Norse pagan symbols hold great cultural and spiritual significance in the ancient Norse religion. These symbols were used by the Vikings and other Norse cultures to represent various aspects of their beliefs, mythology, and everyday life. The meanings behind these symbols are deeply rooted in Norse mythology and have been passed down through generations. One of the most well-known Norse pagan symbols is the Valknut, also known as Odin's knot. This symbol consists of three interlocking triangles and is associated with the god Odin. The Valknut is often interpreted as a symbol of Odin's power over life and death or his control over fate.
—Chris Butler, Aeclectic Tarot
Unlike most 20th century decks, Hall s deck is free of occult or pagan mumbo jumbo and yet is rich in subtle symbolism, such as the mysterious black birds and orange cats that appear on various cards, and the mandala type designs in the center of the pip cards. The cards feature illustrations of witches, and the images do indeed convey a sense of magic, but overall, I also found the images very grounded in reality.
The Valknut is often interpreted as a symbol of Odin's power over life and death or his control over fate. It is also believed to represent the concept of the afterlife and the transition between life and death. Another important Norse pagan symbol is Mjölnir, also known as Thor's hammer.
Witch tarot card depictions
I personally love this deck and it is one of the most frequently used decks for my personal readings. I love the fact that the cards were painted with oils on canvas; the colors are incredibly rich and vibrant and there is a depth and solidity to the images that is rare. There's something psychological here for me as an artist - these feel like the sort of images I would encounter in an art gallery rather than straightforward commercial illustrations. To me this is as much of an art tarot as it is a working deck, which makes me feel good when I handle the cards.
Unlike many of the esoteric decks that are imbued with either breathless solemnity or an almost religious conviction, this one manages to do full justice to the depth and meaning of the age old symbols while somehow not taking itself too seriously. The characters on the cards have a dark, almost camp wit with a slightly sinister edge to them. Everything is wildly out of proportion and ethereally colored yet somehow it all works. If anyone asked me why, I really couldn't say, but the humor in the pictures seems to conceal but invite you to look deeper in the same breath.
I would thoroughly recommend the accompanying Tarot of the Witches book by Stuart R. Kaplan. This gives detailed descriptions of the Major cards and the artist's thinking behind them. Reading this greatly enhanced my appreciation of the deck and its sheer originality.
—Chris Butler, Aeclectic Tarot
This delightful deck has unfortunately been misnamed and mismarketed throughout its existence. It has nothing to do with James Bond or witches but has everything to do with Fergus Hall, the idiosyncratic artist who painted the deck. It should be called simply the Fergus Hall Tarot. Hall got his start doing carnival paintings and that freaky bizarro style shows in this deck. Unlike most 20th century decks, Hall's deck is free of occult or pagan mumbo jumbo and yet is rich in subtle symbolism, such as the mysterious black birds and orange cats that appear on various cards, and the mandala type designs in the center of the pip cards. The books held by the hanged man and hermit contain original poems. (Can't read them? See Stuart Kaplan's companion book). The art is very expertly done and yet is so whimsical and unassuming it's easy to take for granted. The World card is one of the best I've ever seen, downright haunting. This is a very profound deck but at the same time doesn't take itself too seriously. The pip cards are a welcome return to tradition, using the original suits of cups, swords, batons, and coins rather than the recently introduced "wands" and "pentacles" which many mistakenly consider authentic. Also, as in traditional decks, the pips are unillustrated save for Hall's central mandalas . In my opinion, unillustrated pips leave more room for the reader’s own imagination and insight.
A perfect blend of tradition and creativity. You might find this deck puzzling at first, but stick with it. There's an entire little world in every card!
—A. Simone, Amazon customer
These tarot cards should really be known as the Fergus Hall deck.
Many people are familiar with this deck due to its use in the James Bond movie, "Live and Let Die". But it is far more than that.
Abandoning all efforts to reproduce the Rider Waite Tarot, Hall has created a deck with some of the most surreal, yet highly mystical art ever seen on Tarot cards.
Those who are familiar with Tarot cards know that many different interpretations of cards are possible by seeing the imagery on the cards. Hall's imagery isn't for everyone, but I believe the art really draws you into readings in a whole new way.
I have also found this deck invaluable for dream interpretation.
The Minor Arcana return to the old "pip" system.
One of my higher recommendations if you are already doing readings for others.
—Bruce Gray, Amazon customer
I think this deck is absolutely wonderful. You have to use your own imagination and find your own meanings to the symbolism. which in my opinion is what tarot cards are all about. For those of you who want a deck that lays out plainly what the cards mean, then this is not for you. If you have a good imagination and enjoy the type of artistry used in this deck you wont be disappointed.
—Joe Arthur, Amazon customer
This is an older deck, but it’s one I’ve been meaning to get my hands on for quite some time. The Green Witch Tarot is a deck designed by Ann Moura, the author of the highly successful Green Witchcraft books.* It’s a colorful Tarot deck printed with Pagans and witches in mind, adapting the classic archetypes of Tarot to fit a Pagan worldview.
Mjölnir is a powerful weapon wielded by the god of thunder, Thor, and is regarded as a symbol of protection and strength. It is commonly used to invoke Thor's blessings and to ward off evil and danger. Mjölnir also represents Thor's ability to protect the gods and humanity from the forces of chaos and destruction. The Vegvísir, or the Viking compass, is another significant Norse pagan symbol. It is a symbol of guidance and protection, often used by Vikings during their explorations and travels. The Vegvísir is believed to provide the wearer with a safe passage through storms and rough seas. It is also thought to guide individuals through life's challenges and help them find their way, both physically and spiritually. The Helm of Awe, also known as Ægishjálmur, is a symbol associated with protection and might. This symbol consists of eight arms surrounding a central point and is believed to provide its wearer with invincible power and protection. The Helm of Awe was often used by warriors to give them courage and strength in battle. The Yggdrasil, or the Tree of Life, is a sacred symbol in Norse mythology. It is an immense tree that connects the nine realms of Norse cosmology and represents the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. The Yggdrasil symbolizes the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, as well as the balance and harmony of the natural world. These are just a few examples of the many Norse pagan symbols and their meanings. Each symbol is rich in Norse mythology and reflects the spiritual beliefs and values of the ancient Norse cultures. Today, these symbols continue to be revered and celebrated as a reminder of the Norse heritage and its deep-rooted connection to nature, magic, and spirituality..
Reviews for "The Triple Horn of Odin Symbol: Sacred Meanings in Norse Paganism"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars: I was really disappointed with "Norse pagan symbols and meanings". The book lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the symbols and their meanings. The information provided was very basic and could easily be found with a quick internet search. Overall, I found the book to be a waste of money and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a detailed exploration of Norse symbols.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars: I had high hopes for "Norse pagan symbols and meanings" but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. While the book does contain information on different symbols and their supposed meanings, I found the explanations to be vague and lacking in historical context. Additionally, the organization of the book was quite confusing, making it difficult to navigate through the information. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and felt that there are better resources available for exploring Norse symbolism.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars: As someone who has a deep interest in Norse mythology and symbolism, I was disappointed with this book. The content felt surface-level and lacked any substantial information or analysis. The author seemed more focused on quantity rather than quality, providing brief descriptions of symbols without delving into their true significance. I would not recommend "Norse pagan symbols and meanings" to anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Norse symbolism; it's simply too shallow to be of much value.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars: This book was a complete letdown. The author's interpretations of Norse pagan symbols were inconsistent and sometimes downright incorrect. It felt like a rushed compilation of information without any critical analysis or scholarly research. The lack of citations or references made me question the credibility of the content. Overall, "Norse pagan symbols and meanings" was not worth my time or money, and I would advise others to look elsewhere for reliable and accurate information on this topic.
5. Emily - 2/5 stars: Although the book does provide an overview of Norse pagan symbols, I found the explanations to be lacking in depth and clarity. The author's writing style was confusing at times, and I often had to reread passages to fully grasp the meaning. Additionally, some of the information presented seemed to be based on personal interpretations rather than well-established historical or cultural knowledge. Overall, I believe there are better resources available for those interested in understanding Norse symbols and their meanings.