Recommended Reading

Here is a list of books you might find helpful. Some of these are authored by members of the fellowship, some are not. All of these books are recommended for those interested in learning more about Heathenry. the Vanir Gods, and Vanic perspectives.

Travels Through Middle Earth: Path of a Saxon Pagan by Alaric Albertsson (Llewellyn Worldwide) is a reflection of Alaric's spiritual practice and covers such topics as holy tides and how to celebrate them, rites of passage, worship, magic, and even instructions for making mead.

Visions of Vanaheim by Svartesól (Gullinbursti Press) discusses the Vanic side of the Northern Tradition – honoring a race of Gods connected with the fertility of the Earth, from life to death and back again. This book explores the history of the North and the differences between Aesir and Vanir; the Deities known or suspected to be Vanir and those related by marriage or adoption; rites, magic, and devotion in a Vanic practice, and thoughts on the Vanic way from those who live it.

Vanirbok: Tales of the Vanagods by Svartesól (Gullinbursti Press) is a book of mythological re-tellings and new myths from a Vanic perspective. Vanirbok includes “Tears for Oðr”, a different take on the legend of Freya mourning for Oðr and later gaining Brisingamen; “The Mountains and the Sea”, a tale of Njord, Skadhi, and Ullr; “Fields of Gold", a retelling of the story of Frey and Gerda's courtship; and nine other stories. This book of inspired fiction is sure to entertain and perhaps give a new appreciation for the ways of the Vanir Gods.

Peace and Good Seasons by Svartesól (Gullinbursti Press) is a devotional for Ing-Frey, which discusses His importance in antiquity as well as His relevance to today. With an examination of some of the references to Frey in primary sources, advice on how to begin communing with Him, and sample prayers, rituals and devotional practice, this is a great addition to the bookshelf of Freyfolk everywhere.

Boar, Birch and Bog: Prayers to Nerthus by Nicanthiel Hrafnhild (Gullinbursti Press) - This devotional to the often-overlooked Vanic Goddess is an attempt to revive the ancient worship of Nerthus through the experiences of the author, by providing glimpses of Her through original poetry, mythological stories and rituals designed to bring the reader closer to this most awe-full deity.

We also recommend:

The Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates

The Real Middle Earth by Brian Bates

Hedge-Rider: Witches and the Underworld by Eric DeVries

The Book of Seidr by Runic John

Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Magic by Stephen Pollington

Leechcraft: Early English Charms, Plantlore and Healing by Stephen Pollington

Practical Magic in the Northern Tradition by Nigel Pennick

Ecoshamanism by James Endredy