Modern Incarnations of Seidr

The magical practice of seidr is closely associated withe the Vanir due to the lore of the goddess Freyja. Within the the lore it is stated that when Freyja came among the Aesir she taught Odin this magical art. It is also mentioned that the practice of seidr was considered "ergi" or unmanly, which some have suggested is due to the fact that in some ways this may indicate a passive or receptive sexual role. There is some indication that the practice of seidr my have involved ritualized sexual acts involving penetration with phallic objects that may have given rise to this association with receptive sexuality. The simple fact of the matter is that all we have left in evidence of these practices are mostly suggestive anecdotes or innuendos rather than solid evidence.

The term seidr can mean many things depending on how one approaches the topic, but one of the more common meaning given is the term "seethe" or "seething" which would suggest a burning or boiling or at the very least a very rapid movement. Some have connected the idea of seething to the boiling of the cauldron or some of the circular dance movements described in a few saga accounts of the practice of seidr. Another possible meaning is connected to the Old High German word "saite" which references cords, strings, snares, etc. This connection to string is referenced in saga accounts in regards to the word seidr as well, and is supported both by evidence of magical practices in Scandinavia connected to spinning and roping as well as the act of weaving and the spinning tool called the distaff.

The distaff was a spinning tool often referenced in saga accounts as a tool of the seidkona (seid practitioner, witch, seeress) and some even suspect that the wand like distaff was the tool once used in those much insinuated sexual rituals performed as part of the magical practice. This may be echoed in the medieval tales of the witches broom and flying ointments which were said to have been applied vaginally to induce hallucinagenic states, aka witches "flying" on their brooms. Such ritual acts are referenced in medieval texts but as of yet are unverifed.

In its simplest meaning, seidr is conflated with acts of sorcery and witchcraft taking on a variety of forms. Often their is an element of prophecy included in saga accounts, though the term encompassed a wide variety of magical practices upon closer investigation. Instances of seid magic in some stories was said to have caused changes in weather patterns, induced madness or illusion, and even in some cases involved necromancy and communication with the dead.

In modern times, seidr is generally used in the same sense as the word witchcraft, and can encompass a wide variety of magical practices. The following list illustrates just some of the ways a Vanatru, heathen, or Germanic pagan may utilize seidr within their own traditions.

Modern Incarnations of Seidr

Oracular Seidr: ritualized prophetic state that borrows heavily in form and function to saga accounts of the traveling volvas, or seidwomen, found in sagas such as that of Eric the Red. These female prophets performed highly ritualized acts of prophecy that were often communal in nature. The prophetess would use song and dance to induce communication with the spirits who would then give her information about future events and answer questions posed by various individuals.

Seid Reiki: a more "new age" practice which mixes energy work such as reiki with a heathen paradigm and beliefs about energy and spirits

Wind and Knot Magic: The use of wind and cords or string in spellwork, based more in folkloric practices. For more on this see the paper "Spinning Seidr" by Elder Heid

Astral Traveling and Shapeshifting: practices can involve induced hallucinogenic states in which the seid worker communicates with the "otherworld" or various spirits and deities for magical purpose or the gathering of information. See "The Lay of Hyndla"

Communion with Alfs and Wights: the use of ritual or shifts in consciousness to communicate with non-corporeal beings and ancestors

Wain Blessing: The use of ritual incorporating carts or wagons to bring about blessings

Galdr: the use of song and vocalizations as a means of bringing about change or inducing altered states in which seid can be performed

Poetic magic: the use of charms or verse in a magical context

Earth Magic: a more modern approach to relating to the Vanir gods and their connection to the earth and nature to perform acts of spellwork and sorcery, usually in terms of increase or creation rather than diminishing. This is my personal approach which blends Vanir lore with elemental based witchcraft, leaning heavily on the earth element.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Please leave any questions or thoughts in the comments section!

In Frith
Cena