Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner: A Book of Prayer, Devotional Practice, and the Nine Worlds of Spirit

by Galina Krasskova, Raven Kaldera

Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner is a ground-breaking look at the development of devotional work within the body of polytheistic religious traditions ranging from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism, that comprise the greater umbrella of the Northern Tradition. While interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly over the past few years, this is the first book to offer an inclusive look at the diverse scope and breadth of such practices as a living, modern-day religion. It features an in-depth exploration of altar work, prayer, prayer beads, ritual work, sacred images, lore, and a thorough examination of the common core cosmology that forms the foundation of belief for the vast expanse of Northern Tradition communities.

Genres: Paganism, Nonfiction, Religion, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Magic, Wicca

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

I'm a poet, polytheist, theologian and the majority of my writing is religious, of one flavor or another. I've written over twenty books covering a broad range of topics within contemporary Heathenry (Norse/Germanic polytheism), several devotionals (including a couple to Greco-Roman Deities), and I've edited several anthologies. I'm the managing editor of "Walking the Worlds" journal, the first peer reviewed journal focusing on issues of interest to polytheists and I maintain a blog at http://krasskova.wordpress.com. I cause a lot of trouble. LOL.

When I'm not writing (and causing trouble), I'm slogging my way through graduate school, round three. I currently hold a Masters in Religious Studies, worked for six years in a Phd program in Classics, hold a Masters in Medieval Studies, and I'm currently in my third year of PhD work in Theology.

I'm also an artist - acrylic and watercolor, some photography. Despite rumors to the contrary, I don't bite and I'm usually happy to answer any questions. ;)

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am more of a green/hedge witch (pagan NOT wicca) myself, but I picked this reference up during my exploration of other paths. I have many friends who are 'Heathen' (though they often contradict this term I find it is the easiest to use which encompasses all their faiths) and so I thought I wouldgive this a try.
I must admit I am still to this day impressed with this books ability to cater to all faiths, even though it is obviously targeted at Heathens. The author states again and again, and then quotes some others to boot, about the importance of the readers own religious practices and beliefs, and this books being only a tool in promoting these through practice. It offers lots of helpful and practical advice on ritual etc. and the various forms of meditation and prayer, and even offers the reader lots of viable options for adapting these to different paths, though they are offered originally in the Northern Tradition forms.
Some of the information and history is 'Northern territory only' and not applicable to others, but this is only to be expected given the context of the book.
However I found this a fascinating and exceedingly useful read and continue to use some of the methods and practices found in here today. 4 stars.

[Shannon]

I've skipped around in this book. So far it is a very nice read. The Asatru and other Northern Traditions generally have a slightly different nature about their demeanor, practice, and outlook than wiccans and eclectic pagans and eclectic pagan wiccan polytheists (and whatever other combo you can come up with). This book is no exception. If I had to pick one word that, for me, summarized this difference it would be 'grounded'. I am doing military training for a couple of weeks and I came upon an interview of another company doing training across the U.S. The 1st SGT said that "it is what it is, embrace the suck". Military people know exactly what this means, especially infantry and other field MOS's. It has a stoic, yet try harder, creedo about it.

So far a wonderful read.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Flavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normalmente non amo questo genere di libro, ma l'ho trovato un ottimo testo per chi si avvicina alla Tradizione Nordica, da leggere in parallelo chiaramente, ai testi antichi.
Davvero interessante il capitolo dedicato alla pratica di devozione. Dona dei punti interessanti per una riflessione più profonda e soprattutto per un eventuale esame di coscienza. Un po' banale la parte dedicata alle effigi ed all'allestimento dell'altare. Il capitolo dedicato ai contapreghiere è forse quello che ho apprezzato di più, per eventuali spunti e creazioni, così come le schede delle divinità, io normalmente odio le schede con mille (spesso assurde) corrispondenze, soprattutto quando si parla di divinità, ma qui son poche ed efficaci. Nel complesso davvero in buon libro.

[Liander (The Towering Pile) Lavoie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I imagine it would be a good book for practitioners of the Northern Tradition. I realised very early in the book that this was not a religion for me. However, I finished reading it for educational purposes. It wasn't really great for that, since it seems to be more aimed at people who are Heathens. There are lots of prayers included. It's not heavy on the educational resources. So it just didn't fit my purposes. At least now I know what Asatru and Heathenry are, so I did learn something.

[Carol Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable resource for a solitaire

I have read several of Galina's books, and thoroughly adore them as valuable sources. She writes with such passion, excitement and enthusiasm that it fills the atmosphere with the persents of the God's. I'm very thankful that she is able to provide such needed information. The book is full of inspiration, ideas and encouragement. Thank you Raven for your input as well. I could feel your strength in your words which gave an example of how to be strong in what Ione believes.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to Norse Paganism and I found other introductory texts frustratingly limiting and full of illogical hang ups and rules. This book was so on point in what called me to Norse Paganism and gave me the confidence and information I was looking for on this path, without pressuring me to join a community or not worship certain deities. This book is fantastic and the further reading section and altar suggestions are invaluable!

[Jamie Crisalli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a breath of fresh air for the more devotional heathen. It is an excellent jumping off point for many things from rituals to altar building. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Heathenry.

[Jax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful overview of Heathen and Norse Pagan traditions. If you feel lost or overwhelmed as to what direction you want your faith to go, read through this book. Also full of lovely prayers and devotional to Norse deities and landwights.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a well written book. Both Galina and Raven have done their homework. The excerpts that were included made such an amazing effect. I loved them immensely. The part I enjoyed most was in the altar ideas for the various gods.

[Skorum Music · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're into new age Asatru practices based on Unverified Personal Gnosis, then this is a reasonable read.

[Kevin Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good handbook to steer guide you if you don't have any other people nearby that share your beliefs.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really a useful book for me in a lot of ways.
I am Heathen/Asatru. I've been practicing for more than a year now, so I've moved beyond many of the beginner books. Most of those books have the usual "how to do ritual" or "who is this or that god/dess", and I've got so many of those that I was afraid that this one would be similar. Luckily, it really wasnt. Instead, while it did give some basic information about the gods, it focused on ways to honor the gods with tying into their individual aspects. Some of the information was new to me. A few pieces of information could be had by any thorough reading of other Heathen books, though.
A more interesting feature of the book is its focus on the practices of individual Heathens. It has many interviews from people that apparently are movers and shakers within the community. It addresses the controversy of UPG (Unverified Personal Gnosis) vs. Lore and Historical Accuracy that continues to be a dividing rift within the community. And for anyone concerned: it does lean heavily towards trusting UPG. Personally I find this to be a strength rather than a weakness. And it mentions and explores the ideas of those whose worship doesnt fall within the "normal" bounds of the Pantheon. As someone who is only just beyond the basics that was really fascinating to me.
All in all, I'd recommend this book for those who are around the same level as I am. I dont think this would be a helpful book for someone who has been Heathen for quite a while, but maybe one or two nuggets of information might provoke some thought and shake out new ways of looking at their practice. It does have a fairly thorough list for further reading, including suggestions for other devotional books written for specific gods. That might be of more use to someone with more time under their belt. But it has helped me think critically about my own practice and even gave me a few good ideas to try out. I'm glad I read it!

[Sky Bray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not exactly what I was expecting. I was looking for something that would give me in depth details of the Germanic and Northern European pre-Christian religion. I wanted details of the Gods and Goddesses, their relation to each other, who they were, what they did, where they lived. And info on the stories involving them, and on the Norse/Germanic cosmology in general (the World Tree, the nine realms, the end of days etc).. And then details about the nuts and bolts of the faith itself.

I know nothing about Heathenry, so in regards to that, I was looking actually for more details and found this to be too general. For example, there are terms in there that I don't know the meaning of and had to Google. Might be helpful (in a new addition?) to have a glossary at the back for any terms that are not plain English. Liked the Appendix at the back with the alter suggestions relating to each of the Gods and Goddesses, however, not knowing who most of them are or what they stand for, it felt incomplete to me. In regards to it being a book about devotional and faithful practice in general (covering meditation, prayer, devotional practices, alter work, service etc) I found it to be too basic. So in a way it's still missing information. I think the authors needed to refine their purpose a little more: is it a book about religious practice, or is it about the Northern Tradition? If both, then I think they needed to have more pages and start at the very beginning, giving the reader all the details on the religion itself before going into ways to practice it.

[Gunnar Runa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh.....
I bought this book very early on In my journey into heathenry, For a couple of reasons, One being that I was hungry for information and Two...It was the only book on 'Heathenry' that Chapters offered,
Personally I felt that the title says a lot about the demographic of people this book is aimed at, This is not a book from an Asatru or Odinist perspective and would say this book is directed at the Norse Wiccan or those on the outter fringe of heathenry, Heavily influenced by UPG and little historical content,
Along with this book I bought her 'Whisperings of Wooden' and between the two books I realized that something was amiss with this writer...

Hard to buy into a lot of what Galina is talking about, Which to this day I'm still wondering what that was..

Definitely not a fan...

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author gives a good basic overview of Asatru and some of the challenges that this belief system faces in today's society where current values must be integrated with those of Pre-Christian Scandinavia, i.e. that Asatru must evolve along with the current world and cosmic psyche if it is to progress with us into the future.

Also the author presents much good advice for setting up Asatru altars and includes many prayers that can be adapted to which ever Norse deity speaks to your soul. ALso included are many web addresses of online Asatru virtual altars. I thought that that was awesome.

[Cathy Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would work best as a devotional book for practicing Heathens, people already familiar with the northern tradition. Lots of ideas for worship, prayers, and the usual crappy poetry one finds in pagan books. It didn't work for me. Too much sauce, not enough meat.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting practical book for anyone involved in Northern European paganism. Not an amazing volume, but it accomplishes what it sets out to do. Some passages are a bit eyebrow-raising in light of Krasskova's recent (2013) comments on polytheists and pagans.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and enlightening overview of Northern Traditions, written in the framework of "6 Ways of Being Religious" by Dale Cannon. A worthwhile read for anyone interested in this path.

[Ranae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it to be the next step for many who are on this spiritual path.

[Patricia Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

It gave me many new insights. A worthwhile book. It helped me reevaluate my relationship with prayer.