Exploring the Northern Tradition: A Guide to the Gods, Lore, Rites, and Celebrations from the Norse, German, and Anglo-Saxon Traditions

by Galina Krasskova

Book Overview

Exploring the Northern Tradition is an introduction to the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This religion, called Heathenry, is one of the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1564147916
• ISBN13: 9781564147912
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: New Page Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Without Peer!

It was such a breath of fresh-air to see such a well researched, well-explained, logicallly laid out and conveyed for a general, overall introduction to the massive and somewhat confusing religion known as Heathenry, Asatru, and a few other names/denominational variants as well (Folkish, Theodish, Universalist, etc.). I wish that when I converted to the religion over a decade ago there was such a good primer out then, for had there been I would have been spared numerous headaches. Before this book, the common advice to potential new adherents of this religion, or to academic researchers was "read the lore, read the histories, then come back and ask us [practioners today] questions." It's like being told to go learn Spanish, by reading Don Quixote in the original even though you've never studied the Spanish language before. This book provides a phenomenal framework from which you'll be able to understand the basic cosmology, basic rites, basic values, and other key concepts such as wyrd that form and shape this vibrant religion. More importantly, Krasskova makes it clear that there's several Heathen variants or denominations that exist. A fact usually overlooked in other books that deal with this religion. Having been a participant observer, and interviewer of mmany different groups, I can say that she also accurately describes and depicts them. Without any hesitation I assign this book to new kindred members, or to the students in my classes. The text is invaluable, and I cannot stress enough, highly accessible to both newcomers and those who have been around in this religion for a while.

Excellent introduction to Heathen Religion

This is one of the best heathen books that I have ever read. It provides a good overview of standard heathen practices and lore but also offers what most books on heathenry don't: meditations, suggestions for devotion rituals, and other things drawn from personal experience. I like that. It helps me discover ways of deepening my own practice. I have to really disagree with what some of the other reviewers have written. There is nothing Wicca-ish or new age about this book. It does go beyond the usual boring, repetitive parameters of the typical asatru book but I think that's a good thing. Ms Kasskova did start out in a pagan organization but notes in the footnotes that it wasn't a Wiccan organization. I don't think that can be held against her though. Most heathens I know started out christian! I was really surprised and pleased to find so many Goddesses discussed too (She also discusses many, many Gods), especially Eir. It's very hard to find anything on some of these Goddesses. Very little exists in the lore and no one is ever willing to talk about their experiences. This author makes it very clear where she is talking about standard things and lore and where she is drawing from her personal experience. She also doesn't shy away from talking about controversial topics like animal sacrifice. And I for one found the discussion of the different denominations in heathenry very helpful. Ms Krasskova gives a lot of information that the new comer to heathen religion needs to know. And since the book is called "introduction to rites...etc." it's obviously a beginner's book. I don't think it can be faulted for that, as one reviewer below does. I give this book five stars. i can't think of a better book to give to someone interested in heathen religion. I wish i had this book when i started out. It would have made things a lot easier. I plan on giving it to all my heathen friends.

Great for starting point.

For anyone just starting to explore this area, this is a good place to start, clear concise a brief concise overview of the early Germanic traditions and beliefs, many which still continue today in some form. For a more in depth look, or for those who alredy have some knowledge in this area I wood recommened John Lindow's "Norse Mythology, A Guide To The God's, Heroes, Rituals, And Beliefs. Michael

The Call of the Gods and of the Honor and Virtues of the People of the Northern Lands

There was a time when all of Northern Europe followed a common faith. The people shared a belief in the same Gods, common ethics and common values. A small portion of these beliefs and values have been passed down to us in the Eddas, Sagas and other history. In modern times there are those who still follow the old ways. All modern Heathens (those who follow the Northern Tradition) share a common theology, a common set of core values and a common documented history going back 1000+ years. In Exploring The Northern Tradition, Galina Krasskova has captured the essence of this theology, values and history in a book that is both highly informative and at the same time enjoyable to just sit and read. After a brief look at the history of the Northern Tradition, Galina Krasskova introduces us to what might be considered the three major branches of modern Heathenry: the Tribalist, the Universalist, and the Folkish Heathen. We are then introduced to the Theodish Belief ~ a form of Tribal Heathenry, bound together by a "web-of-oaths". Here we see tribal bonds formed between men of varying social status by means of sacred oaths. It is also pointed out that while all Theods are Tribalists, not all Tribalists hold fast to the Theodish Belief. Galina Krasskova next introduces us to the Cosmology of the Northern Tradition. From Ginungagap to Yggdrasil; and each of the nine worlds, from Midgard to Asgard, to Helheim. We learn the structure of the Universe as it is understood by those who follow the Northern Tradition. As we continue Exploring The Northern Tradition, Galina Krasskova introduces us to the Gods and Goddesses of our ancestors, of our blood and of the Northern People. But here we have much more than a list of the Gods. For each of the Gods and Goddesses we are offered an invocation as well as their history and stories of their deeds. Consisting of about one-third of the book, this section gives the reader the opportunity to know the Gods and Goddesses that still call to us, even today. After meeting the Gods of our ancestors we are introduced to concepts unique to the Northern Tradition. Galina Krasskova explains the concept of Wyrd and the Soul Matrix. Heathern ethics and values are explained, giving us an introduction to the Nine Noble Virtues and the 12 AEtheling Thews. Finally, Exploring The Northern Tradition closes with chapters on the Blot, Symbel, and Personal Devotions. I found Exploring The Northern Tradition to be well-written, properly researched, informative and enjoyable to read. If you have never experienced the Northern Tradition, here is a guide to let you begin your exploration. If you set sail toward the Northern Star many years ago, Exploring The Northern Tradition will be a reminder of old friends, of the call of the Gods and of the honor and virtues of the people of the Northern Lands. Highly Recommended !

Highly recommended!

This is the book I wish had been available when I was first starting out in Heathenry; it's one of the few resources in print that presents Heathenry as a living faith, with all the essential details a newcomer needs to begin practicing it and interacting successfully with other Heathens. For too long now, the usual process of absorption into the religion for those of us who get roped in by the Gods has been clumsy, awkward and embarassing. Full of enthusiasm and unable to get decent books on what it means to be Heathen, newbies have tended to jump online and join mailing lists, where they're subjected to an often merciless introductory "hazing" process until they either toughen up and learn to find their own way, or give up and run for the hills. This book hijacks that process by explaining not only the religion itself but the common attitudes and prejudices of its followers in a clear, readable fashion that anyone new to the faith can use as a reliable road map. The reader is introduced to Heathen cosmology and given a tour of the nine worlds as well as the even more confusing varieties of Heathenry, with details about both their roots in the past and current practice. Concepts such as wryd, the Heathen soul matrix, and ethics and values are made easy to grasp. There is a very nice introduction to the holy tides, as well as a thorough explanation of blot and sumbel (the two main Heathen ritual formats) that clarifies the difference between them and gives a blueprint to follow for creating your own. The highlights of this book for me, however, are the long section introducing the Gods and Goddesses in a vibrant, involving way(and even providing meditations for getting to know many of Them better) and the chapter on personal devotions, an area often neglected in many people's practice of Heathenry. These two chapters alone make this book a must-read for the experienced Heathen as well as the newbie.