Sunday, September 26, 2010

Norse Shamanism and Magic Today

The Norse were adventurous,daring Viking warriors who worshiped the Aesir and the Vanir (The Norse Gods and Goddesses). These words conjure up shining images of helmet-clad men with huge swords in hand, sailing their dragon ships over choppy seas. 

They were comprised of Scandinavians, as is generally thought but also northern Germans, northern French and people from much of the British isles. They left much of their culture, religion and racial blood in these areas.

The Northmen, like the Celtic tribes had strong ties to the Earth, the Elements, the Gods and the "Little People", hidden people. From the Norse come many of our ideas about trolls, dwarves, elves and giants.

They believed in an afterlife and an end of the world, or Ragnarock, long before the Christians permeated their culture. They gave us the concept of the "Thing", public assembly, where justice could be administered. 

Theirs was one of the few cultures where women had a great amount of freedom and protection under law. Norse women were among the most liberated at the time. They had much status. The Norse concept of marriage allowed great cooperation and companionship between husband and wife. 

In addition to housewives, women were priestesses, wise women,(versed in Magic) rune-mistresses, healers and warriors. They could go before the Assembly and be granted justice, or even a divorce, just as the men could. Women were listened to by men, especially if they had prophetic dreams or impressions. And dreams were considered important, as they were one of the ways the gods contacted humans. 

The people of the North were individualists and deeply resented any attempt to curb their freedom. But at the same time they were capable of great self control, accepting adversities without self-pity. 

The Northmen loved a good story or jest. They were shrewd traders with an instinct for commerce. They loved fine design and artistry. They treasured their ships and swords for their beauty as well as for their function. 

The Norse were firm believers in retaliation for injustices. There was no room for softness or a door mat existence. The land they farmed was harsh and full of hardship. But in spite of all they maintained a strong belief in family and clan. Their stories show an immense, tender love for spouse, children, friends and family. 

Their deities were strong but not immortal. These gods and goddesses were pictured as men and women, but on a grander scale; wiser, stronger, more beautiful guardians of humankind. Norse men did not invoke their gods on bended knee, as in Christianity. They worked with the gods on equal ground inviting the different aspects of each archetypical god to imbue them with these energies.

Norse Magic and Celtic Magic are the only two true Western European magical traditions. The Northmen were among the last European societies to fall to Christianity. 

Norse Magic for today fits the type of personality that is a "doer," someone who definitely dose not believe in taking a servile approach to life. It interests those who want to actively shape their own future, rather than just waiting around for change to come on it's own. 

It is a Magic of pride in oneself with the courage to face whatever comes, and the knowledge to mold results into a particular life plan. It attracts only a strong person, open to changes and the acceptance of new ideas. 

The Norse Gods do not drop results in your lap. These gods only help those who help themselves. 

You must ignore the old cry of, "Magic doesn't work!" And instead attune yourself to the power of the Elements calling upon the Norse Gods and other supernatural beings. 

Magic works if you think it works! Preparing for magic begins with the subconscious mind, and reprogramming it to accept the unseen and the disprovable. It begins by unlocking the creative part of the mind. 

True magic is the way of the individual, not society. It encourages self growth and a restructuring of thought and living. 

If you become successful and happy through magic; why worry about the opinions of others who are less open? Learn, practice and perform! Enjoy every new success to the fullest.


As the old Norse would say: "May the Gods of Asgard guide your steps. May Thor's hammer protect you. May Odin give you wisdom and may Freya give you magical power and prosperity!"  


Brightest of Blessings,
Lory
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