Pagan Portals Sulis

(Nimue, review)

Sulis is one of those classic Iron Age deities – specific to one place and not found anywhere else. Like many ‘Celtic’ Goddesses, we don’t know much about her. In this new book, Rachel Patterson brings together what we know, what we can reasonably infer, and what she’s learned through personal experience.

Sulis is specifically associated with the hot springs at Bath, in the UK. These are the only hot springs in the country, and the Romans built a temple there.

This is a book written for witches, rather than specifically for anyone on the Druid path, but it is highly relevant. The book explores what evidence we have for Sulis specifically – which isn’t a great deal, but it is fascinating. At Bath, the Romans called her Sulis Minvera, so there are inferences we can make from what’s known about Minerva.  There’s also imagery suggesting a male presence – a god or guardian, about whom we know very little.

The material Rachel brings from personal experience is really interesting, too. There are some ritual innovations in this section that I really liked, and that lend themselves to small space rituals, and solitary rituals. Rachel writes from a place of long experience and deep understanding, making her personal gnosis really valuable.

This is a small, very focused book. It’s very readable, and would be of great assistance to anyone interested in developing a relationship with Sulis. I also recommend it to Druid readers for the insight into this fascinating, enigmatic deity and for what there is to learn here about sacred spaces through time.

Find out more and pick up a copy from the publisher’s website https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/moon-books/our-books/pagan-portals-sulis-solar-goddess-spring-waters or visit your bookseller of preference.