what's seidir and how do you start out doing it?
Seiðr (pronounced seeth-ur) is Norse magic that is rooted in astral travel, trancework, astral work, Wyrd (fate), and altered states to gain information, knowledge, and to project your will into manifestation.
The exact practices of Seiðr are lost to time, but we can piece together some idea of what might have been done using a historical understanding of pre-Christian practices in the region.
We know that dance, drumming, and singing would have been used to reach altered states. Odin himself spoke of frenzied dance and Galdr (singing of magical tunes). Psychoactive herbs would have also been used - and local herbs would have been Bog Bilberry, Crowberry, Labrador Tea, Obligate Fly Agaric, and more. Not all psychoactive herbs necessarily produce extreme symptoms. Technically, even chamomile is psychoactive. Always use herbs with caution and with the input from a licensed medical professional.
I personally practice Seiðr by journeying into the astral, into different times (energy knows no time or distance), and to speak to different beings/deities on various planes for lessons and information that further my personal and spiritual growth.
I experience these things through meditative states and bilocation. Most people don’t know this but bilocation is probably the most common way of practicing trancework. A great way to start is with having a goal in mind with where you’re going and some basic protections or a Guide to accompany you. You can reach meditative states in a variety of ways. I personally do it by taking mugwort tea or a combination of mugwort and a Sativa cannabis (this isn’t required but I live in a legalized state) and then listening to drumming tracks specifically meant for meditation.
Other methods can include: listening to binaural beats, breathing exercises, and repetitive actions like spinning yarn, crocheting, knitting, etc (Fiber crafts were intimately entwined with magic for the Norse).
Dancing in a frenzied and free manner can also produce an altered state and is a favorite of Odin. Anytime I’ve been moved to dance for Seiðr though it’s been with Odin. 🤔 I’m not sure if the other Gods inspire dance the same way for anyone else. I only experience it with The Old Man.
Another type of Seiðr is called Spae which comes from the ancient root to speak. And this refers specifically to the practice of reaching into the Well of Knowledge or speaking to the Norns and speaking the truths that you learn into existence here.
A subgenre of Spae work is Skaldic work which involves reaching into that same well and speaking truth through story. This was the method by which we were gifted the original oral traditions that inspired the Eddas and the Sagas. The ones we have written down are Christianized fragments, but originally these would have had much less Christian propaganda flavor and were carried into Midgard on the silver tongues of Skalds.
This is getting long so I’ll wrap this up. I could literally talk about my Seiðr practice all day.
Remember with starting Seiðr…
Don’t overthink it! You can write down or record what you feel you’re experiencing as you’re experiencing it, which can help lend weight and value to what you are experiencing. .
Anything and everything you experience is valid, but discernment is important. Pay attention to the individual phenomenon, sensations, thoughts, and pieces of information you’re getting. Trust those are happening and avoid try to force-fit them into a conclusion. Analyze it later, not during so that details aren’t altered or changed subconsciously
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