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Chapter Four titled "Runic Magic" talks about the difference between Shamanic and ceremonial magick. Shamanic relies heavily on information received in altered states of consciousness. She describes Shamanism as more intuitive, emotional, developed through individual experience and experimentation. Ceremonial magick as disciplined, systematic more intellectual based on hermetic philosophy and has the advantage of long established tradition and expertise.
Chapter Five profiles Northern Gods, Chapter Six examines feminine mysteries - female practitioners of magic, goddesses and other powerful female beings i.e norns, valkyries, and disir and of course many of the ancient rune masters were women. This is a fascinating chapter bringing the focus back to Feminine Powers, and the female principle.
On the whole this book was more interesting and informative than I expected. I think the cover mislead me to view the book as a "quick and easy" light version of the subject for a fast North American consumer. I realize you can't always tell a book by its cover, thank goodness but would suggest changing it on its next printing - it does no justice to the contents and could put many readers off. Altogether I found this book a useful addition to my personal library and a helpful resource for psychotherapeutic work.
Review by Ragnar (Denali Institute of Northern Traditions)
Northern Mysteries and Magick is one of the classic books in the world of rune lore, and Freya Aswynn is one of the classic Teachers of the Elder Northern mysteries. In this book, she addresses the Northern runes, rune magic, feminine mysteries and lost beliefs of the Northern European cultures with a refreshing directness that makes the Northern spiritual mysteries come alive.
In every chapter of her writings, we get the benefit of her singular dedication and research, her extensive experience as a runic practitioner and her deep intuitive awareness to clearly define the tradition and relate the ancient writings to modern circumstance. All seekers on the Path look for authentic Teachers offering accurate knowledge of Life mysteries. The runic tradition fulfills the need for accurate spiritual knowledge, and Freya Aswynn in her book, Northern Mysteries and Magick, articulates the tradition in a most exemplary manner. It is comforting to know that she remains one of the principle leaders in the awakening of runic consciousness in this century and the next.
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