Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, & Norse Magic

by Diana L. Paxson Narrated by Jo Anna Perrin

Overview

Odin is arguably one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in Norse mythology. Revered since the Viking Age, Odin has been called the greatest of the gods-the god of words and wisdom, runes and magic, a transformer of consciousness, and a trickster who teaches truth. He is both war god and poetry god, and he is the Lord of Ravens, the All-Father, and the rune master. Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is the first book on Odin that is both historically sourced and accessible to a general audience. It explores Odin's origins, his appearances in sagas, old magic spells, and the Poetic Edda, and his influence on modern media, such as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Each chapter features suggestions for rituals, exercises, and music so that listeners can comprehend and become closer to this complicated god. Author Diana Paxson draws on both scholarship and experience to provide context, resources, and guidance for those who are drawn to work with the Master of Ecstasy today.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

07/10/2017
This short work from pagan priestess Paxson (Essential Asatru), a prolific writer specializing in Germanic mythology and religion, is a mix of semi-scholarly exposition on lore and history; expressions of personal visions and experiences inspired by paganism; recommendations for pagan spiritual practices; and short stories, poems, and songs on the theme of Odin. Paxson explores Odin’s various names, associated symbols, and appearances in Norse lore as well as modern fiction, such as Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. The specific practice sessions that follow each chapter will be appreciated by those involved in pagan religion; among other things, Paxson suggests building an altar, meditating while reciting poems about Odin, and creating rune charms. The accounts of Norse lore are lively and accessible introductions to the lay reader, and Paxson’s own beliefs, as well as those of her interviewees, shine through in her clear and lucid prose. Paxson’s book is charming and accessible, even to outsiders previously unfamiliar with the concepts. (Sept.)

Freya Aswynn

"Reading Diana Paxson's most excellent book, Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic, whilst listening to WardRuna. This is perhaps the most comprehensive book ever written about Odin. Written with sound scholarship allied to intuitive perception. Capturing the best of both, and a sense of humour to boot. Each chapter is ended by a list of suggestions for working with him. Apart from the scholarship and poetic vision, it is also a most pleasant read! Recommended for everyone interested in Odin. Very, very helpful to students, but also rich in details and associations from other good books. which are listed in the bibliography! All in all, a very worthwhile work and as such equally useful to Old Timers like me."

Ivo Domiguez

"Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is a journey through personal histories of encounters with Odin, a weaving of old lore and modern thought, and a guide to practices that deepen your connection to his mysteries. Even if you don't work with Odin or this pantheon, this book is a treasure house of ideas for anyone who is serious about working with Goddesses and Gods. Moreover, there are people that are dear to me that work with Odin and this book has given me insight into the whys and wherefores of their spiritual path. This remarkable book is at times ribald and reverent, worldwise and innocent, pragmatic and idealistic, as needed to masterfully show the ways of a very complex God."

Ralph Metzner

"It was said in the lore and legends of Norse mythology that people who got interested in Odin, the god of hunters, warriors and oracular seers were "seized" by this deity, fascinated by this multifarious character. Diana Paxson, author of historical novels and short stories on themes from Norse and Celtic mythology was clearly seized, somewhat to her own surprise. She here beautifully re-tells some classic stories from this mythic complex and relates how they are reflected in the ceremonial practices of the contemporary Neo-Pagan revival. I recommend it highly."

S. M. Stirling

"Diana Paxson is both a scholar and a storyteller, which shows in her exhaustive, yet enthralling, Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic. The figure of Odin, God of battles, but also of inspiration and poetry, lord of the slain, looms through the background of Western culture, affecting everything from our conception of kingship—Queen Elizabeth is descended from him, through the Saxon kings of Wessex—to the figure of Gandalf in Tolkien's work. Paxson takes us back to the original, and shows the archetypic, mythic power of this figure."

Judika Illes

"Diana Paxson's wonderful book Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic follows the trail of Odin, a wandering god, from his misty origins to his current manifestations. Paxson explores Odin's history, as well as the poetry, literature, and other entertainments that he has inspired and in which he stars, both ancient and modern, from the Eddas to American Gods and from Tolkien to Wagner and Marvel. A god for the ages, Odin's veneration remains vital and active. Paxson, a priestess, provides songs, rituals, magical exercises, and sound, practical advice to help you develop your own personal relationship with the Lord of Runes and Ecstasy. There is no one in the world that I'd rather learn about Odin from than Diana L. Paxson. Highly recommended."

Reviews

"It was said in the lore and legends of Norse mythology that people who got interested in Odin, the god of hunters, warriors and oracular seers were "seized" by this deity, fascinated by this multifarious character. Diana Paxson, author of historical novels and short stories on themes from Norse and Celtic mythology was clearly seized, somewhat to her own surprise. She here beautifully re-tells some classic stories from this mythic complex and relates how they are reflected in the ceremonial practices of the contemporary Neo-Pagan revival. I recommend it highly." --Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of The Well of Remembrance

From the Publisher

"It was said in the lore and legends of Norse mythology that people who got interested in Odin, the god of hunters, warriors and oracular seers were "seized" by this deity, fascinated by this multifarious character. Diana Paxson, author of historical novels and short stories on themes from Norse and Celtic mythology was clearly seized, somewhat to her own surprise. She here beautifully re-tells some classic stories from this mythic complex and relates how they are reflected in the ceremonial practices of the contemporary Neo-Pagan revival. I recommend it highly." --Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of The Well of Remembrance

"Diana Paxson is both a scholar and a storyteller, which shows in her exhaustive, yet enthralling, Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic. The figure of Odin, God of battles, but also of inspiration and poetry, lord of the slain, looms through the background of Western culture, affecting everything from our conception of kingship--Queen Elizabeth is descended from him, through the Saxon kings of Wessex--to the figure of Gandalf in Tolkien's work. Paxson takes us back to the original, and shows the archetypic, mythic power of this figure." --S. M. Stirling, author of the Emberverse series

"Diana Paxson's wonderful book Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic follows the trail of Odin, a wandering god, from his misty origins to his current manifestations. Paxson explores Odin's history, as well as the poetry, literature, and other entertainments that he has inspired and in which he stars, both ancient and modern, from the Eddas to American Gods and from Tolkien to Wagner and Marvel. A god for the ages, Odin's veneration remains vital and active. Paxson, a priestess, provides songs, rituals, magical exercises, and sound, practical advice to help you develop your own personal relationship with the Lord of Runes and Ecstasy. There is no one in the world that I'd rather learn about Odin from than Diana L. Paxson. Highly recommended." --Judika Illes, author of Encyclopedia of Spirits, Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells, and other books devoted to the magical and spiritual arts

"Diana L. Paxson delivers her hard-won knowledge of Odin here in deliciously unpredictable bursts - by turn erudite and bawdy. As teacher, priestess, poet, and gossip, she presents Odin in all his conflicting manifestations, drawing on even the most recondite sources. The merit of this work is above all the author's deeply personal investment in the subject matter." -Domenic Leo, PhD, author of Images, Texts, and Marginalia in a Vows of the Peacock Manuscript and the award-winning Ferrell-Vogue Machaut Manuscript: Facsimile and Introductory Study

"Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is a journey through personal histories of encounters with Odin, a weaving of old lore and modern thought, and a guide to practices that deepen your connection to his mysteries. Even if you don't work with Odin or this pantheon, this book is a treasure house of ideas for anyone who is serious about working with Goddesses and Gods. Moreover, there are people that are dear to me that work with Odin and this book has given me insight into the whys and wherefores of their spiritual path. This remarkable book is at times ribald and reverent, worldwise and innocent, pragmatic and idealistic, as needed to masterfully show the ways of a very complex God." --Ivo Domiguez, Jr, author of Keys to Perception

"Reading Diana Paxson's most excellent book, Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic, whilst listening to WardRuna. This is perhaps the most comprehensive book ever written about Odin. Written with sound scholarship allied to intuitive perception. Capturing the best of both, and a sense of humour to boot. Each chapter is ended by a list of suggestions for working with him. Apart from the scholarship and poetic vision, it is also a most pleasant read! Recommended for everyone interested in Odin. Very, very helpful to students, but also rich in details and associations from other good books. which are listed in the bibliography! All in all, a very worthwhile work and as such equally useful to Old Timers like me." --Freya Aswynn, author of Northern Mysteries and Magick: Runes & Feminine Powers

Product Details

BN ID:	2940172517396
Publisher:	Dreamscape Media
Publication date:	11/24/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos