Heavily researched books get a bad reputation for being stuffy, boring, or just too damn long. When something has been researched to the point where it’s just a collection of facts with no soul, that’s where I check out. Fortunately, Raven Goddess: Going Deeper with The Morrigan by Morgan Daimler provides an abundance of thoroughly researched and cross-checked facts, coupled with a flair that only an accomplished storyteller could achieve. Having authored many books on the subject of the Irish Gods and Ungods, despite not being part of that heritage, Daimler has captured the respect of fellow authors and scholars by their clarity on the subject matter and the depth of their research on the topics. A blogger, poet, teacher, witch, priestess and the author of more than two dozen books, Daimler’s Pagan Portals – Raven Goddess is a shining example of this depth of research as this book takes you beyond the normal space of explaining who The Morrigan is and explores the mystery that surrounds her. The Morrigan has been misrepresented in many books, mostly due to the rapid spread of misinformation through opinion-based writings. I am not in any way suggesting that people may not have an opinion on how they identify or interact with any particular God or Goddess, but I do believe having the facts should precede any sort of opinion-based writing. Having said that, while Daimler does inject their own opinion on a regular basis throughout the book, it’s done in a simple and satisfying way that adds layers to the information being presented. The opinions expressed by Daimler are based on their exhaustive research and their ability to translate the old texts that are referred to throughout the book. Having tried learning Gaelic exactly once in my life, it is impressive to see the original text plus the various translations already made compared to Daimler’s translations. This added touch lends a layer of authenticity to the book that is both refreshing and downright amazing. Referencing old texts, parts of poems, and scholarly writings, Daimler is able to piece together a very deep and revealing portrait of who The Morrigan is and how we can work with Her as individuals if we feel called to. Beyond the normal listing of various correspondences, Daimler provides an in-depth examination of various sources of the material from which the correspondences associated with The Morrigan are derived. This cross referencing could be tiresome for folks if it weren’t for the way Daimler writes. In one chapter, Daimler provides irrefutable proof that Morgen Le Fay and The Morrigan are two separate entities. They explain: “The Morrigan and Morgen Le Fay are often associated with each other in modern paganism… both certainly were vilified and demonized over time as stories evolved, the Morrigan going from a goddess to a night spectre and Morgen from a priestess of Avalon to an incestuous and usurping sister of the king.”1 That is perhaps one the most common misperceptions of The Morrigan that I have personally come across. I didn’t think that the two shared any roots, but over the years as I did my own reading and found others who made connections, it made me wonder. The biggest point of contention is the fact that the Morrigan is Irish and Morgen La Fay is Welsh, so that should have stopped the connection there. Fortunately, this book cleared all that up as Daimler says without reservation, “there’s no evidence that the Morrigan and Morgen La Fay share any roots or that historically the two have any connection to each other..”2 There are other pieces to the book that enhance the journey through the history of The Morrigan. The correct spelling of her name, for example, as well as an explanation of why it is “The Morrigan” and not simply “Morrigan”. Daimler goes into this briefly, stating “It may help to keep in mind that her name translates to a title — either the Great Queen or the Phantom Queen, so try thinking that you are saying that.”3 References to other works abound, if you aren’t careful you will fall down a rabbit hole of personal research and cross checking. As I write this, I have four other books on the subject including Daimler’s first book on The Morrigan titled “The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queens”. I love reading books that give you additional resources to look up your own information and this book does that perfectly. Daimler’s writing is clear and concise and carries a hint of reverence for the subject matter. This book is an absolute pleasure to read and conjures up many questions that no doubt I will spend time finding my own answers to. For me, as someone who follows The Morrigan and has for years, this book provides a wealth of knowledge that I didn’t have and more importantly, didn’t know I was missing. ~ Sarah October Young, https://musingmystical.com/author/sarrahoctoberyoung/page/3/

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I read the first book, Pagan Portals The Morrigan: Meeting the Great Queens. I have loved the Morrigan since I met her back in 1999. I thought she would be my matriarchal Goddess until Lilith showed me the way. The Morrigan is still with me, and I was happy to read this book and going deeper into knowing Her. If you follow Celtic traditions, or love The Morrigan, you will enjoy reading this book. ~ Dawn Thomas (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Morgan Daimler did a fantastic job writing this more in depth book about The Morrigan. This book provides a very well-rounded history of the Morrigan and can be read as an introduction or to expand on one's knowledge about her. I am sure that I will be referencing this book often in the future and as usual, Daimler did a fantastic job citing her sources. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Morrigan, as I was. ~ Samantha Staicoff (Librarian), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I’m not new to Daimler’s books. I couldn’t believe how much information she packed into this small book. This is a definite read for anyone that’s interested in the Morrigan. ~ Jamie Sutch (Educator), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Although it took me a while to get into this book, once I did I really enjoyed it! I will definitely be referencing it again in the future! ~ Jen Bard (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars...............................Rather than write a whole paper on this book I will just wholeheartedly suggest that you get it & can say I truly enjoyed it & it should be on any shelf of serious Celtic Deity translations..... ~ Kathleen Robertson (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I love a nice, witchy book that focuses on one of my favorite goddesses that people worship. While this book does look and sound dark, it actually packs a ton of information in such a small piece that would be great for anyone who practices or is interested in the Raven Goddess. ~ Renee Pinkston (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Daimler is my go-to author for all things The Morrigan. I highly recommend it. If you are interested in learning about The Morrigan you should read all of Daimler's books! ~ Eliza Beth (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I'm happy I read this book because I learned something more and new about the Morrigan. It's well written, well researched and it helps to dispel some myths about this goddess. I love Pagan Portal books and I think this is an excellent addition. Highly recommended. ~ Anna Maria Giacomasso (Reviewer), NetGalley

Well researched and cited, the author clearly defines the Morrigan for those who have stumbled into misinformation and falsehoods. Written in an easy to understand and straightforward manner, there is no denying the author knows her subject well and closely. This book is perfect for those looking to seek a deeper relationship with the Morrigan or just those interested in Irish Pagan theology and mythology. ~ Katie Robbert (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I've previously read one of the Pagan Portal books about Gwynn App Nudd and the Wild Hunt when I was doing research for a book I was writing, and I found it so informative and fun to read! I was not disappointed by this installment of their Pagan Portals series, and I will definitely be ordering a hard copy of this one once it's out. I also plan to buy more in the series because I really love how they give you a great deal of info in a tiny package, but also give you plenty to think about, and ideas on how to keep going with your research of any given topic. ~ Graceley Knox (Media), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A wonderful and insightful addition to any pagan library. Morgan Daimler picks up and expands further upon the Morrigan. This book I found to be quite insightful following the previous book simply titled 'the Morrigian' and would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this mysterious goddess. ~ Gavin Mitchell (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Morgan Daimler does an incredible job on her second Pagan Portal book on the topic of Celtic goddess The Morrigan. This edition, Raven Goddess, takes a deeper look at the mentions of the Morrigan in Celtic literature and story culture, tying back items to both pagan practice and historical aspects of Irish culture. While there are many similar Morrigan stories in this book Daimler breaks down the important areas of why certain descriptors are powerfully important, and how they can be misconstrued to someone who has not put as much time and focus into the practice and study of The Morrigan. For those with an eye more on history and mythology of Ireland, this book is an incredible and quick read. Daimler also keeps readers curious, and provides more points of study for those wishing to continue on. ~ Victoria Irwin (Media), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Excellent and well researched book on the Morrigan. The Morrigan is one of those figures from myth that not enough is known to us. Morgan Daimler does a great job of trying to separate past myths from modern retellings. It's an enjoyable read for anyone interested in Celtic Mythology. ~ Kaitlin Hawthorne (Reviewer), NetGalley

This a deeper, more personal book about the Morrigan, because not only you get to know specific information about this Goddess, such as Her physical appearance and basic associations, but also how to build a strong relationship with Her, what modern misconceptions surrounder Her and the several roles She played in mythology. This book takes you in a journey to understand the original material and how to interpret the information you come across. Each chapter dwells on a different topic. You start with a basic understand, who She is, how to pronounce Her name (tricky, if you ask me), how She looks and what you can expect, and several questions that have been on the internet for a while, with all the responses based on her original myths and associations. This will help you have a clear idea of what to expect when working with her and what she may feel like to you, although the author makes it clear that every person's relationship with the Morrigan is unique. But things don't end there. There has been a big confussion on Her role as a Goddess, Her connections to other figures, deities and even heroes. Some people say She's a motherhood or sexual goddess, others that She has +50 children... Morgan Daimler gives you enough proofs about whether there's some real basis on this or not. Hint: Not that much. Also, I may be a bit biased in this, but since I loved Nemain in the previous book it was a nice bonus to have a chapter dedicated to her and Morgan le Fay (spelling I'm more familiar with,) another figure I found intriguing and am currently reading about. Blame for being a fan boy! Whether you want to understand Her on a higher level, forge a relationship with Her or simply know what true there is in the moder perception we have of the Morrigan as a society, mostly due to pop culture and entertainment, this book is for you. It will also inspire you in what some of Her values may mean on a personal level and touch upon several social issues we often don't like to think about. For example: that quick reference to the Dagda and sexuality? Yes, totally yes! Pagan Portals - Raven Goddess: Going Deeper with the Morrigan is a must-have for Celtic Pagans and Witches! ~ Kyler B. Warhol

The Morrigan is a deity who many feel they know on first glance, but like so many strong female figures from myth, She is sold short in so doing. Daimler pulls us in for a deeper look, a truly intimate one on one with The Great Queen that asks us to dig in and listen to what She has to tell us. ~ Mortellus, Author of Do I Have To Wear Black? Rituals, Customs & Funerary Etiquette for Modern Pagans

There are no shortages of misconceptions about The Morrigan. Perhaps even more so now that she is a popular figure in modern Paganism. Daimler untangles many of our modern assumptions about this power goddess and takes readers on a deeper exploration of her lore. Raven Goddess is an excellent resource for all those seeking the Great Queen. ~ Stephanie Woodfield, author of Celtic Lore and Spellcraft of the Dark Goddess

Daimler’s Raven Goddess is a deep, delicious treat for all those who love the enigmatic goddess known as the Morrigan. For everyone who has enjoyed a taste of her and craves to know more, this is the text you have been waiting for. Readers will find themselves falling even more enraptured with this goddess than ever before, and will never wish to recover. ~ Courtney Weber, author of The Morrigan: Celtic Goddess of Magick and Might

Raven Goddess is an excellent follow-up to Daimler’s 2014 Pagan Portals book The Morrigan. It provides new and more complete translations of key source material, and it clears up some of the misinformation about the Morrigan from both inaccurate scholarship and from modern pop culture. It provides helpful guidelines for deepening your connections to the Morrigan, who is one of the most active Goddesses in our world today. Highly recommended for beginners, but the translations alone are worth the price of the book for anyone. ~ John Beckett author of The Path of Paganism