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Path to the Gods: Anglo-Saxon Paganism for Beginners
Path to the Anglo-Saxon Paganism for Beginners contains everything you need to know to begin practicing the religion of your Anglo-Saxon ancestors. Within these pages you will be introduced to the Gods and Goddesses of Heathenry, and to fundamental beliefs and key concepts such as Wyrd, Frith, the Sacred and Holy, Heathen Thews (Virtues) and more. The basic rites of Heathenry are explained, holy tides are discussed, and a set of rites for each of the holy tides is offered. Included also is a suggested reading list to deepen your studies.
134 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 23, 2012
There have been many books written on Norse paganism, but not so many focusing on the Anglo-Saxon tradition, especially for the beginner. This book is a much needed resource and serves as a very thorough introductory text including many ways to incorporate Heathen rituals into contemporary spiritual life. The book is a good overall synopsis and a very readable, informative and easy to understand, but never dumbed-down. The book is well-written and provides new insights for the beginner's search. There is a good glossary of unfamiliar terms as well a suggested reading list to take things to the next level.
November 10, 2024
“The Path to the Gods: Anglo-Saxon Paganism for Beginners” by Swain Wodening is a short and simple introduction to the pre-Christian traditions of the Anglo-Saxon people and how to incorporate those traditions in modern-day practice.
The book is very much Anglo-Saxon. Old English words are used for the names of practices, holidays, and deities. There is a lot of overlap between Anglo-Saxon and Norse paganism, which are disclosed when they appear in the text. If a reader is looking for Old English vocabulary for pagan terms, this book is successful in providing them. It also includes a glossary of these terms.
The writing itself is not the the most polished. It could have benefitted from a few more rounds of editing for sentence run-ons, redundancy, and typos. However, considering this is a self-published book on a very niche topic from over ten years ago, I’m a little more lenient on these flaws.
Overall, the book is enjoyable as an entry point despite its flaws. I have an interest in Old English language and literature, so learning more vocabulary was of benefit and interest to me.
A longer, more in-depth review located on my blog
The book is very much Anglo-Saxon. Old English words are used for the names of practices, holidays, and deities. There is a lot of overlap between Anglo-Saxon and Norse paganism, which are disclosed when they appear in the text. If a reader is looking for Old English vocabulary for pagan terms, this book is successful in providing them. It also includes a glossary of these terms.
The writing itself is not the the most polished. It could have benefitted from a few more rounds of editing for sentence run-ons, redundancy, and typos. However, considering this is a self-published book on a very niche topic from over ten years ago, I’m a little more lenient on these flaws.
Overall, the book is enjoyable as an entry point despite its flaws. I have an interest in Old English language and literature, so learning more vocabulary was of benefit and interest to me.
A longer, more in-depth review located on my blog
July 27, 2025
This book was terribly written. It was honestly remarkable to me that the author wrote this and didn’t even bother re-reading it or anything. Extremely, extremely repetitive and just a really simple writing style. Good info though
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews