'Spinning Wyrd carefully and consciously helps readers deepen their practice amid challenging times. With the premise of Radical Heathenry, this inclusive book widens the view of Norse Paganism by looking at the often hard-to-grasp Wyrd, amongst other significant concepts. Informed by extensive research, well-developed modern practices, and a commitment to social justice, this book prepares readers for whatever is fated to happen next.' Irisanya Moon, author of Pagan Portals: The Norns: Weavers of Fate & Magick. 'This book is a journey of exploration through the cosmos as seen with Norse pagan eyes. Ryan Smith invites the reader to encounter the living forces and beings that move through and animate all the nine worlds and to seek wisdom and relationship with each. But perhaps this book's most powerful offering is its insightful framework for understanding our own souls and our interactions with the forces that shape our fates. It's a compass that Norse-centered animists, polytheists, and pagans can turn to for guidance along the path.' Morpheus Ravenna, author and artist. 'Spinning Wyrd is the perfect follow up to The Way of Fire & Ice, taking readers further into the ideas of radical Heathenry in ways that are both thought provoking and practical. Those seeking a Heathenry that is open and diverse, strongly rooted in history but meant for today, and which seeks to connect practitioners not only to Gods but also to the many powers around us understood through animism will appreciate the way this book balances so many potentially conflicting things to form a cohesive whole. I loved the way Smith tackles potentially difficult topics like ecstatic practice with ease, explaining both why engaging with the more esoteric side of Heathenry is important and providing a guide for anyone to do so.' Morgan Daimler, author of Pantheon: The Norse and Pagan Portals Odin
Contents
List of Figures xi
List of Rites and Exercises xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Introduction 1
Chapter One: Rhythms of Reality 7
Chapter Two: Wyrd 21
Chapter Three: The Self 43
Chapter Four: The World Tree 69
Chapter Five: A Living World 89
Chapter Six: Under the Mound 109
Chapter Seven: Cycles of Creation and Destruction 127
Conclusion 153
Appendix I: Exercises 155
Appendix II: Source Materials 161
Glossary 167
Bibliography 171
Index 179