Witch of the North: What ‘Norse Pagan Witch’ Really Is?

Norse mythology has always been an inspiration to many practitioners of modern pagan traditions, including witches. The rich history and lore of the Vikings, along with the powerful symbols and gods, make Norse paganism a fascinating subject. One aspect of this tradition that has gained popularity in recent years is the concept of the Norse pagan witch. In this article, we will explore the topic of witch Norse mythology, how she fits into the broader tradition of Norse paganism, and the symbols and terminology associated with her.

Norse religion at the glance 

Norse religion, also known as Norse paganism, was the religion of the ancient Germanic and Scandinavian people who lived in what is now Scandinavia, Germany, and other parts of Northern Europe. It was a polytheistic religion, meaning that it involved the worship of many gods and goddesses and was deeply intertwined with the daily lives and culture of the people who practiced it.

The Norse gods and goddesses were believed to be powerful beings who controlled different aspects of the natural world and human life. Some of the most well-known gods include Odin, Thor, and Loki. Odin was the god of wisdom, magic, and death, Thor was the god of thunder and war, and Loki was the trickster god.

Norse religion also involved the concept of fate and the afterlife. The Vikings believed that the gods predetermined a person’s fate and that death was not the end of life but a transition to the afterlife. The afterlife was divided into different realms, including Valhalla, the hall of the slain, and Helheim, the realm of the dead.

The practice of Norse religion involved the performance of rituals and ceremonies, such as sacrifices, feasts, and processions. These rituals were often performed at specific times of the year, such as the winter solstice or the summer solstice, and they were believed to help maintain the balance of the natural world and strengthen the bonds between humans and the gods.

With the spread of Christianity in Northern Europe, the Norse religion began to decline, and by the 11th century, it had largely disappeared. However, Norse mythology and folklore continued to influence the culture and traditions of the region. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Norse paganism among modern pagans and practitioners of witchcraft.

Are there any Norse pagans left?

Yes, there are still people who practice Norse paganism today. While Norse paganism as a religion declined with the spread of Christianity in Northern Europe, it has experienced a revival in modern times.

Modern practitioners of Norse paganism, also known as Heathens or Asatru, draw on historical and archaeological research to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the ancient Norse people. They worship the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon, including Odin, Thor, Freyja, and others, and they often incorporate rituals and practices inspired by Norse mythology and folklore.

In addition to worshiping the gods and goddesses, modern Heathens strongly emphasize the importance of community and the natural world. They may participate in group rituals, gatherings, volunteer work, and environmental activism.

There is also a growing interest in Norse paganism and Viking culture among people who do not identify as Heathens or pagans. Many people are drawn to the mythology and symbols of Norse culture, and they may incorporate these elements into their art, music, and fashion.

Even though Norse paganism may not be a widely practiced religion today, it still holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many people worldwide, and its influence can be seen in many aspects of modern culture.

What Is a Norse Pagan Witch?

A Norse pagan witch is a practitioner of witchcraft who draws inspiration from Norse mythology and paganism. She may perform rituals, cast spells, and work with the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon. The Norse pagan witch may also incorporate shamanism, trance work, and divination elements into her practice.

One important aspect of Norse paganism that influences the practice of the Norse pagan witch is the concept of the Nine Worlds. In Norse mythology, the Nine Worlds are the realms that make up the universe, including Asgard, the home of the gods; Midgard, the realm of humans; and Helheim, the realm of the dead. The Norse pagan witch may incorporate these realms into her practice, invoking them in rituals and working with their energies.

Another important aspect of Norse paganism is the use of symbols and runes. Runes are ancient symbols used in the Norse alphabet and often used in divination and magic. The Norse pagan witch may use runes in her practice, carving them into candles or stones or casting them for divination.

Witchcraft in Norse mythology was not seen as evil, as in many Christian societies. The Norse gods themselves practiced magic, and witches were respected for their abilities. The Norse pagan witch may invoke the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon in her practice, working with them to bring about change and transformation.

Who is the witch in Norse mythology?

In Norse mythology, several figures could be considered witches or practitioners of magic. The Norse gods themselves were known to practice magic, and there were also mortal humans and other beings skilled in the arts of magic and sorcery.

The goddess Freyja is a notable figure in Norse mythology who could be considered a witch. Freyja was a powerful goddess associated with love, fertility, and war. She was known for her beauty and ability to use magic to protect her people. Freyja was said to possess a cloak of falcon feathers that allowed her to transform into a bird and fly through the air, and she was also skilled in the arts of divination and trance work.

Another figure who could be considered a witch in Norse mythology is the giantess Hyndla. Hyndla was a wise woman who lived in the forest and was known for her ability to see into the future. She was also skilled in the use of runes and was said to be able to control the fates of men.

The god Odin was also known for his mastery of magic and runes. He was said to have hung himself from the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights in order to gain knowledge of the runes and the secrets of the universe.

Apart from these figures, mortal humans in Norse mythology also practiced magic and sorcery. These individuals were often known as seers or volvas and were respected for their ability to communicate with the gods and see into the future.

Overall, while no one figure in Norse mythology is specifically known as “the witch,” there are several characters who embody the traits and abilities associated with the practice of magic and sorcery in Norse culture.

What is a Viking seeress?

A Viking seeress, also known as a volva, was a female practitioner of magic and divination in Viking Age Scandinavia. The word “volva” comes from the Old Norse term “völva,” which means “wand-carrier” or “staff-bearer.

Viking seeresses were respected and revered members of their communities, and they were believed to have the ability to communicate with the gods and the spirits of the dead. They were often consulted for guidance and advice on matters such as battles, marriages, and harvests.

The practice of seidr, which was the form of magic and divination used by Viking seeresses, involved entering into a trance state in order to communicate with the spiritual realm. Seidr was often performed in a ritual setting, and it involved the use of chants, songs, and other forms of magic.

In addition to their abilities as seers and diviners, Viking seeresses were also known for their skills in healing and midwifery. They were often called upon to assist with difficult childbirths or to provide remedies for illnesses and injuries.

While Viking seeresses were primarily women, there were also male practitioners of magic and divination in Viking Age Scandinavia. However, the practice of seidr was considered a woman’s craft, and men who practiced it were sometimes seen as effeminate or unmanly.

Witchcraft and Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is full of stories of magic and witchcraft. The goddess Freyja was known for her ability to use magic to protect her people, while Odin was a master of runes and spells. The giantess Skadi was a powerful witch who could control the elements, and the god Loki was known for his shape-shifting abilities and cunning magic.

The Norse pagan witch may draw inspiration from these stories, invoking the gods and goddesses in her practice and working with the energy of the elements. She may also use symbols and runes associated with the gods and goddesses, such as Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, or Odin’s spear, Gungnir.

One important Norse mythology symbol often associated with the Norse pagan witch is the Valknut. The Valknut is a symbol of three interlocking triangles, and it is often associated with Odin and the god’s ability to bind and unbind the fates of men. The Valknut is a powerful symbol of transformation and change, and it is often used in rituals and spells by the Norse pagan witch.

Norse Witch Symbols

Besides Valknut, many other symbols and runes are associated with the Norse pagan witch. The Aegishjalmur, or Helm of Awe, is a powerful symbol of protection, often used in battle by Viking warriors. The Helm of Awe is made up of eight tridents radiating from a central point, and it is believed to protect the wearer from harm.

The Gullinbursti, or Golden Boar, is another powerful symbol in Norse mythology. The Golden Boar was a gift from the god Freyr to the dwarf who created it, and it was said to be able to run faster than any horse and emit a bright light. The Golden Boar is often associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity, and it is a popular symbol among the Norse pagan witch.

Another symbol commonly used by the Norse pagan witch is the Yggdrasil, or the World Tree. Yggdrasil is a massive ash tree that is said to connect the Nine Worlds of Norse mythology. It is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of life and death. The Norse pagan witch may use the Yggdrasil in her practice to connect with the energies of the different realms and to gain insight into the mysteries of the universe.

Term for Norse Witch

No one term encompasses all practitioners of Norse paganism or Norse witchcraft. Some people use the term “heathen” to describe themselves, which refers to someone who follows the pre-Christian religions of Northern Europe. Others may use the term “Asatru,” which refers specifically to the revival of the worship of the Norse gods.

The term “Seidr” is often used to describe Norse magic involving divination and trance work. Women traditionally practiced Seidr, and it was said to be a powerful form of magic that could bring about significant changes in the physical and spiritual realms.

However, not all Norse pagan witches practice Seidr, and not all Seidr practitioners identify as witches. Some may use the term “shaman” to describe themselves, as their practice often involves journeying into the spirit realm to gain insight and healing.

Bottom line 

The Norse pagan witch is a fascinating and complex figure, drawing inspiration from the rich history and mythology of the Vikings. She is a practitioner of witchcraft who incorporates elements of Norse paganism into her practice, invoking the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon and working with the energies of the Nine Worlds.

The Norse pagan witch may use symbols and runes associated with the gods and goddesses, such as the Valknut, the Aegishjalmur, or the Yggdrasil. She may also practice Seidr or other forms of Norse magic, using divination and trance work to gain insight and transformation.

Although there is no one term that encompasses all practitioners of Norse paganism or Norse witchcraft, the Norse pagan witch is a powerful and respected figure in the modern pagan community. Through her practice, she seeks to connect with the mysteries of the universe and to bring about positive change in the world around her.