This was a nicely illustrated, easy but interesting read.

I think it would make a great gift or coffee table book to dip in to.

Thank you for the arc.

Immerse yourself in the rich history and mysticism of Nordic legends with "Norse Mysticism," a beautifully crafted guide that delves into the enchanting world of the Norse gods and goddesses. Disa Forvitin has skillfully woven together the vibrant tapestries of Norse mythology and the profound spiritual practices of the Vikings, offering both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts an engaging and comprehensive resource.

Discover the Pantheon and Oral Traditions
The guide begins with an exploration of the Norse pantheon, introducing larger-than-life deities who wield magic with unparalleled prowess. Forvitin’s narrative brings these gods and goddesses to life, highlighting their significance in ancient traditions and their enduring influence on modern spirituality. The section on oral traditions is particularly captivating, shedding light on how these stories were passed down through generations, preserving the essence of Norse mysticism.

Master the Runes and Vocal Magic
"Norse Mysticism" provides an in-depth look at runes, the ancient symbols used in Norse magic and divination. Forvitin offers practical guidance on how to read and interpret runes, making this complex subject accessible and intriguing. The guide also delves into the power of vocal magic, revealing techniques for spellcasting and invoking the energies of the Norse gods through voice.

Techniques for Spellcasting and Divination
For those interested in practicing Norse magic, this guide is a treasure trove of techniques for spellcasting and divination. Forvitin shares step-by-step instructions, allowing readers to connect with the magical traditions of the Vikings and incorporate these practices into their daily lives. The emphasis on practical application ensures that readers can experience the mystical power of Norse spirituality firsthand.

Histories and Ancient Prose
The guidebook is rich with historical context, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the customs and teachings that underpin Norse mysticism. Forvitin includes records of ancient prose works and poems, offering insights into the literary traditions that have shaped our understanding of the Viking world. These historical accounts add depth and authenticity to the guide, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Norse culture.

A Modern Perspective on Ancient Practices
As part of the Mystic Traditions series, "Norse Mysticism" places ancient practices within a modern framework. Forvitin's approach is both respectful of tradition and mindful of contemporary spiritual needs, making this guide relevant for today’s readers. The series aims to provide concise introductions to various mystical traditions, and this installment does so with clarity and passion.

I’d like to start this review out with a special shoutout to Wellfleet Press and especially Lydia Anderson. I didn’t realize that the archive date for this had passed before I read it, and when I reached out to the publisher, they sent me a beautiful finished copy of this book. I’m so glad that they did, because firstly the book is just so pretty that I love having a copy to refer back to, and secondly because it’s so full of wonderful information that I had to bookmark so many pages and I can easily flip back to them whenever I want.

While this is a basic exploration and introduction to Norse culture, history, mythology, religion, and practices, it also provides a surprisingly deep analysis into the world of the Norse. The material is broken down into chapters that are clearly divided topics, but they flow into each other perfectly: early Nordic society, mystic practitioners, the Elder Futhark runes, Norse poetry, Norse mythology and the pantheon of deities, and folk magic, with a great, comprehensive index in the back of the book.

Starting with the origins of the Norse culture as an offshoot of Northern Germanic tribes, Forvitin explores how Norse society evolved and the fundamental differences between paganism and monotheism. One of these major differences is how Christian stories and myths contrast good and evil, moral and unethical situations or choices to teach a lesson, while the Norse myths functioned more similarly to riddles designed to get readers or listeners to think and come to their own conclusions. The high value on community and honor meant that the myths were important to demonstrate the different types of behaviors and dynamics between various personalities.

As someone who has spent a bit of time learning about Norse culture, mythology, and mysticism, I still found plenty of helpful information that was new to me. I shared this with a much more well-versed friend, and she was impressed at how much great information was crammed into this slim volume. The information about the gods and goddesses is especially well-researched and clear to understand, which can be a challenge in a field saturated with conflicting information, Christian influences, and differing interpretations of the source material, some of which has been lost to time.

Overall, this is a fantastic read. I’m thrilled to have a hard copy to keep on my shelves, since I’ll be returning back to this one plenty in the future. There are some spells included in the text that sound wonderful and that I’ll be giving a try, and some pages that I’ll be flipping to often, which I’ve flagged. There are such pretty chapter headers and pieces of art at the end of chapter sections, and I looked forward to seeing each of them, whether it was an owl, a cat, or a Norse longboat. It’s clear that Forvitin did her research for this book, and It’s presented in a logical, coherent, and easy to understand way whether you’re new to Norse mysticism or a well-versed practitioner, or even someone just looking to learn more about Norse culture at a basic level.

Wow. I have never heard of Norse mysticism until I've seen this book on here. It's pretty interesting, the kind of book that shouldn't be read in one sitting. I learned a lot about the Vikings and this has rid me of my ignorance in seeing them as nothing more than a vicious, savage group.

A solid overview of Norse mysticism through a scholarly lense. This title was somewhat difficult to read due to both the formatting (though I assume this is an ARC issue) and the academic tone, which came across as dry and uninterested several times. Still, the information was good and the topic fascinating. I would recommend this book to those with a deep interest in this particular culture and spirituality.

I think this book does exactly what it sets out to do—to provide an introduction to the Norse deities and the customs that have grown up around them, and to offer some ideas about how to positively engage with the traditions today, particularly in light of how Norse symbology has been misappropriated by ideological extremists.

Overall, Norse Mysticism is a useful little book.

This was a very good introduction to Norse mysticism, I learned quite a bit from the book and am looking forward to continuing to learn more. Some books like this get tedious, but everything was broken up into small sections which I liked.

This book is great if you want to learn more about the Norse culture and how it changed over the years. It's quite light and mostly covers the basic notions, but it's a great book to start with. It's easy to understand with lots of images

Disclaimer: I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review

This is a useful introduction to Norse paganism. I personally would have appreciated more reference to the sources the author drew from.

I did appreciate that the book addresses the ways Norse paganism has sometimes been appropriated by fascists. Unfortunately this is something people starting to explore Norse mysticism have to be cautious of; I felt the book did a good job of explaining the recent history of how Norse culture has been reimagined, as well as Norse culture itself.

I was a little wary about reading this book given the increase of certain groups appropriating Norse symbols and twisting narratives to try and fit racist and divisive groups. Thankfully Forvitin covers this and highlights that we should try and counter this a sentiment I fully agree with.

The book itself is perfect for those either starting their journey into Norse Mysticism or those who want to know a little bit more. It’s a good reference for those who are already on their journey or those who follow an electric path.

This book is a good introduction to Norse paganism as it is practiced today by some people. The stories of the Gods and the Runes are informative and give a glance at what people know of the Old ways of long ago. There are a few exercises and practical activities to place the learning into your life. All in all this is a solid intro and gives some ideas to practice the ideas given.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Norse Mysticism by Disa Fortivin in exchange for an honest review. This was an amazing and interesting book for anyone interested in the history of Norse traditions and spiritualism. I am a quarter Norwegian and this has always had a strong influence in my life. I love learning more about how my ancestors lived and what they worshipped.

I enjoyed reading this book and finding out more aboutva subject that interested me but I knew little about. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

This is a wonderful little introduction to Norse mythology. There’s a taste of everything here, enough to give you a basic understanding but also lays a groundwork suitable for someone who wanted to learn more about Heathenry or the old Gods in general.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in ecxchange for an honest review!

I love Norse Mythology and this was a great introduction into Norse Traditions/ practices. It's easy to read, and very enjoyable. Highly recommend picking this one up!

Many thanks to the author publisher and Netgalley for a free ARC of this ebook.
I really enjoyed this short ebook which explores Norse myths and mysticism. It's probably not to everyone's taste but it's very well written and laid out.

This is a great resource for anyone interested in Norse or Viking beliefs. I really enjoyed it. The tales and legends are fun.

Norse Mysticism by Disa Forvitin is a mini book, which I think is important to know going in. If the size doesn't give it away, this is simple a primer and introductory note on what is a huge topic and religion. One that can get very complicated, very quickly. While I would love a longer version from the author in the future, I understand the need for such a beginner's guide to the subject. I enjoyed the historical information about Viking society, runes, the holidays, the magic system, and of course the asides that give ideas of how to make charms and otherwise incorporate some of the things into your own belief system and pagan practice. And even though I consider myself versed in this subject, I did still learn new things in such a short space! The author has a great writing style, so this would be perfect for someone new to Norse culture and mythology and is considering diving deeper. It won't give you all the information, but you'll at least come away know whether you're interested in studying further.

I really enjoyed this introductory exploration of Norse Mysticism and what it builds upon!

I am interested in Norse Mythology and the people who believed in the Norse gods and I have done some courses in both the Norse religion and the runic alphabet. This book is a perfect introduction to both of these topics especially so for those with limited or no experience in the field.

I appreciated how easy and engaging the language in this book is, and how it tends to speak directly to the reader, making the reading experience very nice.

I also really do love the formatting of this book, it really enhanced the whole experience while reading. I loved the little Norse-inspired illustrations that are scattered throughout the book.

Thank you Net-Galley for this ARC!

I have been on a reading kick lately, trying to knock out as many occult books as possible from my ever-growing stack. That means I have yet another book review for all of you. If I am honest, I skipped a couple books in my stack to get to Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices by Disa Forvitin. If you read The Future of Flying the Hedge you know that I have decided to listen to my ancestors and follow a new spiritual path, including Norse paganism. This book felt like the right place to get my toes wet.

Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices by Disa Forvitin is a very, very brief introduction to Norse spiritual practices. At just under 200 pages and with lots of illustrations (and blank space) you can read through this in an afternoon. It is by no means a comprehensive guide, but does provide a wonderful overview of the history, mythology, and practices of Norse pagans with a bit of Trolldom mixed in.

Forvitin notes in the introduction that Norse mythology was largely an oral tradition, so what you read in this book may not line up with what other authors report. No version is more correct than another due to the nature of oral traditions and the cultural influences of the region from which they originate. I think modern-day practitioners get so caught up with being historically accurate, that they forget the myths and practices were a product of their time, and what records we have are often biased and incomplete. Instead, Forvitin encourages readers to use ancient wisdom to develop a modern, personal practice. Magic is personal so what may work for someone else won't necessarily work for you. Furthermore, the need to fend off literal wolves doesn't apply in most cases, but you may have to defend yourself from wolfish people.

Also in the introduction is a section on the co-opting of Norse symbolism by hate groups. This is one of the biggest problems with modern heathenry; white supremacists have long been co-opting and bastardizing Norse paganism to support their racist ideals and fascist beliefs. True practitioners of heathenry know that it was a largely inclusive practice, allowing for both men and women practitioners of magic (although it was mostly women who participated). On top of this, the Norse were extremely open to women being warriors and there is evidence of trans individuals being greatly honored. Needless to say, these neo-Nazis are misappropriating Norse mythology.

Forvitin gives a wonderful overview of Nordic history to put Nordic traditions into perspective. As with all traditions, we must view them through a historical lens, not a modern one. This helps explain why they did what they did. This also explains the Norse myths, holidays, and types of magic such as seidhr, spae, and galdar. I will say that the dates for the Nordic holidays outlined in the book differ from most other sources. That isn't to say they are incorrect, but that there is some wiggle room if the dates don't work for you. The list of holidays provided, however, is widely accepted by the community at large, which is different from the Wiccan-inspired Wheel of the Year, which borrowed holidays from multiple cultures.

Throughout the book, there are random spells, side notes, crafts, and rituals, such as making your own modern primstav. I loved these little asides as they give the reader some ideas on how to implement ancient practices into their modern lives.

Overall, I enjoyed Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices by Disa Forvitin, but feel it was lacking in depth. As I mentioned, this is a short introductory read for those looking to see if the practice is for them, or those interested in broadening their understanding of cultures outside of their own. If you are looking for something that provides more guidance or detail, this isn't the book for you.

Norse Mysticism: An Exploration of Viking Traditions and Magical Practices by Disa Forvitin is currently available for pre-order and is set to release on May 9, 2024.