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Recommended Reading

 

 

 

Go To: Sagas

 

Go To: Objective Studies

 

Go To: Reviews

Or Choose a specific Review:

A Handbook of Armanen Rune Wisdom

Magic of the Norse Goddesses: Mythology, Ritual, Tranceworking

Rune Might

On Being a Pagan

The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk: Esoteric and Exoteric

Our Fathers' Godsaga

The Warwolf: A Peasant Chronicle of the Thirty Years War

The Crimes of Jehovah

 

Go To: Religious Practice and Esoteric Works

 

Go To: Language Study

 

 

 

 

TEXTS / TRANSLATIONS OF TEXTS

Hard-copy texts and translations of source materials for both Germanic and Scandinavian study.  

 

 

 

Beowulf : A Verse Translation

...a truly unique work, Rebsamen provides a good, poetic, Modern English translation- closely adheres to the rules and patterns of alliteration and stress positions that govern elder verse composition, resulting in a beautiful rendition of a timeless classic!
Rebsamen, Frederick ISBN: 0-06-430212-1

 

Die Blaue Blume
The Blue Flower
Edited by James Hjuka Coulter {Hammerstede}
A moving account of the myth of Holda’s gifting man with flax. This (anonymously written) version was sent to our family some number of years ago as a Iul greeting… to this day, we still enjoy it as part of our Zweliftonaht [Twelfth Night] celebration. {English text}
 

 

Donars Hammer
German / English bi-lingual edition
{Irminen-Gesellschaft}

A reprint of Margarethe Müller’s German text (from Zeitgeist 9 ) with page-facing translation by Martin Harrington (includes a pronunciation guide for the German text).

 

 

Edda 

Snorri's Edda -commonly known as the Prose Edda- is (like its Poetic counterpart) a 'requirement' for any Heathen Library.
Faulkes, Anthony ISBN: 0-460-87616-3
 

 

English Heroic Legends

...originally published as Spellcraft, an excellent collection of prose retellings of a number of Germanic legends; includes detailed explanations of sources used.
Herbert, Kathleen ISBN: 1-898281-25-4

 

 

Hávamál: The Words of the High One

This is the third edition of Hjuka's uniquely Heathen translation, a favorite within the Heathen community! Once again, it is easy to read and comprehend, and sheds much light on those more difficult passages found in other treatments.
Coulter, James Hjuka (No ISBN)

 

 

Heimskringla: History of the Kings of Norway

An excellent translation of this historical classic!
Hollander, Lee M. ISBN: 0-292-77623-3

 

 

Our Fathers' Godsaga

Originally written by Viktor Rydberg, translated by William P. Reaves
ISBN: 0-595-29978-4
A review of this work is given below: Go to Review

 

 

The Northern Path: Norse Myths and Legends Retold...And What They Reveal

...the myths of our People presented by a storyteller of today who is well-versed in that rich store of lore. The work is presented in two sections- the first, giving us the myths themselves (from Ice and Fire / The Creation , The Trials Of Odin, and The Courtship Of Gerd to Grendel And His Mother to The Ring Of Doom (in five episodes), Thor's Duel With Hrungnir, The Death Of Balder, and Ragnarök: The Doom Of The Gods. Section two presents ten more chapters (not including the forward to the section, afterword, endnotes and bibliography), including: The Nature And Relevance of Myth, The Many Faces Of Odin, Sources of the Norse Myths and To Ragnarök...and Beyond. The Northern Path is an excellent work- you can find a full review of it in Zeitgeist 11.

Rossman, Douglas ISBN: 0-9649113-9-6

 

 

The Poetic Edda
...Hollander's popular rendition- this mainstay is still a favorite amoung Heathen!
Hollander, Lee M. ISBN: 0-292-76499-5

 

 

Die Sprüche Hars

Hávamál auf Deutsch
Text by Hugo Gering, introduced and edited by James Hjuka Coulter
{Irminen-Gesellschaft}
This edition is the first of a series of German-language translations to be printed by the Irminen-Gesellschaft, following a strong demand for German-language translations / materials based on the myths, tales, and elder literary and poetic traditions of our collective Germanic Peoples.

 

 

The Tomten

...A wonderful adaptation of Viktor Rydberg's poem of the same name, presented as a beautifully illustrated children's book. Told from a Scandinavian perspective, this volume is a great tool in teaching our young about the doings of the Goodly Little Fellows of the home, which often go quite unnoticed -even amoung so many of today's Heathen.  
Lindgren, Astrid ISBN: 0-698-11591-0


 

SAGAS:

 

Egil's Saga  Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Translators

 

Eyrbyggja Saga  Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Translators

 

The Fljotsdale Saga and the Droplaugarsons  Eleanor Haworth, Translator

 

Grettir's Saga  Hermann Palsson, Translator

 

Hrafnkel's Saga and Other Icelandic Stories  Hermann Palsson, Translator

 

King Harald's Saga  Snorri Sturluson; Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson, Translators

 

Laxdaela Saga  Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson, Translators

 

Njal's Saga  Lee M. Hollander, Translator

 

Orkneyinga Saga: The History of the Earls of Orkney 

Hermann Palsson and Paul Edwards, Translators

 

Saga of Gisli the Outlaw  George Johnston, Translator

 

Saga Of Hávarður Of Ísafjörður  Dorothy and Paul Durrenberger, Translators

 

Saga of the Jómsvíkings  Lee M. Hollander, Translator

 

The Saga of King Hrolf Kraki  Jesse L. Byock, Translator

 

The Saga of the Volsungs  Jesse L. Byock, Translator

 

The Schemers and Viga-Glum: Bandamanna and Viga-Glum's Saga 

George Johnston, Tranlsator

 

Thrand of Gotu George Johnston, Translator

 

The Vinland Sagas: The Norse Discovery of America 

Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Palsson, Translators

 

Saga of Gunnlaugur Snake's Tongue

E. Paul and Dorothy Durrenberger

 

 

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OBJECTIVE STUDIES AND SCHOLARLY TREATMENTS

 

 

Anglo-Saxon Runes

...an early examination of the runic traditions of the Anglo-Saxons (originally printed in 1840 for the journal, Archaeologia). Edited and annotated by Bill Griffiths.

Kemble, John  ISBN: 0-9516209-0-8

 

 

The Barbarians Speak: How the Conquered Peoples Shaped Roman Europe

...Wells does an outstanding job in presenting the history of Roman era Germania- a monumental work which dispels the myth of the 'mindless barbarian' of Roman historians, and effectively demonstrates the native advancements and influences of Germanen of the day in shaping the culture and society around them.

Wells, Peter S.  ISBN: 0-691-08978-7

 

 

The Cult of Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England

...The Cult of Kingship in Anglo-Saxon England: The Transition from Paganism to Christianity is a very-well researched and detailed study into the phenomenon of the Sacral King / Kingship, exploring the manifestation from its deep, Heathen roots through its transition / adaptation into Christianity and a Christian context.

Chaney, William A. ISBN: 0-7190-0372-5

 

 

The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity

..an in-depth examination of the effects and influenced which Germanic culture had on shaping European Christianity.. sheds a good bit of light on the true nature of many customs that contemporary Heathen often take for granted as being a product of the church.

Russell, James C. ISBN: 0-19-510466-8

 

 

Gods and Myths of Northern Europe

... a comprehensive examination of the Germanic Gods and myths- well informed and insightful.

A great tool for students seeking to foster a true understanding of Germanic myths.

Davidson, Hilda E.  ISBN: 0-14-013627-4

 

 

The Goths

...Heather is a leading scholar on the subject of the Goths, and this work is a prime example of the depth of his knowledge and understanding of their shadowy, but deeply impacting history.

Heather, Peter  ISBN: 0-631-20932-8

 

 

Heathen Timekeeping
...this third printing provides a detailed look into the Germanic-Heathen lunar reckoning. In this slim but informative work, Coulter explores the calendar of the Icelanders as recorded by Snorri, the Anglo-Saxon reckoning presented by Bede, Charlemagne's adaptation, and more... great for a comparative look into the ordering of months in pre-Christian, Northern Europe!
Coulter, James Hjuka (No ISBN)

 

 

Honor Bright: Honor in Western Literature

...Jones is a renown scholar of classical literature and German, offering a refreshingly insightful and reader-friendly look into the Germanic conception of honor, as preserved in literary accounts. 

Jones, George Fenwick  ISBN: 1-929490-02-X

 

 

Myth and Religion of the North
...an informative and well-written study on pan-Germanic Mythology from a particularly Norse focus.
Turvill-Petre, E.O.G. ISBN: 0-8771-7420-1

 

 

Nordic Religions in the Viking Age
...obviously, the main focus is Nordic- very insightful work which includes an illuminating section on all of the all-too-often misunderstood practice of seiðr.
DuBois, Thomas ISBN: 0-8122-1714-4

 

 

Peace-Weavers and Shield-Maidens: Women in Early English Society
...an interesting account of Early English women and their roles within Early English society, as well as their contributions and influences within that society.
Herbert, Kathleen ISBN: 1-898281-11-4

 

 

Roles of the Northern Goddess
...over the years, Davidson has rightfully earned a great respect as an authority on Germanic Heathen studies, and this work is yet another worthy addition to her catalog of literary treatments. Roles of the Northern Goddess is a groundbreaking work- offering a most detailed study on Heathen Goddesses and the feminine principle/roles within the mythology and elder society, though quite free of the distortions and unnatural imbalance normally offered by less-than-authoritative New Age writers.

Davidson, Hilda E. ISBN: 0-415-13611-3

 

 

Rudiments of Runelore
...a useful, no b-s, scholarly treatment on runes; includes the Old Norse, Anglo-Saxon, and Old Icelandic poems.. as well as extracts from the Abecedarium Nordmannicum and other sources.

Pollington, Stephen ISBN: 1-898281-16-5

 

 

Teutonic Mythology
...Grimm's 19th century work is an amazingly extensive examination of Teutonic Heathenry- one that remains unparalleled to this day!
Grimm, Jacob; translated by James Stallybrass ISBN: 0486436152

 

 

Viking Rus: Studies on the Presence of Scandinavians in Eastern Europe

...It’s by far the most extensive study ever conducted on the subject, extremely informative and comprehensive. No serious student of the movement of the Rus / Rus Vikings can be without it.

Duczko, Władysław  ISBN: 900413874

 

 

The Well and the Tree
...the most comprehensive study on urlag and the effects of wurt ever written! Long out of print, you can find bound reproductions of the work here through Amazon's rare and used book dealers. An invaluable text for the serious student!
Bauschatz, Paul ISBN: 0-87023-352-1

 

 

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Language Tools

 

 

 
Berlitz Essential German
...one of the best 'teach yourself' editions available- Essential German follows a lesson design and pattern quite similar to the active classroom settings many of us had in school... grammatical terminology and structure is presented with the novice in mind- easy to follow and understand. Pronunciation guides are also provided in the text- these too are geared for easy comprehension (being wholly based on familiar English forms or equivalents, rather than utilizing elements from other foreign languages like many other volumes do).
Berlitz Publishers ISBN: 2-8315-5716-X

 

Cassell's German - English / English - German  Dictionary

A good dictionary- affordable, and not cumbersome in size (making it quite easy to carry about).

Sasse, H.C. / Horne, J. / Dixon, Charlotte ISBN: 0-02-024850-4

 

 

Collins German-English, English-German Dictionary: Unabridged
An excellent dictionary for the money, quite useful and up-to-date.
Terrell, Peter/ Schnorr, Veronika/ Morris, Wendy/ Breitsprecher, Roland ISBN: 0-00-712630-1

 

 

First Steps in Old English

A great, easy to follow grammar... uncomplicated but comprehensive. No previous knowledge of Old English, nor an extensively established knowledge of grammatical terminologies (Pollington uses these in as minimal fashion as possible, and provides an explanatory section for them in the second part of the book).

Pollington, Stephen ISBN: 1-898281-19-X

 

 

German Verbs And Essentials of Grammar
...a slim volume packed with information. No filler or fluff- just table after table of essential mechanics- excellent for reference or a quick refresher, or as an aid in learning.
Charles, James J. ISBN: 0-8442-2500-2
 

 

A History of the German Language

Waterman, John T. ISBN: 0-8813-590-8

A review of this work is given below: Go to Review

 

 

An Introduction to Old Norse
...a nice introduction to the language and its grammar with reader. Might prove a bit difficult for the novice, but useful none-the-less.
Gordon, E.V. and Taylor, A.R. ISBN: 0-19-811184-3

 

 

Wordcraft: Wordhoard and Wordlists
...excellent for anyone wishing to compose in Old English- Wordcraft serves as both dictionary and thesaurus, as well as OE neologisms.
Pollington, Stephen ISBN: 1-898281-02-5

 

 

 

 

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Religious Practice and Esoteric Works

 

Germanic Heathenry: A Practical Guide
...THE essential volume on authentic Germanic Heathenry / Irminenschaft!
In the words of C. Dean Andersson (author of the Bloodsong trilogy):
"Coulter's book contains practical information that can be read, used, and enjoyed by anyone with the will and desire to learn and understand. But it is unlike any other book on Northern Lore and Germanic Heathenry I have previously read. The breadth and depth of the research and knowledge Coulter brings to bear is extensive and impressive. The glossary alone makes it worthy of serious attention. I would compare this book to others on the subject as an advanced college course to a junior high introduction".
Coulter, James Hjuka ISBN: 1-4107-6586-7 (Paperback) // 1-4107-6584-9 (Hardback)

You can also find it on Amazon.com or on our Books and Wares page.

 

 

A Handbook of Armanen Rune-Wisdom

Camp, L.E. ISBN: 0-9773184-0-0

A review of this work is given below: Go to Review

 

 

Dowsing for Beginners
...a nice introduction to the art of dowsing.

Webster, Richard ISBN: 1-56718-802-8

 

 

The Invincible
...this work, which first appeared in 1898, is a historical landmark in the evolution of Germanic religious philosophy, marking a pivotal point in the Altmeister's own self-initiation.. one that would later give rise to the rebirth of the Germanic Heathen dynamic in full form! Christian philosophical influences are of course apparent in this early work, though for today's Germanic Heathen, it remains quite an insightful and illuminating work on many key levels!
Von List, Guido; translated by Stephen Flowers, PhD (no ISBN)

 

 

The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk: Esoteric and Exoteric

Originally written by Guido von List
Translated and edited by Stephen Flowers, PhD
No ISBN
A review of this work is given below: Go to Review

 

 

Rune Magic
...this is an excellent English translation of a most essential Armanic-Runic text. Kummer offers much insight into the mysteries of Wodan's 18-glyphic row (known as the 'Armanic' Futhark), and an informative introduction into the singing of runic mantras or 'runic yodeling' -a practice which, like runic-stances or 'runic yoga' would become important additions to later-era runic and pseudo-runic writings.
Kummer, Siegfried Adolf; translated by Edred Thorsson ISBN: 1-885972-00-8

 

 

Rune Might
Thorsson, Edred ISBN: 1-885972-26-1
A review of this work is given below: Go to Review

 

 

The Secret of the Runes
...an English translation of a valuable Armanic text, essential to the study and true understanding of Armanenschaft, and useful in gaining an insight into the earlier esoteric roots of Irminenschaft.
Von List, Guido; translated by Stephen Flowers, PhD ISBN: 0-89281-207-9

 

 

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REVIEWS
Reviews of material of interest to both practitioners of Irminenschaft and other facets of pan-Germanic Heathen expression. The opinions and views expressed below are strictly that of the author in question and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and / or views of Irminenschaft, its practitioners, the Irminen-Gesellschaft, its members, officers, or affiliates of the IG. (Reviews are listed in order of their addition)

 

 

A Handbook of Armanen Rune-Wisdom

Originally written by L.E. Camp
ISBN: 0-9773184-0-0
Reviewed by James Hjuka Coulter
Originally published in Zeitgeist 7, ©2006
 
Over the last few decades, there have been a small number of volumes presented to English-speaking readers concerning Armanen Runes and runic practices. While that particular system, its Fathers, and its techniques in proper form seem to have remained enshrouded in a shadow of mystery over the years, no other runic application has been more instrumental within the scope of contemporary Runeworking or more broadly applied than those techniques revived, re-awakened or newly developed by Armanen both past an present. In fact, had it not been for the amazing strides made in the earlier part of the 20th century, all which we might otherwise know of runic workings would amount to nothing more than the carving and coloring of the staves themselves, and their 'unmaking' by fire...the esoteric applications and divinatory processes would have yet remained an obscurity.
Througout the 1980's and early / mid 1990's esoteric Runological writers (such as Edred Thorsson) have made extensive use of Armanen wisdoms in adapting them for use with the 24-Rune Fuþark, and have provided but an occasional  gloss over more Armanic forms, proper.
As the interest in Armanen Runes and Armanenschaft began to grow more prominent in English-speaking lands (particularly in America), so too came the need for providing adequate Armanic education in some tangible form. Camp, already a member of the prestigious Armanen Orden, obtained the charter of the then-defunct Knights of Runes from its former Großmeister, Karl Welz and after much reorganization, a new life was breathed into the slumbering Order -on which effectively provides the only legitimate educating body on Armanen Runes and practices for English-speaking students today.
A Handbook of Armanen Rune-Wisdom is a genuine product of Armanic craft and mastery, and is without question amoung the most significant Armanic works published in English. This newly expanded edition breaks well beyond the typical molds of archaic-sounding, meandering volumes of more fluff-than-fact, providing the student with nothing but an informed, firm foundation in pure knowledge and practical exercises. The diction is wholly unlike the often vague or cryptically-worded works of other masters (or, would-be masters), and presents the information contained within in a truly comprehensive fashion.
Camp's Handbook is quite unique in its unquestionable practicality- professionally ring-bound (with sturdy, metal, twin loops), the pages are printed on heavy stock and can sit flat-open wherever the student chooses to work (an essential feature for hands-on working!)... either indoors or outdoors, and are protected by clear plastic sheeting, which adds to the durability and quality of the overall binding.
A must for the serious Runeworker!

 

 

 

 

Originally written by Alice Karlsdóttir
ISBN: 1-885972-24-5
Review by James Hjuka Coulter
Originally published in Vor Trú 72, ©2006
 
Over the years, we Heathen have become increasingly fortunate for the steady growth of availability of those literary materials which remain essential to our learning, understanding, and furtherance of the greater pan-Germanic Heathen dynamic. Certainly, the number of scholarly dissertations, translations, and other texts have never been so readily available to the general reader -Heathen and non-Heathen alike. So too, we have seen a decent growth in the number of more ‘esoteric’ treatments and explorations- the most popular of which lie in the realm where runic studies are concerned ( ranging from good to bad, and various shades in between).
In our objective studies, we can easily remain content in pouring over a hoard of noteworthy texts, such as Bauschatz’s The Well and the Tree, Grimm’s Teutonic Mythology, Turville-Petre’s Myth and Religion of the North, along with many, many others. This is certainly fine enough for a clear (again, objective) comprehension of the historical fact(s) and findings. But it begs to question if this mere ‘objective’ inspection is enough to foster a deeper, more spiritually rooted appreciation of that same material on the more subjective level that is religiosity and the more profound understanding of the religious expression as is contained within the texts that best preserve such holy manifestation, as embodied within mythology. Clearly, it takes more that brick and mortar to establish a home- and the same sentiment could be applied to religious study, in that it takes more than a read through objective sources to garner the gems of a real and inherently religious knowledge in any truly meaningful capacity.
Heathenry is more than a belief or the philosophical approach as we find in passive religions that hinge on such a concept. Rather, ours is a thoroughly dynamic approach- one expressly rooted in action and deed. So, our relationship(s) with the Gods and Goddesses of our Fathers and Mothers is likewise not of the realm of ‘passivity’ but that of dynamism. Beyond mere ‘trust’ or ‘faith’, we enjoy -or seek to enjoy- an active connection and relationship to the High Ones in a very real sense through what personal bonds and intercourse we might nurture between ourselves and them, as well as that which is experienced through the communal exchanges of religious celebration and sacrifice.
Folk of the era in which we live, it is yet still the rare Heathen who was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in the troth of our Forebears, enjoying an unbroken Heathen heritage and connection to that which draws ultimately to the holiness of the Gods and Goddesses themselves. As such, most of our own lines have been severed from those ties through the course of Christianization at some point within our own family trees. While perhaps not so for the Heathen of old, it becomes necessary for us who seek to regain the legacy of our Ancestors to forge anew that which has been rent asunder in the true ‘dark age’ of a Christian Europe. We must re-establish the deep links our Folk once enjoyed with the Gods and Goddesses they served -here, we have seen great strides and successes, particularly in the realm of Heathen community, but are often lacking for such in the individual sphere of the Folk-consciousness. Through my own experiences and interactions with folk across the spectrum of the greater Heathen community / communities, this become especially true when considering the relationships of individuals with the Goddesses of our peoples. Within this context, there is a need for a closer and more intimate searching, a deeper comprehension that is only had through an inherently dynamic exploration. Alice Karlsdóttir’s Magic of the Norse Goddesses provides an effective key to achieving these ends.
Well beyond the fluffy, rootless and pointless so-called ‘goddess magic’ of new age gurus, Magic of the Norse Goddesses presents a well-grounded and thorough scope of dynamic exploration through the application of trance and prayer. Unfamiliar with trance working? Have no fear- Karlsdóttir has carefully laid the groundwork for a practical and successful method in an easy-to-follow manner, without unnecessarily employing a dictionary’s worth of complicated jargon and pseudo-scientific dissertation. So too, her work is equally void of the off-kilter flights of complete fancy we would undoubtedly find in similar titles from the larger, mass-market-oriented fluff factories that pass for poor excuses for Heathen / Pagan publishing houses (we’ll leave them nameless here… I’m sure the inquisitive reader can figure it out easily enough on his or her own!).
Within Magic of the Norse Goddesses, the reader will find a wealth of well-researched information on Goddesses such as Eir, Gna, Saga, Gefjon, Frigg, Syn, Full, Var, and many others besides, as well as an appropriate, corresponding call to each -all providing for the most well-founded and enriching experience possible in one’s working. So too, Karlsdóttir has included a fantastic, very intelligent and thought provoking discussion of myths and of their role and importance to our Folk and Folks’ ways. Readers are provided with keen advice on the working(s) and methods (yes, as the presentation itself shows: there’s more than just one way of going about things) outlined within the book -including an informative section on potential problems one may encounter along his or her journey. Admirably mentioned, we are wisely cautioned that …tranceworking is not meant as a replacement for all the historical, literary, and archaeological evidence available to us… and likewise encouraged towards our exploration: …Tranceworking, like ritual, allows you to build emotional links with your gods and goddesses and gives you access to the other worlds and beings in them. Trances can enable you to learn things about the universe and yourself. Most of all, they allow you to form bonds with your gods and your ancestors, links of love and loyalty that can bridge time in all directions. -true words, well spoken!
Magic of the Norse Goddesses includes a decent bibliography for further study, as well as extensive footnotes. Five appendixes conclude the text, with a good glossary, a breakdown of the Runes of the 24-Rune fuþark, and translations of three tales: Mother Holle, The Three Spinners, and Queen Olga.

 

 

 

Rune Might

Originally written by Edred
ISBN: 1-885972-26-1
Review by James Hjuka Coulter
Originally published in Vor Trú 71, ©2005
 
Rune Might was first published by Llewellyn in 1989, as part of what (at least in theory) could have been a groundbreaking series on Germanic Magic and Heathen traditions, but was instead forgotten by the publisher nearly as quickly as they had begun it. Like the other editions of the 'series', Rune Might would find itself out-of-print before the end of the 1990's. But perhaps as with so many other things, we do indeed find ourselves thinking 'so much the better'... despite the overall quality of the writing within the Llewellyn edition (which was solid enough, at least on the author's part), their 'touch' could be seen in the editing, as well as the unflattering cover design (which was of their own creation).
Rûna-Raven has recently re-issued Rune Might, offering a cleaner layout than the original, a new introduction, a few editorial changes, and a more fitting illustrative example of Shou's 'Swan' arrangement (as found on p. 97 of this edition; see p. 147 of the former printing). Within its pages, Edred capably weaves together a thoroughly practical runic practice for the English-speaking / reading student, as rooted within Wodan's Runes (often referred to by adherents of the system as the Sacred 18) of the Armanen Futhark, and based upon a synthesis of Armanen scholars and their contemporaries such as Guido von List, Siegfried Adolf Kummer, Friedrich Bernhard Marby, and Karl Spiesberger.
While no single volume could ever hope to detail an entire life's worth of work and study, Rune Might is never-the-less wonderfully informative and instructional, and an essential component to one's runic studies, particularly in -but not limited to- the traditions of the Armanen. Within, the worker will find treatments on the Armanic developments of runic 'yoga' (runic stances), rune-yodeling, meditational and initiatory practices, as well as cross-Futhark references, and a brief history of the development of runic practices amoung the early German runic trailblazers- which, of course, is essential to the understanding of both the history of the runic revival in the modern era, and its ultimate evolution.
Rune Might is an important edition to any esoteric-Runologist's library, no matter what 'system of preference' he or she may have.

 

 

 

On Being a Pagan

Originally written by Alain de Benoist, Translated by Jon Graham
ISBN: 1-885972-26-1
Review by James Hjuka Coulter ©2005
 
The profound state of disillusioned `unrest' waxes in an age in which a rootless universalism has become not only the overbearing `norm' of society, but has managed to entangle its sinewy roots into the very weave of the tapestry of our collective social Being. Here in the West, it leaves its mark in an ever expanding void of anomie within that mainstream collective, leaving a growing number of folk lost in a gray sea of universal namelessness and faceless `normalness' as defined and established by the hollow customs and pseudo-mores which govern contemporary, mainstream thought. This of course, reaches beyond the merely `secular', and is indeed perpetuated-if not wholly rooted in- the Laws of universal dogmas to which so many today subscribe, or perhaps only nominally so -dogmas which `provide' for the soul of a non-existent (or properly, artificially constructed), omni-cultural `Universal Brotherhood' bound in some unseen and unreachable God -an established condition of dualistic reality in which that great, Completely Other is unquestionably elevated beyond and forever removed from its lesser, inferior creation: that `Brotherhood' through which all are expected to share in joy, and in which all are irredeemably equal -and utterly worthless as sinners in the eyes of the Completely Other.
The proper establishment of such a far-reaching manifestation in a total or `complete' sense would be quite difficult at best, if at all possible (beyond theory). An objective look into the social history of the West, and a frank assessment of the attitude of today's folk certainly reveals a different truth to matters. Indeed, while even now many would remain content in the omni-culture of the `Universal Brotherhood' (and along with it, surrendering a true freedom of consciousness and Self-Will to that of the Will of God) there's an expansive wave of those who have come to feel lost in that gulf of conformed mediocrity, particularly where the realization of the inefficiencies of universal philosophies and dogmas have rendered themselves transparent in their thinness.
Beyond religion, proper, the omni-cultural outlook of Judeo-Christianity has given foundation for the anti-cultural and equally universal (and culturally destructive) rise of its secular counterpart: modernism.
For many, this realization leaves them mired in a confused disconnection or at best, a sinking despair that only broadens the reach of the former. For so many others, such has served as a virtual threshold towards Self- and along with it (though perhaps not always in tandem), social and socio-religious renewal / rebirth. Of the latter two, movements such as the resurgence of Heathenry (in Europe, Australia, and North America), the emergence of the meta-political philosophies of the French New Right and the birth of Radical Traditionalism (...and others besides), seek to reverse the damaging trends of the cultural disintegration perpetuated by materialistic modernism, and bring about a return to a more holistic and culturally sound social approach in healthy and functioning communities.
In On Being A Pagan, Alain de Benoist presents a thorough and insightful exploration into the rebuilding of a healthy and culturally rooted West through the foundation of a strong and feasible Pagan philosophical world-view. The social ills of the modernist society -and its mainstream religious roots- are studied with considerable detail and scientific objectivity... de Benoist doesn't spend endless reams in unsubstantiated banter or heated rabidity, but instead presents his arguments from a clearly relevant and thoughtfully articulate perspective, rich in supportive facts and historical foundation. Such in-depth investigation into Judeo-Christianity (and its secular counterpart, modernism) offers the reader an essential and most complete understanding of the Christian / modernist paradigm and its intensive influence within the outlook of today's folk.
In bringing us through such lengths, de Benoist disentangles each and every knot of the choking brambles of the gross inadequacies of the artificial overlay that is the cult of the Completely Other and its secular offage, and sets sturdy footing for a legitimate and viable Paganism with careful design and deliberate steps.
Needless to say, the reader who seeks the misrepresentations or the misunderstandings of the parody of Paganism inherent within the delusional ramblings of so many New Age or would-be Pagan writings would be sorely disappointed. On Being A Pagan is a brilliant and refreshingly unique study, a relevant groundwork towards a solid and sustained renewal of the West through real socio-religious and cultural transformation on an evolutionary scale.

 

 

 

 

The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk: Esoteric and Exoteric

Originally written by Guido von List
Translated and edited by Stephen Flowers, PhD
No ISBN
Reviewed by James Hjuka Coulter
Originally published in Vor Trú 71, ©2006
 
The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk: Esoteric and Exoteric was first published as Die Religion der Ario-Germanen in ihrer Esoterik und Exoterik in 1910. Nearly a century later, Stephen Flowers, PhD has undertaken the difficult task of translating this nearly-forgotten work... finally making it available for inspection and study by an interested, English-speaking / reading audience. Flowers' intimate familiarity with both the apparent and not-so-apparent contexts of such works has been a fundamental asset in his previous treatments of relative works, such as List's Das Geheimnis der Runen = The Secret of the Runes [ca. 1907-08; today, published by Inner Traditions], and Der Unbesiegbare: Ein Grundzug germanisher Weltanschauung = The Invincible: an Outline of Germanic Philosophy [ca. 1898; today, published by Rûna-Raven Press], Siegfried Adolf Kummer's Runen-Magie = Rune-Magic [ca. 1933; today, published by Rûna-Raven Press], Peryt Shou's Die 'Edda' als Schlüssel des kommenden Weltalters! = The EDDA as key to the Coming Age [ca. 1920, today published by Rûna-Raven Press], and the collected writings of Karl Maria Wiligut [published as The Secret King by Rûna Raven / Dominion Press].
In The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk, Flowers' skill and expertise shines throughout, as he carefully treds along the shadowy courses of word-plays, peculiar usages, and uncommon folk-etymological explorations, and draws together an accurate and telling rendition of this descriptively detailed text- complete with editorial notes, a small glossary, and Flowers' own, informative introduction.
Many of today's experts and would-be experts on the revival of the Heathen and esoteric practices of the Germanic peoples are often too quick to dismiss List's works as flawed or otherwise irrelevant- analyzing his works against a backdrop of the often objectively-clearer picture of today's scholarship and available information (as compared to what was or might have been available then). In this manner, such critique disregards or ignores the inherent value of such works in the true pioneering spirit and nature in which they were written- that, they provide an invaluable look into the mere fledglings of what would become a Heathen revival, and ably serve as a historical marker on the long road of the development of Heathen- and Heathen-related scholarship. Even so, there remains a deep, esoteric value to such texts -and The Religion of the Aryo-Germanic Folk is no exception.
List employs a folk-etymological process in his effort to unlock the underlying, primal truths hidden within the Germanic mythos. An obvious product of his day, we can certainly expect to find reflections of the attitudes and understandings of the age from which this work springs- Theosophical influences are quite obvious in certain context(s) along the journey, where at other junctions, we find revelations that remain consistent with today's understandings (or, perhaps closely so... as we might expect in so early a study).

 

 

 

 

Our Fathers' Godsaga

Originally written by Viktor Rydberg, translated by William P. Reaves
ISBN: 0-595-29978-4
Review by James Hjuka Coulter
Originally published in Vor Trú 67, ©2004

 
I've always been a big fan of Rydberg and his interesting and quite often controversial theories on Germanic Heathen cosmological forms and mythology. Like any intelligent, thinking reader, I don't necessarily take everything that he puts forth as set in stone, or some presentation of primal truth, but rather, I do find much value in his work- irregardless of where my own opinions might diverge from his, in the consideration of the myths...
Needless to say, I was excited to hear that someone had taken the time and effort to translate one of his great works, and quite elated at the quality of the scribe's hand who had actually made the effort itself! Reave's translation of this Rydberg classic as a brilliant rendition of what up until its release was a rather obscure text- for its having never been properly translated into English.
The book itself is (in a manner of speaking) a condensing of Rydberg's more popular three-volume set, Teutonic Mythology -a more 'compact' version that offers an entertainingly enlightening flow and serves as a great introductory volume to the larger, and perhaps more cumbersome set.
Our Fathers' Godsaga comes complete with the original artwork and an extensive glossary. While the title boasts of the retellings as being tailored 'for the young', it certainly will prove a thought provoking and educational experience for readers of any age, older and young alike!


 

 

The Warwolf: A Peasant Chronicle of the Thirty Years War
Originally written by Hermann Löns
Translated and edited by Robert Kvinnesland
ISBN:  1-594160-26-0
Reviewed by James Hjuka Coulter
 

It is great to see this work again being made available to a wider, English-speaking / reading audience (it was originally issued as a limited-run printing through Euorpa Ltd., and has been unavailable for a couple of years)...
As the title indicates, The Warwolf accounts the horror, extreme challenges, and difficulties of the Thirty-Years war, which was fought within the so-called Holy Roman Empire between the years 1618 and 1648 -but, not from the eyes of some disconnected historian… rather, we are afforded a chilling glimpse into the lives of those most directly affected by the cold and brutal grasp of the war itself (outside the scope of the soldiery involved)- the common farmer of the North Germanic heath.
Unlike Sauder’s inadequately poor effort (ca. 1931), Robert Kvinnesland has done a fantastic job in rendering the work from its original Deutsch into English- in so doing, he has skillfully -and with obvious care- maintained the integrity and power of the original work, keeping it every bit as captivating as the original. So too, he has provided a handful of key footnotes that offer insight and clarity to particular events (especially for those less-than-familiar with the history of the war itself) as well as certain folk-sayings or manners of expression (which, left alone would likely not be as ‘powerfully felt’ for the otherwise unaware reader).
-The Warwolf is indeed a welcome contribution to the growth of available Germanic literature in translation, and is unquestionably a fantastic addition to any Germanic Library!

 

 

 

The Crimes of Jehovah

Compiled by: Mark Mirabello Ph.D.

ISBN: 1-884365-13-2
Reviewed by James Hjuka Coulter

The title speaks easily for itself- this slim volume is a sober exploration into that underlying and darkly sinister nature of the “Supreme Being” of the Hebraic faiths, the alleged “god of love”. In The Crimes of Jehovah Mirabello presents a strong and convincing foundation of evidence for the claim of criminality- not through his own theory or prejudices, but in presenting the very words of the biblical writers themselves- the incriminating lines and verses as preserved in the authoritative English rendering of the King James edition of the Bible.
Point after point, The Crimes of Jehovah brings to light with stark clarity the utter savagery and cold brutality of the “one true god” of an equally brutal and savage following -this, in a categorical presentation that allows for quick and easy reference… something quite useful as an effective instrument for solid assertion in the realm of religious debate and / or instruction.
 

 

 

A History of the German Language

Waterman, John T.

ISBN: 0-8813-590-8

Reviewed by James Hjuka Coulter

The interest that our Folk have in the languages of our collective People(s) and of the history of the development of those languages is an increasingly common threat in today’s Heathen movement. This does not come as any real surprise, when we consider the inherent importance of language to the People and culture to which it belongs… particularly when we take into account the fact that it serves as the very medium of expression of that culture, of the People, and of that collective body’s essence or „folk soul“ in a real and holy capacity
With such an interest, the Heathen student will often apply him- or herself towards the undertaking of deeper studies of deeper studies of language or languages– especially where the realm of their histories and developments are concerned (and notably, as compared to someone with a more „superficial“ linguistic interests or a „less invested“ linguistic-cultural interest). Here, the student may find him or herself entering straightaway into the shadowy realm of difficult grammatical treatments, utterly dry examinations, and lengthy essays full of what may be wholly unfamiliar technical terminologies and references (especially so for the novice or curious layman).
If we add to the equation the fact that so many such (reliable) works are penned in languages (such as German) that may in fact be beyond the student’s reach (and perhaps in a diction that may be beyond his or her capacity, even if he or she is familiar enough with the dialect), the student might then find him- or herself stumbling around in a completely impenetrable darkness …no further enlightened and by no means any wiser in the end, than they were at the beginning of his or her quest for more significant understanding.
A History of the German Language sets out to address that need, to fill that dark void. The author more than adequately attains his goal, in making a rich and complex history available to the linguistic layman in clear and accessible terms –from the initial (brief but informative) survey of the Indo-European language groups, to a more detailed comparison of the relevant dialects that lent their influences in the earliest of developments, to the later assessments of the Old, Middle and Modern High German periods and a survey of the Modern dialects (including the American Amish dialect).
Waterman offers the reader a very informative presentation on the mechanics of the language and its production as a spoken language through sound qualities, explaining such things as the „guttural stop“, „spirants“, „affricates“, usw.. –something of benefit to the novice in particular, but also quite useful for the more experienced or learned-but-rusty as well.
The reader is given a clear indication of what formulations of breath, mouth, and vocal chord activities (and combinations of which) produce particular qualities in the components that make up the words we utter –all in terms that both the novice and more skilled speaker can appreciate and comprehend.
A History of the German Language rounds out with a handful of maps (as models to illustrate principle German dialect regions, general early tribal centers, and the progressive movements that influenced the evolution of those dialects and the German language as a whole) and plates to illustrate literary German examples (such as a section of Hildebrandeslied, a page of the Hehenems-Laßberg manuscript, two verses of the Gothic bible, and more). A full bibliography follows, with an index to the preceding text body. For it’s size (284 pages all told), it is wonderfully informative, and a must for any Germanic-Heathen seeking to understand both the root and evolution of the German language.
 

 

 

 

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