Top Heathenry and Spirituality Books for Deepening Your Practice
Embracing Heathenry: A Journey Through Literature
Heathenry often gets dubbed as "the religion with homework"; a statement true enough of ANY religious or spiritual practice. I am going to attempt to compile a reading list that is inspired from many knowledgeable minds, including some of the top books on Heathenry and spirituality that can enhance your practice and broaden your perspective.
Lore & Mythology:
Before diving into advanced practices, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation. One of the most recommended readings by Heathens is "The Poetic Edda", a collection of Old Norse poems that are central to Norse mythology and Heathenry. This text provides insights into the gods, cosmology, and the moral values of ancient Norse culture.
Another essential read is "The Prose Edda" by Snorri Sturluson. This work offers a comprehensive overview of Norse myths and legends, serving as a guide to the symbolic and allegorical aspects of the tradition. Many people will contest that Snorri's Christian bias is leaked in his Prose Edda, so take that as you will.
BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF CULTURE:
Cultural Anthropology - Kottak Conrad (This is a great book but you can always search on Youtube for an "Intro to Anthropology" course lecture which there are several). Introduction to Cultural Anthropology: is a Youtube lecture found here. https://youtu.be/vt0ykSUHj1E
Gods and Myths of Northern Europe - Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson
WORLDVIEW OVERVIEW:
The Ethical World Conception of the Norse People - AP Fors (Primer for Culture of the Tuetons)
We Are Our Deeds - Eric Wodening
Culture of the Tuetons - Vilhelm Gronbech
REFINING WORLDVIEW:
The Norse Concept of Luck - BS Sommer
Honor in German Literature - George Fenwick Jones
The Gift - Marcel Mauss
Honour and Shame: Problems in the Comparative Analysis of Moral Systems - Michael Herzfeld
The Well and the Tree - Paul C. Bauschatz
The Germanization of Early Medieval Christianity - James C. Russell
Signals of Belief in Early England - Alexandra Sanmark and Martin Carver
ON SACREDNESS AND DIVINITY:
The Sacred and the Profane - Mircea Eliade
The Idea of the Holy - Rudolf Otto
ON DEATH:
The Road to Hel - Hilda Rodrick Ellis Davidson
"Feasting the Dead: Food and Drink in Anglo-Saxon Burial Rituals" by Christina Lee
ON RITUAL AND SACRED SPACES:
The Meadhall - Stephen Pollington
Lady With a Mead Cup - Michael J. Enright
A Piece of Horse Liver - Jon Hnefill Adalsteinsson
Sacrifice - Henri Hubert and Marcel Mauss
Indo-European Sacred Space - Roger D. Woodard
The Cuisine of Sacrifice Among the Greeks - Marcel Detienne and Jean-Pierre Vernant
Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice by Catherine Bell
ON THE HEARTH CULT:
The Tradition of Household Spirits - Claude Lecouteux
Demons and Spirits of the Land - Claude Lecouteux
RITES OF INITIATION AND COMING OF AGE
The One-eyed God: Odin and the (Indo-) Germanic Männerbünde - Kris Kershaw
Rites and Symbols of Initiation - Mircea Eliade
Whether you're new to Heathenry or an experienced practitioner, these books offer valuable insights into the spiritual and practical aspects of this rich tradition. By exploring these texts, you can deepen your understanding and enhance your spiritual journey. Happy reading!