the true seeker to find out more, and even lays the first flags on that path thanks to a comprehensive bibliography. Fantastic. ~ Mabh Savage, author of Practically Pagan: An Alternative Guide to Planet Friendly Living.

Morgan Daimler has crafted a book that is both an excellent overview of and introduction to Freya. At once approachable and informative, this Pagan Portal invites readers regardless of background to come to understand Freya from the sources we have and through their own experiences. If you want to develop a relationship with Freya, this book is an excellent place to start and to nurture your journey with Her. ~ Sarenth Odinsson, author of Walking the Worlds: Magic and Religion

No matter the book Morgan Daimler can always be counted on to be thorough, well researched, and honest in their interpretation of the subject matter. It’s something I’ve always held in high esteem, because knowing you’re being guided by someone who values the trust you’ve placed in them is such a gift. As if that in and of itself wasn’t enough, Morgan always manages the difficult task of taking that scholarship and making it approachable. In Freya, I walked away feeling like I knew that deity in a way I had not before. Due in no small part to Morgan sharing with us a sense of their home altar, personal practices, and even a novel I had never read before. It’s not often that I find a book I’d recommend without hesitation, but this is one of those books and I can’t sing it’s praises enough. ~ Mortellus, Author of The Bones Fall in a Spiral, An Introduction to Necromancy & the Magic of Death

"As one would expect of Morgan Daimler, her latest book is well researched and written in a style that is easy to comprehend and digest. Despite being a short introductory book on Freya, it is quite comprehensive, including some interesting personal viewpoints, and it makes a worth-while addition to any personal collection on Norse religion." ~ Luke Eastwood - author of The Druid’s Primer

"Morgan Daimler present us with a volume that anyone, with no previous knowledge about Freya, could use as first stepping stone to approach the Goddess. Packed with most of the essentials to start your journey with Freya and opening a door for further research on the right direction..." ~ Ness Bosch is an Iberian Shamaness, Priestess, Witch and Independent Researcher. Founder of the Path of the Bones.

Morgan Daimler’s “Pagan Portals: Freya - Meeting the Norse Goddess of Magick” weaves source material with personal experience to present a detailed introduction to Freya’s magic. If you want to invite Freya’s strength and power into their life, this book offers myths, associations, and practices (and much more) -- just what you need to start a relationship with this unapologetic goddess. ~ Irisanya Moon, author of Pagan Portals: Norns - Weavers of Fate & Magick

The goddess Freya is often spoken about in pagan ritual, myths, and stories, but what do we really know about this lovely goddess? Morgan Daimler summons the history, magic, and lore of Freya into a delightful and thoughtful guide to her mysteries. She incorporates both old and new ways of working with the goddess that not only inspires, but also gives us the tools to summon the power of Freya in a heartfelt way. ~ Chris Allaun, author of Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land

Morgan Daimler’s new book Pagan Portals: Freya, Meeting the Norse Goddess of Magic is a well-balanced blend of scholarship and personal experience, including original poetry, a guided meditation, and suggestions for connecting with the Vanic goddess. From history and mythology to symbology and modern practices, the author has created a comprehensive introduction that offers readers a solid foundation, as well as resources including a bibliography, from which they will be prepared to further their knowledge of Freya. By the end of this short book, those who began with a passing interest will have gained a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted Norse deity. ~ -- M. B. Strang, author of Arrow's Flight

I have known Freya. I have read the stories and the Havamal. Now after reading Morgan Diamler's Pagan Portals Freya, I finally feel like I understand Freya. Reading felt like sitting with a personal scholar who broke all the information into managable, easy to understand bites without loosing the integrity and enormity of the information itself. ~ Deborah A Meyeriecks author of Macha and the Medic

It is refreshing to find so much information on Freya in one place in a readable and relatable book. Meeting the Norse Goddess Freya is well researched and a book I would teach my students from. ~ Cat Gina Cole, author of Psychic Skills for Magic and Witchcraft

Freya: Meeting the Norse Goddess of Magic is the perfect primer for a deeper relationship with a powerful, complex deity. Daimler offers a concise yet thorough survey of the history, lore, and archaeology surrounding Freya’s story. This firm foundation informs and supports chapters covering modern practice and contemporary media depictions. With excellent suggestions for personal practice, devotion, and exploration, this book is a great “starter kit” for those just beginning to hail the Vanadis, the great goddess Freya, in their own practice. ~ Irene Glasse, co-author of Blackfeather Mystery School: The Magpie Training

In writing Freya Morgan Daimler delights us again with the outstanding level of scholarship and penmanship that have become their signature. Through its clarity, structure, and abundant reference material, Freya is an easy to consult, go-to resource for all those who seek to understand this goddess- whether in pursuit of academic research or seeking spiritual connection. Morgan Daimler does an excellent job in surveying Freya throughout old and modern lore, debunking the myth of the sex goddess, and diving into the clarification of pre- and post Christianization mores that shaped the understanding of Freya and influenced the ways people relate to her. The addition of author’s personal experience with Freya, and the inclusion of practical suggestions about developing a personal connection with the goddess make Freya a priceless resource for everyone interested in this powerful deity. ~ Daniela Simina, author, Pagan Portals - Where Fairies Meet: Parallels Between Irish and Romanian Fairy Traditions

Morgan Daimler has gifted us with a well-crafted and engaging introduction to the Goddess Freya. She begins with the ancient legends and names of Freya, then takes us through the lore and associations that have accumulated around the Goddess over the centuries, before bringing us right up to date with how Freya is envisioned today, by modern devotees and in popular culture. Truly a must read for anyone interested in or already working with this powerful and intriguing Goddess. ~ Ceri Norman, author of A Beginner’s Guide to Ogham Divination and Faerie Stones