Understanding contemporary Scandinavian shamanism (seidr)

Description

This course is about Seiðr and spa-work as they exist within heathenry, both historically, but more importantly, as it practiced today. The Norse practitioners of the various arts of magic were highly respected professionals whose services were valued by their communities. In the Norse literature, men as well as women appear wielding the arts of magic. Since Norse magic was mostly a woman's art, throughout this course I will deal with magic as practiced by women, using the feminine pronoun, but it should be remembered that men as well as women practiced the art as recorded in the sagas. Magic as described in the Norse sagas was not a single art: there was seiðr, spá (spae), galdr, and runic magic. Of these terms, seiðr is the most common, as well as the most difficult to define. The term seiðr is what I will refer to most, as it is the term closest to what practices I use. Seiðr is most commonly translated as "Northern Shamanism, as developed by Indo European peoples" and is used to describe actions ranging from shamanic magic (such as spirit journeys, magical healing by removing harmful influences,) to magical psychiatric treatment in the form of recovering lost portions of the soul-complex, etc. I will also speak of Spá, or spae work; (which means divination) as well as the word Völva. A Völva is the name of practitioners of spá, usually translated as "prophetess." Völva comes from a root meaning "magical staff," and in these lectures I show how and why. One purpose of this course is to show how I view both practices to be interchangeable and much more powerful when combined, so you will see these forms of Norse Mysticism become blended, as well as the term “Northern Shaman,” throughout the course. Finally, I will take these ancient forms of Norse mysticism and show you, the student, how to continue keeping our traditions alive by doing what our ancestors did: Take other skills from different paths that appear to be useful, and integrate them into our lives and practices.

This course is an anthology of sorts; and by compiling it, I am simply a guide or Sherpa if you will, bringing you gathered knowledge from all over which I hope will make this trek into the spiritual wilderness easier, more effectual, and productive. I wish anyone taking this course to realize I am NOT trying to assume the role of an authority figure or scholar, although I have put in my time studying the academia of European pre-Christian spirituality. I do not intend to become your ‘teacher’, as much as I am simply your guide. I view myself as a Sacred Sherpa, because I know this trail well, and I vow while you are under my care that I will show you the trails that I have found best for ease of travel. I will show you how to make fire, gather food, and make shelter, as you fare forth. I will even carry your gear and administer first aid along the trail up the mountain, if that's what you require. But the most assured way to have a successful expedition is through the troop with whom we are exploring. Your climbing partners—other students in this course but also the many voices of wisdom which have come before me, as an anthologist—are just as crucial as your Sherpa. The Old Ways encourage everyone to take all the lore of the ancients and our Ancestors and make them their own; by reading them, telling them, and then visiting all the 9 Worlds and applying what we find to our NOW, while getting to know some of the beings who reside there. Welcome to my Seiðr and Völva seekers, and enjoy the contemporary ways of myself and others who have viewed Yggdrasil in time honored ways, then brought those visions back to aid our Kindred of today. I am honored to have been blessed with a glimpse of those places; and to report back what I have found.

TAKE THIS COURSE