Product Description

Exploring the Northern Tradition is an overview of the modern reconstruction of the ancient religion of the Germanic and Scandinavian peoples. This religion, called Heathenry, is one of the fastest growing polytheistic religious movements in the United States today with over forty thousand adherents. This book provides a thorough guide to the cosmology, values, ethics, and rituals practiced by modern Heathens.

Readers will have the opportunity to explore the sacred stories of the various Heathen Gods like Odin, Frigga, Freya, and Thor and will be granted a look into the devotional practices of modern votaries. The most common devotional rite: the faining or blót is examined in rich detail with examples given for personal use. Additionally, readers are introduced to the concept of wyrd or fate, so integral to the Heathen worldview.

Unlike many books on Heathenry, Exploring the Northern Tradition is not denomination specific, nor does it seek to overwhelm the reader with unfamiliar Anglo-Saxon or Norse terminology. For those new to Heathenry, Pagans who wish to learn more about the Norse Deities, or those simply interested in learning about this unique religion, this book is the perfect introduction.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #180412 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 220 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781564147912
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Galina Krasskova draws on her own 12 years of experience as a Heathen priest. She is currently Aeweweard in Thaet Angelseaxisce Ealdriht, a member of The Troth, and has also studied interfaith ministry in NYC. Galina cofounded the New York Metro Asatru Society in October of 2000. She is a frequent contributor to such respected Pagan and Heathen magazines as Sagewoman, New Witch, Idunna, The Ealdriht Bóc, and Marklander.

Customer Reviews

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 !

Very Refreshing Take On Northern Traditions
I've been a Norse Heathen for 10 years. And It's very nice to see a book with an even balance of Anglo-Saxon & Norse & Teutonic beliefs & cultural approaches on the subject. Typically Heathen authors focus on one or two regional variations of the tradition and exclude another. Not only do you learn about the more well known Norse/Teutonic deities and nature spirits, but you also learn in detail about the more obscure deities specific only to the Britain, which is a first for a book such as this. And it's about time!

Krasskova inserts no biases or opinions other than some personal insights from meditations she did to add a richer appreciate of the Norse Sagas, Eddas, & literature she quoted to strengthen her research. The intentions seems to be as to help the reader empathize; And look at the subject in several different ways they wouldn't of otherwise have thought of.

I also liked how Krasskova spells out everything in laymens terms accompanied by the heathen linguistical/ritual terms. She explains very well the differences between the different approaches to Norse Heathenism such as Universalism, Reconstructionist, Folkish, Theodism, Forn Sidur et cetera. I think that is very helpful to anyone interested in becoming seriously involved with the religion.

If you were not one of the fortunate ones to get your hands on Kveldulf Gundarsson's "Teutonic Religion" when it was still in print, this is a very good alternative! Krasskova instructs the reader/practicioner how to preform a blot or sumble in a very aproximately simular manner to that of Gundarsson's approach. It's all in several steps and easy to follow. This is a must have for any newbie or long time Norse Heathen.

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.