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4 reviews for:
Pagan Portals - Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds
Irisanya Moon
4.7 AVERAGE
4 reviews for:
Pagan Portals - Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds
Irisanya Moon
4.7 AVERAGE
I recently read “Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds” by Irisanya Moon which is a Pagan Portals book coming in at a lovely 79 pages long. As someone who has only recently begun working with Deities, this book was intriguing to me, particularly because I had never heard of this Goddess! What fun to explore something totally new.
I also invited the author, Irisanya Moon onto the Witch Talks Podcast so stay tuned for that future episode!
Here's what the publisher has to say about this book. “Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow, is an often-overlooked Goddess in Greek mythology. As a messenger, she offers us the words and wisdom of the Gods, traveling between worlds to tell us what we need to know. In Pagan Portals – Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds, we will explore the mysterious Iris, following the colours of her magick to inspire out lives
What I liked:
They say don’t judge a book by its cover but WOW is this cover pretty. I’m considering taking it to my hairdresser to replicate on me! I also loved that I received tiny mini bookmarks with the cover on them, like I was marking the book with a mini version of itself, super cute and very appreciated.
On Page 1 of this book it opens with this sentence “I invite you to consider the places rainbows have already shown up for you” and when I tell you, I was sobbing, on my couch, crying into my cup of tea at this introduction because earlier this year, in January, I lost my Nanna and on the day of her funeral, we attended the burial. The moment we threw the first handful of dirt on her grave, the heavens opened up and rained down upon us. My Dad joked that she liked a little drama, my grandfather said she was trying to make us all stay a bit longer and I said, No, she wants a rainbow.
Once the rains finished, which was only about 10 minutes later, she got her rainbow.
I will also note that Noahs Ark is one of her favourite bible stories, so it felt extra fitting that she was sending us some hope and a message that it was all going to be ok.
I honestly believe this book about Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow showed up for me in perfect divine timing, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the book by Irisanya.
I loved the gender neutral term ‘Godds’ which is used throughout this book too. The author states “I will use ‘godd’ to help move away from gendered words for deity who I believe move beyond human categorization.” Not only is it wonderful to see such inclusive language, but it makes total sense to me that the Godds are so much more than the gender binary we have been taught to see them within.
This book was a lovely, light filled introduction to the Goddess Iris. There are excerpts from mythology that paint a wonderful picture of who this Goddess is and what she represents. Irisanya does such an incredible job of giving you all the necessary information to go and meet with this Goddess yourself if you so wish. I particularly loved the chapter on aspecting, a form of consensual deity possession which I have found rarely discussed in pagan and witchy books.
I’m always grateful to find words of wisdom tucked into the books I read, whether they’re the authors words, or others that they’ve shared. There is a quote on page 10 that says “unspoken expectations are pre-meditated resentments” by John A Johnson PHD which blew my mind and was a major takeaway for me from this book.
What I disliked:
I wanted more! I love Pagan Portals because they’re short and to the point and make absorbing the knowledge quick and easy, but I wanted to go deeper with Iris and unfortunately the key takeaway from this book is that there simply isn’t a lot of information on this often overlooked Rainbow Goddess. I believe Irisanya has offered us most of what is out there which is a hard pill to swallow when your curiosity has been piqued.
Do I recommend it?
Yes I do. If you’re interested in deity work, the Greek Pantheon or drawn to rainbows & messenger Godds then this book may be just right for you.
I also invited the author, Irisanya Moon onto the Witch Talks Podcast so stay tuned for that future episode!
Here's what the publisher has to say about this book. “Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow, is an often-overlooked Goddess in Greek mythology. As a messenger, she offers us the words and wisdom of the Gods, traveling between worlds to tell us what we need to know. In Pagan Portals – Iris: Goddess of the Rainbow and Messenger of the Godds, we will explore the mysterious Iris, following the colours of her magick to inspire out lives
What I liked:
They say don’t judge a book by its cover but WOW is this cover pretty. I’m considering taking it to my hairdresser to replicate on me! I also loved that I received tiny mini bookmarks with the cover on them, like I was marking the book with a mini version of itself, super cute and very appreciated.
On Page 1 of this book it opens with this sentence “I invite you to consider the places rainbows have already shown up for you” and when I tell you, I was sobbing, on my couch, crying into my cup of tea at this introduction because earlier this year, in January, I lost my Nanna and on the day of her funeral, we attended the burial. The moment we threw the first handful of dirt on her grave, the heavens opened up and rained down upon us. My Dad joked that she liked a little drama, my grandfather said she was trying to make us all stay a bit longer and I said, No, she wants a rainbow.
Once the rains finished, which was only about 10 minutes later, she got her rainbow.
I will also note that Noahs Ark is one of her favourite bible stories, so it felt extra fitting that she was sending us some hope and a message that it was all going to be ok.
I honestly believe this book about Iris, the Goddess of the Rainbow showed up for me in perfect divine timing, a sentiment that is echoed throughout the book by Irisanya.
I loved the gender neutral term ‘Godds’ which is used throughout this book too. The author states “I will use ‘godd’ to help move away from gendered words for deity who I believe move beyond human categorization.” Not only is it wonderful to see such inclusive language, but it makes total sense to me that the Godds are so much more than the gender binary we have been taught to see them within.
This book was a lovely, light filled introduction to the Goddess Iris. There are excerpts from mythology that paint a wonderful picture of who this Goddess is and what she represents. Irisanya does such an incredible job of giving you all the necessary information to go and meet with this Goddess yourself if you so wish. I particularly loved the chapter on aspecting, a form of consensual deity possession which I have found rarely discussed in pagan and witchy books.
I’m always grateful to find words of wisdom tucked into the books I read, whether they’re the authors words, or others that they’ve shared. There is a quote on page 10 that says “unspoken expectations are pre-meditated resentments” by John A Johnson PHD which blew my mind and was a major takeaway for me from this book.
What I disliked:
I wanted more! I love Pagan Portals because they’re short and to the point and make absorbing the knowledge quick and easy, but I wanted to go deeper with Iris and unfortunately the key takeaway from this book is that there simply isn’t a lot of information on this often overlooked Rainbow Goddess. I believe Irisanya has offered us most of what is out there which is a hard pill to swallow when your curiosity has been piqued.
Do I recommend it?
Yes I do. If you’re interested in deity work, the Greek Pantheon or drawn to rainbows & messenger Godds then this book may be just right for you.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
I would have loved to see the author reflect (hah) on the mythology a little more, other than just listing it. But it is a lovely book, and has some very thoughtful exercises and rites.
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
A book about the Greek goddess of the Rainbow Iris. She is a lesser godd, and a messenger godd. She was a servant to Hera and Zeus and carried valuable messages for them. She also traveled through the 3 planes, from earth to the underworld to olympus and the in between realm with the river Styx. It was good, but it left me wanting more. It didn’t go deep enough for my own liking. I wish there was more information about her. I also thought the info provided wasn’t fully expanded on to the best of its abilities. It left me wanting more. It introduced me to concepts of Iris I previously was not familiar with. I also like how practical the rituals are. Way too short. I wish she had explained the Roman texts more. It makes me want to develop a deeper relationship with Iris.
Quotes:
I personally find that invocations are a great place to create connection and authentic relating. I suggest getting into a
I personally find that invocations are a great place to create connection and authentic relating. I suggest getting into a
Or I might just write an invocation as a love letter to Iris. I might tell Her all the things I think She’s wonderful at and all the things I admire. From here, I can bask in that glow and enjoy healing that comes from offering gratitude.
you’re a person who feels trance or meditation don’t work well for you, I would invite you to suspend disbelief for the moment. Pretend as though it is possible. Act as though anything were possible. When you can do this, you will open up to experiences t
I believe that Iris is a goddess of expression and communication. . As such, it makes sense to me to use art as a way to communicate with Her. Bring messages of the human(s) to the godd(s). From collage with old magazine pictures to painting and drawing,
As Starhawk once noted, “I define cultural appropriation as ‘Taking the gifts of the ancestors without a commitment to their descendants.’”
there is no right way to do things. There is your way
When you’re called to a deity or they call to you, I think it wise to give as much of your attention as you can. That seems kind, compassionate, and caring. It also recognizes that you are not the only part of the equation. I bring this to the forefront s
Not all relationships are the same, true. But all relationships need attention. Even in this moment, I can think about my relationships with deities and the attention I offer to them. I feel closer to those who I devote more time to and I feel less close
In my experience, I call on Iris for: •Writing •Creative help •Signs and messages to answer questions or guide my direction •To remember beauty after storms •Understanding service •Communication
To me this poses a question, however: do we strive to emulate the past or do we strive to find something new for the future?
Text or email people - Make a goal of reaching out to just one person a day and you will make connections often, but not so often that it’s draining to you. •Save things that remind you of them - I have a practice of keeping images and memes I find onlin
And while you have probably already guessed, taking care of your physical body is essential when you’re doing energetic work. Eat foods that nourish you, drink water, and move your body as you can. The more you can support your body in its role as foundat
Give yourself space - Often after large magickal workings or initiations, participants are given the challenge of resting and not taking on new work. This allows for space for things to settle and to become more integrated. Learn and then rest.
Knowledge might be quick, but wisdom takes time. Give yourself permission to know without needing to understand everything
you are never done with uncovering places to explore in yourself. I truly believe you are an endless landscape of more light and colors
t is easy to say that these travels are only for the godds, but you have traveled to the great above and the great below in your life. You have been to the happiest day and the worst day. You have been to the places that elate you and places that scare y
this. But I want to be clear that meditation does not need to look like sitting very still and in
Water Gazing
Instead of it being a very linear process in which something follows something else in sequence, rainbows arrive when they are reflected, refracted, broken, and then reflected and refracted again.Even though it doesn’t seem fair or easy, life seems to off
While bringing together the pieces of decisions can seem to be the more empowering practice, it is also powerful to
If your body feels good, I invite you to move along with these landscapes of song. With the messages of
or only in sections. When conditions are perfect, there are large arcs of rainbows that travel across the sky, following
No matter what you say and what you offer, make sure to balance it with time for yourself. I often will count how many hours I am teaching or priestessing and try to give myself that many hours of no-commitment free time. It doesn’t always work out perfec
You can even call on Iris to help you with your decision-making. You can ask if She can talk to the godds about your decision or if She has any advice for you
When you are called to serve in some capacity, I offer the practice of discernment. •Is this something I want to do? •Is this something I have time to do? •Is this something I have resources to do?
Service to yourself is necessary for sustainability in any relationship. You need to be able to take care of your own needs first, which will then allow you to decide if you want to take on more tasks from others
But service can be a tricky commitment. While we may want to serve, I encourage service that is in alignment with values and honoring of reciprocity.Perhaps one does not go into service to get something in return, but you also can not be in service if you
Colors: All Element: Air Plants: Iris Stones: Rainbow quartz, Moonstone, Rainbow moonstone, Opal, Rainbow obsidian. Incense: Iris, Violet, Lavender, Myrrh, Frankincense. Symbols: Rainbows, Golden/white wings, Caduceus, Pitcher of water, Clouds, Sun/s
Other texts note that Delians offered cakes, made of wheat, honey and dried figs to Iris.
Iris is often depicted as having golden wings, carrying a kerykelon (a herald’s rod) and an oinochoe (a water pitcher
She is the one whose actions cause things to happen. Things that need to happen
instigator of transition
After all, it is not common for a godd to travel between all of worlds at free will. While there are stories of moving between realms because of certain tasks or because of certain situations, Iris seems to be a unique being.
Iris is also said to be one of the few godds who can travel, at will, between the worlds -- even to the underworld. What is also interesting is that Iris not only serves godds, but She also transports messages of Her own. Over time, She becomes more of th
Her role is described as being a messenger, but also a figure that helps to keep peace in the land. Like a rainbow, She disappears as quickly as She appears, bestowing the messages swiftly before leaving againn. In some places, She is the rainbow, and in
She is married to Zephyrus, the godd of the west windThe translation of ‘Iris’ is the rainbow messenger, or the goddess of the rainbow. In Greece, rainbows would span from the clouds to the sea, and it was thought this was where Iris would travel. Known a
Born of Thaumas (a marine godd) and Elektra (a cloud nymph), according to most texts, Iris is the sister of the Harpies
Messages are everywhere. Collect as many as you can, even the ones that don’t seem to make any sense. Those are often the ones that tend to be the most telling since they can’t be easy to discern at first glance. I call this practice chasing rainbows. We’
I only know that if you are called to Iris, that you are here because of not only who She is, but also who you are
Iris shows up today because we need to listen more. Let us stop, steady, and hear.
helps me remember that there is light beyond the storm. There is beauty in breakdowns. There are times to shine and times to simply serve. She is the reminder of being optimistic about whatever comes next, even dangerously 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. She shows up in so many ways, on so many
ces. She is a goddess who moves from the heavens to the River Styx and back again. And even if you’re not sure what that means or how that applies to you, She wants to show you the value of movement and moving between the here and there. Of flying and of
Iris to me is the being that has been out and about in society without a lot of recognition
Iris. I made a sound and looked over pages of information. Pages that don’t appear today. Information that isn’t there today. I know this because I printed out what I found back then and it doesn’t look the same today.
She is in a relief on the wall today. Beside Hera, as She often was, Iris appears to be leading Zeus’ four-horse chariot
Henry David Thoreau
The true harvest of my daily life is somewhat as intangible and indescribable as the tints of morning or evening. It is a little stardust caught, a segment of the rainbow which I have clutched
I adore everything Irisanya Moon writes. I fell in love with her book “Aphrodite” which led me to find deeper connection with her. I learned so much about Iris in this book- from mythology to exercises and rituals to connect with Her. The author’s writing flows beautifully and is rich with information in a compact book. No unnecessary filler- just lovingly and well-researched content.