Seidr is pronounced ‘Say-th’

This is an ancient Norse ritual which is apparently older than the written word and has its roots probably in the iron age. It was a living Norse shamanic tradition up until the middle or late Viking age and it was used for divination, shapeshifting, weatherworking, seeking information, healing work, basically anything we use the shamanic journey for. It was practiced by the Norse and Germanic peoples, and also the Sámi. The Vikings likely brought it to Britain and it became part of the Druid practices in the South of the country. The ritual incorporates shamanic journeying, magic song, a staff, and a ritual seat. It is the combination of all four elements that gives the unique quality of Seidr. The staff was an essential tool for spiritual practice within this tradition. The staff in combination with song becomes the caller of spirit. No drums or rattles were used. The Staff was referred to as ‘gand’ (‘Gandalf’ from the ‘Lord of the Rings’ means ‘staff elf’. We explore this as part of Shamanic Practitioner Training. Learn more here.