Overview

Expanding on the radically inclusive practices presented in The Way of Fire and Ice, this next-step book teaches you how to tap into the forces of the Nordic cosmos. The greatest of these forces is Wyrd, the symphony of life co-created by the actions of all beings, from the humblest plants to the mightiest gods. Ryan Smith guides you deep into the mysteries, where you'll discover the role of Fate, the importance of the Nine Worlds, the Norse concept of the self, and more. Ryan also helps you develop direct relationships with animistic powers, commune with the dead, and cultivate your skills in ecstatic trance journeywork. Spinning Wyrd is for practitioners who are looking for more than the basics, who want to develop skills in the deeper forms of mysticism associated with Heathenry.

Full Product Details

9780738769851

Table of Contents

Reviews

Spinning Wyrd carefully and consciously helps readers deepen their practice amid challenging times. With the premise of Radical Heathenry, this inclusive book widens the view of Norse Paganism by looking at the often hard-to-grasp Wyrd, amongst other significant concepts. Informed by extensive research, well-developed modern practices, and a commitment to social justice, this book prepares readers for whatever is fated to happen next. --Irisanya Moon, author of Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate & Magick This book is a journey of exploration through the cosmos as seen with Norse pagan eyes. Ryan Smith invites the reader to encounter the living forces and beings that move through and animate all the nine worlds and to seek wisdom and relationship with each. But perhaps this book's most powerful offering is its insightful framework for understanding our own souls and our interactions with the forces that shape our fates. It's a compass that Norse-centered animists, polytheists, and pagans can turn to for guidance along the path. --Morpheus Ravenna, author and artist Spinning Wyrd is the perfect follow up to The Way of Fire & Ice, taking readers further into the ideas of radical Heathenry in ways that are both thought provoking and practical. Those seeking a Heathenry that is open and diverse, strongly rooted in history but meant for today, and which seeks to connect practitioners not only to Gods but also to the many powers around us--understood through animism--will appreciate the way this book balances so many potentially conflicting things to form a cohesive whole. I loved the way Smith tackles potentially difficult topics like ecstatic practice with ease, explaining both why engaging with the more esoteric side of Heathenry is important and providing a guide for anyone to do so. --Morgan Daimler, author of Pantheon: The Norse and Pagan Portals Odin

Spinning Wyrd carefully and consciously helps readers deepen their practice amid challenging times. With the premise of Radical Heathenry, this inclusive book widens the view of Norse Paganism by looking at the often hard-to-grasp Wyrd, amongst other significant concepts. Informed by extensive research, well-developed modern practices, and a commitment to social justice, this book prepares readers for whatever is fated to happen next. --Irisanya Moon, author of Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate & Magick This book is a journey of exploration through the cosmos as seen with Norse pagan eyes. Ryan Smith invites the reader to encounter the living forces and beings that move through and animate all the nine worlds and to seek wisdom and relationship with each. But perhaps this book's most powerful offering is its insightful framework for understanding our own souls and our interactions with the forces that shape our fates. It's a compass that Norse-centered animists, polytheists, and pagans can turn to for guidance along the path. --Morpheus Ravenna, author and artist Spinning Wyrd is the perfect follow up to The Way of Fire & Ice, taking readers further into the ideas of radical Heathenry in ways that are both thought provoking and practical. Those seeking a Heathenry that is open and diverse, strongly rooted in history but meant for today, and which seeks to connect practitioners not only to Gods but also to the many powers around us--understood through animism--will appreciate the way this book balances so many potentially conflicting things to form a cohesive whole. I loved the way Smith tackles potentially difficult topics like ecstatic practice with ease, explaining both why engaging with the more esoteric side of Heathenry is important and providing a guide for anyone to do so. --Morgan Daimler, author of Pantheon: The Norse and Pagan Portals Odin As the leading voice for inclusive Heathenry, Smith presents an essential work exploring the cosmology and mysteries that lay at the heart of contemporary Heathen practice. Thorough yet approachable, Spinning Wyrd provides a solid framework for the new or practicing Heathen to uncover profound meaning and spiritual growth within their practice. --Althaea Sebastiani, author of Paganism for Beginners [Smith's] is a tradition in which consent and respect for human and other-than-human people are rightfully emphasized on both mundane and magical levels. More importantly, though, Spinning Wyrd reminds us of our place within that ever-changing Web [of Wyrd], our responsibilities to our fellow people within it, and the power we hold to weave wisely for a better future. A perfect read for those looking to learn more about Fire and Ice Heathenry and its unique, socially/Wyrd-conscious approach to magic! --Cat Heath, author of Elves, Witches & Gods

Author Information

Ryan Smith has been a practicing Pagan since his teens with over fifteen years of experience in inclusive and anti-racist Heathen spirituality. He is the author of The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism and Spinning Wyrd: A Journey through the Nordic Mysteries. In addition to contributing to the anthologies Bringing Race to the Table: Exploring Racism in the Pagan Community and !No Pasaran!: Antifascist Dispatches from a World in Crisis, Ryan has been published at Huginn's Heathen Hof, Patheos Pagan, and Truthout. He has presented talks and rituals at Pantheacon, the Gathering Paths presented by Between the Veils, Hexenfest, and Many Gods West. He regularly writes at onblackwings.com and is currently producing a Heathen podcast, The Wayward Wanderer, which is available wherever you get your podcasts. He has a PhD in modern economic and social history and can be found online at Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available