Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner: A Book of Prayer, Devotional Practice, and the Nine Worlds of Spirit

I have read several of Galina's books, and thoroughly adore them as valuable sources. She writes with such passion, excitement and enthusiasm that it fills the atmosphere with the persents of the God's. I'm very thankful that she is able to provide such needed information. The book is full of inspiration, ideas and encouragement. Thank you Raven for your input as well. I could feel your strength in your words which gave an example of how to be strong in what Ione believes.

It certainly is not a beginner’s book on Asatru, or Heathenry, or any specific denomination of religious practices covered under a label of Norse or Germanic religion. It is however a great beginner’s book on religious practices regardless of what, if any, specific tradition is calling to the individual. For many people that are just beginning the process of discovering their own spiritual way, and in my opinion this is a must if there is to be any hope of authenticity, the information and conversations contained in this work are a great value to them. After all, it seems to me that deep contemplation upon what we value should come first in any endeavor.The book stresses development of working practices and relationships with the numinous in the universe at large. One would expect that in a book about religious practice after all. And even though specific Goddesses and Gods are mentioned they are not presented in any rigid dogmatic or requisite manner. There are no commandments just hints. It challenges the ego, it challenges beliefs, and stresses spiritual work which from experience can be hard to do. The work requires personal reflection and exploration, self honesty, and an openness to change, which in my own view demonstrates a very nice example of how the universe itself seems to function.Some will find controversy here. As can be seen in previous reviews and comments some will find great controversy here. This is not surprising as any conversation related to religion or politics for that matter generally stirs up such things.I like the prayer work and have begun to form my own set of tools in the form of personally authored prayers captured in my own journal. They need to be meaningful to me and that which I seek connection with. The section on sets of prayer beads has caused me to revisit my own personal beliefs and previous rejection of them as a Christian tool (I was wrong) due to my own rebellion from a Christian upbringing. I see their abstract value as placeholders for meaning that I give to them. This realization has triggered a renewed review of that process as well. I will do well to know myself as deeply as I possibly can.I'm about finished with my first pass through the book and will surely read through it again. I recommend this book and more importantly the work of discovery it aims the individual towards to all open minded and honest spiritual seekers. It's not just for Sunday breakfast any more.I wish you good luck and growth on your journey through this life, and any that may follow.

This book is an excellent work touching on the issues of devotion and prayer within the Heathen religion, an issue that tends to be neglected in most of the Northern Tradition demographic. The title might be a tad misleading...in my opinion the work isn't for beginners and you won't really find anything like ritual outlines or any other 101 level stuff in here. Nonetheless it is a good book and one I feel has come out at just the right time.Many Heathens might take issue with some of the material in the book. I want to address them by simply stating that 1) the book in no way, shape, or form states that you must worship the Jotnar. I did not once see anything indicating such. 2) I did not feel the book looked down upon any aspect of Heathenry. It looked at the different paths, including Folkism and Theodism, objectively and did not once imply that any path was inferior or close-minded.Putting petty politics aside, when you allow yourself to see past the differences it is a beautiful work that addresses something sadly neglecting in not only Heathenry but in much of Pagan religion as a whole.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Lots of information to help me on my new journey! This is one book I will be referencing a lot.

A primer that serves as a bridge between experienced-based practice and Reconstructionism. While the first half sets the stage between the two, albeit in a wordy way, the second half dives into the “real talk” about devotion, prayer, and meditation.

Although it says it’s for the solitary practitioner, I think it’s great for all heathens even if they’re in a clan/heathen group. It gives many tips on how to honour the ways of our ancestors as well as a bit of history lessons thrown in. I read this in 2 days and was addicted

Love it. Great weave of inter-faith, universal principles and practices. A more practical guide for actual spiritual practice (not just external rituals) than most books on heathenry.

I bought this book an recommendation after mentioning that I was interested in improving my knowledge on modern takes on the "Northern Tradition". And I read it, and put it away, and I have to say for me personally, I didn't take anything with me to be used in my daily life.However, this is because I am a witch, and not a very religious person.If you are looking into religious aspects of the "Northern Tradition", this book is exactly what you need. Not only the authors give their opinion, but they quote different people throughout the book, thus giving you an even broader spectrum of views on the topic.

A nice book for those who want to have a first contact with asatru religion but a bit confusing sometimes.

Libro consigliato agli appassionati. Lingua inglese, da avere assolutamente. + + + + + + + + + + +