BookMusings: (Re)Discovering Pagan Literature
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Review: Pagan Portals: Iris
Title: Pagan Portals: Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds
Publisher: Moon Books
Author: Irisanya Moon
Pages: 96pp
Price: $10.95 / $5.99
She is Iris. In ancient myths and contemporary Hellenic polytheism, she is the messenger of Olympus, her passage marked by the rainbow. Sister of the harpies, wife of Zephyrus, she is the special servant of Hera, one of the few Deities able to cross at will between heaven, earth, and the underworld.
In this short primer, Moon — who took the name Irisanya has an act of ritual dedication — introduces readers to the Goddess; draws extensively on ancient sources to explore her nature and the myths surrounding her; argues for the place and importance of the Goddess in modern practices; and offers readers suggestions on how they can build a relationship with Iris, as well, through trance, meditative journeys, offerings, and rituals.
Moon’s writing style is warm and inviting, welcoming readers to sit down and have a chat. She offers numerous personal anecdotes, discussing how she came to be devoted to Iris, and why the Goddess is vital to her practices: “… the world needs to remember the godds in all of their forms. In all of their roles. In all of their service. And in doing so, readers and seekers will remember and recognize they too have roles, however big or small, to play. She wants to remind us that we are not alone. That there are messages everywhere if only we are willing to listen.” (p. 6) As much as Iris teaches us how to serve the Deities, she also teaches us how to serve ourselves; taking care of our own needs allows us to take care of others.
This is the rainbow path, and to follow it is to be a messenger, too. Moon is quite clear, however, that the rainbow path is not the same for everyone; nor will the Goddess necessarily manifest in the same way for everyone. The “way of opening and hearing and knowing and listening” will vary depending on one’s individual circumstances, needs, and what the Goddess (or the godds) need of them.
A quick note: Moon uses the term “godds” throughout the text. I thought that was odd until she explained its purpose. “Godd” is meant to be gender neutral, encompassing the masculine god, the feminine goddess, nonbinary Deities, and Deities beyond gender. I find this an intriguing gender neutral alternative to “Gods” and I’ll be curious to see if it catches on.
Pagan Portals: Iris is a quick and informative read. Hellenic polytheists will find it of particular interest, but I also recommend it to those who practice Goddess spirituality, or who are devotees of messenger and psychopomp Deities.
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