Seidr Magic: The Norse Tradition of Divination and Trance

A practical guide to the Norse shamanic techniques of seidr

Explains the techniques used to achieve trance in seidr, how to journey in the Nine Realms, and the different gods and spirits you may encounter

Discusses the tools of seidr, such as the seidr staff and hood, and how to create them, empower them, and care for them

Details Norse divination methods, ways to alter fate, healing techniques, the use of protective songs, and the practice of Norse soul retrieval

While Norse rune work is well known, there is another major ancient Norse magical practice: seidr (pronounced "sayther"), a form of trance spirit work and divination. Although seidr is often considered an ancient form of witchcraft, recent archaeological evidence suggests it is more closely related to shamanism.

In this practical guide to seidr, Dean Kirkland, Ph.D., reconstructs the magical and shamanic techniques of the seidr priest or priestess using the sagas and other literature from the Viking Age, tools found in the archaeological record, and surviving indigenous shamanic traditions. He addresses the misconception that seidr was reserved only for women and shows how anyone called to this work can practice it in the modern world. He discusses the tools of seidrhow to create them, empower them, and care for themand he explores the use of protective songs (vardlokur) that involve forming bonds with spirits, a practice he likens to the medicine songs of Amazonian shamans.

Looking at trance journeying in the Nine Realms of the Norse cosmos, the author discusses the different gods and spirits the seidr practitioner may encounter in the Upper, Middle, and Lower realms. He shares methods of divination using the seidr staff as well as ways to alter orlog, or fate, through spiritual work. Discussing soul-healing techniques in seidr, the author looks in depth at the Norse shamanic practices of soul retrieval and reintegration of the soul parts. He then explores the role of seidr in death, dying, and dealing with the dead, including work with the valkyries and the ancestors.