The Morrígan, also known as Mórrígan, Morrígu, and Mór-ríoghan, is a powerful and enigmatic figure in Irish mythology. Regarded as a goddess of war, fate, and death, the Morrígan has evolved throughout history, influencing various aspects of life including art, literature, and religion. Although the Morrígan has been seen as a trio goddess consisting of three sisters, her roles and functions in mythologies have tended to remain consistent — she incites warriors to battle, influences the outcome of wars, and foretells doom and victory. This article will delve into the evolution, mythology, and magickal practices associated with the Morrígan and her role in Irish mythology, and how her influence has impacted magickal communities throughout history.
Early Irish Mythology and the Morrígan
The mythological origins of the Morrígan can be traced back to the Irish pagan goddesses. As a deity strongly associated with war and fate, the primary role of the Morrígan was to prophesize death and victory in battles. Furthermore, she has been regarded as a shape-shifter, appearing as a crow, the badb, or a human female to incite warriors into battle. The Morrígan was often depicted as a trio known as “the three Morrígna,” composed of Badb, Macha, and An(u). These figures were also considered the sisters of land goddesses Ériu, Banba, and Fódla. Although the character of the Morrígan has evolved over time, her core attributes as a war and fate goddess have remained consistent in Irish mythology.
But the Morrígan has a dual nature – she is also sometimes considered as a representation of a sovereign and earth goddess, this has come under recent fire, and is probably not as well founded as the traditional views of her being heavily associated with war, fate, and magic. This aspect of her character has been viewed as an expression of her role as a protector of territory and its inhabitants and is probably not a key role, and according to very well-respected occult authors like Morgan Daimler and Lora Obrien whom I respect deeply have spoken at length about the proper context for understanding this enigmatic deity. For more information I highly recommend picking up their books or watching their Youtube content.
Symbolism and Associations
The Morrígan is symbolically connected with a variety of elements, including crows, death, warriors, war, magick, and fate. As a figure highly associated with war and death, her presence is often viewed as foretelling the demise of warriors. It is important to note that her association with crows extends beyond her ability to transform into the bird—crows and ravens were also common sights on the battlefield, picking at the corpses of fallen soldiers. In modern practice she has been linked to the empowerment of disenfranchised portions of the population in particular women, and I have seen more than once her associated with the transformation of people who have endured trauma or addiction, giving them a chance to be reborn stronger.
Magickal Practices and Rituals
There are many magickal practices and rituals associated with the Morrígan, celebrating her various roles in mythology. One such ritual is a Winter Solstice ritual in which practitioners might attempt is to undergo a symbolic death in conjunction with the darkest night of the year. This ritual includes a shamanic journey alongside an invocation to the Morrígan. The journey often involves confronting one’s own traumas and fears, transforming them into personal power before welcoming the rebirth of the sun and embracing a new beginning.
Those who work with the Morrígan utilize specific colors, plants, and stones, such as black and red, henbane and honeysuckle, and obsidian and bloodstone, to connect with her energies and invoke her presence during magickal workings. Offerings of dark chocolate, alcohol, or blood are also common in rituals dedicated to the Morrígan.
A brief invocation to the Morrigan
Use the following poetic invocation to invite the Morrigan into your praxis.
The darkest night, Solstice of Winter’s reign,
A journey calls us to the Celtic plane.
We summon Morrígan, the crone of three,
To guide us through the dark, our mystery.
As Luna waxes, in black and red array,
We light the candles to dispel the grey.
With agate, bloodstone, obsidian’s might,
Around the sacred circle, cast in night.
The scent of honeysuckle fills our sense,
And henbane whispers of a magic dense,
With rustling leaves in sacred groves we kneel,
To feel the Morrígan’s presence, strong and real.
We hold iron and steel, her power’s symbol,
And in sacred whispers, our voices tremble:
“Morrígan, goddess of Aries’ throne,
Guide us through the shadows, let not our fears be sown.
Lead us to reclaim what underworld has taken,
Through your strength and wisdom, may we awaken.
In honor of your ties to raven’s flight,
We seek your guidance through the fearful night.
We acknowledge your dominion over war,
And the darker aspects of lore.
We seek your favor, guidance, protection,
From all that is hidden in reflection.”
As Morrígan’s power enfolds our rites,
We journey onward through the endless nights,
Confronting fear and trauma, deep within,
Guided by her fairies, we begin.
As dawn breaks, rebirth of sunlight gleams,
We emerge from darkness, awash in dreams.
Ready for new beginnings, cleansed and pure,
We thank the Morrígan, her strength endures.
Death Ritual with the Morrígan: A Journey to the Celtic Otherworld
This magickal ritual invokes the guidance of the Morrígan to guide us through a shamanic journey to the Celtic Otherworld, reclaiming our lost power. It’s performed during the Winter Solstice, a symbolic time of death and rebirth. Here are the steps and materials needed:
- Set the Stage: The ritual begins by setting up a sacred circle. Ignite red and black candles, representing the Morrígan’s colors, and place agates, bloodstones, obsidian, onyx, and rubies around the circle. These stones resonate with her energies.
- Create an Aromatic Environment: Surround your space with the scent of honeysuckle and henbane plants. The rustling of leaves from aspen, cherry, juniper, locust, oak, and willow trees further enhances the Morrígan’s presence.
- Symbolic Items: Hold iron and steel symbols, representing Morrígan’s power.
- Invocation: Recite an invocation to the Morrígan or recite the Hymn to Morrigan. Offer her dark chocolate, alcohol, and small drops of your own blood as a sign of reverence.
- The Shamanic Journey: Once the Morrígan’s energy envelopes you, begin your journey to the Celtic Otherworld with the aid of a shamanic drumming track and get comfortable laying in your sacred space allow the drum to take you deeper, ride the rum. This step involves confronting your fears and traumas and reclaiming your power.
- Return and Reflection: As dawn breaks on the rebirth of the sun, emerge from your journey. Reflect on the transformative experience you’ve gone through and embrace the new beginnings that the New Year brings.
By following these steps and using the specified magical materials, you can engage in a profound shamanic journey to the Celtic Otherworld with the Morrígan, reclaiming your lost power and gaining renewed strength for the coming year.
Frater OD’s Perspective
The Morrigan is an incredibly versatile deity to work with and can be on the demanding side. Not so much for worship as she demands her devotees to take matters into their newly capable hands. In the modern day, I have seen many who follow her path as disenfranchised people who are regaining their power. The Morrigan, in my own perspective, helped me greatly in achieving new levels of catharsis and reclaiming lost power when I first began exploring the cult. In fact, she was the first deity to really make themselves known as I started my spiritual explorations. She challenged me to face the traumas with a blade in my hand and dare myself to transform my trauma into power that built the foundation of my praxis today. As such, my work has largely followed her lead for many years now; though I have explored many other pantheons, traditions, and magickal systems the Morrigan has always stood at my back, her black wings unfurled and prepared to offer me solace when I have gotten my dick kicked in the dirt, or to empower me when I need to conquer even the most ferocious demons.
