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Seidr: The Gate is Open: Working with Trance Prophecy, the High Seat and Norse Witchcraft
"The seidr current is fresh and vibrant, with the strength and solidity of the Norse deities behind it." - Katie Gerrard Seidr is the intriguing and powerful early Norse system of shamanistic trance practices. In The Gate is Open, Katie Gerrard has contributed a major work on the practices of seidr and trance prophecy, providing a practical manual full of dynamic group rituals and techniques based on known Seidr practices. Foremost amongst these techniques is the prophetic rite of the High Seat, where the Volva (seer) sends her consciousness to the underworld realm of Hel to gain answers to the questions posed to her. Combining more than a decade of research and experimentation, this book is characterised by both its scholarship and its accessibility. Katie Gerrard shares her own experiences on the path of the seer, and also draws inspiration from original sources in the old texts of the Sagas and the Eddas, as well as contemporary researchers and groups working with seidr in Scandinavia, Europe and America. Techniques for achieving trance, levels of trance possession, coming out of trance, the vardlokkurs (chants), necessary equipment, and the requirements for the roles of the different participants, are all discussed in a clear and concise manner, as is the relevance of contacting the ancestors, the dead and the appropriate gods, including the goddesses Freyja and Hel, and the Allfather god Odin. As befits such an inspirational book, the author provides both the relevant background information for the eleven rites contained within, together with explanations of their inclusion and purposes. The rites emanate practical effectiveness, a result of their regular use over many years for successful exploration of the mysteries of trance prophecy, the High Seat rite and Norse witchcraft. "This is a spiritual journey laid bare for an audience who are either already treading a similar path or are looking for guidance in order to follow a well trodden path to a similar end point." About the Katie Gerrard is a writer, researcher, and workshop facilitator with a passion for the magic of Seidr and the Runes. She has been studying the different forms of norse magic and working with norse gods since discovering them in the 1990s. Katie is also the author of Odin's Gateways (about working with the runes) and the forthcoming The Gate is Open (about Seidr and Northern tradition magical techniques), both publised by Avalonia Books. An essay on the High Sear Rite written by Katie Gerrard appeared in the Avalonia anthology 'Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls'. She also regularly hosts seidr and other seer and norse rites within the London (UK) area.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 18, 2011
328 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
About the author
Katie Gerrard
12 books26 followersKatie Gerrard is a writer, researcher and workshop facilitator with a passion for the magic of Seidr and the Runes. She has been studying the different forms of Norse magic and working with the Norse Gods since discovering them in the 1990s, when she was at university in West Wales.
Katie lectures and facilitates workshops at national and international events on esoteric subjects, as well as facilitating developmental and employment coaching workshops at a London adult education college.
Katie is the author of Odin’s Gateways (about working with the runes, Avalonia, 2009) and the new book Seidr: The Gate is Open (about Seidr and Northern Tradition magical techniques, Avalonia, 2011), both published by Avalonia Books. An essay on the High Seat Rite written by Katie Gerrard appeared in the Avalonia anthology ‘Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls ‘ edited by Sorita d’Este (Avalonia, 2008); and also in Vs. an anthology on magical and mythological duality edited by Kim Huggens (Avalonia, 2011).
She also regularly hosts Seidr and other Seer and Norse Rite within the London area.
Katie also enjoys creative pursuits such as fashion design, sewing, and various handicrafts. She lives in London with her husband, daughter, and fat idiot cat.
Katie lectures and facilitates workshops at national and international events on esoteric subjects, as well as facilitating developmental and employment coaching workshops at a London adult education college.
Katie is the author of Odin’s Gateways (about working with the runes, Avalonia, 2009) and the new book Seidr: The Gate is Open (about Seidr and Northern Tradition magical techniques, Avalonia, 2011), both published by Avalonia Books. An essay on the High Seat Rite written by Katie Gerrard appeared in the Avalonia anthology ‘Priestesses, Pythonesses, Sibyls ‘ edited by Sorita d’Este (Avalonia, 2008); and also in Vs. an anthology on magical and mythological duality edited by Kim Huggens (Avalonia, 2011).
She also regularly hosts Seidr and other Seer and Norse Rite within the London area.
Katie also enjoys creative pursuits such as fashion design, sewing, and various handicrafts. She lives in London with her husband, daughter, and fat idiot cat.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 22, 2024
One of the best books on Norse magickal practice that I've ever read.
April 16, 2012
Avalonia Publication have went and did it again. They produced a fine masterpiece on shamanistic practices of the Norse. Katie Gerrard has spent at least a decade developing her technique and methodology to enter into the other world. She has tried what she has written about in her own group and she has also learned from other groups as well. Katie is very knowledgeable of Shamanistic method and it shows in this definitive text. The book is steeped with references to old texts and sagas of the norse. If the Norse or Shamanism is your thing then this a great book to get.
Contained in the book are rituals written down step by step. Included in these steps are cleansing the area, casting your protective barrier, techniques for raising energy (chants, dancing etc) When to make offering and when to close the ritual and evaluate. Most of the rituals are geared toward the group but they can be modified for both smaller groups and individual practice. But be forewarned going deep into a trance and traveling to Aesir or Helheim alone with out experience and training may be dangerous.
For a group of people there is the master of ceremonies, the person running the ritual. Maybe 1-2 people acting as channels to receive the message of the deities. When contact is made people should ask questions of the deities and they will get an answer that they hopefully will understand. Around the group there are maybe 4-5 overseers depending on the groups size. They make sure that everyone is doing ok. Sometimes if someone goes to deep it will be their job to revive them.
In addition to rituals the book covers some techniques on shape shifting which involves shaping the Hugr into a certain shape to perform a task. The definition of a Seidr seem rather muddled or obscure. To some it means prophesying while to others it was sorcery. Seidr workers have used their magic in the Sagas to create storms, confuse their opponents and to due astral battle. Seidr working was by and large thought to be unmanly as men were supposed to be drawn to combat. It was supposed to be a woman's thing but there are instances of men doing Seidr. It should be noted that men did use rune craft and Galdr.
Ancient Norse Shamanistic techniques in addition to indigenous techniques that developed learned from the Sami and Lapp people from Finland. Such techniques as the raised platform etc are parallel. They may have also learned some techniques from the ancient Greeks with one exception. In the Greek world a male would interpret the results of the female prophecy in the Norse world the women were allowed to speak directly.
Much of the Ancient practices are lost so modern Seidr worker are piecing things together.
Inspiration for modern Sedr reconstruction comes from an examination of Sami, Lapp and Siberian Shamans. Michael Harner who developed a universal Shamanism is used quite extensively as well.Lastly voodoo techniques are culled as well. The author gives manyb rituals that not only involve traveling to other realms and shape shifting but also rituals for connecting with ancestors and possession. The rituals do not have to be followed rigidly in fact the author urges the reader to tweek things as needed. Over all excellent book.
Contained in the book are rituals written down step by step. Included in these steps are cleansing the area, casting your protective barrier, techniques for raising energy (chants, dancing etc) When to make offering and when to close the ritual and evaluate. Most of the rituals are geared toward the group but they can be modified for both smaller groups and individual practice. But be forewarned going deep into a trance and traveling to Aesir or Helheim alone with out experience and training may be dangerous.
For a group of people there is the master of ceremonies, the person running the ritual. Maybe 1-2 people acting as channels to receive the message of the deities. When contact is made people should ask questions of the deities and they will get an answer that they hopefully will understand. Around the group there are maybe 4-5 overseers depending on the groups size. They make sure that everyone is doing ok. Sometimes if someone goes to deep it will be their job to revive them.
In addition to rituals the book covers some techniques on shape shifting which involves shaping the Hugr into a certain shape to perform a task. The definition of a Seidr seem rather muddled or obscure. To some it means prophesying while to others it was sorcery. Seidr workers have used their magic in the Sagas to create storms, confuse their opponents and to due astral battle. Seidr working was by and large thought to be unmanly as men were supposed to be drawn to combat. It was supposed to be a woman's thing but there are instances of men doing Seidr. It should be noted that men did use rune craft and Galdr.
Ancient Norse Shamanistic techniques in addition to indigenous techniques that developed learned from the Sami and Lapp people from Finland. Such techniques as the raised platform etc are parallel. They may have also learned some techniques from the ancient Greeks with one exception. In the Greek world a male would interpret the results of the female prophecy in the Norse world the women were allowed to speak directly.
Much of the Ancient practices are lost so modern Seidr worker are piecing things together.
Inspiration for modern Sedr reconstruction comes from an examination of Sami, Lapp and Siberian Shamans. Michael Harner who developed a universal Shamanism is used quite extensively as well.Lastly voodoo techniques are culled as well. The author gives manyb rituals that not only involve traveling to other realms and shape shifting but also rituals for connecting with ancestors and possession. The rituals do not have to be followed rigidly in fact the author urges the reader to tweek things as needed. Over all excellent book.
February 16, 2019
An accessible handbook for those wishing to work in a ecstatic heathen tradition. I would have liked to see an editor for certain omissions that made some sentences unclear but this is an extensively researched book based in a practical working knowledge of seidr. A great resource.
October 11, 2022
Covers a lot of group ritual angles. Overall a decent book which goes over references from more primary sources as well as other academic texts. If you're a solitairy practitioner this might not be ideal with the books group focus but im sure theres enough info for you to inspire your own practice. The UPG from the author is quite nicely stated where needed, and unavoidable with these type of practical texts.
The book continues the idea that anyone can be a Vølva which in today's age the (icelandic) community is trying to push back on. I can see this being written in 2011 that perhaps this wasn't as prominent an 'issue' in the community, though the author does acknowledge we dont know much of what a vølva or seiđr historically was to begin with and thus being hard to define. According to these icelandic groups one shouldn't call themselves a vølva, as one is born one and the title is given in recognition, and there's other more suitable less 'problematic' titles to use for those practicing seiđr instead such as seid-kona (fem) /-karl (masc) /-kvar (nonbinary) /-berandi (neutral).
The book continues the idea that anyone can be a Vølva which in today's age the (icelandic) community is trying to push back on. I can see this being written in 2011 that perhaps this wasn't as prominent an 'issue' in the community, though the author does acknowledge we dont know much of what a vølva or seiđr historically was to begin with and thus being hard to define. According to these icelandic groups one shouldn't call themselves a vølva, as one is born one and the title is given in recognition, and there's other more suitable less 'problematic' titles to use for those practicing seiđr instead such as seid-kona (fem) /-karl (masc) /-kvar (nonbinary) /-berandi (neutral).
March 20, 2023
For someone trying to understand the ancient Norse practices of the loose term 'Seidr' this book somewhat falls short. The writer calls herself an academic writer, however her sources are far from academic.
However, as an insight into how to develop Norse themed ritual into personal practice this is great. Gerrard treats accounts from neo-pagan shamanic groups as test data for Seidr use, as well as personal experience in neo-pagan shamanic ritual as evidence that "this is how it should be done". As such the book feels much like Harner's 'Way of the Shaman' but with a viking cover. This falls short of complex dialogue of ritual and practice which Seidr undoubtedly was.
Still I give this 4 stars because it is one of few Seidr books out there which make some attempt at grappling with this, hard to define, aspect of the craft. All of her sources are listed, and she writes in a manner which is unassuming and approachable.
However, as an insight into how to develop Norse themed ritual into personal practice this is great. Gerrard treats accounts from neo-pagan shamanic groups as test data for Seidr use, as well as personal experience in neo-pagan shamanic ritual as evidence that "this is how it should be done". As such the book feels much like Harner's 'Way of the Shaman' but with a viking cover. This falls short of complex dialogue of ritual and practice which Seidr undoubtedly was.
Still I give this 4 stars because it is one of few Seidr books out there which make some attempt at grappling with this, hard to define, aspect of the craft. All of her sources are listed, and she writes in a manner which is unassuming and approachable.
March 20, 2018
It took me a while to finish this book about which I have mixed emotions. From the research point of view is somewhat alright. There’s a bit of interesting information in there especially about saga bibliography. From the ritualistic point of view I do not recommend as there is lack of information in various levels and that comes from practicing the northern rituals, it takes a ‘modern’ aspect which I do not agree with and many things are just hocus pocus.
But if you’re looking for something to start with I guess you can buy this but if you’re serious about it I doubt you’ll enjoy it
But if you’re looking for something to start with I guess you can buy this but if you’re serious about it I doubt you’ll enjoy it
August 11, 2012
Gerrard was very specific in her information, and she attempted to provide the sources, primary, secondary and experiential, guiding her thought processes and the resulting rituals she has created. Whether you agree with all her opinions and conclusions or not, she didn't try to blow any smoke (except in her rituals :P), and she was easy to read.
I gave the book a three stars because I liked it. Overall, I would recommend it.
I gave the book a three stars because I liked it. Overall, I would recommend it.
May 29, 2013
An amazing intro to the Norse seidr rites. I've been looking for an accessible book on the topic for some time, others being out of print, exorbitantly priced, or otherwise hard to come by. Gerrard carefully cites sources and recommends further reading. The information is peppered with her own personal experiences, making it a valuable resource. Recommended.
June 8, 2025
Wicca under the Veil of Seidr
Veiling Wicca with Norse legends, Gods, and words does not make Wicca Seidr. This is a great introduction to classical Paganism but it really only does an extremely basic introduction to Norse legends, Gods, and words. First thing to remember is that the sagas she often uses as sources are Christian interpretations of the Norse beliefs and legends. Second is that the far North traditions of the Sami people are most likely much closer to the truth but she tends to dismiss them. She also dismisses archaeological finds and spiritual traditions found worldwide as being related. As a descendant of both Sami and Cunning practitioners and as someone who has investigated alternative spiritualities for decades her casual dismissals and focus on Wiccan interpretations is extremely hard to swallow. She may not be able to see her Wiccan lens, but it is present throughout the entire book. A better title would be Seidr Through Wiccan Eyes. It has a place in Paganism, but it's not Seidr.
Veiling Wicca with Norse legends, Gods, and words does not make Wicca Seidr. This is a great introduction to classical Paganism but it really only does an extremely basic introduction to Norse legends, Gods, and words. First thing to remember is that the sagas she often uses as sources are Christian interpretations of the Norse beliefs and legends. Second is that the far North traditions of the Sami people are most likely much closer to the truth but she tends to dismiss them. She also dismisses archaeological finds and spiritual traditions found worldwide as being related. As a descendant of both Sami and Cunning practitioners and as someone who has investigated alternative spiritualities for decades her casual dismissals and focus on Wiccan interpretations is extremely hard to swallow. She may not be able to see her Wiccan lens, but it is present throughout the entire book. A better title would be Seidr Through Wiccan Eyes. It has a place in Paganism, but it's not Seidr.
June 9, 2021
Seidr: The Gate is open is simultaneously a simple and complex book. If the reader has no previous knowledge about Seidr or Norse mythology than this book will be useless. Knowing about shamanism would also be necessary to understand this book. Seidr is a type of magic that was practiced by the goddess, Freya. She taught this magic to Odin. The practice of Seidr is one that combines shaman trance techniques as well as divination. Ms. Gerrard does an excellent job defining Seidr from both an anthropological and pagan viewpoint. Gerrard explains that she is not certain where this practice came from or how it was developed. One thing is certain, Seidr was seen as a feminine art. Seidr: The Gate is open is written so clearly, that each rite is easy to follow. Gerrard starts with easy techniques and then continues to build on them. Overall, fantastic book to own if one is interested in heathery, shamanism, or both.
December 20, 2018
This might have been more helpful if I was more familiar with trancing and shamanism. Overall it seemed a bit mushy too me based on my current knowledge. There is some repetition, and a good amount of acknowledgment about what isn't known, but I found the instructions for rites to be insufficiently robust. A little more editing would probably be helpful.
December 30, 2017
This is a good book for anyone new to Seidr, particularly those looking for suggestions on Rites. I first read it a few years ago, and have just recently revisited in preparation for a 3 part workshop I am teaching on Seidr.
spreading love-salicrow
spreading love-salicrow
November 6, 2024
Пасля гучных заяў аб нібыта навуковых даследаваннях ужо ў першай главе аўтар прасоўвае тэзісы, абсалютна ні на чым не заснаваныя, дзеля якіх перакручвае факты і падганяе іх пад свае жаданні. І на гэтай фантастыцы, цалкам прыдуманай без аніякіх на тое падстаў, яна будуе практыку.
April 12, 2018
Energy Work Explained
Going over seidr, spae and examples of shamanism from different cultures around the world makes this text easy to follow for the young and old alike.
Going over seidr, spae and examples of shamanism from different cultures around the world makes this text easy to follow for the young and old alike.
June 5, 2019
The most thorough account of the Volva
I have not been able to find anything as rich in sourced information on the practices of the Vanir as this book
I have not been able to find anything as rich in sourced information on the practices of the Vanir as this book
September 30, 2019
A bit too academic for someone with no academic background but that is my shortcoming, not the book's. I enjoyed it!
October 9, 2022
It’s well written but has some strange factual flaws and also mixes Wicca and closed practices
September 23, 2023
Great book on the practice of Seidr, Shamanism, and its history. In parts too repetitive, thus only 4 stars.
March 17, 2024
Absolutely freaking loved this book!! Great resource and written in a way that anyone with basic Norse pagan knowledge can understand it. Also positive Sámi mentions!! Pog!!
March 3, 2017
Good to think about
This book holds many important questions about seidhr that one should think about before practicing - both about how and why some techniques work, and about where it is appropriate to draw from when the lore doesn't give enough information for an actual practice. Though I disagree with some of the things the author uses, I cannot fault her simply because her upg and borrowing differs from my own.
This book holds many important questions about seidhr that one should think about before practicing - both about how and why some techniques work, and about where it is appropriate to draw from when the lore doesn't give enough information for an actual practice. Though I disagree with some of the things the author uses, I cannot fault her simply because her upg and borrowing differs from my own.
May 6, 2013
Escludendo il fatto che su questo argomento il materiale è scarso, l'autrice per come può cerca di dare una base a quella che forse potrebbe essere la pratica del seidhr. Personalmente non lo reputo un libro indispensabile, specie perché quest'arte non si impara dai libri, ma sicuramente merita di essere letto
July 29, 2016
An intellectual look at modern seid, heavy on the footnotes and a great bibliography. I recommend if you are interested in a non-Hrafnar approach to seid workings.
June 15, 2013
A very good introductory book on the subject of seidr, as well as a basic synthesis of the concept as it pertains to Eddic literature, Norse history and modern Asatru.
December 25, 2014
Thought this was a great book! With both practical activities and historic references this book gave me a pretty good look into what Seidr is and I've definitely taken something from reading this.
August 28, 2016
Lenguaje sencillo y todo explicado sin pretensiones de iluminada , al contrario, estés de acuerdo o no, lo muestra desde la sencillez de una práctica que fue en su día algo natural.
September 28, 2016
Superb! Well researched, well written with a wealth of information and suggestions for creating or adding to your own Heathen practice.
January 14, 2016
Great book, and truly informative. That is all that needs to be said.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews