"Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear."
Some books to get you started with Satanism (that aren't LaVey's bible)
Please note that none of these are simple "Satanism 101" titles. I don't really believe there is such a thing, at least not for me. However there is a good reason for each one being on the list, which I will explain. There also won't be any magic or witchcraft recommendations on this list, because while magic is absolutely compatible with Satanism, Satanism is a religion and witchcraft is a practice. I may update this list periodically, so if you reblog or save this post, check back in on it once in a while.
Paradise Lost by John Milton. I'd argue this text is one of the closest things Satanism has to "scripture," if there is a Satanic canon then Milton is absolutely a part of it. It can be a bit of a tricky read but it's a beautiful poem loaded with imagery and metaphor to feed the soul. If the style is a struggle for you to read, I'd recommend listening to an audio version, it's very beautiful when read aloud.
Revelations from the Christian Bible. Yes, I'm serious. If you, as a Satanist, are going to read any part of the Bible, make it Revelations. It's poetic and esoteric and full of references to Satan and the demonic.
Inferno by Dante Alighieri. The one might surprise some people, as Satan absolutely isn't depicted in a flattering light in it. However, Inferno has had a surprising amount of influence on the Christian understanding of Hell and the demonic, which is part of why I feel it is valuable, as Satanism is derived from Christianity. Many stereotypes about what one may expect when one gets to hell comes from this book. Furthermore, it's just a fun read.
Origins of Satan by Elaine Pagels. This one is a historical study of Satan as a religious figure, and I think it ought to be required reading for anyone getting into Satanism. Satan isn't just a vague or meaningless deity, he has been weaponized by Christianity throughout the centuries to target very specific groups of people for specific reasons. If you are to take on the mantle of Satanist, I recommend understanding what sort of legacy you're associating yourself with. You are becoming an adversary to God - but what, to the Christian eye, makes one an enemy?
[ID: tags reading "I'm far from LaVeyan but those are all very good to read!]
To be clear: I complied this list partially because I am also far from LaVeyan. In fact I find LaVey's work to be shallow at best and damaging at worst. I get tired of hearing people endlessly recommend the Satanic Bible when it only depicts a single version of Satanism, and there's so many other options out there.
One of the Goetic demons who serves under the High King Lucifer as a King. This information was shared to me by Paimon and also gained through my experiences in working with this magnificent infernal god.
Rulerships: rhetoric, courts, influencing people in power, bringing people safety when in transit, matters of legal disputes, messages, invisibility, cunning, magickal prowess, serendipity, and helping to acquire rare bargains
History: When the leader of the Watchers, Shemyaza, was cursed by the False God, he was split into two beings- Azazel and Paimon. While Azazel is the more war-like side, Paimon is more withdrawn and intellectual. After Falling, Paimon joined High King Lucifer straight away, as he valued the same things as Lucifer, and how he was everything that the False God (Jehovah) was not. Besides this, most of Paimon’s existence remains a mystery, as he does not wish to share much about himself.
Rank: King
Elements: Air, Fire, Earth, Junction
Colours: Red, Orange, Yellow, Gold
Appearance: An Arabian man in his late 40’s with black hair, although his head is normally covered with cloth. He wears a weathered ancient Arab garment that is often light-beige in colour. Paimon’s expression is stern, and he doesn’t normally show much emotion. He appears while riding upon a demonic camel with red eyes; horns can be heard blaring upon his arrival (in the astral).
Personality: Paimon is very reserved and serious, he does not speak much to others or reveal many things about himself. He greatly values knowledge, and constantly devotes his time to seeking out more wisdom. He wanders each day and watches, becoming wiser. Paimon wanders the entire world, with empty places as his favourite areas. Although he makes sure to never stay anywhere for long, always being on the move.
Paimon is a very complex demon, and is honourable as well. He values honest deals, perseverance, and those who wander far away to seek rare objects or opportunities. Paimon has immense knowledge and is also highly skilled in magick, especially favouring the magick of the ancient Arabs. He doesn’t normally like humans however, especially those who are willfully ignorant or those who complain often. But if someone is dedicated and intelligent enough, he may be willing to impart some teachings.
How to call him: Speak to Paimon as you would with any other god, be polite and considerate. Contact him through telepathically speaking in your mind, directing the words to him (you can do this verbally, but if malicious spirits hear, they may pretend to be him). When inviting a Goetic demon to visit you, try to dress decently for them since they are divine and royalty.
Things he can do: Assist in rhetoric skills, court matters, influencing people in power, safety during travels, developing cunning and wit, magickal knowledge, help in striking interesting bargains (such as gaining rare pieces), and help with reuniting people to meet again.
Enn (for meditation or devotion): Linan tasa jedan Paimon
Offerings: camel pastourma, beef pastourma, chickpeas, hummus with paprika, falafel, pita bread, pinecone seeds, bitter dark chocolate (85-90%), sand, desert seeds (from any desert flower or tree), small spools of thread (red, orange, yellow, or gold), rutilated quartz, beryl, peridot, aquamarine, bone carvings, wooden carvings of camels, bone dice, tumbleweeds, gold flakes in oil, walking staffs of desert people (carved, wooden), oud incense, bakhoor with devil’s eye incense
As a culturally Irish and Roman Catholic who converted to Eastern Orthodoxy I still feel quite close to the rosary and I feel it’s still a part of me. I firmly believe that cultural practices can be preserved even after conversion and thus I’ve created this small guide on how I personally pray the rosary as an Eastern Orthodox Catholic. Of course this is not the only way to pray the rosary as an Orthodox Christian and nor should it be! The Western Orthodox tradition often incorporates the rosary and the Eastern tradition of Roman Catholics do as well. The Eastern Orthodox saint, Seraphim of Sarov, even had his own version of a rosary prayer. All prayers listed below come directly from the “Jordanville Prayer Book” and it is important to note that I do not recite/contemplate any of the “mysteries” and conform to the “non-imaginative” form of Orthodox prayer. I also pray in a loop meaning I start and end with “The Apostle’s Creed” (then a sign of the cross) but that’s just a personal preference. This is my personal creation I wished to share and is not official in anyway, nonetheless I hope this guide benefits you in some small way, may your prayers be blessed.
“The Apostles Creed” or, “The Symbol of Faith”
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; and arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; and ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Who’s kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
“The Our Father”
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead is not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
“The Hail Mary” or, the “Song to the Most Holy Theotokos”
O Theotokos and Virgin, rejoice, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
“The Glory Be”
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
“It Is Truly Meet” (replacing the “Hail Holy Queen”)
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare, more glorious than the Seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify. Amen.
Although I never used it before converting, if you feel the need; “The Jesus Prayer” (perhaps using the plural) can be used in place of the “Fatíma Prayer”
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner/we sinners.
Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in the day of battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust down to hell Satan and all wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls.
Astragalomancy is a fancy name to dices divination, but have a reason for that. Having its first records from Egypt 1400 BC (other data say it is 3500 BC), the data used by the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks were usually made of sheep, horses or goat vertebrae, marked or not on each of their faces. The term "astragalomancy" derives from the term "astragaios" which means something like "joint bone". But in the end, is just another method of Cleromancy, which is divination by randomness when throwing an object.
Why I use
Magic is sentiment and not reason, as a magician, witch, fortune teller, you need to study a lot to be good in your practice, but when you are in your divination, what you command is your feeling. What's coming from your chest, stomach, or foot should be stronger than what's in your head. And the presence of my dices in my life is like a dream to me.
One of the dreams that my brother and I always had was to play table RPG, we always did this kind of imaginary game, arms turned into weapons and shields, but the apex of this game would be to finally make a table RPG. But you couldn't even buy the dices...
So finally after 20 years between being able to collect people to play together and having the money to buy at least one dice game, we were able to make our first game. Now due to the pandemic I can't play live anymore, but my dices carries all the dream and desire I had and still have for that moment. My dice carry more than just the euphoria of the game and so when I saw them standing still, I had to give them a purpose. After all, the magic was already on the table.
Divination - How I do that
I'm honest, I still testing everything, some of the dices I like more (like the D20, they're the ones that I'm more emotionally connected) but I will show to you all the types that I use.
Have two dice of different colors, one you will give more strength for positive responses while the other will have this power for negative ones (do this with colors, warm colors are positive and cold colors are negatives).
Two 4 - Absolutely yes
Two 1 - Absolutely no
1 and 3 - No
2 and 4 - Yes
1 and 2/ 3 and 4 - Maybe
Don't forget to use your intuition, guts or whatever you think that connects you. Sometimes the positive one will look more powerful, so the maybe can transform into a "yes, if you work".
(The text is pretty long... click here for more 👇)
D6 - For when you have patience
You will need to have 3 dices and a circled surface. Can be a cloth with a circle or well.. your DnD think that I forget the name.. And now, lets interpret:
1 dice outside the circle: Difficulties await you.
2 dices soutside the circle: Possibility of discussions and conflicts.
3 dice outside the circle: Sign of luck and success. No need to interpret the rest of the play
If any dice fall off the table: You are in danger of losing a friend; problems, worries and annoyances very soon.
The dice that fell within the circle is added up and the result indicates the message. You can choose to interpret each data separately and then add it up. Also, if by any reason the numerology scream to you, like the 1 meaning beginnings or 2 meaning fellowship, so do that.
0, 1 - There is no definite answer to your question. Ask on another day.
2- Look more closely at the situation, as things may not be what they seem.
3 - A change in circumstances will happen soon. Pleasant surprises in the very near future.
4 - Discomfort, arguments, misunderstandings. A difficulty will bring you disappointment and disappointment.
5 -Unexpected surprise or favorable information, your plans and wishes will be completed and achieved. Maybe a new friendship.
6 - Loss of some kind, probably financial, possibly material, or from a relationship. A friend may need a favor from you.
7 - Potential difficulties, gossip, financial problems, but that will eventually be resolved.
8 - You must not act without thinking; lack of planning and discretion can lead to misfortune.
9 - A possible union in love or in business, success or reconciliations in romance. Winnings in bets and games.
10 - New starts, possibly a birth, or a new job/promotion. Success in the financial field.
11 - Potential loss of a person, death, short term illness. Or it could indicate the return of a person who was estranged from you.
12- An important communication or message will arrive soon, seek advice if it is a legal matter. There is a potential for a large amount of money to be received.
13 - Continuing on the path you are walking will lead to misery and difficulty. Period of unhappiness, but avoid whining and victimizing yourself, as this will bring you more problems.
14- A friend or family member will offer assistance, possibility of a new romance or admirer.
15 - Act with caution, avoid starting new projects next week and don't get involved in gossip. Follow your intuition about fake friends and don't get dragged into someone else's problem.
16 - A short trip will bring you relief, entertainment and possibly profits.
17 - Change of perspective, it may be necessary to adapt your plans, be more receptive to the advice of others, even from people you don't know.
18 - Luck, success, blessings, achievement and satisfaction.
If any die lands on top of another you will receive a significant gift.
D8 - The advicer
When you need a quick to interpret advice and/or a novice and need training, that's a good one.
1: union,
2: community,
3: foundations,
4: exploration,
5: discovery,
6: risk,
7: reward,
8: transformation.
D10 - Checking your path
When you just want to have certain about what you're doing and where you are going, you have that game. Can be about about your life, career, romance, well, we never now what problem we will face. Need a little interpretation, once again, if numerology scream at you, use it.
1- Inspiration.
2- Union.
3 - Community.
4 - Foundations.
5 - Exploration.
6 - Discovery.
7 - Risk.
8 - Reward.
9 - Transformation.
10 - Completion.
D12 - When you're into astrology
For some reason astrology can be summarized into 12 things, 12 signs, houses and 10 planets + 2 nodes. So if you don't have astro dices like me, use 3 dices of different colors, just do the sides like the order below. You can add these dices as an oracle or just read them as you do your ask.
First House - Personality, appearance. How the person is seen by others.
Second House - House of resources (materials, talents, abilities). All types of person's values: moral, spiritual, philosophical, material, etc. Innate gifts. How to earn and how to spend the money. Financial situation.
Third House - . Home of the mind, early years of schooling, neighbors, short trips, brothers, cousins. Spoken and written communication. Thought. Concrete mind. Basic learning. Small trips. Day by day. All types of papers, including documents. Automobiles. Access ways. Business. Everything that communicates.
Fourth House - Family tree house, early childhood, ancestors, home, old age. Feeling. Home. Home or current family. Ancestry. Atavism, heredity, mother. Past. Homeland. Soil on which it is established. Psychological bases. Properties. Emotional life.
Fifth House - Children's home and personal creations (books, publications), events, love affairs, flirtations, leisure. Creativity. Expression and personal brilliance. Loves. Romance. Dating and engagement. Pleasure. Recreation. Joy of living. Sons. Financial speculation. Games and lotteries.
Sixth House - Work house, body, health, relationship with employees, subordinates, small animals. Acute illnesses. Habits. Routine. Salaried work. Services provided. Desktop. Employees and employees. Duties. Pets.
Seventh House - House of partnership (marriage, society), open enemies. The other(s). The outside world. The spouse. The partner. Partnerships and contracts. Relationships in general. Marriage. Divorce. Outright enemies.
Eighth House - Detachment. Regeneration and rebirth. The shadow. The values of the other. Inheritance. Debts. Refunds. Retirement. Occultism. Surgeries. Sex and sexual urges. The quality of sleep.
Ninth House - House of metaphysics, philosophy, university, brothers-in-law. Integration with the spirit. Aspirations and idealism. Faith, religiosity. Priests. The master. The judge. Ceremonies. Laws. Abstract mind. Higher study (college, postgraduate, masters). Competitions and entrance exams. Big trips, trips abroad. Foreign connections.
Tenth House - Career house, social personality, public image, mother. Power. Goals. Life direction. Profession. Status. Social scope. Authority exercised. Authority figures. Boss. The image that others have of the person. The highest point you can reach in life. Achievements. The father.
Eleventh House - House of friendships, collective, social work. To give. Ability to have and make friends. Friends. Groups. Clubs. Guilds. Projects. Projects for the future. Idealism and altruism. Fraternity. Social life. Humanitarian interests. Adopted children.
Twelfth House - House of the World unconscious, disease, hidden enemies. Karma. Hidden enemies. Subconscious. Prisons. Hospitals. Asylums. Charities. Convents. Isolation places. Isolation and solitude. Underground. Hidden dangers and enemies. Fears and worries. Astral world. Mysticism, connection with the spiritual world and spirituality. Dissolution. Deep emotional learning.
South Node - past, natural abilities, comfort zone, what should be left behind
D20 - My sweetheart
The D20 is just like a new oracle, each number has their own meaning. I use 2 dices with same weight and put their meanings together to give an answer.
Astragalomancy, also known as astragyromancy, is a form of divination that uses dice specially marked with letters or numbers.
Much like the playing card, dice or dice like objects were used by multiple oppressed groups throughout history! They were ways for those oppressed by the church to keep their tradtions and beliefs in secret.
This divination practice has been around for centuries the oldest dice like set we know right now are from ancient Persia from the area of modern Iran and they are approximately 5000 years old.
We'll start with and their meanings in the way that I was taught. So mind you, this is simply the way I was taught their meanings.
So well go all the way up to 20:
1. No
2. Yes
3. No, be wary
4. self-expression and self-fulfillment.
5. Only if you are careful.
6. Don´t be afraid to take chances.
7. inner wisdom, self-awareness, intuition and mysticism.
8. Eternity and inner steadiness.
9. Enlightenment or answers will come.
10. Spiritual enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
11. Insight and understanding
12. Growth.
13. Death and change.
14. Reassurance from your guardians.
15. Wisdom and manifestation.
16. New beginnings and renewal.
17. Good fortune and a complete victory.
18. Breaking free of what binds you and encouragement.
19. The beginning and the end, aka you're most likely very much screwed.
20. Confidence, determination, optimism, and positivity.
You can also use even and odds for simple yes and no.
hello!! I see you post mostly about norse/hellenistic deities but was wondering if you could do a worship post about The Morrigan/The Dagda for celtic deities? Thanks so much :D
Offerings and ways of worshipping An Morrigan
(Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn outside my scope!)
- associated scents for candles and incense: opium, clove, dragons blood, pumpkin, sandalwood, apple, cinnamon, patchouli, cedar,
- herbs/plants/spices: clove, sage, peppercorn, holly, star anise, garlic, rosemary, basil, weeping willows, hawthorn, juniper, blackthorn flowers, sage, jasmine, mugwort, angelica root, maple leaves, celandine, clover, rageweed, snapdragon, nightshade, vervain, belladonna, yew, cedarwood, rowan, dahlias, dandelion, pumpkin spice, orchids, aldar and red or black roses
- black tourmaline, carnelian, smokey quartz, snowflake obsidian, onyx, opal, blood stone, hematite and other dark stones relating to strength, protection or love
- bugs
- red wine and other red alcohols
- strong and red coloured teas
- fireball whiskey and Irish whiskey
- mead
- red beans
- red coloured food
- red meats (such as beef and lamb)
- traditional Irish foods
- knife/dagger
- knife/daggers imagery
- shield and armour imagery
- crow or raven feathers (ethically sourced)
- crow feet (ethically sourced)
- crow or raven skulls (ethically sourced)
- storm water, rain water, spring water or moon water
- coffee
- milk
-honey
- candles of black, red, grey, gold, purple or white
- practice self love and self care
- spend time in a cemetery
- clean up cemeteries
- do your shadow work!!
- attend therapy
- aid and support pregnant folks
- destroy some stuff, go to a rage room, rip apart a pillow, break some old plates etc
- go to the gym/establish a workout routine
- set firm boundaries and stick to them
- study her, read up on her mythology
- study celtic folklore and Irish culture
- leave food out for birds
- practice divination
- draw or paint something for her
- write or read poetry to her
- sing for her
- carry or take care of a child (it doesn't have to be yours but pls don't steal someone's kid)
- dedicate time to your craft
- pumpkins/pumpkin flavoured things
- apples/apples flavoured foods
- @skyewillow has a really awesome list of songs that she has found the Morrigan to like!
- s3ggs and s3ggs magic
- nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts (these are the only nuts I know but go crazy if you know more)
- chocolate
- potatoes!!
Offerings and ways of Worshipping An Dagda
- cauldrons
- Irish harp
- a version of his club lorg mór
- boar, horse and pig imagery
- pork
- pig ears and pig snouts (can be found at pet stores)
- horse shoes
- oats and porridge
- bread
- the colour red
- red jasper
- study celtic mythology and folklore
- study Irish culture and keep the books on An Dagda's shrine or altar
- create, thrift and commission art work and items for his altar
- just generally be creative with his offerings! Make sculptures and paintings and drawings and poetry
- sing for him
- acorns
- Oak tree bark and leaves
- milk
- cream
- butter
- home baked treats
- beer
- mead
- whiskey
- support other celtic practioners and Irish businesses
- aid pregnant people and animals
- grow your own produce
- symbols of fertility and abundance on his altar or shrine
This is a re-do in the "deity deep dive" format of my original Morrigan post!
Who is The Morrigan?
The Morrigan is the ancient Irish Triple, or tripartite, of war and death, but she is also goddess of sovereignty, the land, and prophecy.
The name Morrigan, or Morrigu, is the anglicized version of the Gaelic name Mór-Ríoghain, which means "Great Queen" in modern Irish.
The old name has been linked to the proto-indo-european word Mór (terror) and Ríoghain could relate to the Latin word Regina (queen). (Wiktionary)
It’s debated whether she is one deity with three aspects or if these three aspects are sisters that create a triple goddess.
If they are sisters, their names are likely Macha, Nemain, and The Morrigan, their collective title being The Morrigu or The Morrigna. (The spelling of these will differ throughout your research if you choose to do your own after this post)
Their names could also be Macha, Nemain, and Badb, though the name “Badb” may have been a title for spirits/gods who wrought havoc on the battlefields and incited terror in the opposing side. (See “The Ancient Irish Goddess of War” in references for more info).
Other names involved with these sisters are Anand and Fea.
It’s not unlikely that The Morrigan’s identity would change between the many different groups in Ireland throughout time.
Parents and Siblings
Her mother is Ernmas, father is unknown.
Siblings have included Ériu, Banba, and Fódla, who make up the triple goddess of spirit and sovereignty of Ireland.
As well as Gnim, Coscar, Fiacha, and Ollom, as her brothers.
Lovers or Partners
The Dagda, with whom her relationship is of great importance for the Irish holiday Samhain.
In lore, the Morrigan falls for Irish Hero Cú Chulainn but her feelings are not returned.
Children
Mechi, who has three hearts that each contain a serpent.
Epithets
The Goddess of Death
Morrígu
The Morrighan
The Great Queen
Phantom Queen
Badb-Catha
Nightmare Queen
The Washer at the Ford
Notes
Due to the many myths and legends surrounding The Morrigan and she is also associated with the Fae and the Banshee—a creature that generally takes on the form of an old woman who wails in mourning to announce the coming death of someone in the family.
The Morrigan is most notoriously a shape shifter and deity of magic.
In modern day paganism and witchcraft, some choose to worship The Morrigan as one deity with the sisters as aspects, others choose to worship her as a triple goddess consisting of three sisters. Neither of these can be said to be entirely right or wrong and vary from person to person, even from an academic point of view.
Though there are similar beings throughout Celtic mythology, The Morrigan is unique to Irish mythology.
Stories that prominently feature the Morrígan include Táin Bó Cúailgne (The Cattle Raid of Cooley), Cath Maige Tuired (The First and Second Battles of Moytura), and Lebor Gabála Érenn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland). (Mythopedia)
Fulacht na Mór Ríoghna (Cooking Pit of the Morrígan) in County Tipperary, and two hills in County Meath known as Da Cích na Morrígna (Two Breasts of the Morrígan) are both locations in Ireland linked to The Morrigan.
Modern Deity Work
Correspondences
Disclaimer - Many of these are not traditional or historic correspondences nor do they need to be. However, any correspondence that can be considered traditional will be marked with a (T).
Rocks/Stone/Crystals
Obsidian
Onyx
Silver
Carnelian
Deep green, black and red stones/crystals
Herbs/Plants
Dragon’s Blood
Apples
Nightshade
Roses
Cedar
Cloves
Mugwort
Belladonna
Juniper
Animals
Crow (T)
Eel (T)
Cow (T)
Horse (T)
Wolf (T)
Raven
Symbols
Triple spiral
Crow
Offerings
Blood (be careful with this please!!)
Wine or Mead
The stones and herbs listed above
Imagery of the animals or symbols listed above
Food that you’ve made or a portion of your meal
Jewelry
Art made of her or inspired by her
Coins
Honey
Dark chocolate
Candles and/or wax melts; incense
Meat
Milk
Note: If you’d like your offering to be a bit more traditional, try burying it or sending it down a stream, but only if it is safe for the environment if you do so!
Acts of Devotion
Exercise/Work out (especially if it's challenging!)
Activism
Read/write poetry for her
Research her
Celebrate Samhain
Take up a competitive sport or activity
Standing up for yourself
Keep in mind that these are only some ideas for offerings and correspondences! Items and activities that connect you to her in a more personal way are just as good, and often better, than those you find on the internet. As with any relationship, feel it out, ask questions, and be attentive and receptive!
References and Further Reading
The Morrigan - World History Encyclopedia
The Ancient Irish Goddess of War by WM Hennessey (via Sacred-Texts)
The Morrigan - Druidry.org
The Book of the Great Queen by Morpheus Ravenna
The Morrigan - Mythopedia (Mythopedia also has a bunch of references and further reading of their own that I suggest you look at if you’d like to do your own research!)
The Morrígan (Irish: Mór-Ríoghain) is an Irish goddess of death, war and prophecy.
In the myths, she would often appear to foretell the outcome of a battle or to foretell a doom. When appearing to someone, she would usually take another form which brings us to her next special ability, and that is shape-shifting.
She was a great shape-shifter. Her most famous shape is the one of a raven. Besides the raven, she would also appear as a beautiful maiden, an old hag, a wolf, an eel and a heifer.
The Morrígan is described as a very powerful and sometimes even erotic character. That is why a lot of people see her as a goddess of sovereignty, feminine energy and sexuality too.
A single deity or a trinity?
There is a discussion about whether The Morrígan is a single deity or a trinity consisting of a three different but closely related goddesses - Badb, Macha and Nemain.
In the myths, there is a great inconsistency when it comes to her names. It is stated that The Morrígan is a daughter of Ernmas, but Badb and Macha are also described as his daughters. So, it is possible that The Morrígan is a single deity, who then has two sisters.
However, there is also a theory where the three sisters, Badb, Macha and Anand, are collectively named as "The Morrígna", which would then make The Morrígan a trinity.
In Lebor Gabála Érenn it is stated: "Badb and Macha and Anand, of whom are the Paps of Anu in Luachar were the three daughters of Ernmas the she-farmer." (...) "Ernmas had other three daughters, Badb and Macha and Morrigu, whose name was Anand. Her three sons were Glon and Gaim and Coscar." (...) "Badb and Macha, greatness of wealth, Morrigu - springs of craftiness, sources of bitter fighting were the three daughters of Ernmas."
When it comes to me and my opinion:
I have always seen The Morrígan as a single deity, and not a trinity. Then, Badb, Macha and Nemain (or Morrigu or Anand - The Morrígan) could be single, separated deities, or they are just The Morrigan's different shapes, since she is a great shape-shifter, so they are actually different persons but in their core all of them are actually one person, The Morrígan - that (second) theory seems most logical to me.
I am talking highly theoretically here and theory is not always so important, especially not in Paganism. What matters are our experiences with the deities and our gut feeling, so I would say that you should go for a theory that seems more logical to you and that gives you a better "frame" for your spirituality.
Offerings
These are the offerings that I find suitable for The Morrígan:
Red Wine
Meat
Milk and Diary Products
Fish
Black Tea
Divination
Pictures or symbols of animals that The Morrígan shape-shifted to
Coffee
Dark/Bitter Chocolate
All red fruit and their juices
Sharp Items (swords, blades, knives...)
Visiting a graveyard
Spirit Work
Crow/Raven feathers
Black, purple or red candles
Frankincense
Passages from the myths
The Second Battle of Mag Tuired:
"Then she said to him, 'Undertake a battle of overthrowing.' The Morrigan said to Lug, 'Awake...'"
The Dagda had a house in Glen Edin in the north, and he had arranged to meet a woman in Glen Edin a year from that day, near the All Hallows of the battle. The Unshin of Connacht roars to the south of it. He saw the woman at the Unshin in Corann, washing, with one of her feet at Allod Echae (that is, Aghanagh) south of the water and the other at Lisconny north of the water. There were nine loosened tresses on her head. The Dagda spoke with her, and they united. "The Bed of the Couple" was the name of that place from that time on. (The woman mentioned here is the Morrigan). Then she told the Dagda that the Fomoire would land at Mag Ceidne, and that he should summon the aes dana of Ireland to meet her at the Ford of the Unshin, and she would go into Scetne to destroy Indech mac De Domnann, the king of the Fomoire, and would take from him the blood of his heart and the kidneys of his valor. Later she gave two handfuls of that blood to the hosts that were waiting at the Ford of the Unshin. Its name became "The Ford of Destruction" because of that destruction of the king."
"'And you, Morrigan,' said Lug, 'what power?' 'Not hard to say,' she said. 'I have stood fast; I shall pursue what was watched; I will be able to kill; I will be able to destroy those who might be subdued.'"
"Then the Morrigan the daughter of Ernmas came, and she was strengthening the Tuatha De to fight the battle resolutely and fiercely. She then chanted the following poem: 'Kings arise to the battle!' Immediately afterwards the battle broke, and the Fomoire were driven to the sea."
"Then after the battle was won and the slaughter had been cleaned away, the Morrigan, the daughter of Ernmas, proceeded to announce the battle and the great victory which had occurred there to the royal heights of Ireland and to its sid−hosts, to its chief waters and to its rivermouths. And that is the reason Badb still relates great deeds. 'Have you any news?' everyone asked her then.
'Peace up to heaven.
Heaven down to earth.
Earth beneath heaven,
Strength in each,
A cup very full,
Full of honey;
Mead in abundance.
Summer in winter,
Peace up to heaven.'
She also prophesied the end of the world, foretelling every evil that would occur then, and every disease and every vengeance; and she chanted the following poem:
'I shall not see a world
Which will be dear to me:
Summer without blossoms,
Cattle will be without milk,
Women without modesty,
Men without valor.
Conquests without a king...
Woods without mast.
Sea without produce...
False judgements of old men.
False precedents of lawyers,
Every man a betrayer.
Every son a reaver.
The son will go to the bed of his father,
The father will go to the bed of his son.
Each his brother's brother−in−law.
He will not seek any woman outside his house...
An evil time,
Son will deceive his father,
Daughter will deceive...'"
Táin Bó Cúalnge:
"It is the same day that the Morrigan, daughter of Ernmas, came from the Sid, so that she was on the pillar in Temair Cuailnge, taking a warning to the Dun of Cualnge before the men of Ireland, and she began to speak to him, and 'Good, O wretched one, O Dun of Cualnge,' said the Morrigan, 'keep watch, for the men of Ireland have reached thee, and they will take thee to their camp unless thou keepest watch'; and she began to take a warning to him thus, and uttered her words on high."
"Cuchulainn saw a young woman coming towards him, with a dress of every colour on, and her form very excellent."
"'I will be a help to you. … I shall be more troublesome to you,' said she, 'when I come against you when you are in combat against the men. I will come in the form of an eel about your feet in the ford, so that you shall fall."
"I will drive the cattle on the ford to you, in the form of a grey she-wolf."
"I will come to you in the form of a hornless red heifer before the cattle. They will rush on you on the plains(?), and on the fords, and on the pools, and you will not see me before you."
"When Cuchulainn was in this great weariness, the Morrigan met him in the form of an old hag, and she blind and lame, milking a cow with three teats, and he asked her for a drink. She gave him milk from a teat. Then her head was healed so that it was whole. She gave the milk of the second teat, and her eye was whole; and gave the milk of the third teat, and her leg was whole. So that this was what he said about each thing of them, 'A doom of blessing on you,' said he. 'You told me,' said the Morrigan, 'I should not have healing from you for ever.' 'If I had known it was you,' said Cuchulainn, 'I would not have healed you ever.'"
