Odin Ecstasy, Runes, & Norse Magic by Diana L. Paxson

6 x 9, 320 pages, Illustrations and photographs

"The accounts of Norse lore are lively and accessible introductions to the lay reader, and Paxson’s own beliefs, as well as those of her interviewees, shine through in her clear and lucid prose. Paxson’s book is charming and accessible, even to outsiders previously unfamiliar with the concepts.” – Publishers Weekly

"It was said in the lore and legends of Norse mythology that people who got interested in Odin, the god of hunters, warriors and oracular seers were “seized” by this deity, fascinated by this multifarious character. Diana Paxson, author of historical novels and short stories on themes from Norse and Celtic mythology was clearly seized, somewhat to her own surprise. She here beautifully re-tells some classic stories from this mythic complex and relates how they are reflected in the ceremonial practices of the contemporary Neo-Pagan revival. I recommend it highly." --Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of The Well of Remembrance

"Reading Diana Paxson’s most excellent book, Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic, whilst listening to WardRuna. This is perhaps the most comprehensive book ever written about Odin. Written with sound scholarship allied to intuitive perception. Capturing the best of both, and a sense of humour to boot. Each chapter is ended by a list of suggestions for working with him. Apart from the scholarship and poetic vision, it is also a most pleasant read! Recommended for everyone interested in Odin. Very, very helpful to students, but also rich in details and associations from other good books. which are listed in the bibliography! All in all, a very worthwhile work and as such equally useful to Old Timers like me." —Freya Aswynn, author of Northern Mysteries and Magick: Runes & Feminine Powers

Odin is arguably one of the most enigmatic and complex characters in Norse mythology. Revered since the Viking Age, Odin has been called the greatest of the gods—the god of words and wisdom, runes and magic, a transformer of consciousness, and a trickster who teaches truth. He is both war god and poetry god, and he is the Lord of Ravens, the All- Father, and the rune master.

Odin: Ecstasy, Runes, and Norse Magic is the first book on Odin that is both historically sourced and accessible to a general audience. It explores Odin’s origins, his appearances in sagas, old magic spells, and the Poetic Edda, and his influence on modern media, such as Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each chapter features suggestions for rituals, exercises, and music, so readers can comprehend and become closer to this complicated god.

Author Diana Paxson, an expert on Viking-era mythology, provides a complete portrait of Odin and draws on both scholarship and experience to provide context, resources, and guidance for those who are drawn to work with the Master of Ecstasy today.