Blog Archives
Fourth of July Sale – 20% Off in my Etsy Shop
In honor of the Fourth of July, I’m offering 20% Off everything in my etsy shop. Just click here to get the coupon, which will then be applied at checkout. This sale will run through July 8, 2020.
I have books (including a small selection of texts exclusive to the shop, or the odd autographed book), original paintings, and hundreds of prayer cards for deities from a range of traditions: Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Norse, Germanic, Celtic, Etruscan, Mesopotamia, Baltic, Slavic, and more! There’s dozens of healing deities among the available prayer cards too.
10 Movie Recommendations for Polytheists and Spiritworkers
The two (Polytheists and Spiritworkers) are not the same thing, I know, but I’ve had a couple of requests lately on both fronts for good movie recommendations and after my initial response of “Good friggin’ luck,” I realized I do have a shelf of movies that I often recommend to students so I’ll give that to y’all here with the caveat that it’s hardly a full list, and my taste runs toward the macabre. It goes without saying, parents, watch these first on your own before letting your kids watch them. Many of them probably aren’t appropriate for small children.
( Affiliate Advertising Disclosure )
CROW (2016)
This is NOT the movie with Brandon Lee nor in any way affiliated with that franchise. It’s an independent film that takes place in the Welsh countryside. The Morrigan, though unnamed as such, casts a strong shadow throughout the movie as does the God Bran and it shows what it means to have a contract with the land and what constitutes appropriate justice when one breaks such a contract. It also really, really shows what it’s like for some spiritworkers. It’s a brilliant movie and we couldn’t believe it as we were watching it. It wasquite an unexpected find. Plus it has Terence Stamp in one of the most awesome outfits ever.
Heh. This is such a creepy movie. Firstly, the spirit-worker figure is deaf, which is fascinating as it plays into the way he hears spirits and communicates with them and I really liked that a lot. He’s also pragmatic in a very uncomfortable way and the whole movie shows that sometimes you have to bargain with spirits in ways that forever color the soul. There is no good ending in this one, but the best possible ending capable of being negotiated by the spiritworker. Definitely worth a watch. Again, it shows a reality of the Work with spirits sometimes people want to ignore.
The Wicker Man (original only)
I find this is a beautifully compelling movie. It’s about sacrifice and devotion and doing right by the land and a community. It’s probably my favorite movie, hands down, on this list. I won’t say more than that (though I’d be surprised if most of you haven’t already watched it. This one is well known). It’s a polytheist rather than spiritworker recommendation. To avoid confusion, you want the version with Christopher Lee, not Nicholas Cage.
The Sorceress (1987)
In French with English subtitles, this movie is based on an extant account of the medieval cultus of St. Guinefort, a cultus that survived, I believe until WWI when tanks leveled the saint’s holy spots. The cultus was extremely Pagan and animist, and quite probably a hold-over from pre-Christian practice. Attempts to curb it, however, were largely unsuccessful. There’s also a fascinating book, The Holy Greyhound by J. Schmidtt about this cultus too. Highly recommended.
This is a strange and haunting movie. I started watching it one night after my husband went to bed and then 20 minutes in dragged him down to watch it because the Dionysian echoes were just far, far too strong. This is about the dead and debt, and pain and revelation, and most of all liberation and art.
A strange but very kind young man sees monsters and sometimes fights them. Again, this one is a good spirit-worker movie, though not necessarily of any relevance to polytheists. It’s a heart-wrenching performance by the late Anton Yelchin.
This one is awesome for adults AND children. It’s all about honoring the dead and doing right by them. I have seen this at least half a dozen times and cry every damned time. It’s a beautiful movie.
What do you do if you’re a child, a spirit worker, and very gifted? What do you do if you’re obviously being called to service by Thor? While I thought the very ending puttered out a bit, backing away from the reality of spiritwork in favor of “normal” (why, why, WHY?), up until that point, it is an absolutely brilliant movie with a fierce young female protagonist.
I hated this movie the first time I watched it. It wasn’t until over a decade later, after having been a spiritworker for many, many years, that I sat down and watched it again and realized that it was all about knowing your inner landscape and claiming power – both things spiritworkers are required to do no matter the cost. It’s also a visually stunning film.
I’ve saved one of the best for last. This is a movie about a magician and wyrd-worker. It presents spiritual reality with an overlay of sci-fi/fantasy but the inherent principles and message it tells about the consequences of choice are terribly important.
So, there you are, that’s my list. Of course, While this was meant to be a list of the top 10 films, I have to also mention two entries more familiar to Northern Tradition polytheists. I adore the 13th Warrior with Antonio Banderas, the film creates an original story loosely inspired by sources such as Beowulf, and selections from Ibn Fadlan‘s journey among the Viking Rus. And of course the more recently buzzed about Midsommar (which I reviewed last summer here). Enjoy!
What are some of your favorites?
Norse Mythology for Kids
A few years ago when visiting Denmark, I was able to spend part of a day with Mathias Nordvig, who showed my oath-sister and I a lovely time around the Moesgard Museum, and then lunch afterwards. At the time he was still deep in his student studies in pursuit of his Nordic Mythology PhD from Aarhus University in Denmark, but since then he has earned the degree and now teaches Viking studies, Norse mythology, Scandinavian folklore, etc. at the University of Colorado at Boulder. His work tends to combine deeply thoughtful academic research, with an immense enthusiasm for the subject matter. Later this month his new work: Norse Mythology for Kids: Tales of Gods, Creatures, and Quests (Affiliate Disclosure) will be releasing on June 23.
The concept of the book evokes to me fond memories of the classic D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths which I enjoyed as a child. While I’ve not had a chance to check out this new book yet by Dr. Nordvig, I do know that in addition to the 20 selectively chosen stories from the myths, and stunningly beautiful illustrations by Meel Tamphanon, the book also comes with language lessons with a glossary and pronunciation guide, and a bit of a spotlight on some of the familial connections between the featured gods. Even sight-unseen I’m going to recommend that those of you with children should definitely check this book out. Keep in mind this is not a religious text, but looks to be shaping up to be a lovely introduction to some of the most well known myths and stories.
A New Loki Book Debuts
Dagulf Loptson‘s latest book, a devotional to the Norse God Loki is now available and comes Highly Recommended.
Pagan Portals–Loki: Trickster and Transformer
Loki Laufeyjarson is the famous trickster of Norse Mythology, who brings its pages to life with conflict, humor, and excitement. Far from being just a villain or a prankster, Loki is a god who brings necessary change into the world, transcends boundaries, and shines light on hidden truth. In this book, you will be introduced to Loki and the many masks he wears: whether he appears as the bringer of enlightenment, the traveling companion of the gods, or the ender of worlds. This is also an accessible guide to building a devotional practice with the trickster, where you will learn new ways to honor this often misunderstood deity. Open the door to Loki’s mysteries, and prepare to laugh, be challenged, and potentially change your life.
(Affiliate Disclosure)
Buy Now on Amazon
OUT OF PRINT
Affiliate Advertising Disclosure
I have several book titles that have now been retired, this means they are officially out of print, and any product at retailers is being sold from any remaining inventory they have, or they are re-selling used product. If you want these books, and do not have them, you better pick them up them sooner, rather than later.
OUT OF PRINT
- Day Star and Whirling Wheel: Honoring the Sun and the Moon in the Northern Tradition
- Essays in Modern Heathenry
- Full Fathom Five:Honoring the Norse Gods and Goddesses of the Sea
- Into the Great Below: A devotional to Inanna and Ereshkigal
- Root, Stone and Bone: Honoring Andvari and the Vaettir of Money
- Sekhmet: When the Lion Roars
- Sigdrifa’s Prayer: An Explanation and Exegesis
- Sigyn: Lady of the Staying Power
- Skalded Apples: A Devotional Anthology for Idunna and Bragi
- Walking Toward Yggdrasil
- Whisperings of Woden: Nine Nights of Devotional Practice
In the case of both Whisperings of Woden and Walking Toward Yggdrasil, this content is also included with additional material in my book He is Frenzy: Collected Writings on Odin, however the German language content of Walking Toward Yggdrasil is not present in any other form.
Root, Stone and Bone, as well as Sigdrifa’s Prayer will be re-printed in a new edition.
[Updated for clarity] Excerpts of content from the other retired books may eventually be seen in other works, but if you want to enjoy the retired works’ complete content, these out of print books will be the only way to grab them.
A Roaring Bookversary!
Today also marks the bookversary of the Kemetic Devotional, Sekhmet: When the Lion Roars.
Sekhmet the Lion-headed Goddess was venerated in ancient Egypt and She is revered today by both contemporary Pagans and polytheists the world over. She is the embodiment of sacred force, as it manifests as both destructive and regenerative power. When the Lion Roars includes a varied collection of devotional articles, prayers and other insights from those who honor Her today. Readers will be introduced to the many ways in which this beloved Goddess continues to transform the lives of Her worshippers and through them, our contemporary world.
amazon: http://amzn.to/2ftcwHT
10th Bookversary! Runes: Theory and Practice
Today marks the 10th bookversary of my published book Runes: Theory and Practice originally released by New Page. Just this year my new publisher, Weiser Books, re-released it under the new name of Living Runes: Theory and Practice of Norse Divination.
Living Runes provides a thorough examination of the Norse runes that will challenge the experienced rune worker to deepen his or her understanding of these mysteries.
The book begins with an explication of the story of Odin, the Norse god who won the runes by sacrificing himself on the World Tree. It continues by examining each of the individual runes in turn, both the Elder Futhark and the lesser-known Anglo-Saxon Futhorc. Each rune is studied not only from a historical viewpoint but also from the perspective of a modern practitioner. You will be introduced to the practice of galdr as well as the magical use of the runes and the proper way to sacrifice to them and read them for divination.
Most importantly, the book specifically addresses the runes as living spirits and provides guidance on developing a working relationship with these otherworldly allies.
amazon: https://amzn.to/2PGHrms
30% Off My Books at Lulu – CyberMonday
Edward Butler comes to the rescue (I’d have missed this deal otherwise).
Today many of the books I’ve published through Lulu can be purchased for 30% off sale, this includes a large number of my devotionals.
Just head over to LULU and use PROMOCODE: CYBERMONDAY30
Deal only good for today (December 2, 2019).
Bookversary: Transgressing Faith
Today is the bookversary of my more academic bent book, Transgressing Faith, which was originally submitted as my Master’s thesis in Religious Studies from NYU. 🤓
An eye-opening and balanced presentation of the history of the Heathen revival in America and its attendant conflicts over where to draw the boundaries concerning belief, practice and identity.
Though this restoration has only been going on for a few generations there is tremendous tension within the community concerning areas such as gender, race, normative social presentation, sexuality and questions of religious authority.
All of these are explored with a special emphasis placed on how the community treats those who don’t quite fit in or are called to intentionally transgressive roles.
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Who has read it? What were your thoughts on it? Your questions?
Bookversary: In Praise of Hermes
🏺Today is the three year bookversary! 🏺
Hellenics especially might enjoy this devotional to the Greek God Hermes. ⚕️
“In Praise of Hermes” is a novena booklet to the Greek God Hermes. It provides an introduction about this God and nine days of prayers in His honor.
Available on Amazon
