Top 10 Pagan Books Of 2016

#4. Pagan Portals – Brigid: Meeting the Celtic Goddess of Poetry, Forge, and Healing Well, Morgan Daimler

(Moon Books)

High-quality books written by Pagans about Paganism that combine serious research with accessible and passionate writing are a rare and wonderful thing, and Morgan Daimler’s Pagan Portals – Brigid is a shining example. This book is a comprehensive introduction to the history, mythology and present-day veneration of Brigid, drawing from medieval texts, modern poetry and personal experience. The excellent references, appendices and bibliography facilitate any further research that readers may want to make, and there’s also lots of ideas to inspire one’s own rituals and prayers to Brigid. I know that I will be referring to this book again when I’m next planning an Imbolc ritual.

Despite being such a short book (less than 100 pages), Pagan Portals – Brigid is surprisingly detailed, a testament to Daimler’s skill at concise writing. Its brevity and simplicity makes it a perfect introductory read on Brigid, but I think those who already know this goddess quite well have something to gain from flicking through this book as well.

It’s clear from her writing that Daimler has an intimate connection with Brigid and is a devoted follower. I imagine that the writing of this book in itself was a devotional act for her – very fitting, seeing as Brigid is a goddess of poetry. Daimler has done her deity proud in this text, which will no doubt inspire others with an interest in Brigid to pursue her worship further.