The Viking Influence on Modern Occultism

The Norse expression for occultism is often associated with the practice of Seidr, a type of magic and divination performed by certain individuals known as seidkonur or seidmenn. Seidr was considered a powerful and versatile form of magic that involved communication with spirits and deities, and was primarily practiced by women. **Seidr** was deeply rooted in Norse mythology and was closely associated with the goddess Freyja, who was considered the mistress of this form of magic. According to ancient Norse texts, seidkonur would enter a trance-like state and journey to different realms, seeking knowledge, guidance, and the ability to shape and influence the course of events. This practice was often viewed as a means of connecting with the divine and harnessing spiritual energies in order to affect change in the physical world. However, due to its association with women and the belief that its practitioners worked with spirits and creatures from other realms, seidr was regarded with a certain level of suspicion and even fear by some members of Norse society.

“What you likely have is a slave-driven production of textiles,” said Price. “We can’t really know who is making the cloth, but the implications are clear.”

Now, time is long overdue to raise the banner once more and declare hunting season on yet another sacred calf of the misguided and opportunistic The ægishjálmur. These fellows must often have been antiquarians and book collectors, and as Icelanders they had a unique access Old Norse literature through widely circulated paper manuscripts, as well as continental occult literature pertaining to what is more commonly called ceremonial magic.

However, due to its association with women and the belief that its practitioners worked with spirits and creatures from other realms, seidr was regarded with a certain level of suspicion and even fear by some members of Norse society. **Seidr** was not limited to female practitioners, and there are examples of male seidmenn in Norse mythology as well. These individuals were often considered to possess a unique and somewhat controversial ability to manipulate fate and alter the outcome of battles and conflicts.

Kinder, Gentler Vikings? Not According to Their Slaves

New clues suggest slaves were vital to the Viking way of life—and argue against attempts to soften the raiders’ brutish reputation.

The ancient reputation of Vikings as bloodthirsty raiders on cold northern seas has undergone a radical change in recent decades. A kinder, gentler, and more fashionable Viking emerged. (See “Did Vikings Get a Bum Rap?”)

But our view of the Norse may be about to alter course again as scholars turn their gaze to a segment of Viking society that has long remained in the shadows.

Archaeologists are using recent finds and analyses of previous discoveries—from iron collars in Ireland to possible plantation houses in Sweden—to illuminate the role of slavery in creating and maintaining the Viking way of life.

“This was a slave economy,” said Neil Price, an archaeologist at Sweden’s Uppsala University who spoke at a recent meeting that brought together archaeologists who study slavery and colonization. “Slavery has received hardly any attention in the past 30 years, but now we have opportunities using archaeological tools to change this.”

Small houses surround a great hall at a Viking site in Sweden called Sanda. Some archaeologists believe this may have been a Viking plantation with slaves as the labor force.

Scandinavian slavery still echoes in the English language today. The expression “to be held in thrall,” meaning to be under someone’s power, traces back to the Old Norse term for a slave: thrall.

Slavery in the region long predates the Vikings. There is evidence of vast economic disparity as early as the first century A.D., with some people living with animals in barns while others live nearby in large, prosperous homes. In 2009, archaeologist Frands Herschend at Uppsala detailed a burnt structure from this early era in which people and animals were immolated. The human bodies were left in the ruins rather than retrieved for burial.

Ancient chronicles long mentioned that people, as well as precious objects, were a target of the Viking raids that began in 793 A.D. at the Scottish monastery of Lindisfarne. The Annals of Ulster record “a great booty of women” taken in a raid near Dublin in 821 A.D., while the same account contends that 3,000 people were captured in a single attack a century later.

Ibn Hawqal, an Arab geographer, described a Viking slave trade in 977 A.D. that extended across the Mediterranean from Spain to Egypt. Others recorded that slaves from northern Europe were funneled from Scandinavia through Russia to Byzantium and Baghdad.

In addition to its association with seidr, Norse occultism also encompassed other forms of magic and mysticism, such as rune magic and divination. Runes were a system of ancient symbols used for communication, magic, and divination, and were believed to hold mystic and magical powers. Overall, Norse occultism was a complex and diverse field that encompassed various forms of magic and divination. It was deeply rooted in Norse mythology and culture, and played a significant role in the spiritual and mystical beliefs of the ancient Norse people..

Reviews for "The Power of the Norse Berserkers in Occult Rituals"

- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really interested in learning more about Norse occultism, but this book just didn't deliver. The information seemed scattered and poorly organized, making it difficult to follow along. I also found the writing style to be quite dry and lacking any sort of engaging narrative. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others seeking to explore the topic of Norse occultism.

- John - 1 star - As someone who has a genuine interest in Norse mythology and occultism, I was truly let down by this book. The content felt superficial and lacking in substance. It seemed to skim over important aspects and failed to provide any real depth or analysis. Additionally, the writing was often convoluted and confusing, making it hard to comprehend the author's intended message. I wouldn't waste my time or money on this book again.

- Emily - 2 stars - I found "Norse Expression for Occultism" to be less informative than I expected. The author didn't dive deep into the subject matter, leaving me with more questions than answers. The book lacked any real practical guidance or tangible examples, which was disappointing. I would have liked to see more comprehensive explanations and a clearer structure. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by this read.

Runes and Rituals: Exploring Norse Occult Symbols