This book is an introduction to Heathenry, the ancient folk religion or Troth of Northern Europe. It will help you understand the gods, their mythology, and the psychological and sociological processes that accompany them so that you will be able to have a deeper understanding of the myths and lore. This book provides a solid foundation for anyone who wishes to lead a fulfilling life in accordance with the ways of our ancestors. Sections on the historical background of our ancestors, their myths and ways, the runes, and ritual will give you a clearer understanding of our faith. This book is for anyone interested in the Heathen religion of Northern Europe, whether known as Asatru, Odinism, Forn Sed, Troth, Theodism, the Northern Tradition, or Norse Paganism.

The Heathen Handbook is a combination of the most important elements of the ancestral folkways of Northern Europe. Regardless of whether it is called Asatru, Odinism, Troth, Forn Sed, or simply Heathenry, the ancient faith of the northlands is based on heritage, kinship, honor, love of the earth, and the belief that we forge our own destiny. Because Heathenry is holistic and touches every aspect of our lives, there is a need for single book that addresses the wide range of subjects that a Heathen needs to know. The Heathen Handbook covers our basic beliefs, history, worldview, ethics, mythology, symbolism, the runes, ritual, and practical ideas about what we can do as individuals and as a community to further our way. There are equal measures of scholarship, practicality, reliance upon tradition, and applications that fit the modern world. The Heathens of Woden's Folk Kindred took information from over a hundred sources as well as many years of living Heathenry to create an effective resource for anyone trying to navigate the tricky path of reconnecting with the ways of our ancestors.In an age of increasing social alienation and cultural decay, Heathenry offers a saner, more fulfilling way to live, and the Heathen Handbook offers a guide to help both novices and experienced Heathens seeking to embrace that life. This fourth edition of the Heathen Handbook contains expanded and revised sections on rituals, as well as much needed corrections and a section addressing women in our faith. This section on women in Heathenry seeks to help bring our faith back into balance with a presentation of influential heathen women from the lore, and a look at the essential and differing roles that women play in our faith.

Asatru Then and Now From its pre-Christian beginnings to its contemporary practitioners, Heathenry has long fascinated people from every corner of the world. Written from the unique perspective of a Heathen gythja, or Godwoman, A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru shows how to bring the beliefs and traditions of this ancient faith into your life today. In this complete guide to Asatru, you will discover: The mythology, folklore, and historical sagas of Northern European Heathens How to conduct rituals for birth, naming, entry into adulthood, weddings, divorces, funerals, and holy days Practical techniques for meditation, trance-work, prayer, and working with runes and charms Heathen perspectives on the nature of time, creation, worship, ethics, oaths, and hospitality An in-depth glossary, index, pronunciation guide, and bibliography for further study

Ode to Our Wild Feminine Souls This provocative book invites you to create your own spiritual path based on often-suppressed ancient principles and contemporary practices. Using the elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether) rather than traditional patriarchal hierarchies, this 'holy book' is designed to connect each individual to their universal — but often denied — powers. Wild woman Danielle Dulsky takes you deep as she explores and embraces sacred feminine archetypes such as the Mother Goddess, the Crone, and the Maiden. Join her as she guides you to envision and explore a world that enriches and supports your spirit, body, and mind as well as our global community and the Earth.

This book was written for those seeking answers to the Asatru tradition. It is a comprehensive guide that offers all the basics of the religion and much more. It is broken into 3 parts. Part I discusses the proper views of the Norse Religion and Cosmos. Part II details the cosmology of Asatru. It includes in detail, the descriptions of the gods and goddesses, as well as the realms of Yggdrasil. Part III then takes a look at the practices of modern Day Asatru as long as with advice on how to grow your spiritual life and connection with the gods and goddesses of our ancestors.

An essential guide to expand your spiritual practices for followers of Norse Paganism, Heathenry, Asatru, and other Northern Traditions. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a groundbreaking look at devotional work in religions from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, all of which comprise the umbrella of the Northern Tradition. Although interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly in the past few years, this is the first book to show the diverse scope of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, and lore, and a thorough examination of common cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for Northern Tradition communities and related Heathen practices. Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is not denomination-specific: rather, it seeks to provide an entry into interior practice for anyone involved in a branch of this broad family of traditions of the ancient Norse, Germanic, and Saxon peoples, using material suitable for the solitary, independent practitioner. Those outside of the Northern Tradition who wish to deepen their own devotional practice will find this book helpful in their own work, as well.

In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. A Journey to Fulfillment and Renewal Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru’s origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its recognition as an official religion in the 1970s and its widespread acceptance today. Essential Asatru also includes: · A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara · The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru’s tenets · Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today. Praise for Essential Asatru “This mainstreamed book on Asatru offers a thorough grounding in both history and the present and shows how those values—the true heart of any religion—are expressed in the lives of its faithful. This book is recommended for personal education, library shelves, and world religion classes.” —Facing North “A solid and thorough yet concise introduction to the religion, its history, the gods and goddesses, and the basics of modern practice.” —Idunna