Unveiling the mysteries, lore, and magic of the hidden Goddess of the Severn.
Unveiling the mysteries, lore, and magic of the hidden Goddess of the Severn.
Celtic spirituality, Goddess worship, Paganism & neo-paganism
Within the flow of the Severn, Britain’s longest river, resides a Goddess who, for millennia, has governed the cyclical nature of life and death in mythic and subtle ways. Whether known as Sabrina to the English or Hafren to the Welsh, this book is an invitation to dive deep into the currents of time to explore her identity and power. From the age of the Celts to the tragedies woven together by the medieval clerics, right up to the modern day, this book illuminates an ever-evolving, powerful divinity associated with boundaries, transformation, and magical Salmon. Combining personal insight, lore, academic research, and exercises to connect to her waters, these pages traverse the historical tales of a Goddess who is the heart and soul of the landscape.
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A wonderful and much-needed exploration of the myths and magic of the Severn, one of Britain's greatest rivers, and the goddess which bears its name. Delving into the history and lore of Sabrina, the author suggests some practical methods of working with this neglected deity and her region. Invaluable. ~ Liz Williams, lecturer and author of Miracles of Our Own Making: A History of Paganism
By pulling on the threads woven across myth, lore, poetry, history, and literature, Brett Hollyhead has painted a glorious image of the Goddess Sabrina rooted within her own complex cultural context. A Goddess of the in-between, with a history and lore as convoluted and contradictory as her waters are deep and mysterious. And yet, this book has managed to explore these themes in an accessible and enchanting format. Brett has guided the reader on an epic adventure along the flow of the Severn, where they will learn of a Goddess who was perhaps born of a giant’s tears, or began her life as a poor drowned soul. Packed also with hands on practical exercises for the aspiring devotee or magical practitioner. All who read this will feel a deeper connection not only to the Goddess Sabrina, but also to the adjacent lore found within the cultures of the various peoples who live along the Severn’s shores and beyond. A beautiful, poetic, and well-researched read. This book is a treasure, a gift that I’m certain many will find useful for many moons to come. ~ Mhara, Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales
Pagan Portals Sabrina is a fascinating look at not only Sabrina, the powerful figure connected to the river Severn, but of the stories written in the landscape and the endless cycles of the river. Blending history and myth with personal experience through a poetic writing style, this book speaks to the soul as much as to the mind, educating and enchanting. A must read for anyone interested in river goddesses or anyone drawn to the magic of water. ~ Morgan Daimler, author of Pagan Portals The Morrigan and Pagan Portals Brigid
This is a deeply personal invocation of the natural history, mythology and Spirit of Britain's greatest river, with a strong strain of practical magic. It is exciting, absorbing and endearing. ~ Professor Ronald Hutton, historian and author of The Triumph of The Moon, The Stations of The Sun and Queens of The Wild
I encourage everyone to take Brett’s hand and dip into the waters of the Severn with him as he guides you along the beautiful winding journey the river takes. It will lead you to one of the most fascinating goddesses, the elusive but alluring water nymph Sabrina. The book honours Sabrina in the most charming and wonderful way, you won’t be disappointed ~ Rachel Patterson: Witch and best selling author of thirty books including Gods & Goddesses of England, The Triple Goddess and The Cailleach.
