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

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

The Way of Fire and Ice reimagines and grounds Norse Paganism in today's world, focusing on the needs of modern practitioners. This book provides practical information on crafting ritual, developing personal mystical practices, and building sustainable community. Instead of being a guide to the reconstruction of ancient Norse religion, this material helps you participate in a modern revival that integrates Norse deities and beliefs with elements of neopagan practice. Within these pages, you will find fascinating perspectives on Norse cosmology, the runes, and the nine worlds. You will learn all about the gods, ancestors, and spirits of place and the steps you can take to begin relationships with them. You will also discover ideas for celebrating holidays and special rites as well as tips for joining or starting your own group. Norse Paganism makes a strong impact in the lives of its practitioners. Whether you want to improve your spiritual connection in the routine matters of daily life or want to work with bigger questions of purpose and meaning, the practical informational presented here will serve you on your journey. -Provides a strong alternative to the reconstructionist approach of Asatru/Heathenry; helps readers incorporate the wisdom and virtues found in the old Norse sagas into a contemporary lifestyle -Written with a strong emphasis on democratic/non-hierarchical group structure and anti-fascist thought, taking inspiration from Reclaiming and other egalitarian training sources -Directly addresses challenges facing modern Norse Pagans like organized bigotry within the community and the struggles of day-to-day living

Revised 20th anniversary edition. Embrace your magickal awakening with this essential guide to modern paganism. From Wicca to Druidry, Shamanism to Heathenry, Paganism is bound together by a collection of spiritual paths that are rooted in the ancient religions of our world. In this enlightening guide, pioneer of the modern Pagan movement Pete Jennings introduces the core concepts of each unique strand of Paganism, explaining their foundations, beliefs and practices to help you in your own personal spiritual journey. Exploring magick, sacred sites, celebrations and organisations and the pivotal role of nature and the divine, this is your guide to finding the path that feels good and true to you.

The most comprehensive guide to Norse literature, historical folk lore and more. Kvilhaug peels back the layers of the Eddas, Poems and Sagas to reveal hidden truths within Maria's background in research and archaeology is visible throughout with full illustrations, timelines and beautiful translations of passages providing the key to unlocking and deciphering the hidden wisdom within. Her exploration of modern interpretations, past parables, and related cultural mythos provides a deeper layer into the mysteries of Old Norse practices.

Everything You Need to Know to Start Practicing Asatru and Discovering the Magic of Norse Paganism, Viking Mythology and the Poetic Edda. Are you curious about Asatru, but don't know where to begin? Or maybe you want to learn more about the myths and legends surrounding our Northern Gods? Either way, by the time you've finished this book, you will be well on your way to embracing the Viking Spirit and all it has to offer. Asatru is the religion of pre-Christian Northern European tribes, ancestors of modern Scandinavians and other Germanic peoples, who practiced it before the introduction of Christianity to Europe. Asatru is based on Norse paganism and mythology. It embraces a complex heathen worldview that includes the belief in several deities, concepts about death and the afterlife, an understanding of cosmology, and magic and runic beliefs. In Asatru for Beginners, best-selling author Melissa Gomes takes you on an enlightening and entertaining journey into Norse paganism. You will emerge from this guide with a solid footing in the basic principles of Asatru as a modern way of life. Melissa shares her own experience in discovering the Norse gods and goddesses, as well as ways to incorporate them into your everyday life. She provides a thorough introduction to mythology and its importance to Asatru, followed by an exploration of the magical practices that make up its core. Melissa's passion for the subject shines through every page of this book. Whether you have been studying Asatru for years or are just starting out, be prepared to learn something new! Yet, the true essence of Asatru and heathenry is within ourselves. It is how we live our lives - by following the virtues of honor, courage, and integrity daily. Our connection with those who have gone before us strengthens our bonds with each other as Heathens. The Asatru religion is an experiential one. Symbols are powerful, and how we use them can define us as a people and can shape our Pagan path: In Asatru for Beginners, you'll learn all you need to know to start working with the Norse gods and goddesses as a pagan, including: The origins of Asatru and Norse Paganism A brief history of Asatru or Heathenism in modern times, with an in-depth look at the modern Asatru movement Information on Norse cosmology, including the Nine Worlds of Yggdrasil and the cosmological significance of the sun and moon gods Details about each god and goddess in Norse Mythology How to honor and work with the Norse deities, including a list of recommended devotional practices The Nine Noble Virtues and how they can inform your life today and throughout everyday How to celebrate holidays, honor and work with ancestors How to perform Viking Magic by creating your own Blot and rituals By the end of this guide, you will have a working knowledge of the Asatru and the lore and history surrounding it. However, there is no shortcut or easy way around studying Asatru. Indeed, discovering Asatru can truly become a lifelong journey, but Asatru for Beginners is an excellent first step along the way. Inside the book, you will also find three bonuses for you, go check them out! If you're ready to start exploring this religion for yourself, just scroll to the top of the page and hit the Buy button!