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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. Pagan Portals - Loki is a bold and necessary look at the Trickster God of the Norse. The author deftly weaves together academic material and personal experience to give the reader a guide not only to better understand this often maligned deity but also to connect directly to him. An unflinching appraisal that offers a great deal of insight into Loki. Morgan Daimler author of Pagan - Portals Odin and Pagan Portals - Thor.
104 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2020
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309 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 2, 2024
An interesting look at Loki's place within mythology, different aspects of his story/powers/symbolism/personality, an examination of what information about him has potentially been lost or neglected over time, plus a few basics on how to go about welcoming him as a deity into your practice.
The book is well laid out with a study/information based section making up a majority of each chapter but with a relevant practical exercise or craft to try at the end.
The author is open about how much of each topic discussed is widely accepted mythology, how much is interpretation of lesser known sources and how much is personal opinion or down to personal spiritual experience. This makes for an easy but still thought provoking read.
A basic knowledge of Norse mythology is likely required to fully understand the book but the author does include excerpts of some of Loki's main scenes when relevant.
(Something to bear in mind: This book is designed for those interested in the spiritual side of this deity as well as those possibly considering working with Loki in that capacity. Those looking for a purely scholarly approach may want to look elsewhere.)
The book is well laid out with a study/information based section making up a majority of each chapter but with a relevant practical exercise or craft to try at the end.
The author is open about how much of each topic discussed is widely accepted mythology, how much is interpretation of lesser known sources and how much is personal opinion or down to personal spiritual experience. This makes for an easy but still thought provoking read.
A basic knowledge of Norse mythology is likely required to fully understand the book but the author does include excerpts of some of Loki's main scenes when relevant.
(Something to bear in mind: This book is designed for those interested in the spiritual side of this deity as well as those possibly considering working with Loki in that capacity. Those looking for a purely scholarly approach may want to look elsewhere.)
May 29, 2020
I loved reading this beautiful devotional book for Loki. It makes my heart warm to see him written about with such love & honesty.
It will be a book that is always nearby, that will be reread & used to bring me even closer to Loki...
It will be a book that is always nearby, that will be reread & used to bring me even closer to Loki...
May 30, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. There’s much spiritual and historical information out there about Loki but it can be very spread out and take time to find everything and every scholarly opinion. Especially with the heathen scene, others don’t do the same research or are too dismissive. This book wonderfully lays it all out giving you the information you need, where to read more about it and some nice observations by the author too. Not only does this book give out the lore but what it and you can do spiritually. Every chapter has guidelines in how you can start your altar and rituals to Loki. This is great for lokeans looking to start out and create the foundations of their devotion. I often found it difficult online to find this information and it’s all neatly put here to give you ideas and steps. The author has a good heart for Loki and lokeans and it shines through in this book
September 27, 2020
It's great to have this book as a point of reference for not only devotional practices but also general knowledge. It really gathers, albeit shortly, a lot of interesting points and sources, pushes you to do more research and think about how such a god may impact your life.
February 17, 2021
This was a slim volume that I read in one day while taking a break from Alan Watts. It was packed full of info about Loki–lots of little tidbits I’d never even heard of before. Great stuff. Absolute must-read for a beginner Norse pagan.
July 6, 2021
Well Blended
This was a great academic read as well as a spiritual one. I like that the author gave us different versions of myths and then also his own interpretation as a Lokean.
This was a great academic read as well as a spiritual one. I like that the author gave us different versions of myths and then also his own interpretation as a Lokean.
March 10, 2024
This is a book I found on Amazon when searching for all things Loki, and it sat on my wish list for a while before I actually bought it.
It was an interesting little booklet with some new and interesting bits of information on my favorite Norse god and trickster. The format of the chapters was quite nice as it made it easy to read a little, then put it down to think about, and pick it back up again. I will definitely be looking further into some of what was mentioned later on.
I also love the cover art, that is amazing.
All of that aside, though, there were a few things which bothered me about the book:
First, Dagulf outright ignored things about Norse mythology which he seemed to not like. While I was quite interested in a lot of what he revealed, when he spoke of Ve being a potential alternative name for Loki, I really paused. Why not mention that Ve is often considered Odin's brother? With Loki being Odin's blood brother, there's an easy argument to make there to connect that two. So, why completely ignore it and not even mention it in passing? It makes me wonder what else is simply being ignored.
Second, the editing. I'm not sure if it wasn't edited, or the editor simply did a really bad job, but the whole book was littered with errors. There was too much punctuation, missing punctuation: starting " with no ending ones, ) with no end starting one. And then the wrong word choices that hadn't been caught: hey instead of they, good instead of god, alter instead of altar - I could go on and on.
These simple mistakes were everywhere. To the point where I will now actively avoid books from this publishing company as it's more than clear that they can't be bothered to properly check the books they release for basic errors. It became quite distracting.
It was an interesting little booklet with some new and interesting bits of information on my favorite Norse god and trickster. The format of the chapters was quite nice as it made it easy to read a little, then put it down to think about, and pick it back up again. I will definitely be looking further into some of what was mentioned later on.
I also love the cover art, that is amazing.
All of that aside, though, there were a few things which bothered me about the book:
First, Dagulf outright ignored things about Norse mythology which he seemed to not like. While I was quite interested in a lot of what he revealed, when he spoke of Ve being a potential alternative name for Loki, I really paused. Why not mention that Ve is often considered Odin's brother? With Loki being Odin's blood brother, there's an easy argument to make there to connect that two. So, why completely ignore it and not even mention it in passing? It makes me wonder what else is simply being ignored.
Second, the editing. I'm not sure if it wasn't edited, or the editor simply did a really bad job, but the whole book was littered with errors. There was too much punctuation, missing punctuation: starting " with no ending ones, ) with no end starting one. And then the wrong word choices that hadn't been caught: hey instead of they, good instead of god, alter instead of altar - I could go on and on.
These simple mistakes were everywhere. To the point where I will now actively avoid books from this publishing company as it's more than clear that they can't be bothered to properly check the books they release for basic errors. It became quite distracting.
October 28, 2022
I am surprised I struggled so much with a book about a god I found myself drawn to. The book is sectioned off in chapters that usually include a ritual of sorts and increase in intensity and complexity. Usually Loptson will start with a tale of Loki each chapter but they felt a bit cut off and unfamiliar in their wording compared to past norse mythos and lore I've read. Maybe it is his wording?
I think this is a great start to a deeper dive into Lokean and norse paganism however there is mention of blood sacrifice however there are often alternatives provided. I think that despite old gods having old traditions, we must adapt our practice with the times and morals we hold now so that was a hard part to get over as somebody who doesn't eat meat or want to sacrifice anything ( even if it is already dead like meats).
Honestly I have had a hard time finding true accounts of Loki and his practicioners so this is a solid 9/10 for me. Take your time, go slowly and you'll enjoy it much more.
I think this is a great start to a deeper dive into Lokean and norse paganism however there is mention of blood sacrifice however there are often alternatives provided. I think that despite old gods having old traditions, we must adapt our practice with the times and morals we hold now so that was a hard part to get over as somebody who doesn't eat meat or want to sacrifice anything ( even if it is already dead like meats).
Honestly I have had a hard time finding true accounts of Loki and his practicioners so this is a solid 9/10 for me. Take your time, go slowly and you'll enjoy it much more.
October 24, 2024
This book explores Loki’s multi-faceted nature by examining bynames and their meanings. The author does this in a way that’s easy to follow, as the book is structured so each byname and ritual build upon one another. For example, bynames are used to explain Loki’s connection to fire, the sacrificial flame, and cremation. These views are supported with academic sources, and when not, the author makes clear what is purely speculation or anecdotal.
I found this book to be both enjoyable and informative to read. The prose isn’t so challenging that it shies people away, nor it is so simplistic that it lacks the depth of the subject matter.
One important thing to note: this book emphasizes the use of blood during ritual. While alternatives are provided, they’re only mentioned briefly in the beginning. If a practitioner wishes to learn more about blood alternatives, they will have to seek outside resources. For a majority of the text, blood is used as the default when providing instructions for rituals.
A longer, more in-depth review located on my blog
I found this book to be both enjoyable and informative to read. The prose isn’t so challenging that it shies people away, nor it is so simplistic that it lacks the depth of the subject matter.
One important thing to note: this book emphasizes the use of blood during ritual. While alternatives are provided, they’re only mentioned briefly in the beginning. If a practitioner wishes to learn more about blood alternatives, they will have to seek outside resources. For a majority of the text, blood is used as the default when providing instructions for rituals.
A longer, more in-depth review located on my blog
April 24, 2022
An exceptionally well researched and informative introduction to Loki. The only reason I haven't given 5 stars is because the editing was a little careless - there are a few typos and grammatical errors that have been missed. But all in all, this is a really interesting read.
February 18, 2024
Amazing little devotional book filled with perspectives true Loki devotees understand and cherish. Great information and no hand holding either. Straight to the point, no bullshit - just as Loki would like it.
August 5, 2025
This was a fantastic introduction to Loki’s mythology and devotional recommendations. After feeling his pull many years ago, reading this felt like spending quality time with him and getting to understand him more in-depth.
July 25, 2022
A brilliant, clear and inspiring resource.
May 24, 2024
I really appreciate how the author delineates source material from UPG while also modeling how to fill in the blanks — missing historical info — in ways that make sense.
December 31, 2024
DNF 14% . The writing wasn't doing it for me
April 30, 2025
Decent little introduction to Loki through a devotional lense.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews