If you picture a fairy, what do you see? Tiny, sparkling, white and fair-headed beings dressed in leaves and flowers? Try again. Fairies have evolved, they always do, and so has our understanding of them. Today I'm talking about a book who speaks about these changes: Pagan Portals - 21st Century Fairy: The Good Folk in the new millennium, by Morgan Daimler. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a review copy!
- Print Length: 104 pages.
- Publisher: Moon Books (February 1, 2023)
- Publication Date: February 1, 2023.
- Topics: Celts, Folklore, History, Mythology, Witchcraft.
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars.
When people think of fairies they often picture beings who dwell in the wilderness, solidly anchored in the past. Yet the truth is that fairies are as present and active in the world today as ever, found as easily in cities as they are in wild places. 21st Century Fairy explores fairy beliefs and encounters in the modern world, framed by folklore, modern fiction and personal experience, to show readers the possibilities that are out there. Learn whether fairies evolve and what a modern city in the fairy world might be like. Be open to the possibility of tech fairies existing alongside fairies in nature and learn how they interact with human technology. Much like the human world, the fairy world is stunningly diverse and constantly changing. 21st Century Fairy is a guide to seekers who want a modern context for these ancient beings.
It's easy to assume we already know a lot about a topic, maybe even entertain the idea that we know all that it's worth knowing and whatever is left is just a bonus. I've noticed myself thinking this way about the Fae now and then, so I always stop my mind from going that way. This book has been a full stop in the matter because of how simple yet complete it is.
Pagan Portals - 21st Century Fairy is a valuable addition to anyone's library if they're interested in the Otherworld. Easy to follow, with a simple language, clear, and many examples, it explains how our understanding of the Fae has shaped our expectations, where the common ideas come from, and what actually means that these beings have evolved.
It must sound tiresome if you've read my reviews on Morgan's other books, but I couldn't expect any less from them. I could complain that some of the anecdotes are found in other books, but that's what you get from being a fan of Fae-related material, even more so coming from the same person. I have to say, though, it's always interesting to read someone else's experiences when given new knowledge.
Challenging modern misconceptions and offering a solid historical basis for all the ideas included, Morgan Daimler has written another excellent book about the Fae. Anyone interested in them will love Pagan Portals - 21st Century Fairy for how useful it is. I can promise you it will be worth the wait!
About Morgan Daimler:
Morgan Daimler is a witch who has been a polytheist since the early ’90′s. Following a path inspired by the Irish Fairy Faith blended with neopagan witchcraft, Morgan teaches classes on Irish myth and magical practices, fairies, and related subjects in the United States and internationally. Morgan has been published in multiple anthologies as well as in Witches and Pagans magazine, Pagan Dawn magazine and the CR journal Air n-Aithesc, and they are one of the world's foremost experts on all things Fairy. Besides the titles available through Moon Books Morgan has self-published a book of Old and Middle Irish language translations called The Treasure of the Tuatha De Danann, and an urban fantasy/paranormal romance series called Between the Worlds.
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