Tag Archive | Spiritual Warrior
February 27, 2025  

The Worth of Witches, Wizards, and Gothar in Norse Paganism: Strength of the Inner World

The ancient Norse understood that strength comes in many forms. While warriors fought with axe and shield, those who walked the path of the mind—witches, wizards, and Gothar—held power that shaped fate itself. Their worth was not bound by physical might, nor by the limitations of the body, but by the vastness of their minds, the depth of their wisdom, and their connection to the unseen forces that weave the fabric of reality.

For those with a strong intellect, an instinct for the unseen, and a natural pull toward the inner realms, this path is open. And for those who carry physical disabilities or even mental disabilities, their worth in this role is often even greater. It is not muscle that or social skillls that determines one’s ability to wield magic, interpret the runes, commune with spirits, or serve as a spiritual guide—it is will, wisdom, and the strength of the unseen mind.

The Role of the Inner World in Norse Culture

In Viking and Norse Pagan society, there was a deep respect for those who wielded knowledge of the hidden world. Seiðr practitioners (Norse Witches), Rune Masters (Norse Wizards), spirit-workers, and Gothar (priests, priestesses, and spiritual leaders) were not warriors in the traditional sense, yet they held power that even the greatest warriors sought. Odin himself, the Allfather, was not the strongest in battle, yet he ruled over the gods through wisdom, cunning, and mastery of the unseen.

To walk the path of magic, foresight, and spiritual guidance required:

  • A sharp and disciplined mind – Knowledge of runes, omens, and the workings of fate.
  • The ability to connect with unseen forces – Speaking with the gods, spirits, and ancestors.
  • A willingness to walk alone at times – The path of wisdom is not always understood by others.

For those whose bodies do not grant them the ability to lift a sword, or social skills to fit into a warrior hierarchy, their minds often sharpen instead, cutting deeper than any blade. Physical and social limitations push the mind inward, strengthening focus, intuition, and mastery over thought. Those who cannot walk far in the physical or social world often walk further in the spiritual one.

Physical and Mental Disability as a Gateway to Inner Strength

Many people with physical or mental disabilities are naturally inclined toward paths of the mind. When the body or social skills does not allow one to chase after fleeting external pursuits, the mind turns inward. This is not weakness—it is a different kind of strength, one that the foolish often fail to see.

  1. A Mind Unburdened by the Distractions of War
    • A warrior focuses on survival and combat, often missing the deeper mysteries of the world.
    • Those who focus on wisdom and magic do not need the distractions of battle to find their worth.
  2. Forced Adaptation Leads to Mastery of Thought
    • When the body or social skills struggles, the mind sharpens to compensate.
    • Deep introspection, visualization, and mental clarity become stronger skills.
  3. Greater Connection to the Otherworldly
    • Those less bound to the physical or worldly pursuits often find it easier to commune with spirits and gods.
    • Many seers, oracles, and shamans in various cultures had physical or mental disabilities that deepened their connection to the unseen.
  4. Resilience Creates a Powerful Will
    • Facing challenges in the physical or social world breeds an indomitable spirit.
    • This willpower makes one a force to be reckoned with in matters of magic, wisdom, and fate.

The weak-willed cannot hold these roles. But those who see through the illusions of physical power, and instead build their mind and spirit, become leaders in their own right.

The High Status of the Gothar, Witches, and Wizards in Norse Society

The Gothar (priests, priestesses, and spiritual leaders), seiðr practitioners (Norse Witches), and Rune Masters (Norse Wizards) were highly valued in Norse society. Their status was equal to, or in some cases greater than, warriors and kings because they were the ones who dictated the flow of fate. A warrior may be strong in battle, but without the guidance of the wise, their strength is directionless.

  • Gothar were the spiritual leaders of their communities. They led rituals, maintained law and tradition, and served as the voice of the gods among the people.
  • Seiðr practitioners (those who practiced magic, like Odin and Freyja) were feared and respected. They shaped fate, wove spells, and guided people through visions and divination.
  • Rune masters were scholars and wielders of written power. They carried knowledge that could heal, curse, protect, and control the forces of nature.

The warrior who ignores wisdom fights blindly. The strong who lack guidance fall into ruin. This is why those who command the unseen world were vital to Viking society and remain essential in modern Norse Paganism today.

Breaking Free from Insecurity and Stupidity

Many who walk this path hesitate because of insecurity, because of the false belief that they are somehow “lesser” if they cannot wield a sword or stand among the physically strong. This is a lie told by those who do not understand Norse culture.

In the modern world, too many misunderstand the values of the old ways. They think strength only comes from physical power, but true strength is in knowing oneself, mastering one’s path, and giving back to the community. Those who do not understand this are fools—and their opinions hold no weight.

  • Your worth is not given—it is claimed.
  • Your strength is in your mind, and no one can take that from you.
  • You have talents, gifts, and a path meant for you. You only need to be brave enough to walk it.
  • Worldly status, and money wealth only matter to those with the Jarl role in Viking society.

The only obstacles in life are those we create for ourselves through insecurity and fear. Physical hardship does not weaken you—fear of stepping into your own worth does.

Claiming Your Place in Norse Paganism

To walk the path of wisdom, one must own their identity with confidence. If you are drawn to the inner world, if your mind burns with curiosity, if you feel the pull of the gods, spirits, and the unseen—then this is your path.

  • Learn the runes, study their meanings, and practice them with intent.
  • Train your mind daily—meditate, visualize, and sharpen your thoughts.
  • Honor the old ways through ritual, reading, and connecting with others who share your path.
  • Surround yourself with those who see your worth, and cast aside those too blind to understand.

You are not weak. You are not lesser. You are needed. The world will always need those who walk the unseen roads, who wield the wisdom of the ancients, and who guide others with knowledge and power.

Stand tall. Walk your path. Claim your place.

By the will of Odin, the wisdom of Freyja, and the strength of Thor, those who embrace their worth will stand unshaken.

🔥 Thus it is spoken. Thus it shall be. 🔥

June 4, 2013  

Heathen Spiritual Warrior

Late Spring and early Summer are the Norse times to fight battles and go raiding. Most of us in the modern world won’t be going into literal combat situations or going literally raiding, as happened during the Viking age. But we modern people have our own just as difficult battles we have to fight in our day to day life. Common modern forms of battle are battles against your own negative traits or bad habits, battles to effect greater spiritual growth and awareness, battles to improve our lives in any way, battles against people in our lives who abuse us or cause us harm, battles to stand up for some cause we believe in, battles to improve the lives and well-being of those close to us, battles to achieve success in our careers, fighting for a better world, etc. All these types of battles are equally as worthy as the battles and raids which the Vikings fought, and are just as filled with their own forms of danger and peril. All forms of worthy battle which we fight are a way in which the gods/goddesses test us to see our measure of spiritual strength and bravery. By fighting whatever worthy battles we must in our lives without backing down and doing the best we can in them, we increase our spiritual might and personal luck. Most forms of modern battles are more so what can be considered forms of psychic or spiritual battles. Being a spiritual warrior is just as impressive to the gods/goddesses as being a literal one. If your life has been filled with strife and challenge lately during the late spring and early summer know that this is part of being in tune with the seasonal cycles and this time shall eventually pass. When fighting a lot of battles our energies can after awhile become drained and run down. Try to call upon the power of the sun, the goddess Sunna as a source to recharge your psychic and emotional batteries after many long fought battles.

February 8, 2013  

Volmarr’s Heathen Ritual for Day of Remembrance of Eyvind Kinnrifi Feb-9-2013

Need:
• drinking horn
• mead (or beer or wine or even can use juice)
• offering bowl
• candles (optional)
• wand (if you don’t have one you can use your fingers instead)
• (optional) Ritual Thor’s Hammer as a good symbol of Heathen faith

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This ritual, as are all Heathen or northern rituals, is done while facing north, except where otherwise noted. The altar should be such that it is in front of you when you face north.

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Few silent deep breaths.

All stand in Elhaz position.

Elhaz Position 1

“Bi-Frost’s rainbow light shine down upon this space and myself so that I may form a portal between the worlds of Asgard and Midgard”

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Few silent deep breaths.

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All face north and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the north hallow and ward this stead”

All turn east and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the east hallow and ward this stead”

All turn south and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the south hallow and ward this stead”

All turn west trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the west hallow and ward this stead”

All return to north and look up and trace Hammer sign while chanting:

“Hammer above hallow and ward this stead”

All look below and trace Hammer sign while chanting:

“Hammer below hallow and ward this stead”

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Return to facing north and all stand in the Elhaz position and chant:

“Around me and within me Asgard and Midgard”

Dagaz Position 1

and move into the Dagaz position in the end.

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Few silent deep breaths.

–

“Today I make a special toast to honor the memory of the Heathen hero Eyvind Kinnrifi, who during the late Viking age on this day, was tortured and murdered when he refused to convert to Christianity. I make this toast not out of anger to those who wrongly tried to force their religion upon him, but instead to honor the great courage and strength of will of Eyvind Kinnrifi for not backing down in sticking to what he believed in, and knew was right no matter how much oppression he experienced from others. People who stick to what they know is right in the face of difficult obstacles, are spiritual warriors, and win a place in Asgard. May we learn courage and strength of will, and fortitude to stick with our convictions from his example.”

Fill horn with drink and hold it up.

“Hail to the spiritual hero Eyvind Kinnrifi! May we share in your strength of will!”

Drink some of drink and pour rest to offering bowl.

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Use the pine twig to splash a bit of the liquid in the offering bowl on yourself, on any others in the ritual with you, on your altar, on the ritual space, and in all general areas of your dwelling as well. Does not need to be much splashed around, just a little is fine. This helps to imbue more of the energies of the ritual on you, and others who may also in the ritual with you, and to your place.

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“Now my rite has ended. May all gathered here fare well on their return to their home places. And may the bonds of frith between us grow, gods, wights, and humans alike. Until we meet again.”

–
–

Pour out the offerings from the offering bowl outside:

“A gift for a gift”

Trace gebo at spot offerings were given to.

“GEBO!”

Gebo

–

Now at this point it is very important to ground your energies. This should always be done after every ritual. Not doing so can lead to problems in the long-run. Grounding is like shifting gears in a car, except it is the process of shifting brain states. During rituals you create a trance like brain state, which is desired for during rituals or for during any spiritual practices. But trance states are not good for doing everyday mundane things. You need to return your mind back to the normal state of consciousness after the ritual is finished. That is what grounding is.

The most simple and common method to ground is to visualize yourself as a tree and see roots growing into the ground from the base of your spine and going down into the earth. Sometimes rituals require industrial strength grounding as they can really create some intense energy. In that case you can try the following triple grounding method.:

First visualize your chakras. You picture in your mind closing first the top one and then seeing a sort of lid closing over it, then proceed with the net lower chakra and so on. You want to leave the bottom most chakra, the root chakra fully open as this is your connection to grounding. Don’t be concerned about having the others closed, the normal proper function of them is that they open and close as needed. Problems with being ungrounded happen when one of more of them are stuck open. Only the bottom one is to be left open at all times.

Next step is to picture a ball of pure white light above your head. Now let this white light slowly descent downward into your body and slowly move lower. As it descends it takes with it any unneeded, old, and negative energies. It is sort of sweeping downward through your energies taking all you no longer need with it. Once it reaches your feet let it move lower till it passes down through the floor. If you are on an upper close let it pass all the way to the ground. Let the earth take this energy to recycle it.

Now final step is to do the traditional grounding. Picture yourself as a tree. Visualize roots coming out of the base of your spine and going down into the Earth. Feel the calmness of a tree, the rooted solidness.

If after these three things you still feel hyper or spaced out you can either eat some food, or put a small amount of salt on your tongue. Another thing you can do is prostrate down to the ground, placing your head on the ground and stay like this for a few moments.

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Feel free to copy and use this ritual so long as you acknowledge the source.