Seiðr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance

A practical guide to the Norse shamanic techniques of seiðr, including trance spirit work and divination, is reconstructed using sagas, archaeological evidence, and indigenous shamanic traditions. Anyone called to this work would have been accepted in ancient Norse society, and the author discusses the tools of seiðr, protective songs, trance journeying, and soul-healing techniques. It offers a practical path for contemporary heathens to explore Norse trance magic and mysticism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2024
Publisher: Inner Traditions Bear and Company

While Norse rune work is well known, there is another major ancient Norse magical practice: seiðr (pronounced "sayther"), a form of trance spirit work and divination. Although seiðr is often considered an ancient form of witchcraft, recent archaeological evidence suggests it is more closely related to shamanism.

In this practical guide to seiðr, Dean Kirkland, Ph.D., reconstructs the magical and shamanic techniques of the seiðr priest or priestess using the sagas and other literature from the Viking age, tools found in the archaeological record, and surviving indigenous shamanic traditions. He addresses the misconception that seiðr was a practice reserved only for women and shows how anyone called to this work would have been accepted in ancient Norse society. He discusses the tools of seiðr and how to create them, empower them, and care for them. He explores the use of protective songs (varðlokkur) that involve forming bonds with spirits.

A practice he likens to the medicine songs of Amazonian shamans. He explains the techniques used to achieve trance in seiðr and how they are based on finding balance between the light and the darkness.

Looking at trance journeying in the Nine Realms of the Norse cosmos, the author discusses the different gods and spirits the seiðr practitioner may encounter in the Upper Realms, the Middle Worlds, and the Lower Realms. He shares exercises on the Wyrd, divination methods in seiðr, as well as ways to alter Ørlög, or fate, through spiritual work. Discussing soul-healing techniques in seiðr, the author looks in depth at the Norse shamanic practices of soul retrieval and reintegration of the soul parts. He then explores seiðrs role in death, dying, and dealing with the dead, including.

Weight: 320g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644119440