Lady River

Austin, TX

A lifelong pursuit of the mystical, Lady River (nee Morigan) began her spiritual search within her native Judaism. She found a deep connection to Spirit through sacred songs. Insatiably curious, River asked questions for which the rabbis had no answers. She was fortunate to work with one wise rabbi who blessed her seeker’s journey by recommending that she seek for the answers to her questions in other places. Born in Georgia in 1959, River's path led to Austin, Texas to finish college in 1979, where she continued her spiritual search. Experiences in the woods and waters of the Texas hill country brought "peak" experiences within Nature and awareness of the connection to the One that is Many.

At the age of twenty-two, River developed what she called her "Philosophy of Life" based on her mystical experiences and spiritual beliefs which included the interconnection of all, the immanence of the divine within nature, the gender polarity of the divine, and personal responsibility.  While explaining her philosophy to a friend, he recognized River's personal truth for what it was, he named it Wicca, and gave her a copy of The Spiral Dance. Before long, River started looking for others of like mind.

River met Lady Magdalena at Lughnasad in 1982, and shortly thereafter became a founding member of the Grove of Phoenix Rising in Austin, Texas.  She received her first degree initiation in August 1983, her second in 1984, and her third in 1989. River hived and founded Earth Haven Grove in 1989. After leaving Earth Haven, she continued to serve the Wiccan and pagan communities. She was initiated as an Elder of the Unicorn Tradition in February 2000. 

River graduated with special honor's in psychology from the University of Texas in 1981.  She worked as a registered polysomnographic technologist, diagnosing sleep disorders from 1982-1999. In 2001, she completed a Masters degree in counseling, and currently works as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, Texas.  River is also a registered Kundalini Yoga teacher, specializing in meditation. 

Between continued studies, River enjoys watching cats and other wildlife, reading, practicing meditation and yoga, and being near, in or watching the water. She has a passion for ethics and interfaith work.  River strives to be aware of the Sacred wherever she goes, finding Grace within all experiences. Today, her spiritual practice is quite simply, union. After years of studying meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices, the experience of union has become a part of her daily consciousness.

Folks from all three Unicorn covens in Austin still gather for occasional Sabbats and to celebrate rites of passage. More frequently, you’ll just find old friends sharing the experiences of life, extraordinary potlucks and deep conversations!

Check out the Library to read some of Lady River's words of wisdom.