Alice Karlsdottir - Norse Goddess Magic: Trancework, Mythology, and Ritual

This book is dedicated to David Byron Bragwin James, who was the best of teachers in so many areasmetaphysics, 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 Karlsdttir, 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

Karlsdttirs 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. Karlsdttir 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 Karlsdttir 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
BALDRS MAGIC: THE POWER OF NORSE
SHAMANISM AND ECSTATIC TRANCE
AND BEOWULFS 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.

Abbreviations

A Note on Special Characters

In writing certain words in languages such as Old Norse or Old English, certain special written characters are used. When representing these words in the current set of characters used in English, please note these correspondences:

, = th

, = dh

PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION

The Balance between Trance Knowledge and Lore Knowledge

When I first wrote this book, the Heathen community was focused on research and attempting to re-create traditional practices, and there was a paucity of information on the Germanic goddesses. The idea of using more subjective practices, like meditation or tranceworking, to supplement what was available in the lore was less common and sometimes viewed with skepticism or mockery. Now it seems that the pendulum has swung in the other direction. More and more people have been using less traditional methods to fill out their understanding of the gods and goddesses and some types of seir (a magical technique involving trance states, prophesying, shamanic traveling, and talking to spirits) are being actively practiced and even standardized by some groups.

Sometimes it seems that subjective experience and opinion are almost given prominence over the traditional lore, which I think is a mistake. There are many things missing from the information that has survived from the original Heathen times, but when its there, we should use it. When doing subjective work like tranceworking, there is always the danger of becoming too attached to ones personal view of a god or goddess and losing ones objectivity. I have even seen some people get into arguments because their personal picture of a goddess didnt match someone elses. This is unfortunate. Not everything you see or learn in a trance is necessarily a valid revelation. It may be a message or insight meant for you alone, but not necessarily meaningful or true for the rest of the world. Sometimes it may just be a product of your own personal mental landscape, or you may have been influenced by some event or condition in your everyday life.

The real benefit to people using trance, meditation, and other subjective forms of magic is to be able to work together to compile and compare whats learned, to find common themes and unexpected insights. Its always exciting to talk with someone who has a fresh perspective or who has had an experience that matches one of your own. Sometimes you just need someone who will honestly tell you when youre off track. But the greatest good comes from forging emotional links and understanding, and ultimately strengthening the bonds between the people of Midgard and their gods. The rainbow bridge still shines brightly, beckoning those who are willing to cross over to the other worlds.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

The Role of Tranceworking in the Heathen Community

It is time to chant from the seers stool at the Well of Ur;

I saw but stayed silent, I saw and thought, and heard Hrs words.

HVAML, ST. 111

This book grew out of a personal need to better understand the Norse gods and goddesses. However, in the process of trying to flesh out the somewhat scanty information available on many Norse deities, I discovered the art of tranceworking and its role in spiritual study and worship. I am therefore sharing not only the lore I was able to learn but also the means I used to acquire it.