Magic of the Otherworld

Morpheus Ravenna (Pronouns: Si/Hir) is a genderfluid sorcerer, artist, and writer residing in the East Bay area of California. Si is a dedicant of the Morrigan, with a practice rooted in animism, folk magic, and Celtic polytheism. An initiate of the Anderson Feri tradition of witchcraft, si has practiced devotional polytheism and the magical arts for over twenty-five years. Si is the author of The Book of the Great Queen (Concrescent Press, 2015) and a priest and co-founder of the Coru Cathubodua Priesthood. Morpheus makes hir living as a tattoo artist, and si creates devotional artworks and sorcerous crafts in a variety of media. Si also practices medieval armored combat and is very fond of spears. Morpheus can be reached through hir website at BansheeArts.com. River Devora is a multi-traditional spirit worker, healer, clergyperson, and Santera. She has been an active member of the Bay Area Pagan and polytheist communities since the early 1990s, and she has led classes, rituals, workshops, and other programs locally and nationally. She was initiated as a community priestess with Waxing Muse Coven in 1996 and was crowned to Ochun in 2011. She teaches the Strong Roots and Wide Branches Polytheist class series and interfaith community, and she provides spiritual counseling, somatic coaching, divination, and other magic and healing services. Learn more at RiverDevora.com.

• ContentsList of Rituals and Workings xiiiList of Figures and Tables xvAcknowledgments xviiForeword xixIntroduction 1Chapter 1: Purification and Spiritual Hygiene 19Chapter 2: Apotropaic Charms and Protection Magics 49Chapter 3: Spirit Work and Spirit Alliances 79Chapter 4: Enchantment and the Poetics of Sorcery 107Chapter 5: Divination, Sign, and Sigil 133Chapter 6: Necromancy and Ancestor Work 163Chapter 7: Binding Magic, Oaths, and Geis-prayers 193Chapter 8: Justice, Cursing, and Transgressive Magic 217Chapter 9: War and Conflict Magic 247Closing 281Glossary of Non-English Terms 285Bibliography 291Index 305

"A beautiful text which provides a solid educational framework for the modern practitioner of magic based on the Celtic traditions. It is very well researched and evidences each area of practice through a close reading of historical source material. The author then also gives some compelling personal anecdotes of her practice which also illustrate her own deep experiential explorations of the subject...A very welcome addition to a growing body of literature that serves to reawaken the practical living of indigenous Celtic spirituality for the times we live in today."—John-Paul Patton, author of The Poet's Ogam"From lead curse tablets at the bottom of chthonic hot springs to king-deposing rites chanted from the hilltops, Morpheus offers grounded guidance for the beginning practitioner and new insights for the experienced sorcerer alike. Firmly rooted in research, tested through extensive experience, and ever situated within an animist and relational worldview, The Magic of the Otherworld is a potent and much-needed contribution to the spiritual arsenal of collective liberation."—Heathen Chinese, writer"The Magic of the Otherworld is a delight to read. In clear prose with skillful use of language, Morpheus Ravenna has written a valuable handbook for the practitioner and scholar alike. Her writing is rich with imagery and grounded in thorough research as well as in her own experiences. Of particular note is the range of history, lore, and culture upon which she draws...Each chapter contains examples of the techniques and methods she describes, illuminated by personal stories that demonstrate how to apply them. Throughout, Morpheus addresses the context for and above all the ethics of using these magics, with insight and clarity. This is a solid volume and a valuable addition to any library."—Barbara Cormack, MA, MLS, Coru Cathubodua Priesthood"The Magic of the Otherworld effectively weaves a diverse range of source materials with practical experience into a compelling, practical work. Morpheus synthesizes this complex and at times contradictory body of material into a coherent, easy to follow guide that will inspire new and experienced practitioners for years to come."—Ryan Smith, author of The Way of Fire & Ice"This might truly be one of the best and most thorough books on magic and animistic polytheism in recent years, especially from a Celtic perspective. Morpheus Ravenna has managed to create a massive treasure trove of practice replete with a spirit-work oriented mindset that will enrich both beginners and experienced practitioners. Wholeheartedly recommended!"—Stefanos Chelydoreus, writer and creator of the Greek Witch and the Equine Serpent"Another invaluable resource on the shelves of many pagans and polytheists. And what witch has not longed for a book on effective, accessible sorcery with precedents for its contents set in the textual history and lore of Proto-Indo-European (PIE) cultures in which our gods were venerated? Morpheus continues to build bridges from ancient animists to present-day practitioners who want effective magic that is enveloped in a spirit of reciprocity and right relationship...It is as close to in-person teaching and mentorship as one can acquire in a book. For new practitioners, it is a map complete with guideposts, tips, and essential protections. For those who have been around a while, it is a road to deepening our work and finding a rhythm again."—Chris Hippe, cofounder of Coinnle Bodba and priest of the Morrigan