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Icelandic Magic

By: Stephen E. Flowers PhD
Narrated by: Micah Hanks
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Publisher's Summary

A practical guide to the magical systems of pre-Christian Iceland

  • Reveals spells and workings drawn directly from surviving magical books from the 16th to 20th century preserved at the National Library in Reykjavík
  • Explores the history of magic in Iceland through original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind
  • Explains how to personalize the spells through the creation of unique signs and symbols based on the mythic names of Odin and Icelandic magical alphabets

During the Christianization of Europe in the Middle Ages, many books of magic were lost as the ancient pagan traditions were suppressed. But in Iceland the practice of recording magical spells in books continued in secret for centuries, on a scale not seen elsewhere. Now housed in the National Library in Reykjavík, these surviving grimoires, which represent only a hundredth of what was lost, reveal a rich magical tradition that continued to evolve into the 20th century.

Drawing directly from the actual surviving Icelandic books of magic, Stephen Flowers presents a complete system of magic based on Icelandic lore and magical practices from the 16th century onward. He explores the history of magic in Iceland in pagan and early Christian times and reveals specific practical techniques and ritual templates that readers can adapt to their unique purposes. Illustrating traditional Icelandic magical practices and the Icelanders’ attitudes toward them, he shares original translations of Icelandic folktales about famous magicians, such as the legend of Gray-Skin, and about legendary grimoires, such as the Galdrabók, the oldest and most complete book of its kind.

After initiating the reader into the grammar and symbols of Icelandic magic through history and lore, Flowers then presents an extensive catalog of actual spells and magical workings from the historical Icelandic books of magic. These examples provide ready-made forms for practical experimentation as well as an exemplary guide on how to create signs and symbols for more personalized magical work. The author also includes guidance on creating unique magical signs from the 100 mythic names of Odin, which he translates and interprets magically, and from Icelandic magical alphabets, symbols that connect Icelandic magic to the ancient runic tradition.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2016 Stephen E. Flowers, Ph.D.. All Rights Reserved. (P)2020 Inner Traditions Audio. All Rights Reserved.

Critic Reviews

“Through a thorough survey of the history and theory of Icelandic magic, Flowers is able to present a system that can be worked by modern-day magicians. Wellsourced and practical, this book will appeal both to those interested in historical matters and those seeking a guide to practice in the modern day. This book is sure to become a classic and is an example for everyone who wishes to adapt ancient ways for the modern age.” (Ceisiwr Serith, author of A Book of Pagan Prayer)

“In many ways Icelandic Magic is as awe-inspiring and mysterious as the Icelandic landscape itself. Full of fascinating accounts of Iceland’s magical history and grimoires, this book offers pragmatic instructions to resurrect this magic and tap into its power, yet there is a creative aspect that will inherently force the practitioner to union with their own inner sage. Flowers guides us safely through the ancient secrets of Icelandic magic into our own ‘circuit boards of consciousness,’ which we learn may be rewired through systematically formed staves aligned with our will.” (Sera Timms, musician, visual artist, priestess, and lead vocalist of Black Mare )

Icelandic Magic is a modern classic of Northern sorcery. Stephen Flowers’s galdor-stave system exposes the frosty roots of sigil-working, revealing a magic available to anyone possessing pen, paper, and a hunger for transformation.” (Clint Marsh, author of The Mentalist’s Handbook)

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