Norse Goddess Magic: Trancework, Mythology, and Ritual

193 Pages·2015·1.56 MB·English

by  Alice Karlsdottir

This book is dedicated to David Byron Bragwin James, who was the
best of teachers in so many areas—metaphysics, poetry, languages,
fine wines, and everything in between. He was also the dearest and
most charming of friends. May he feast with his gods and ancestors
(and may he give a chuckle now and then for those of us still striving
in Midgard).
NORSE GODDESS MAGIC
“In this important and original work Alice Karlsdóttir, a leading expert on
Norse religion, makes new and dramatic teachings available and applies
these methods in a practical way in order that the ancient Norse goddesses
can speak directly to those who seek their ageless wisdom. This book is
something that can guide practitioners in all traditions in a process of
esoteric discovery of what lies hidden in often obscure and scant
mythological references. She concentrates on the often neglected goddesses
of the Norse pantheon, especially the goddess Frigg. The teachings
pioneered by this author show the way to move from the known to the
unknown and shine a light that illuminates the darkness.”
STEPHEN FLOWERS, PH.D.,
AUTHOR OF ICELANDIC MAGIC
AND LORDS OF THE LEFT-HAND PATH
“Karlsdóttir’s accessible, practical, and engaging guide to the goddesses of
the Norse tradition covers not only the mother goddess Frigg but many of
the lesser-known deities as well. By studying myth, reading ancient texts,
and engaging in trancework you can experience these ancient archetypes
yourself and strengthen your connection with them. Karlsdóttir explains the
necessary steps to enter the trance state and embark upon an enjoyable
journey and safe return. She introduces thirteen Norse goddesses, among
them healers, protectors, counselors, and messengers. Norse Goddess Magic:
Trancework, Mythology, and Ritual is a wonderful addition to any library
and will enrich your knowledge of mythology, magic, and the Divine
Feminine.”
SKYE ALEXANDER, AUTHOR OF
THE MODERN GUIDE TO WITCHCRAFT
AND SEX MAGIC FOR BEGINNERS
“Alice Karlsdóttir brings the thirteen Norse goddesses of the Aesir alive
within us through her research but especially through her teachings of trance.
She shows us how to experience each goddess personally and the values
each has to teach. The values taught by each goddess take the meaning of
compassion, nurturance, and protection to a much deeper level of our soul,
the soul of the family, the community, and of our Great Earth Mother.”
NICHOLAS E. BRINK, PH.D., AUTHOR OF
BALDR’S MAGIC: THE POWEROF NORSE
SHAMANISM AND ECSTATIC TRANCE
AND BEOWULF’S ECSTATIC TRANCE MAGIC
Acknowledgments
This book began as a project for the Rune Gild and probably would not have
been completed without the help and inspiration of that organization and its
Yrmin-Drighten, Edred Thorsson. I would also like to thank my first teacher,
David Byron Bragwin James, who instructed, inspired, and encouraged me when
I was just beginning to explore these areas and who helped me find my way back
to the old ways. Thanks also go to Tina Bindman and Carl McLaughlin, Macha
ni Padraiga, Lynn “the Moose” Stone, and June for letting me bend their ears
about my ideas over the years; to Kveldulf Gundarsson for etymological help; to
Christopher Ransom for the photography; to Joseph “Chepe” Lockett for helping
me with my score; to James Chisholm for nagging me to finish when inspiration
lagged; and to Kean for being there, in this world and beyond.
Contents
Cover Image
Title Page
Dedication
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Preface to the Second Edition: The Balance between Trance
Knowledge and Lore Knowledge
Preface to the First Edition: The Role of Tranceworking in the
Heathen Community
PART ONE: Looking for a Goddess
Discovering Mythology and Understanding Tranceworking
Chapter 1: The Importance of Mythology
MYTHOLOGY’S ROOTS AND MEANING
RITUAL AND MYTHOLOGY
Chapter 2: Exploring Norse Mythology
DETERMINING THE AUTHENTICITY OF SOURCES
DELVING INTO WORKS OF IMAGINATION
LOOKING FURTHER AFIELD
TAKING CONCRETE STEPS
WRITING AN INVOCATION
Chapter 3: Defining Trance and Its Many Manifestations
TRANCE: AN ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS
TRANCEWORKING AND ASTRAL PROJECTION
WESTERN TRANCEWORKING
Chapter 4: How to Do Trancework
PREPARING FOR A TRANCE
HELPFUL AIDS TO TRANCEWORKING
A RITUAL BEFORE THE TRANCEWORKING
A CALL OR INVOCATION
INDUCING A STATE OF RELAXATION
FOCUSING YOUR ATTENTION
DEEPENING YOUR TRANCE
EMERGING FROM THE TRANCE STATE
Chapter 5: A Visit to Fensalir—An Example of Trancework
Chapter 6: Challenges of Tranceworking
AVOIDING PITFALLS
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
KEEPING AN OPEN MIND
PART TWO: Frigg and Her Women
The Lore and Trance Methods for Finding the Goddesses
Chapter 7: The Influence of the Queen of the Gods on
Germanic Culture
A WISE COUNSELOR
A POLITICAL LEADER
GODDESS OF MARRIAGE AND CHILDBIRTH
MAGICAL POWERS
OTHER GERMANIC GODDESSES AND FRIGG
HOLDA AND BERCHTE AND HOLIDAYS
HOLDA AND BERCHTE AND THE WILD HUNT
OTHER DEITIES ASSOCIATED WITH FRIGG
SYMBOLS OF THE GODDESSES
FRIGG AND FREYJA
FRIGG AND RELATIONSHIPS
Chapter 8: Frigg—The Allmother and a Sample Goddess
Ritual
Chapter 9: Eir—The Doctor
Chapter 10: Saga—The Storyteller
Chapter 11: Gna—The Messenger
Chapter 12: Gefjon—The Worker
Chapter 13: Snotra—The Prudent One
Chapter 14: Lofn—The Champion
Chapter 15: Sjofn—The Peacemaker
Chapter 16: Var—The Hearer of Oaths
Chapter 17: Fulla—The Sister
Chapter 18: Hlin—The Protector
Chapter 19: Syn—The Guardian
Chapter 20: Vor—The Wisewoman
Afterword
Appendix A. Mother Holle
Appendix B. The Three Spinners
Appendix C. Queen Olga
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Runes
Endnotes
Footnotes
Bibliography
About the Author
About Inner Traditions • Bear & Company