Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

Book: Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions by The Troth

Our gods belong to two "tribes", the Aesir and the Vanir. Our myths speak of a time when the Aesir and Vanir were at war, but made a truce and exchanged members. This myth may be based in part on Historical battles between human tribes who later formed an alliance; at the same time, it reflects the ways in which our gods work together. Perhaps the best-known of the Aesir is Odin.

He is the god of many things: inspiration, ecstasy, poetry, healing, the runes, and death. Frigga, whom we see as Odin’s wife, protects homes and families. Thor is the storm-god who defends the world of humans. The lightning is his weapon, the Hammer; the rain that he brings makes the fields fruitful. Tyr is the upholder of right order and justice, both among humans and in the universe. Heimdall is the watchman of the gods, and also the progenitor and teacher of the human race.

The Vanir are sometimes called "fertility gods", but they are far more than that; they are the gods of all the things in this world that we are meant to enjoy, whether good harvests, sexual love, or riches. Frey is invoked for peace and plenty; he and Odin were also the founders and protectors of many dynasties of Heathen kings. His sister Freya rules over magic, sexuality, and riches, but is also a battle goddess—she takes half of those slain in battle to be with her. Their father Njordh watches over the sea, ships, sailors, and trade.

The Jotnar or "giants" are a third group of Powerful beings. Many of our myths tell of fights between the gods and the giants. However, the Jotnar are not "evil" as the word is usually understood. On one level, some of the Jotnar represent the impersonal forces of nature: not malicious, but sometimes destructive, and not especially heedful of human concerns. Yet others of them are depicted as wise and helpful. In fact, some giants have been adopted among the gods, and nearly all our gods have giants in their ancestry.

Download The Troth's eBook: Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

The Troth - Heathens And Heathen Faith Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Troth - Heathen Ethics And Values Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Troth - Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions

Heathenry

Heathen (Old English h?den, Old Norse heidinn) was coined as a translation of Latin paganus, in the Christian sense of "non-Abrahamic faith".

In the Sagas, the terms heidni and kristni (Heathenry and Christianity) are used as polar terms to describe the older and newer faiths. Historically, the term was influenced by the Gothic term *haili, appearing as hai?no in Ulfilas' bible for translating gune Hellenis, "Greek (i.e. gentile) woman" of Mark 7:26, probably with an original meaning "dwelling on the heath", but it was also suggested that it was chosen because of its similarity to Greek ethne "gentile" or even that it is not related to "heath" at all, but rather a loan from Armenian hethanos, itself loaned from Greek ethnos.

The Miercinga Rice Theod and several other groups, narrow the sense of the word to Germanic Neopaganism in particular, and prefer it over Neopagan as a self-designation.

Heathenry is used for strictly polytheistic reconstructionist approaches, as opposed to syncretic, occult or mysticist approaches. While some practitioners use the term Heathenry as an equivalent to Paganism, others use it much more specifically. It is used by those who are re-creating the old religion and world view from the literary and archaeological sources. They describe themselves as "Heathen" in part to distinguish themselves from other pagans whose rituals come from more modern sources.

Heathenry is now the most widespread term for Germanic Paganism in the UK and is promoted by UK groups such as Heathens For Progress.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Anthony Arndt - Asatru The Northern Way
Sir William Stirling Maxwell - The Canon
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Third Eye
Aleister Crowley - Alice An Adultery

Seidr Magic

Book: Seidr Magic by Ed Richardson

Of all the reconstructed systems of archaic magickal practice, Seidr seems to be one of the most misunderstood. This is partly because of its sinister reputation, and partly because of sexist notions that only women ever practised divination. All too often Seidr is mistaken for the craft of the Volva, where in reality (if such a notion is useful) the Volvas were only part of a far wider practice. In order to make sense of the collection of beliefs and practices which make up Seidr, some definitions shall be considered, followed by a look at some of the practices involved and their implications. This whole essay shall illustrate examples found in the myths of Northern Europe.

Seidr literally means 'seething' or 'boiling' and has much in common with shamanism and other forms of primitive magick. Indeed it is highly likely that Seidr is an adaptation of shamanic practices to suit the culture and times, when primitive society evolved discovering religion, agriculture and metallurgy. However, Seidr is not a religious practice; it is a magickal practice which is where some of its sinister reputation originates. Jan Fries explains that the Seidr magickians would sell their craft, which makes them something akin to occult mercenaries. Its use is always pragmatic and is reflected as such in the myths. The myths play a vital role in understanding Northern magick as they show how the Aesir, Vanir, Giants and Humanity used magick to deal with problems, hinting at techniques that may be useful today.

Download Ed Richardson's eBook: Seidr Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Magick
Phillip Williams - Night Magic
Aleister Crowley - Intro Magick
Ed Richardson - Seidr Magic

Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

Book: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media by Lisa Dinsmore

The aim of this dissertation was to examine representations of Paganism by comparing recent fictional representations of Pagans and Wiccans against a "real life" model of Pagan and Wiccan practices and beliefs. A literature review focused on forming a model of Paganism, and looked at previous works which considered the representation of Paganism in fictional media. A crude form of content analysis was used to select an appropriate text for analysis. A semiotic analysis, ideological consideration, and a syntagmatic analysis of the narrative were all applied to the text, an episode called “Family” from the television series “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer.” This gave an in-depth model of a fictional text featuring Witchcraft.

Paganism with particular reference to witchcraft was portrayed positively in the text. It was discovered that the practice of magic had connotations of both power - particularly female autonomy -; and of sexuality -particularly homosexuality. Further analyses of a wide range of texts would need to be compared to the reallife model devised to give a more complete picture of the connotations behind the representations of Pagans, Wiccans and Witches.

This dissertations aims to look at representations of Paganism and in particular wicca and witchcraft in modern fictional mass media. Semiotic analysis in particular and other media theories will be used to look at the representations and the portrayals compared to a model of current Pagan practices and beliefs – the "realist" perspective versus the "real".

Download Lisa Dinsmore's eBook: Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

William Eliot Woodward - Records Of Salem Witchcraft Copied From The Original Documents Vol 2
Richard Roy - 13 Questions On Paganism And Wicca
Garfield Tourney - The Physician And Witchcraft In Restoration England
Gordon Ireland - Faq On Wicca And Witchcraft And More
Lisa Dinsmore - Representation Of Paganism Wicca And Witchcraft In Modern Fictional Mass Media

New Age Music

For everyone out there simply looking to relax or those of you who wish to enter a deep state of meditation...
New Age Music is a must. I myself use it for meditation, Relaxation and for my ritual magick work.
There are many New Age Music Artists out there but I have my favorites.
Along with this I also enjoy Classical Music from long ago.

Here are my favorite New Age Musical Artists.

Frank Danna

This is my favorite Cd that I use to meditate with and to use in my Ritual work.
Truly an Awesome Cd that will get you into the mood of your rituals or a serious Deep state of conciseness.
Listen to the sample track on the Cd page.... you will love it. This is my #1 pick of all.


Deva Primal

She has many Cds to choose from.
Her music is excellent for meditation or just relaxation.
Her music is based on Krishna sounds and methodical rhythms, but Premal's voice is one that resonates into the soul.
It will seduce your Body mind and soul.
The music she produces, makes me feel good and energetic afterwards.
She is my #2 pick.
Listen to some of the sample tracks!


Steven Halpern

He has so many Cds to choose from.
He has been in my collection for years.
I remember many times I would drive around and listen to his music and end up 50 miles away.
This music will send you into space.

There are so many other Artist out there. But you will have to find the ones you like the best.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aristotle - On Dreams
Nick Farrell - Notes On Geomancy
Anonymous - Pagan Stones And Gems
Janus Lacinius Therapus - The New Pearl Of Great Price.pdf
Phillip Williams - Night Magic

Tree Cults In Northern Magic

Book: Tree Cults In Northern Magic by Tommie Eriksson

From the earliest times, trees have been the focus of religious life for many peoples around the world. As the largest plant on earth, the tree has been a major source of stimulation to the mythic imagination. Trees have been invested in all cultures with a dignity unique to their own nature, and tree cults, in which a single tree or a grove of trees is worshipped, have flourished at different times almost everywhere. Even today there are sacred woods in India and Japan, just as there were in pre-Christian Europe. An elaborate mythology of trees exists across a broad range of ancient cultures.

According to the Roman Authors Lucan and Pomponius Mela, the Celts of Gaul worshipped in groves of trees, a practice which Tacitus and Dio Cassius say was also found among the Celts in Britain. The Romans used the Celtic word nemeton for these sacred groves. A sacred oak grove in Galatia (Asia Minor), for example, was called Drunemeton (Strabo, Geographica, XII, 5, 1). The word was also incorporated into many of the names of towns and forts, such as Vernemeton near Leicester in England.

The names of certain Celtic tribes in Gaul reflect the veneration of trees, such as Euburones (the Yew tribe), and the Lemovices (the people of the elm). A tree trunk or a whole tree was frequently included among the votive offerings placed in ritual pits or shafts dug into the ground. Others shafts had a wooden pole placed at the bottom. The Celts believed trees to be sources of sacred wisdom, and the hazel in particular was associated with wisdom by the Druids.

Download Tommie Eriksson's eBook: Tree Cults In Northern Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Simon - The Complete Simon Necronomicon
Emilie Kip Baker - Stories From Northern Myths
Tommie Eriksson - Tree Cults In Northern Magic

The Anglo Saxon Sagas

Book: The Anglo Saxon Sagas by Daniel Haigh

Daniel Henry Haigh (7 August 1819 — 10 May 1879) was a noted Victorian scholar of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, as well as a runologist and numismatist.

Although Haigh did not have any formal academic training, he dedicated himself to the study of Anglo-Saxon history and literature, and wrote two influential works on Anglo-Saxon history, The Anglo-Saxon Sagas and The Conquest of Britain by the Saxons, both published in 1861. He also wrote several monographs on Anglo-Saxon Numismatics, and a number of studies of Anglo-Saxon runic inscriptions. However, his transcriptions and interpretations of runic monuments have been criticized by Raymond Page as "often erratic, showing an eagerness to find runes where none exist". He also studied Egyptian hieroglyphs and Assyrian Cuneiform inscriptions, contributing several articles to Zeitschrift fur Agyptische Sprache und Alterthumskunde.

Download Daniel Haigh's eBook: The Anglo Saxon Sagas

Suggested ebooks:

Alice Hoffman - The Book Of The Sagas
John Yarker - The Anglo Saxon Chronicle
Daniel Haigh - The Anglo Saxon Sagas

Heathens And Heathen Faith Some Frequently Asked Questions

Book: Heathens And Heathen Faith Some Frequently Asked Questions by The Troth

Perhaps the best-known heathen god is Odin. He is the god of many things: inspiration, ecstasy, poetry, healing, and death; it was he who won knowledge of the mysteries of the universe which we call the runes. Thor is the god whose great might we feel in thunderstorms. The lightning is his Hammer, the weapon with which he defends Midgard, the world of humans; the rain that he brings makes the fields fruitful. Tyr is the upholder of right order and justice, both among humans and in the entire universe. Frey is invoked for peace and plenty; he and Odin were also the founders and protectors of many dynasties of Heathen kings. His father Njordh watches over the sea, ships, sailors, wealth, and trade.

Our Goddesses are no less holy and mighty than our gods. Frigga, whom we see as Odin’s wife, protects homes and families. Freya rules over magic, sexuality, and riches; she also takes half of those slain in battle. Idunna tends the golden apples that keep the gods young; she inspires new strength and joy to spring up in our hearts. Skadhi’s might is seen in the winter; Ostara is the bringer of spring. Earth herself is a mighty goddess, who gives food to all.

These deities were known by different names in different Germanic cultures—in Anglo-Saxon England, for example, Odin was Woden and Thor was Thunor. There are many other deities who were and are worshipped. Often, a Heathen will choose one of the gods or goddesses as a special patron and friend—or perhaps be chosen by a patron deity. However, Heathens honor all the Gods and goddesses of the North. Heathens believe in and honor spirits of the home and the land, who can be helpful in many ways if treated well, or disruptive if ignored. Heathens honor their own worthy ancestors as well. Check out the Troth resources, listed on the back of this pamphlet, to find out more about our gods and ways.

Download The Troth's eBook: Heathens And Heathen Faith Some Frequently Asked Questions

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

The Troth - Introduction To The Runes Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Troth - Heathen Ethics And Values Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Troth - Heathen Gods And Rites Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Troth - Heathens And Heathen Faith Some Frequently Asked Questions

Your Ancestors Matter

We Asatruar acknowledge our link to the clan, the family line of which we are a part. This article is intended to facilitate just such a remembrance. It is adapted from a new brochure available from the AFA - one of a series designed to make the central elements of Asatru more accessible to ordinary men and women.

There is a widespread belief in the modern Western world that Ancestors don't matter very much. This is particularly true of the Ancestors of European-Americans; among some writers and academics, "dead White male" is synonymous with irrelevance.

Luckily for us (and for the generations to come), a healthy interest in genealogy and family history defies this rootless, alienated worldview. Why do we care about our ancestors in a world that values self-satisfaction above all else? What does the deeper wisdom of our soul say about this? And just what is our relationship to those who have gone before us? Why does it all matter?

Native cultures in every part of the world revere their forebears. The American Indians, the Australian natives, African tribes, Asian peoples - all give special place to their kin who preceded them. Only in so-called modern societies, those most locked into the pursuit of material things and most distanced from the world of nature, have we forgotten the importance of the ancestral connection.

By ancient tradition, the barrier between the dead and the living is thinner at certain times of the year: Yule is one of these occasions, and the old Celtic festival of Samhain (popularly known as Halloween) is another. At these times, watch your dreams, and listen with your inner ear for the whispers of those of your line who have gone before.

There is much to be gained from the ancestors, and we have barely touched the possibilities in this short essay. Of course, they gave us the greatest gift of all, life itself - for if that golden chain of generations had been broken at any point, we would not be here! But we have our responsibilities, too. Above all, the family honor must be kept intact and the ancestors themselves must be given the high status they deserve. Obviously, we should do all we can to ensure that we have healthy children to continue the line into the future.

Once we understand the bond extending down the generations, we know that we can never truly be without family. Always there are the unseen ones, affecting events and reminding us that we are a part of a great stream of lives, seeking ever to express who and what we are.

Honoring the ancestors (who are, after all, us as we were before) is one of the three key principles to the European soul. The other ones are, respectively, the living of a life of courage and truth, and the right relationship with the Mighty Powers themselves.

The spiritual wisdom of the bold and free European tribes did not die out. It was suppressed - but it cannot be hidden forever, for it exists within us, the people who share this noble heritage!

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Sheelagh Rouse - Grace The World Of Rampa
Mama San Ra Ab Rampa - Flor Silvestre
Herbert Stanley Redgrove - Alchemy Ancient And Modern
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - You Forever
William Phelon - Our Story Of Atlantis

Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition

Book: Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition by The Troth

The Troth is dedicated to exploring, practicing and promoting the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples, who include the English, Norwegians, Icelanders, Swedes and Germans, among others. This religion is known by various names including Asatru, Heathenry, the Elder Troth, and others. There are many variations in beliefs and practices within this faith, and many ways of describing and classifying these differences. One thing we all share a defining personal loyalty to, or "Troth" with, the Gods and goddesses of the Northlands, such as Odin, Thor, Frigga, Freyja and many others. We also have a deep respect for our Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage; and a strong determination to practice the moral principles followed by our noble predecessors, including Courage, Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Steadfastness.

In order to help modern Heathens better to understand and practice the Elder Troth, we publish a quarterly journal, Idunna, and carry on other publishing projects. The best-known such project to date is Our Troth, a collective work of over 700 pages incorporating the research, thought and experience of many Troth members and friends, currently available online. Back issues of Idunna are available, and we also publish pamphlets covering several aspects of practicing Heathenry in contemporary society, including a Heathen’s Almanac, due out in Fall 2003.

In addition to publishing activities, the Troth conducts a training program for prospective Heathen clergy, incorporating study, training and experience in lore knowledge, theology, ceremonial practice, group organization, and counseling, and leading to certification after an extensive evaluation and final examination.

Download The Troth's eBook: Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Robert Mathiesen - Magic In Slavia Orthodoxa The Written Tradition
Donald Tyson - The Magican Workbook Practicing The Rituals Of The Western Tradition
Anonymous - Welcome To The Secrets Of The Root Witch
The Troth - Welcome To The Troth Honoring The Northern Tradition

The Heroes Of Asgard

Book: The Heroes Of Asgard by Annie Keary

This is a complete telling of the Norse Gods of Asgard from their mythical creation to Ragnarok (The Twilight of the Gods). This is an action pack tale with giants and elves Gods and mortal men.

Evidently, when they wrote the Edda (12thC Norse poem collection) (13thC Norse poem collection compiled by Snorri Sturluson, Containing Norse myths, poems, and treatise on poetry) they were not aware of English. However, there is no excuse for the later translations. If you want to know the gods and their story, but have no time to cut though exotic lengthy prose, then this is the book for you. The stories are straight forwarded and have a contemporary feel. Still they are of the time and place they should be and not superimposed on today's century.

The illustrations add a dimension to the stories. Being in a sketch form adds to your imagination and helps explain some concepts.

After the introduction the chapters are:
Odin
How Thor went to Jotunheim
Frey's Wooing
The Wanderings of Freyja
Inuna's Apples
Baldur's Death
The Binding of Fenrir

Download Annie Keary's eBook: The Heroes Of Asgard

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

The Ancient Fires Of Midgard
The Lessons Of Asgard
The Heroes Of Asgard

Futhark A Handbooks Of Rune Magic

Book: Futhark A Handbooks Of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson

Complete book of rune instruction including definitions of the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark. Includes discussion of phonetic values, derivation and magical qualities of each rune, as well as exercises, chants, rituals, all geared for self-development.

This book is written by a very experienced historical linguist and practicing Norse pagan. The former means he won't miss any known information about the runes, but unfortunately the latter means that he has lots of speculative material of the own which he mixes in with his scholarship. This wouldn't be so bad, but he rarely bothers to tell you which is which, so if you want to know the strictly historical facts about the runes, this is definitely NOT your book.

"Futhark" remains the best available introduction to Rune magic. While one should read from many sources (including other works by the same author), this work holds the kernel of all the techniques one needs to follow and practice the path of Rune Work. Much has been written concerning Thorsson's/Flower's adherence to other cults and it must be admitted that this led to schism between the author and the Odinic Rite. Personally, I believe that what Edred gets up to elsewhere is his affair. Technically speaking, this book is still the best introduction. If you are seriously interested in the runes, read it.

Edred Thorsson whose real name is Stephen Edred Flowers (a well known academic) has become a contraversial figure within Asatru/Heathenism and Academic Runology due to his Setian/Satanic memberships and Odian veiws. However this book, his first to be published on the runes, was written whilst he was a member of the Asatru Free Assembly and the Odinic Rite UK so some of the ideas in this book reflect this. The book is mostly a combination of Armanen rune lore mixed with Asatru/Odinism and Neo-Pagan magical practices plus academic runology. For a beginner in rune study, a difficult book to separate fact from fiction. For an advanced student, if you can already seperate the false from fact, you won't need this book! Probably a book better suited to those who want to study Armanen Rune Yoga in an 'Elder FUTHARK' and Neo Pagan/New Age format.

Find Edred Thorsson's book in amazon.com:
Futhark A Handbooks Of Rune Magic

Suggested ebooks:

Arthur Edward Waite - The Book Of Ceremonial Magic
Edred Thorsson - Futhark A Handbooks Of Rune Magic

Victory Or Valhalla The Final Compilation Of Writings By David Lane

Book: Victory Or Valhalla The Final Compilation Of Writings By David Lane by David Lane

David Lane was a prolific writer who tackled all of the issues imperative to the survival of our race. Some of the material contained in these pages will be familiar to those who have read Deceived, Damned & Defiant. However, this book also contains newer writings, including his fictional story "KD Rebel" as well as his last interview.

The 14 words created by David Lane are immortal words. The White Race is in great danger. This collection of writings by David Lane is fantastic. He was a "MAN AGAINST TIME". In Germany a lot of people know David Lane's 14 words. We also enjoy his great writings. David Lane had been a competent author with wide-ranging knowledge of the world. We must unite our race to survive.

Buy David Lane's book: Victory Or Valhalla The Final Compilation Of Writings By David Lane

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Hilda Roderick Ellis - Road To Hel A Study Of The Conception Of The Dead
Aleister Crowley - Liber 049 The Collected Writings Of Jack Parsons
Robin Artisson - Path Of Initiation The Fivefold Pattern Of The Witching Way
Dw Owens - Dictionary Of Gods A Small Dictionary Of Pagan Gods And Goddess

English Old Norse Dictionary

Book: English Old Norse Dictionary by Ross Arthur

You could, of course, print it and then consult it just as you would consult any other dictionary It might be more useful to you, however, to keep it as an electronic reference tool For one thing, you'll find that it serves also as an Old Norse to English dictionary.

If you are now viewing this document within your Browser, I’d advise you to save it and examine it later. If it’s now saved on your computer, try using Acrobat’s Find feature, with the “Match Case” option turned off. I’ve created a special font to make it simpler to search for Old Norse

- To search for a vowel with an accent, just type that vowel and then a slash /
- To search for a hooked o (o,) just type o and then a comma
- To search for ae type a and then e.
- To search for oe type o and then e.
- To search for T type th.
- To search for D type dh.

Download Ross Arthur's eBook: English Old Norse Dictionary

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Max Heindel - Teachings Of An Initiate
Aleister Crowley - Songs For Italy
Anonymous - Witchcraft Dictionary
Ross Arthur - English Old Norse Dictionary

The Lessons Of Asgard

Book: The Lessons Of Asgard by Asatru Free Assembly

This collection of essays appeared over a span of almost two years in "The Runestone". Dealing as it does with the lessons to be learned from the Norse gods, it is a companion volume to The Values of Asatru. Together these booklets provide a good Introduction to those who want to know how to lead Their Lives according to the Principles of our ancient faith.

In out! little homilies we have tried to examine the gods as they affect our conduct in the real world. We have avoided the deeper symbolic implications of our deities, preferring to deal with them as models showing us how to live. It is perhaps too easy to say that Odin
exhorts us to learning and Thor urges us to strength, so we have tried to see ane step beyond that level, studying in greater detail the implications of the gods' values and specifically how we can apply them to our lives.

Odin, Thor, Freya and all the others are examples for us to emulate as we deal with our own personal circumstances. As we have said, they are models. Appreciating them on this level is important to those who follow Asatru, but it is only part of their significance. Beyond the role model is a numinous, logic-defying reality, something apprehended only by means of symbols, something that speaks to us on deeper levels where words are inadequate and linear reasoning breaKS down. Studying the gods, immersing ourselves in their lore, can gradually put us in touch with those realms of spirit and we can all add richness and power to our religious lives by tapping this ancient, non-verbal wisdom.

But - one step at a time. Let each of us try to live the lessons of the gods in our lives. In doing this we can eventually tune in to the deeper realities - and in the process, transform ourselves and the society in which we live.(Stephen A. McNallen, Breckenridge, Texas)

Download Asatru Free Assembly's eBook: The Lessons Of Asgard

Downloadable books (free):

Max Heindel - The Message Of The Stars
Wh Auden - The Lay Of Sigrdrifa
Annie Keary - The Heroes Of Asgard
Asatru Free Assembly - The Lessons Of Asgard

European Paganism The Realities Of Cult From Antiquity To The Middle Ages

Book: European Paganism The Realities Of Cult From Antiquity To The Middle Ages by Ken Dowden

This book has grown out of that experience in datacompression. I have always believed that smaller areas were best understood in larger contexts and in many ways the whole question of paganism in Europe requires the largest of views. The largest of views, however, takes more room and more time than one would ever imagine, and what started in the mind’s eye as a short book giving a good representative sample of the range of pagan phenomena has grown into a larger book which still seems to leave so much out. I would like a lifetime to write the real, encyclopaedic version of this book. But it might stretch to a volume or two...

My aim was not to write a history of pagan Europe—that has been done with real commitment by Jones and Pennick (1995) —nor to write a history of the decline and fall of paganism to Christianity, which is just as well as Fletcher has now written a glorious book (1997) on just that subject. Rather, I wanted to show paganism in action, see what it looked and felt like, let the reader see the evidence and listen to the authors, even boring old Caesarius of Arles and grumpy Maximus of Turin.

I have tried to focus on living paganism and the witness of the written word, I have been less interested but not uninterested in the deductions to be made from archaeology. I have cited archaeological material where it helps the picture under discussion but not gone back to prehistory. This has also dictated the time period that I have allowed. Wherever there is a written account of some aspect of paganism, I have wanted to be able to include it.

I hope that this book for all its shortcomings and omissions will give readers access to much more information and a much fuller view than they ever had before.

Buy Ken Dowden's book: European Paganism The Realities Of Cult From Antiquity To The Middle Ages

Suggested ebooks:

Aleister Crowley - Liber 913 The Treasurehouse Of Images
Aleister Crowley - Liber 120 The Ritual Of Passing Through The Tuat
Aengor - Origin Of The Names Of The Days

Myths Of The Norsemen From The Eddas And Sagas

Book: Myths Of The Norsemen From The Eddas And Sagas by Helene Adeline Guerber

The religion of a people who could produce such a literature as this must be worthy of study, especially as we can see the results of northern heathenism developing until the end of the tenth century without interference either from Christian thought or from the Latin culture so closely bound up with it. The doors between Scandinavia and the East were still open when this literature came into being, and memories of a pre-Christian Celtic culture yet remained alive. It is a setting of another kind from that to which we have grown accustomed, that of Mediterranean influences impinging early on the Germanic world; and there are great riches awaiting the explorers of the realm of thought in that complex and vigorous age about which all too little is known. Of men’s attitude to life the literature tells us much, and we must recognise the strength amid sanity of it; how much can it tell us of their thoughts concerning death and the soul? This work is an attempt to begin the answer to this question, and if it can reveal something of the variety and richness of the lost religion of the North it will have served its purpose. Originally this book formed Part of a thesis accepted in 1940 for the degree of Ph.D. in the University of Cambridge. It was while holding a research studentship from Newnham College that I completed the greater part of the work, and my first acknowledgment must be to the College for the generous help it has provided. To Professor and Mrs. Chadwick I owe more than can be easily expressed: the discovery of both the inspiration and discipline of research, and unfailing help, both with practical advice and encouragement, the whole of the way. I would like also to thank Mr. and Mrs. J. M. de Navarro and Mr. G. N. Garmonsway for many suggestions and for their sympathetic interest; and Miss G. D. Willcock, who read the book in manuscript, and Miss Helen Brown, who read the proofs and assisted with the index, for their helpful criticism and support. Finally my thanks are due to the Syndics of the University Press for undertaking the publication of this book, despite the difficulties of war-time, and to its Staff for the courtesy and efficiency they have shown throughout. (H. R. ELLIS)

Download Helene Adeline Guerber's eBook: Myths Of The Norsemen From The Eddas And Sagas

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

John Coughlin - Out Of The Shadows An Exploration Of Dark Paganism And Magick
Jantina Helena Looijenga - Runes Around The North Sea And On The Continent
William Godwin - The Lives Of The Necromancers
Helene Adeline Guerber - Myths Of Northern Lands
Helene Adeline Guerber - Myths Of The Norsemen From The Eddas And Sagas

What Is Stregheria

Stregheria is a branch of modern Paganism that celebrates early Italian witchcraft. Its adherents say that their tradition has pre-Christian roots, and refer to it as La Vecchia Religione, the Old Religion. There are a number of different traditions of Stregheria, each with its own history and set of guidelines. Stregheria appears to be based upon the writings of Charles Leland, who published Aradia: Gospel of the Witches in the late 1800s. Although there's some question about the validity of Leland's scholarship, Aradia continues to be the basis of most Stregheria traditions. The work purports to be a scripture of an ancient pre-Christian witch cult.

As with many other Neopagan religions, Stregheria honors both male and female deities, typically personified as the moon goddess and the horned god. Author Raven Grimassi, in his book Ways of the Strega says Stregheria is a blend of ancient Etruscan religion blended with Italian folk magic and early rural Catholicism.

Grimassi says of his tradition of Stregheria, "The Arician Tradition strives to maintain the ancient mystery teachings while at the same time working to adapt to modern times. Therefore we do embrace new material and teachings, but we do not discard older material."

Interestingly, there are some practitioners of Italian witchcraft who have tried to distance their version of Stregheria from Grimassi's and the other Neopagan forms of the religion. Some, in fact, have complained that it's become "too blended" with Wicca and other non-Italian traditions. Maria Fontaine, a third-generation Stregha from Pittsburgh, says, "A lot of what's traditionally sold as Stregheria by Neopagan authors is an offshoot of Wicca with Italian names and customs mixed in. Although there are some similarities, it's very different from traditional Italian folk magic. It's like the difference between eating real Italian food in a village in Tuscany, and going to your local Olive Garden restaurant for dinner. There's nothing wrong with either, they're just very different."

Books You Might Enjoy:

William Wynn Westcott - The Sepher Yetzirah
Michael Harrison - The Roots Of Witchcraft
Sepharial - Astrology And Marriage

The Legend Of The Red Deer

The following legend may be related to the Deer Man, and is provided here for those who love the old tales:

"Long ago the bear and the red deer lived together in mutual respect of their great strength and power. The deer wore a pebble on its crown between its antlers. This pebble was called the Stone of Belzoar (bezoar), and originated from within the deer itself.

A time came when serpents overwhelmed the region in which the deer and bear lived. The stone of Belzoar made the deer immune to the venom of the serpents, but the bear wa left in danger. Therefore the bear left his home and went away in exile. The red deer gave thanks to the stone of Belzoar and he remained as the only master of the forest and the mountain.

The Bear, living far away in its forced exile, grew envious and resentful of the red deer. One day he returned and killed the deer. A man witnessed the event and later removed the antlers of the deer, tossing the carcass into the deep waters of a lake. The man took the stone of Belzoar away to his home.

One day as the bear was running through the forest he became impaled on the deer’s antlers. Unable to free himself he eventually died of starvation.

According to legend the spirit of the red deer emerges from the lake on certain nights and seeks his antlers and the stone of Belzoar. His complaining sounds can be heard in the night"

Books You Might Enjoy:

William Godwin - The Lives Of The Necromancers
Prentiss Tucker - In The Land Of The Living Dead
Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Third Eye
Ea Wallis Budge - Legends Of The Gods

Pagans Divination In Spiritual Practice

Many Pagans incorporate divination into their spiritual practice. Divination practices from around the world, including astrology, Tarot, Runes, the I Ching, Ogham, and the use of a pendulum as a dowsing tool, all are common within the pagan community. Some divinatory practices are culturally specific and therefore may be particularly common within specific traditions; for example, the runes are especially popular with Norse Pagans, and the Ogham with druids or other Celtic Pagans. Divination can be used as a means of predicting the future, but often Pagans will bring a more sophisticated spiritual sensibility to their divination practice, engaging in it to seek guidance from the gods and goddesses and insight into their own unfolding spiritual growth and development. Some Pagans may do readings for others, and particularly gifted ones may offer their services professionally through a metaphysical bookstore or at a psychic fair. But many read strictly for themselves or for close friends, seeing divination as an intimate spiritual practice rather than a mere form of entertainment or fortune telling.

Since Pagans often resist the idea that "spirituality" is somehow distinct from the rest of life, ultimately almost any activity can be embraced as a part of a spiritual practice. Camping, hiking, gardening, nature photography, drawing or other creative pursuits, the practice of herbalism or the use of essential oils, incense making, the preparation and use of folk healing remedies - these are some of the many practices that can be incorporated into daily life with a clear recognition that such activities have spiritual meaning. Ultimately, every Pagan is responsible for developing his or her most meaningful practices.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
Barbara Obrist - Visualization In Medieval Alchemy
Anonymous - Divination Spreads