Norse Magic

by D.J. Conway

Elves and dwarves, gnomes and frost giants...Norse mythology is filled with tales of such supernatural beings, nature spirits, and powerful deities. Many people know that the Norse people were fierce warriors, but did you know that they were powerful magicians as well? Norse Magic has everything you need to learn in order to begin practicing Norse spirituality. Discover the history and religion of the Vikings, including Norse mythology, seasonal festivals, and magical techniques. If you are interested in practicing Norse Wicca, you'll learn about the three-fold goddess and the god, as well as how to celebrate the holidays, all from the perspective of Norse Paganism. Discover the secrets of herb magic, cauldron magic, cord magic, elf magic, dwarf magic, and more. These magical techniques are presented in a clear, step-by-step format. The practice of Norse magic enlists the help of the Asa-Gods, Light Elves and good Dwarves. It elicits aid from dead ancestors and the rulers of the Elements. It is an active magic, reserved for participants, not bystanders. In order to work the magic of this system you must attune yourself to the powers of the Elements, calling upon the Asa-Gods and other supernatural beings. Norse Magic includes complete instructions, exercises, and rituals for this technique. The Norse Pagans were one of the last European societies to convert to Christianity, but their Pagan mythology and magic survived and continues to thrive. Norse Magic is your key to the study and practice of this powerful and ancient spiritual system.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Paganism, Mythology, Occult, Magick, Spirituality

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 8, 1990

About the author

A native of the Pacific Northwest, author D.J. Conway has studied the occult fields for over 35 years. Her quest for knowledge has covered every aspect of Paganism and Wicca to New Age and Eastern philosophies; plus history, the magical arts, philosophy, customs, mythologies and folklore. In 1998, she was voted Best Wiccan and New Age author by Silver Chalice, a Pagan magazine.

She lives a rather quiet life, with most of her time spent researching and writing.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read as much as I could stomach. What a disappointment. :( Oh well.

I am not a Wiccan of any sort and I do not wish to be. I purchased this book for additional insight and information regarding Norse Magic, not Wiccan practices. I know I am a traditional Norse witch, a practitioner of Asatru (Volva and Seidr), all which I come by naturally.

I have finished the book. I don't recommend it to anyone who is serious about being a traditional witch. The only thing good about it is the talk of wights and the description of the deities.

[Carrie (The Butterfly Reader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not what I was hoping for at all. It's Wiccan but with a slight Norse twist. Not the Norse tradition at all. If you're into Norse Wicca then this is for you, otherwise.... stay away.

[David Leemon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really into this "Magic" thing, but I found some interesting insights on Norse Mythology in this book.

[Jean-Pierre Vidrine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a handy quick reference for calling on Norse deities in magic. Conway's use of the term "Norse Wicca" is a little irksome, even for one who is a strict non-literalist when it comes to all things mythological like me. Some of the myths she recounts briefly here do not seem quite right; and some of the history she relates seems to be confused with tall tales. But, the spell working here is the thing to be focused on. Here is where the author really shines, outlining spells and rituals to help with one's goals and honor one's Gods.
A side note: the book deals in part, of course, with runes. Some of the associations of certain runes with specific Gods differ from what other sources list. This might be a point of contention with some, but I have to confess that I have no idea how any such associations are made in the first place. So, I do not think I can safely say who is right or wrong on the subject. Maybe no one is wholly "wrong" here.

[Natasha 4E · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the way Conway exlains magic in the beginning. It may not be very scientific, but at least it is understandable, and not very wooly and flowery.
It is too bad that this book is filled with information that is either outdated or just has nothing to do with norse mythology at all. Many things make me feel like she just made it up. It would have been nice if the author would have done more research before throwing this all on paper. Oh, and wicca with norse names thrown in is not the same as "norse magic".
The only reason I have not thrown this book out after ten pages or so: it was short.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book for my mom who showed some interest in Norse Magic. She liked it and suggested that I read it. I liked it too because the information was well put. DJ Conway wrote the information so the reader could understand it and was very interesting. It kept me interested all the way through and I wanted to learn more information about the Norse Religion thanks to this book.

[Annemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the parts about norse history and mythology, though there were quite some things I felt weren't quite correct. The rest of the book felt more of a reference book, and wasn't quite what I was looking for.

[Opal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conway crafted a wonderful guide to Norse magic and mythology. I think this book for being published in the 90's is a solid and very powerful tool that aged well. I think it would be useful to somebody who had a basic understanding of paganism and magic as a whole but maybe was unfamiliar with the norse gods and the way magic is performed when working with them.

The information given in regards to runes, symbols, spellwork, and the herbs one can use as well. The failing point for me personally was the explanation of the gods, the re-telling of the norse mythos was short and fairly compact. This may be good for beginners but can push lesser gods out of the light or make them seem unimportant to the reader. Overall it's a great reference book, but if you want more lore and in depth knowledge of the gods you're going to need extra support.

[Raven Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are Wiccan and want a light brush of Norse myth included in your practice, this is the book for you. If not, I’d pass. It covers the basics with some random references to the Norse mythology. I had high hopes since I am not a reconstructionist so I don’t care if it’s completely based on what our ancestors said or did but this was far from helpful. There were many myths I’ll have to double check, I swear there were inconsistencies and false information but I’m not a scholar on the topic. The wheel of the year had potential but wasn’t spectacular. It was a lot of wasted paper on the opening and closing being repeated every time with little bits left for the ritual. It’s a disappointment for what I was hoping for. Maybe someone else will enjoy it.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this little book .I mainly bought this book for the runes section and it did not disappoint. the writer has a clean easy to follow way in which he writes and the lay out works quite well.not only dose it go over the elements, tools, myths, deities, spell work, seasonal ritual's, along with herbs and history of the vikings. it also gos in to details on each god/goddess their chant, colors, stones and trees that are connected with them. this isnt a large reference to the norse world but its a good one to keep on hand just for the deities and the runes..

[Freyja · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gets into the history of Norse magic and its practical applications. It has multiple references and correlations to other magic systems. This is a must-have for the complete magickal library.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite outdated, basically Wicca with a slight Norse edge. Even the info on Norse Mythology is a bit outdated and simplified. Wouldn't recommend. When I purchased this there was no indicated as to the Wicca take on it so was very disappointed.

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wicca, but applying Norse mythology to the practice. For the author having done so much research I was surprised how different facts and myths were portrayed a bit… askew. I do enjoy the reference lists in the back, but that’s about it.

[Wendy Buchheit · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has a basic level of info. Felt that some info may be incomplete as far as Norse culture or not that insightful. Found myself thinking many times this was also male-centric knowledge and let down that there wasn't more about women in Norse culture.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is copy and pasted Wiccan rituals with names of norse deities pasted in. Doesn't translate well. Very little content about actual norse magic/norse paganism. Will keep it on the shelf as an easy pocket size rune reference but that's about it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

l

[Shelby Mueller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly just no.

[QueenDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent beginners guide to the Norse mythology. I love the resources of the Norse gods and goddesses and the runes. My only issue is at times, some of the parts are drawned out too much.

[Amri H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Norse Magic by D.J. Conway is first and foremost a beginners guide to Wiccan ritual practices, more then a understanding of Norse based magic. It heavily relys on the practices and "mythos' of the Golden Dawn, and Gardinarian Wicca. For a simple answer, I do not think this is a good book for someone wanting a step into Norse inspired magic, unless they want the influence of Wicca in their workings. This doesn't automatically make this book bad, but the advertising, both on the back and in the opening of the book, leads into a false understanding on what this book actually is.

- Norse Magic and its Uses Today,
Not starting off strong this chapter is like a vague introduction into what your about to read without saying any new information, and doesnt touch on 'modern' uses as the title suggests.
-Understanding Norse Magic
This chapter was a bit strange for me, mostly a collection of explanations on how magic is the use of both hemispheres of the brain in a weird pseudo psychology way. It touched on a variation of the "harm ye none" sentiment before discussing ideas why you might not want to use magic "badly." Love and light isn't a bad thing, however I am of the belief personally that baneful isn't always bad.
Nothing new information, just the author sounded a bit weird here.
Both of these first chapters are like 2% Norse related.
-Preparing for Magic
This chapter just settles the fact that this book is just traditional ritual magic. Giving some decent practices for learning focus and good meditation skills, but once again, not really touching on the suggested topic.
-Magical Elements
Basically 3 pages of Hermetic Order ideas of the elements, before ending the chapter with mentions of the four dwarves of the directions. *Personal note, the traditional use of the four elements is something I don't often work with due to the fact that the elements is kind of limited and ignores what elements are recognized by other cultures. To each their own.
-Casting Magic Circles.
Very simple to the point and gives an example circle casting that, fair enough uses the Norse gods, however, this is where the Wicca becomes obvious.
-Norse Wicca and the Lady
Its probably good to read the chapter titles before reading the book. But yes, this isn't about Norse Magic general, it is a wiccan book at the end of the day. My biggest complaint from this section is just that the Norse pantheon doesn't fit in traditional wicca very easily and terms like 'sun god," and moon goddess" don't work very well when the gender roles are reversed in the Norse mythos. Not to mention, there are much better options then the suggested mother figures in a triple god head for wicca. If you choose to be a Norse Wiccan, might i suggest Frigga or Jord for a mother goddess figure over Freyja, unless you opereate on the belief that Frigga and Freyja are the same. Which is understandable.
This chapter also discusses the Wheel of the Year. Making some suggestions to Norse society that weren't true. This psuedo celtic calandar comes from Gardenarian Wicca, not from ancient norse. Not sorry. Feel free to use the calandar, I still do, with norse 'flavoring' but its not historically accurate.
-Introduction to the Norse & Vikings/ Myths and Deities.
Both of these chapters finally fully focus on Norse Paganism, but as expected are still a bit flawed. For starters, lots of over used misinformation, such as the popular viking funeral, which was in fact, a not real burial form. Norse people cremated their dead, or just burried them.
The myths section bothered me because it used phrases that described Asgard as heaven, and as expected Hel, as hell. Which is not a very correct comparison at all. Also the suggesting of Loki as 'evil' repeatedly was also something that felt very... Abrahamic if you know what I mean.
Not a fully flawed two chapters, but definitly not completely accurate, it's worth doing exterior research.
-Spellwork/Table of Correspondences.
Both of these chapters are probably my prefered parts of this book. The Ritual ideas listed aren't inherently terrible, and the correspondence lists are fairly good, save some personal notes. Some of these rituals I've considered editing myself.
-Bibliogrophy,
At least it had one. That is all I have to say.

Overall thoughts.
If you want a Norse *Wiccan* Ritual Magic book for your path, this book is decent. However, if you picked up this book for Norse inspired spellwork, and understanding of Norse systems of magic that we have reference of. This book sucks, don't read.
I didn't hate it. It's just not what it advertised itself to be.

Ending notes that are more for me.
Opening the book with things like "Racial Blood" and later suggesting that the Celts and the Norse were the only 'true' pagans of Europe, both have very heavy history in Nazi propaganda. Benefit of the doubt, the author was just using common terms they've heard before. Just for consideration.

[Vixen Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

Much like any of her writing, she talks more out of her ass than actually doing any research behind what she is putting out in publishing.

[Karlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wiccanized Norse Paganism. Hard pass.

[Nandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just enough to wet the appetite, but it seemed a little out of sort/jumbled. I would have preferred (think I posted this earlier) the Norse Mythology to have come BEFORE any of the ritual, holiday, etc. instead of smack dab in the middle of everything. Would have given a better perspective on the Pagan/Wiccan stuff that preceded it (yes, you can make the connections regardless of where the stuff is in the book, but because of placement of information, it was jumbled)

[MariaIsoldde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an awesome little book. If you're somebody who isn't necessarily interested in becoming a heathen or want to just integrate Norse gods and or practices into your already established way of practicing witchcraft. It blends Wiccan and Norse mythology seamlessly. Now if you're a heathen or somebody who exclusively practices Norse magic, this book is definitely not for you you will find that there's a lot of stuff that does not apply so it's definitely a no-go

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this book waaaayy back in 1999 when I became a Witch. Now I'm an atheist and blush at how I just bought into whatever anyone was selling.

This has some nice mythology in it and some good info if you want to know about the subject of Norse-based magic(k) but don't be fooled -- there is no such thing as magic(k).

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of many crummy Llewellyn books. These are short, basic at best, and often have inaccurate information. There is a whole series by DJ Conway, and she is in no way an expert on any of the paths she writes about. Don't waste your money.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small, simple book that's easy to read.
Includes some Norse spells and rituals, mythology, information on runes and brief history on the gods and history. Enjoyable book for referencing and gathering brief information.

[Riobhcah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lot of the practices outlined in this book are much more Wiccan than Asatru. If someone wants to follow that path, than that's their choice and I'm not judging, but people who want to learn about reconstructing traditional Asastru rituals of Scandinavia really need not bother reading this book.

[James]

this is a book for the those woh follow the norse path. It is a book that explains the history of the norse.

[Dawn Maurer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really didnt like this book that much, because it really was more of a work of fantasy in my opinion. It was definately not something I would recommend to anyone ever

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice as a reference piece, but only about 60 pages of useful information.