Book Review: Pagan Portals Modron
A fascinating look at a little-known goddess
Kelle BanDea has been researching the Welsh goddess Modron for quite a while and is something of an expert on this enigmatic figure. During the process of this research, she has generously shared some profound insights from her research on her Substack, which you might like to explore.
As a practitioner of inclusive Minoan spirituality, which has a pantheon headed by a trio of mother goddesses, I have a special interest in mother goddesses from a variety of cultures. So I was excited to dig into this book, which was only just released a couple of weeks ago.
Modron is at once an archetypal mother goddess and an enigma. Her name translates simply as “Mother,” but that single word encompasses so much. She is known to us only from fragmentary myths and occasional mentions in old texts, leaving much to wonder about.
In this book, Kelle BanDea gathers all the bits and pieces of myth and lore about Modron into a cohesive, well-organized whole. There’s more material than I expected, and the author weaves it together expertly to create a bigger picture of this powerful goddess.
Even so, that bigger picture still has gaps and blank spots which the author helps the reader to fill with guided meditations and a delightful journey through the modern eightfold Wheel of the Year in Modron’s company.
Throughout the book, the author encourages the reader to reflect on their own experiences and feelings in connection with Modron. This book isn’t just about research; it’s also about active connection with this goddess, bringing her into your spiritual practice in a meaningful way.
The book includes rituals honoring Modron for fertility, grief and loss, and ancestral reverence — all subjects intimately associated with mothers, both human and divine, throughout history. There’s even a ritual to dedicate yourself to Modron, should you feel called to do so.
This was a very enjoyable read, and I’m delighted to be acquainted with this goddess. Maybe you’d like to get to know her, too.
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About Laura Perry
I'm the founder and Temple Mom of Ariadne's Tribe, a worldwide inclusive Minoan spiritual tradition. I'm also an author, artist, and creator who works magic with words, paint, ink, music, textiles, and herbs. My spiritual practice includes spirit work and herbalism through the lens of lifelong animism. I write Pagan / polytheist / magical non-fiction and fiction across several different subjects and genres. My Minoan entry in the Moon Books Pantheons series is now available for pre-order and will be released on 26 August 2025. While that process percolates along, I’m working on an illustrated book of modern Minoan myths. I’m also an avid herb and vegetable gardener and living history demonstrator.