Ryan Smith - The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism

Llewellyn Publications

Woodbury, Minnesota

Copyright Information

The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism 2019 by Ryan Smith.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any matter whatsoever, including Internet usage, without written permission from Llewellyn Publications, except in the form of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

As the purchaser of this e-book, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on screen. The text may not be otherwise reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, or recorded on any other storage device in any form or by any means.

Any unauthorized usage of the text without express written permission of the publisher is a violation of the authors copyright and is illegal and punishable by law.

First e-book edition 2019

E-book ISBN: 9780738760124

Book design by Samantha Penn

Cover design by Shira Atakpu

Interior art by Llewellyn Art Department

Llewellyn Publications is an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data (Pending)

ISBN: 978-0-7387-6004-9

Llewellyn Publications does not participate in, endorse, or have any authority or responsibility concerning private business arrangements between our authors and the public.

Any Internet references contained in this work are current at publication time, but the publisher cannot guarantee that a specific reference will continue or be maintained. Please refer to the publishers website for links to current author websites.

Llewellyn Publications

Llewellyn Worldwide Ltd.

2143 Wooddale Drive

Woodbury, MN 55125

www.llewellyn.com

Manufactured in the United States of America

Dedication

This book was the work of many people who must be recognized.

This would not have been possible without Patricias love and support. Her patience, guidance, and confidence were invaluable for making this possible. I could never have done it without her. Her knowledge of reclaiming Witchcraft ritual practices, organization, and theater are major influences on this book.

The ideas and practices Sophia Fate-Changer and other members of the little community we made in the Bay Area were the seed that grew into this book. Her ideas, uncompromising stands for the right thing, brainstorming, and partnership in crime made this unique form of practice possible.

Maias combination of patience and blunt advice were critical for refining community practices, working through some serious mistakes on the journey here, and reaching a point where this book could happen. Thank you for your example and honing of this rough blade.

Kevin is an unparalleled lore master. Whenever I had questions on any Old Norse subject, no matter how obscure, he always had an excellent, thorough answer along with recommendations of many brilliant academic works.

Daves experiences in many parts of the Norse Pagan and Heathen communities were key for understanding both the broader movement and what this book represents. He gave essential insights for explaining clearly why the neo-Volkisch are a danger for all people, including to members of that sect and our broader community.

My fellow workers Steve and Morgen have been major inspirations for me through their knowledge and their example. May their work continue and see rich fruit.

When I first got started as a Pagan, my experiences in San Diego were some of the most critical in my life. The guidance I received helped set me on the right path before I knew I was on it.

I would not be who I am or have written this without my family or their love and support.

This book is dedicated to all who feel the pull of the Norse gods and see their example as a way forward in these troubled times. Regardless of where you come from or how you live, I hope this work inspires, guides, and gives you everything you need for building a meaningful, fulfilling practice.

Contents

Chapter One:

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

Chapter Four:

Chapter Five:

Chapter Six :

Chapter Seven:

Chapter Eight:

Chapter Nine:

Appendix I:

Appendix II:

Exercises

chapter one

What is the Way
of Fire & Ice?

How fare the gods? How fare the elves?

All Jtunheimr groans, the gods are at council;

Loud roar the dwarfs by the doors of stone,

The masters of the rocks; would you know yet more?

Voluspo 48

A midst the bustling urban night, a heaving mosh pit pulses to a howling song of mighty gods doing battle at the worlds end. Mystics speak a heartfelt prayer in their native tongue, raising a horn for ancient Powers beneath the boughs of a tropical rainforest. A world away, black-clad volunteers give their hammer pendants a quick kiss before locking arms with others across a freeway, demanding justice for the wrongly slain. Alone in their home a devotee opens a cupboard, lighting candles for a deity of mystery while whispering words in thanks. On the side of a snowy mountain, a group of wanderers rest a moment, feeling the presence of natures majesty. A wounded warrior, with runes and dragons inked into their flesh, feels the comfort provided by their path as they do the difficult work with their fellows of healing unseen injuries. All feel the tread of mighty beings.

Ever since the end of the Second World War, a remarkable new spiritual movement has come into the world. After over a thousand years where two of Abrahams three children, Christianity and Islam, have dominated religion and spirituality, the ideas that were pushed off the map have returned. Witches, druids, seers, magicians, spirit workers and storytellers carrying ancient wisdom are surfacing across the globe. Many of these practitioners call themselves Pagans, drawing inspiration from the tales, gods, and ways of the peoples of Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East who lived before the rise of Christianity and Islam.

Countless people wander down these old paths seeking answers to lifes many questions. For many, the source answering the call are the Norse gods. The ways people reach them are as numerous as there are seekers. Many first encounter them through popular culture, whether through Marvels Thor, television shows like The Vikings or The Last Kingdom, comic books or bestselling novels like Neil Gaimans Norse Mythology and American Gods . Others find them when researching personal heritage. Some feel your way through the frenzy of mosh pits and hear them in music inspired by the ancients, such as metal bands like Tyr and Amon Amarth. Many arrive through direct experiences they cant explain any other way than spiritual.

This may seem strange at first blush. In these times, it is no surprise people are seeking and finding answers on paths most have forgotten. Much in this world has been thrown greatly out of balance. For anyone seeking guidance and strength in the face of challenges, the ways of the ancient Norse and their gods offers a clear, heroic example.

Those who are drawn to these gods and the ways of ancient Norse societies are found all over the world. Norse Pagans are found everywhere in Scandinavia, where these ways first returned, and across Europe. Adherents hold rituals all over the United States and Canada, celebrating in parks and homes alike. In Mexico, Brazil, and Latin America, practitioners honor the ways of Norse practice in their daily lives and communities. From New Zealand and Australia to West Africa, people are finding Norse-inspired practice speaks to them and their concerns like nothing else.