Guide To Norse Pagan Holidays: Unlock the Ancient Magic of Norse Pagan Holidays (A Guide to Norse Paganism, Mythology, Runes, Rituals, Rites of Passage & How to Incorporate into Your everyday life) Paperback – August 24, 2023

This is the book on Norse pagan holidays that I’d sought for many years but—as far as I know, until now—hadn’t existed in English.I’d scour old sagas and dry fifty-page scholarly articles for discussions of individual holidays, and try to glean what I could that way. Yet I’d always been surprised at having to do the work of compiling and condensing all this myself. One would think someone would’ve written on this subject in a way that’s comprehensive, practical and quickly accessible to non-scholars, but also accurate and supported by research and citations.Well, now someone has. And, fortunately, that author is someone who plainly holds this subject near and dear, and writes in a lyrical and colloquial fashion that makes the Norse calendar and its holidays a pleasure to read about.For instance: “More than a thousand years ago, when myth was material, and the fibers of fables wove the fabric of reality, the Norse people lived fully actualized lives, had their daily routines, their customs passed through to them by their forefathers, and their celebrations ... where mirth and merriment were called for.” Or this: “Picture it for a moment—the aurora borealis in all its cyano-green splendor dancing across the horizon, the rich tapestry of the Milky Way shining from on high, the lights from the stars shimmering in the sky.” This is not the writing of a dry academic article or mere reference book.So, what’s covered? First, the Norse lunisolar calendar—with solar years like ours broken up into actual moon-cycle-based months—followed by a high-level overview of the major holidays observed by Norse pagans. Then, there’s a more detailed examination of each holiday, one by one, which is the bulk of the book. For each holiday, the book describes when it fell, which Norse gods and goddesses (or spirits) it was associated with, the historical way it was celebrated, how one might celebrate it today if so inclined, whether it survived throughout history in any form (as with Midsummer), and the foods traditionally eaten on that holiday.I’d like to emphasize that last bit, as it was a real treat to read about some of the foods. For example, Thorrablot—believed by many to be associated with Thor—occurred between late January and mid-February. Since most of the normal food was gone or bad by then, the Norse ate what was left: “rotten shark’s meat, congealed sheep’s blood in a ram’s stomach, boiled sheep’s head, blood pudding, sour ram’s testicles, liver-suet sausage, headcheese, and whale blubber ... washed down with strong alcohol.” Yes, yes, I should think so.I’d been pondering for weeks where to have an anniversary dinner, and at this point excitedly ran a search for Scandinavian food nearby, but—alas—was not able to find sour ram’s testicles and whale blubber on any local menu.This was a quick and delightful read. Highly recommended—and not only for those seeking information about Norse pagan holidays per se, but also those interested in Norse culture, gods and goddesses, folk practices, and gustatory traditions, as this book provides insights about all those topics from interesting and unique angles.

"Guide to Norse Pagan Holidays: Unlock the Ancient Magic of Norse Pagan Holidays" is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in Norse mythology and spirituality. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the major holidays in the Norse Pagan calendar, delving deep into the historical and cultural significance of each celebration.The author's passion for the subject matter shines through, making the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They skillfully blend mythology, history, and practical insights, offering readers a well-rounded understanding of these ancient traditions.One of the strengths of this guide is its accessibility. It caters to both beginners and those more familiar with Norse Paganism, offering something for everyone. The step-by-step instructions for rituals and celebrations are particularly helpful for those looking to incorporate these traditions into their own lives.Overall, "Guide to Norse Pagan Holidays" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore and embrace the rich tapestry of Norse Pagan culture. It serves as a gateway to understanding and connecting with the ancient magic and spirituality of the Norse traditions.

This book is a remarkable exploration of Norse culture and its rich tapestry, unapologetically embracing the essence of true paganism. As the author rightly mentions at the outset, a familiarity with the lore of the gods and goddesses is essential for a full comprehension of the book's depth.I found the detailed insights into the Norse calendar particularly captivating. The parallels drawn between Norse traditions and those later adopted by Christians added a fascinating layer to the narrative. The unexpected inclusion of recipes within the book was akin to an intriguing plot twist, catching me pleasantly off guard.Overall, this book is a valuable resource with credible references, offering a comprehensive journey into the heart of Norse traditions. However, it takes an unfortunate detour in the middle when it veers into feminist political discourse, particularly when discussing the celebration of konudagur. This deviation feels out of place and unnecessary in a book primarily focused on Norse traditions.

I've always been interested in mythology, from a spiritual and historical perspective. My own knowledge leans toward western Europe, but I've wanted to learn more about Norse practices. Written by a Norse pagan, this book brings life to the old stories and traditions, providing historical context and helpful recommendations for modern practice. A very good primer for readers with no or minimal knowledge of Norse tradition, as well as more experienced myth lovers and pagans looking for an insightful addition to their libraries.The book has vivid description and combines poetic prose with solid historical research. There are also disclaimers acknowledging that certain traditions can't be fully confirmed or reconstructed, as well as a list of resources the author used, both of which lend credibility. No account of cultures thousands of years old will ever be perfectly accurate, but Emma has worked hard to provide a perspective that aligns with our current understanding of the Norse people and their beliefs.Well worth the read!

really well written.

Entertaining and very informative. As a total beginner on this, it was insightful and refreshing for me. Definitely recommended.

For lovers of mythology, history, and ancient rituals, Emma Karlsson's "Guide To Norse Pagan Holidays" proves to be an enlightening and immersive read. The author beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the Norse world, seamlessly blending it with historical contexts and cultural nuances. I was transported back to 803 A.D., feeling the exhilaration of Norse warriors anticipating their familiar festivities after an arduous journey.Karlsson's narrative style has a magnetic quality, seamlessly guiding readers from past to present. One of the book's greatest strengths is its detailed breakdown of the Norse calendar, revealing the deep-rooted significance of each celebration. I found the exploration of the Yule festival and its profound connection to modern-day Christmas particularly fascinating.While the book is densely packed with information, Karlsson ensures it remains approachable for both novices and experts. The comprehensive guide covers not only the historical and spiritual significance of Norse festivities but also presents practical suggestions for those looking to incorporate these ancient traditions into contemporary celebrations.I appreciated the inclusiveness of the narrative, highlighting both male and female-centered festivities, adding depth to the Norse cultural landscape. Moreover, the user reviews shed light on the book's practical applications, with Sarah's remarks on the Yule festival recipes and festival guidance making it evident that the author has managed to create a harmonious blend of historical insight and actionable information.If I had one critique, it would be the book's potential assumption of its readers' foundational knowledge of Norse mythology. While the author touches on many aspects of Norse paganism, an introductory chapter setting the stage for Norse religion and its principal deities might make the journey smoother for absolute beginners.In conclusion, "Guide To Norse Pagan Holidays" is a treasure trove for those keen on deep-diving into the mystique of Norse culture and its age-old traditions. Emma Karlsson has managed to unlock the magic of Norse Pagan holidays, making it accessible and inviting for modern readers.

This was a very interesting read and gave us insight into the Norse pagan calendar and Norse tradition. It was also nice to see the recipes in the middle of the book

I found this very interesting and I loved finding the Yule Time recipes in there too! Lots to try and experiment with