Neolithic Shamanism: Spirit Work in the Norse Tradition

Description

* Explains how to build relationships with Earth, Sun, Moon, Plants, Animals, Water, Fire, Craft, Air and the Ancestors through 83 practical exercises * Explores the role of altered states in spirit work * Outlines the ancient cultural rules and taboos to avoid spiritual debt or offence We are all surrounded by spirits. Many people feel called to work with them, but few know where to begin. Enjoined by the gods and spirits to fulfill this need, Raven Kaldera and Galina Krasskova have reconstructed the indigenous spiritual traditions of northern Europe and Scandinavia extinguished more than one thousand years ago by the spread of Christianity. Arising from basic survival needs, these practical traditions are fundamentally tied to the elements found in the harsh world of the ancient North. Beginning with the skills tied to the Earth element, necessary for grounding prior to the more demanding aspects of the practice - working with Sun, Moon, Plants, Animals, Water, Fire, Craft and Air - the authors explain, step by step, how to build relationships with each elemental spirit and the Ancestors. Offering 83 practical exercises, from cleansing with the Moon or borrowing the legs of Reindeer to making sacred space with Mugwort or creating an ancestor altar, they, also, explore building spirit relationships through altered states. Emphasising the proper management of your spirit relationships to avoid spiritual debt or offense, the authors outline the ancient cultural rules and taboos that circumscribe these practices, essential knowledge for successful and fruitful spirit alliances. Detailing the initial set of skills needed to work with the spirits of this ancient world, this comprehensive workbook offers a unique ancestral spiritual outlet for those of northern European descent as well as an accessible guide for anyone trying to fulfil their shamanic callings.

Raven Kaldera is a Northern Tradition shaman who has been a practising astrologer since 1984 and a Pagan since 1986. Galina Krasskova is a Heathen priest and Northern Tradition shaman with a master's degree in religious studies from New York University. She is a columnist for Witches and Pagans magazine.

"Our modern world is hungry for Spirit, and this hunger leads to some dark places if it isn't met by Spirit. The shaman's path is the strongest means we have of addressing this hunger in a meaningful way. Kaldera and Krasskova offer a grand mix of tradition, magic, and reconstruction in service to a broad community. Those with a genetic, cultural, or spiritual link with northern European culture will find this book especially satisfying." * Kenn Day, author of Dance of Stones * "Neolithic Shamanism is a primer in the finest sense; it will prime you to get well started on this path. It is so thorough it can well be the first book of any you read about shamanism. It is also primary in a touching, inspirational sense: Raven and Galina have an almost childlike belief in the work and spirituality they love and teach, and they have the simple courage to tell us all, 'This is For Real.'" * Crow Swimsaway, Ph.D., author of Spirit Knife, Soul Bone * "Neolithic Shamanism approaches an ancient practice with modern sensibility; it is both a restructuring and reimagining of tribal practices for a modern world. Still, it is based on techniques as old as the human race, hallowing life in all its forms. I find that the book inspires hope as the authors gently lead their readers to one conclusion--there is no part of life that is not sacred." * Ocha'ni Lele, author of Sacrificial Ceremonies of Santeria * "Neolithic Shamanism is an outstanding book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about shamanism. For those who want to study other traditions, it's a wonderful jumping off point. For those who want to study the Norse tradition, this will be a priceless treasure you will cherish on your path." * Terry Donahue, Psychic-Magic Zine, March 2013 * "Never has a book had a more profound and positive impact on my personal spirituality, than Neolithic Shamanism; Spirit Work in the Norse Tradition, by Raven Kaldera and Galina Krasskova...All in all, this is a book I cherish above almost all others. It brings forth aspects of Norse spirituality most don't see, and gives information about it you really can't find anywhere else. If you have any interest in Norse spirituality, I cannot recommend this book enough or more highly. Highly, highly recommend. This is a must read." * Jessica Elizabeth, Facing North, May 2013 * "It is an entry-level book for anyone who wants to learn basic shamanic techniques from a northern perspective...While it is a very accessible book, there is plenty here to work with, especially if you choose to delve into a lot of the craft projects. These practices could provide years of experience and bring practitioners to the level where they can easily move on to a variety of intermediate books, or take further guidance directly from the spirits with whom they have built relationships." * Laura Gyre, Witches and Pagans, December 2013 *