The Horned God
By Keith Morgan
Paperback. 56 pages
First Published 1992 by Pentacle Enterprises
ISBN: 9781872189666
“The Horned God: Understanding Male Spirituality Within Balance” (also styled as “The Horned God - Understanding Male Spirituality Within Balance”) is a short 1992 book by Keith Morgan, a British author and practitioner in Wiccan/Pagan traditions.
It was first published in 1992 by Pentacle Enterprises in London (some editions list Mandrake Press Ltd around 1994–1995 . These editions are the ones with the ISBN number) .
The paperback is quite brief and illustrated by just a couple of drawings from Elizabeth Taylor ( no! Not that Liz Taylor) —and focuses on Pagan theology, gender balance in spirituality, and the role of the male divine. The images shown are from my own First Edition from 1992.
The book explores the Horned God as the male counterpart to the Goddess in Wiccan and broader Pagan traditions. It emphasizes duality (God and Goddess), critiques patriarchal or monotheistic imbalances, and argues that honoring a male deity is not inherently patriarchal but part of a balanced, dualistic Pagan approach.
Key topics from chapters include:
• Inaccurate attitudes and “accurate inaccuracies”
• Balancing the gender within
• Gender wars
• Balance within group structures
• Monotheistic cultural problems
• Pagan warriors or Pagan wimps
• The Horned God as the God of the Witches
• Who is the Horned God?
It addresses male spirituality, inner gender balance, issues in coven/group dynamics, and why belief in a God figure fits naturally into modern Paganism. The tone is thoughtful and aimed at inspiring reflection on Wiccan/Pagan philosophy, particularly for practitioners seeking equilibrium between masculine and feminine energies.
Obviously no topic can be addressed in any detail in such a short book but it serves a spring board for deeper study.
The first time I read this book I did feel back then that the book came across as kind of sexist and patriarchal. However, if one reads it again to grasp the ideas that Morgan is discussing which did change how I felt about the book and its author.
About the author
Keith Morgan had written numerous short books and pamphlets on witchcraft, magic, and Pagan topics, such as Making Magickal Incenses & Ritual Perfumes, ( review coming soon!) Traditional Wicca, Alternative Wicca, and works on ouija boards or general Wiccan philosophy. His works are practical, introductory, and rooted in British traditional Wicca/Paganism from the late 20th century.
I will be publishing a bio of Morgan soon so as well as comparing them to Scott Cunningham.
Reception and Availability
It appears to be a niche title with limited widespread reviews. One Goodreads rating gives it around 4 stars (from very few ratings). It’s mainly available used or via specialist Pagan/occult booksellers, often inexpensively as a slim booklet. Copies show typical aging for a 1990s small-press item.
Note: This is distinct from other “Horned God” titles, such as The Way of the Horned God(modern, focused on teenage boys/men’s rites of passage) or fiction/anthologies involving the motif.
Overall, it’s a concise, reflective exploration for those interested in Wiccan views on deity, gender polarity, and reclaiming balanced male spirituality in a Pagan context. If you’re looking for a full read, check used book sites or Pagan archives, as it’s out of print but not rare. Well worth getting for a decent price.
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