Seidr: The Gate is Open
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"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 Seidr: 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." * * * * * 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.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Katie Gerrard is one of those wonderful rare people who not only walks the talk, but really knows what she's talking about and hence it follows, where she is walking. Seidr: The Gate is Open is instantly accessible and easy to read, generously presenting years of research and experience to the reader without the feeling that you are being spoon-fed. Indeed the strongly practical aspect of the book does not dictate at all, but lays out the bones of truth that Katie and her groups have diligently uncovered over the years and encourages the reader to add their own meat, as it were.
Through a beautiful balance of approachable fact and relevant history with a scientific spirit of experimentation, Katie has created a truly living workbook. She gives a strong foundation that anyone with enough understanding and experience of the basic principles can use to explore this rich tradition, not in the way of the empty reconstructionist, but in a way which is vital and relevant to today.
The rituals and practices laid out in this book ring very true for me as I have experienced many similar techniques within the oracular and shamanic work and training I have undergone over the last several years within a Celtic context, and I found it very interesting to note that some of these practices are indeed also a part of British history. As someone who has a fascination for the Norse beliefs but has always, (until now), found the subject of Seidr rather mysterious and unapproachable, I am delighted to find it actually very familiar and comfortable. I shall cherish this book, and look for the opportunity to partake in one of Katie Gerrard's ceremonies. I would also relish the chance to try these workings myself, if I could just find a group of willing guinea pigs....
Like the figure in the beautiful cover artwork by Laura Daligan, Katie indeed is holding the gate open for us. Will you pass through?
Through a beautiful balance of approachable fact and relevant history with a scientific spirit of experimentation, Katie has created a truly living workbook. She gives a strong foundation that anyone with enough understanding and experience of the basic principles can use to explore this rich tradition, not in the way of the empty reconstructionist, but in a way which is vital and relevant to today.
The rituals and practices laid out in this book ring very true for me as I have experienced many similar techniques within the oracular and shamanic work and training I have undergone over the last several years within a Celtic context, and I found it very interesting to note that some of these practices are indeed also a part of British history. As someone who has a fascination for the Norse beliefs but has always, (until now), found the subject of Seidr rather mysterious and unapproachable, I am delighted to find it actually very familiar and comfortable. I shall cherish this book, and look for the opportunity to partake in one of Katie Gerrard's ceremonies. I would also relish the chance to try these workings myself, if I could just find a group of willing guinea pigs....
Like the figure in the beautiful cover artwork by Laura Daligan, Katie indeed is holding the gate open for us. Will you pass through?
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I think this book is excellent, with three particular strengths.
The first is that Katie Gerrard shows a full knowledge of both the original texts on Seidr and the events and issues in the modern scene. She explains her take on the main disagreements, and references the writings in a way which is clear enough for newcomers to understand and is also very convincing. Even those who disagree with her opinions will find a useful overview of the main issues and an exciting read.
The second reason is that she is very clear on which parts of her practice in this book are just that - her opinions. This can be difficult when writing about carrying out rituals which you have developed yourself, but she is always careful to point out which sections are her own, and (even better) states why she chose them.
The chapters on running and participating in rituals are the third reason. Quite apart from the Seidr content, the author has included so much sensible and insightful information on how to run safe and powerful trance rituals for various groups of people that I think practitioners of many paths will benefit from reading it. She draws on years of experience and goes into detail on the practicalities of managing people who are in heavy trance, in a way that is not seen often enough in print.
There are only a handful of good, accessible works on modern Seidr and I think that 'The Gate Is Open' is likely to become a must-have: as well as being a superb introduction, it gives example seidr rituals and advice on leading group work which deserves a wide audience.
The first is that Katie Gerrard shows a full knowledge of both the original texts on Seidr and the events and issues in the modern scene. She explains her take on the main disagreements, and references the writings in a way which is clear enough for newcomers to understand and is also very convincing. Even those who disagree with her opinions will find a useful overview of the main issues and an exciting read.
The second reason is that she is very clear on which parts of her practice in this book are just that - her opinions. This can be difficult when writing about carrying out rituals which you have developed yourself, but she is always careful to point out which sections are her own, and (even better) states why she chose them.
The chapters on running and participating in rituals are the third reason. Quite apart from the Seidr content, the author has included so much sensible and insightful information on how to run safe and powerful trance rituals for various groups of people that I think practitioners of many paths will benefit from reading it. She draws on years of experience and goes into detail on the practicalities of managing people who are in heavy trance, in a way that is not seen often enough in print.
There are only a handful of good, accessible works on modern Seidr and I think that 'The Gate Is Open' is likely to become a must-have: as well as being a superb introduction, it gives example seidr rituals and advice on leading group work which deserves a wide audience.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I throughly enjoyed Ms Gerrards latest book. As a witch with practical experience working Seidr and extensive experience with the Norse mythology, it was refreshing to find such an in-depth, up-to-date book, that read as easily and as pleasantly as if i was having an informed discussion with a friend. Despite the book's friendly feel, it is immediately obvious that the book has years of research and history behind it, and i have never come across a contemporary work in the same subject area that i enjoyed more. brilliant!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fabulous!
I downloaded this book to my Kindle, but was so impressed I have also added it to my wish list to purchase the 'real' book for my collection, definitely a keeper! Read more
Published 1 month ago by Patterson
Northern Magic Awaits
Growing up in Louisiana between the bayou country and New Orleans, I was surrounded by Cajun sorcery and voodoo. Read more
Published 11 months ago by A. C. Seruntine
Educational, Honest & Practical !!
I have to admit that I was really excited when this book landed on my doormat, and I can only apologise for the length of time it has taken me to complete my review of this book -... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Vikki Bramshaw
An informative and enjoyable read
I've just finished reading this book and have been very impressed by it. I am not heathen or a seidr worker and I wouldn't call myself a shamanic practitioner either but I do have... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Ms. P. C. Kennedy Allan
Invaluable for anyone with an interest in Seidr
Though interest in the practice of Seidr is growing it is still shrouded in mystery with little practical information available - until now. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Nemaine
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