Spinning Wyrd: A Journey through the Nordic Mysteries

by Ryan Smith

Delve Deeper into Norse Paganism with this Radically Inclusive Approach

Expanding on the progressive ideas and practices in The Way of Fire and Ice , this next-step book teaches you how to tap into the forces of the Nordic cosmos. The greatest of these forces is wyrd, the symphony of life cocreated by all beings, from the humblest plants to the mightiest gods. Bestselling author Ryan Smith guides you deep into the mysteries, where you'll discover the role of fate, the importance of the Nine Worlds, the Norse concept of the self, and more. Ryan helps you develop direct relationships with animistic powers, commune with the dead, and cultivate your skills in ecstatic trance journeywork. Spinning Wyrd is for practitioners who are looking for more than the basics, who want to master the mysticism of Heathenry and build a better world.

Genres: Witchcraft, Mythology

200 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2023

Reviews

[Bree Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a lot of context, a proportional amount of rites, and a decent bit of theory. The main problem that I have with this book stems from the context. Ryan Smith spends so much time going over things from the lore — the four-part self, the nine worlds, the spirits, etc. — that’s only really useful to beginners. There are some things I didn’t know, but for someone who has done quite a lot of reading on Old Nose society/religion, most of it was not new. And therefore, much of this book just felt empty. And many times a given chapter was made up of context and rites, the two things I’m not interested in.

The theory was amazing. And when I say theory, I mean it in the academic sense — ideas about spirituality based on anecdotal and practical evidence. I didn’t agree with all of it (the theories about changing one’s fate and necromancy aren’t something that I necessarily believe), but none of it was problematic and much of it was fantastic! The theory about disenchantment and reenchantment was especially useful to me. Because spiritual theory is much less academic, you can very easily (and indeed, you should) take what you find useful and leave the rest. It’s something Smith even says in the book.

The rites and exercises seem good, but I’m not at a point in my practice where I can judge them since I don’t do much of that. In fact, that’s why I avoided this book for so long.

Overall, it was a fine book. A great follow-up to The Way of Fire and Ice, and a good book for people with a moderate level of Old Norse knowledge. Even though I don’t think this book was aimed at my level, I still found much of it very useful.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to get my nitpick out of the way first: this book could’ve had a little tighter editing, there can be some repetition sometimes within just a few sentences (one example being the fylgjar entry). But like I said, a nitpick.

I loved Ryan Smith’s Way of Fire and Ice and Spinning Wyrd didn’t disappoint. There’s so much here, including comments from other practitioners such as Esteban Sevilla that resonate with me so much.

Of course I haven’t done all the exercises yet (I’ll be slowly making my way through), but the description of Breathing Fire and Ice made me tear up:

“Will help you loosen the hard lines imposed by the world around you … can also be used to give yourself a burst of energy for mystical workings or to help swiftly shift focus in times of stress and difficulty.”

The last few years have been exhausting: professionally, personally; I lost my faith in humanity as a whole and even fell out of my spiritual practice. This was a nice kick to the butt.

I look forward to more from Smith!

[Louis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinning Wyrd is a deeply inspiring and beautifully written exploration of Nordic mysticism. Ryan Smith doesn’t just explain Heathenry he brings it to life, inviting readers into a living relationship with wyrd, the Nine Worlds, the spirits, and the ancestors.

What truly stands out is the book’s inclusive, thoughtful approach. It honors tradition while encouraging ethical, engaged, and personal practice. The sections on fate, animism, and ecstatic journeywork are especially powerful and practical.

This is a book for practitioners ready to go deeper. You can feel the care, integrity, and passion behind every page. A meaningful and exciting contribution to modern Heathenry one I’m genuinely grateful for.

[LittleRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Norse ancestors I wanted to read this book the moment I read this abstract. Fate is something that I’m always intrigued by and the author addresses this along with other topics in this Norse practice and Heathenry. It is an insightful and intriguing read.

If you have read any of my reviews, you’ll know that I love historic and foundations. the first book in this series, The Way of Fire and Ice, set the stage for this book. While I have not yer read the first book, it didn’t stop me from reading this one. Though I will go back and read it now that Smith has whet my appetite with this book. It truly is an eye opener and I look forward to more time with Smith’s writings.

[Hannah Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good standalone book but it definitely does track back to Fire and Ice fairly often. This is not a book you absolutely have to have if you are interested in the Norse practice this is really only for if you want to follow the Norse practice in the way of Fire and Ice. The two are not necessarily the same such as not every witch is a Wiccan well not ever Norse practicing person does it in the same fashion as Fire and Ice. If you are not planning on following the was of Fire and Ice then I would say you can go without reading this one.

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spinning Wyrd by Ryan Smith is an excellent addition to any practitioners shelf providing both spiritual insight and practical experiences for those exploring heathendom.
Those who have enjoyed this Author's previous work in The Way of Fire and Ice will be delighted to know he has continued to build on and go deeper into his practical work meanwhile readers new to this path will find themselves guided to one of many potential first portals into doing the good work.

[Destiny Bridwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I have been reading more on Nordic religious practices. This book called to me on a level that even I am a little unsure off. All I can really say is that it spoke to me and made me look inside and outward to the universe. That is not something that usually happens to with book like this one. It makes me want to look into his other books on the subject.

[Mellissa Bushby · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting and insightful glimpse into Norse mysteries, Spinning Wyrd follows on from the authors previous book, The Way of Fire of Ice. Definitely worth a read.

3 stars

[Vision Seeker · Rating 4 out of 5]

good book good philosophy

This is a quick read with the framework of the writers views and feelings on the beliefs that can help all people and have great hope for the future.