This accessible study of Northern European shamanistic practice, or seidr, explores the way in which the ancient Norse belief systems evoked in the Icelandic Sagas and Eddas have been rediscovered and reinvented by groups in Europe and North America. The book examines the phenomenon of altered consciousness and the interactions of seid-workers or shamanic practitioners with their spirit worlds. Written by a follower of seidr, it investigates new communities involved in a postmodern quest for spiritual meaning.

This accessible case study of Northern European shamanistic practice, or seidr, explores the way in which the ancient Norse belief systems have been rediscovered and reinvented by groups in Europe and North America.

Seidr is the intriguing and powerful early Norse system of shamanistic trance practices. In this book, Katie Gerrard has contributed major work on the practices of seidr and trance prophecy, providing a practical manual full of dynamic group rituals and techniques based on known Seidr practices.

An experiential guide to the wisdom preserved in Europe’s far north • Includes shamanic journeys to connect with deities and your ancestral shamans • Provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony • Draws on archaeological evidence and surviving written records from Iceland • Reveals the long tradition of female shamans in northern European shamanism Shamanism is humanity’s oldest spiritual tradition. In much of the Western world, the indigenous pre-Christian spiritual practices have been lost. Yet at the northern fringes of Europe, Christianity did not displace the original shamanic practices until the end of the Viking age. Remnants of Norse shamanic spirituality have survived in myths, folk traditions, and written records from Iceland, providing many clues about the ancient European shaman’s world, especially when examined in conjunction with other shamanic cultures in northern Eurasia, such as the Sami and the tribes of Siberia. Reconstructing the shamanic practices of the hunter-gatherers of Scandinavia, Evelyn Rysdyk explores the evolution of Norse shamanism from its earliest female roots to the pre-Christian Viking Age. She explains how to enter Yggdrasil, the World Tree, to travel to other realms and provides shamanic journeys to connect with the ancestral shamans of your family tree, including the Norse goddess Freyja, the very first shaman. She offers exercises to connect with the ancient goddesses of fate, the Norns, and introduces the overnight wilderness quest of útiseta for reconnecting with the powers of nature. She explains the key concepts of Ørlög and Wyrd--the two most powerful forces that shape human lives--and provides exercises for letting go of harmful behavior patterns and transforming simple knowledge into profound wisdom by connecting with Óðinn. Thoroughly examining the shamanic rituals of seiðr, the oracular magic of the Nordic cultures, the author provides step-by-step instructions to prepare for and conduct a seiðr ceremony, including creating your own seiðr staff and hood, and explores the ancestral use of shamanic songs or varðlokur to accompany the ceremony. Woven throughout these exercises, Rysdyk provides archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites supporting the long tradition of venerating wise women, grandmothers, and mothers in ancient cultures and the important role of female shamans at the heart of northern European shamanism. Providing an accessible guide for anyone trying to fulfill their shamanic callings, these powerful rituals can provide personal healing and a clear path for finding our way into a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Introduction Delve into the mystical and enigmatic world of the Norse gods and uncover the ancient art of Seidr—Norse shamanism. "Norse Gods and the Art of Seidr: Ancient Shamanic Practices in Modern Times" offers a captivating exploration of the spiritual practices that were integral to Norse mythology and how these age-old rituals can be adapted for contemporary spiritual seekers. Key Features In-Depth Exploration: Learn about the roles of gods like Odin, Freya, and Loki and how Seidr was woven into their mythologies. Historical Insights: Discover the historical context of Norse shamanism, including its origins, evolution, and its place in Viking society. Practical Applications: Gain insights into how the ancient art of Seidr can be applied today to enhance spiritual understanding and personal well-being. Illustrative Narratives: Enjoy stories and legends that bring to life the practices and beliefs of the Norse people. Benefits Connect with a spiritual tradition that has been revered for centuries. Incorporate elements of Norse shamanism into modern spiritual practices. Enhance your understanding of Norse mythology and its deeper meanings. Who This Book Is For This book is perfect for anyone interested in Norse mythology, paganism, historical spirituality, and modern shamanic practices. Whether you are a practitioner of paganism, a student of history, or simply a lover of rich, cultural stories, this book will offer you new insights and methods to explore spiritual realms. Conclusion With "Norse Gods and the Art of Seidr: Ancient Shamanic Practices in Modern Times," embark on a journey through time to grasp the mystical practices of the Norse gods and learn how these ancient arts can provide insights and spiritual growth in our modern lives.

Sei�r is profound intuition and ineffable wisdom, and V�lusp� is the single most important text on Sei�r - the European 'shamanistic' tradition. This is the only book that explains them both with remarkable depth and clarity. A must read for anyone who seeks to rekindle Old European spiritual traditions in their every day life!

" ... presents the main features of Siberian shamanism, as they are relevant for comparison with Norse sources, and examines the Norse texts in detail to determine how far it is reasonable to assign a label of "shamanism" to the human and divine magical practices of pre-Christian Scandinavia, whose existence, it is argued, in many cases resides mainly in the imaginative tradition of the poets." -- Back cover.