Product Description

This accessible case study of Northern European shamanistic practice, or seidr, explores the way in which the ancient Norse belief systems have been rediscovered and reinvented by groups in Europe and North America.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #438115 in Books
• Published on: 2001-11-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Review
'Impressive and well thought out.' - Graham Harvey, King Alfred's College, Winchester

From the Back Cover
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Shamanistic practices known as seidr, often involving interactions with the spirit world and states of altered consciousness, lies at the heart of the pagan religions of northern Europe. This accessible study explores the ways in which seidr, a key element of ancient Scandinavian belief systems described in the Icelandic Sagas and Eddas, is now being rediscovered and redeveloped by people around the world. The book draws on a wealth of research and experience to analyse the phenomenon and place it in context.
Written by someone who is a practitioner as well as a scholar, this is a unique exploration of what Northern shamans do, and how they speak of the spirits they meet. It is set within discussions of shamanism, identity, insider ethnography and new directions in the anthropology of religion. It will fascinate all those with an interest in the possibilities for alternative spirituality in todays world.

About the Author
Jenny Blain is a senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University where she leads the MA in Social Research Methods. Her research interests centre on issues of identity, gender, paganism and shamanism, social theory and experiential ethnography.

Customer Reviews

A true explanation of seidr
This book covers the North European, pre Christian beliefs of Seidr in a clear and concise way. She explores both the ancient beliefs of our ancestors through written lore and archaeological finds but also the modern reconstructionist movements in Seidr like Hrafnar.
Ther are numerous quotes from seidworkers on their experiences and worldviews for the reader to refer to as well.
The whole section on explaining the one word 'ergi' was probably over emphasising the point though in my opinion.
If you have an interest in seidr or shamanic practices in general this book is a must buy.
Jenny knows her stuff.

Roots of Yggdrasil
Adds to the small collection of books on seething we have, the author firmly fixes the tradition in a historical and cultural context, picking up the torch Aswynn dropped a few years back.

Also a worthy successor to the works of Jan Fries who dealt with the practical techniques, there's lots of inspiration for those who 'sit-out', tance dance or do seith in other ways.

Good investment for anyone who wants to learn about heathens, shamans and our ancestors.