The Way of Fire and Ice: The Living Tradition of Norse Paganism

by Ryan Smith

Overview

A Radical New Take On Norse Paganism

The Way of Fire and Ice reimagines Norse Paganism with mystical practices and rituals for today's world as well as tips for building community and resisting fascism. This approach to working with Norse deities and beliefs is a living, adaptable tradition, representing a strong alternative to the reconstructionist perspectives of Asatru and Heathenry.

In these pages, the old ways come alive in a radically inclusive form. You will explore the secrets of the World Tree and the mysteries of the gods, work with the many spirits around us, and feel the deep rhythms that drive all life while creating new songs of power. You will also discover how to make these practices part of your every waking moment, developing your own personal spirituality and building healthy, sustainable communities along the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738760124
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	10/08/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	336,027
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

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 and Spinning Wyrd. In addition to contributing to the anthologies Bringing Race to the Table and ¡No Pasarán!: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 produces a Heathen podcast, The Wayward Wanderer. He also has a PhD in modern economic and social history and can be found online at Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.

Table of Contents

Contents

Exercises XI

Chapter One: What is the Way of Fire & Ice? 1

Chapter Two: The Norse Pagan World 17

Chapter Three: The Norse Gods 37

Chapter Four: Developing Spiritual Practice 67

Chapter Five: Core Values 91

Chapter Six : Runelore 113

Chapter Seven: The Art of Seiðr 141

Chapter Eight: Finding Community 155

Chapter Nine: Building Community 171

Afterword 213

Appendix I: Further Reading 215

Appendix II: The Origins of the Pagan Revival 219

Bibliography 239

Index 253

Editorial Reviews

08/19/2019

Smith, an organizer of the paganist organization Heathens United Against Racism, explains Norse mythology, symbols, and rituals, as well as how to practice Norse paganism, in his diligent, friendly debut. He first covers the concept of “Cycles of Reality,” Norse beliefs about spirits, and major Norse deities before moving on to explanations of Norse runes. In the book’s latter half, Smith turns to those who wish to “cultivate spirituality into something you feel in every waking moment.” Smith explains how to develop an “ecstatic practice” (primarily visualization and meditation techniques) by creating a sacred space, and learning Norse poetry and incantations. In addition to personal development, Smith addresses how to find similarly minded people and outlines how to run rituals and meetings for Norse gatherings. He warns against “neo-Volkisch” paganism that exalts the “pure” bloodlines of white Nordics (and has a relationship to Nazism). Smith concludes with a long recommended reading section for information about Norse paganism, antifascism, and community organization. Smith’s sensible guide will enchant any reader interested in Norse mythology and paganism. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"[Smith] explains Norse mythology, symbols, and rituals, as well as how to practice Norse paganism, in his diligent, friendly debut. ... Smith's sensible guide will enchant any reader interested in Norse mythology and paganism."—Publishers Weekly

"The Way of Fire and Ice offers a vision of an inclusive, welcoming, spiritually rich and socially responsible Norse Paganism. Written in a friendly, direct voice, this book presents a guided pathway for developing practice and community in this tradition, with much-needed and clear-headed education to help ensure a foundation in justice and positive core values."—Morpheus Ravenna, author of The Book of the Great Queen: The Many Faces of the Morrigan From Ancient Legends to Modern Devotions

"The Way of Fire and Ice is Ryan Smith's magnum opus; a declaration of how we connect with the Gods while using that fire to transform our world."—Shane Burley, author of Fascism Today: What It Is and How to End It

"Engaging, thoughtful, and most importantly inclusive, The Way of Fire and Ice is an excellent introduction to Norse Paganism. Author Ryan Smith includes everything a newcomer needs to get started, but there's plenty here for the experienced practitioner as well. Whether you want a deeper understanding of practice, lore, or the magick of the Norse, you'll find it all in The Way of Fire and Ice. Destined to become the 'go to' book for a new generation of Norse Pagans."—Jason Mankey, author of Transformative Witchcraft and The Witch's Wheel of the Year

"An incredible read for the faithful and the curious alike, The Way of Fire and Ice brings to life ideals and traditions of ancient times and makes them tangible today. Empowering and dedicated."—Richard "Lord Gaylord" Weeks of Blackened Death Records

From the Publisher