The Northern Traditions Podcast (The Wisdom of Odin)

It has been a long time since I have mentioned "the hall" so in this video I give an update on the progress of searching for a a place to build. We also discuss our hopes and dreams of what such a place will be like in the years to come.

We revisit the lost podcast episode with Jason (@wandering_yggdrasil) to discuss what has been learned since filming two weeks ago. We discuss many topics such as lessons we have learned from the gods, pagan names, sobriety, fasting, and much more in our first episode to reach over an hour long!

In episode 15 we bring on Forrest Munden from The Salty Soldier (@munden_forrest). We discuss the importance of nutrition and maintaining a healthy body. As long as the influences of stoicism with norse paganism. We also discuss these topics in relation with Men's health! 

We bring on Sean Kratz, the lead for the band Osi and the Jupiter, to discuss his connections with the hills and mountains of Appalachia. We also discuss various folklore we have learned about the region that Jacob, Caleb, and Sean have heard throughout their lives. 

Today we bring on Nick (@student_of_the_old_gods) to talk about his experience being a Norse Pagan in Cape Town, South Africa. Not only do you get to hear the always amazing South African accent, but you get to hear extremely unique stories of the pagan history of Africas southern most region. If Nick can worship the Norse Gods in South Africa, we believe you can find them just about everywhere. 

We welcome Caleb back to the podcast after his paternity leave just in time to discuss spring. We crack some good laughs, and talk about how we connect to spring as norse pagans living in this modern world. 

We explore the multiple avenues of magical practice with a returning guest, Erik (@erickdoesnthaveig). We discuss runes, seidr, shamanism, and much more! 

In this podcast Ian and Jacob discuss a growing concern in the norse pagan community. Primarily with beginners who seek to connect with the dread wolf himself, Fenrir.

Today we have a pretty serious subject as we bring back Kai (@camargo.kai) as well as our communities own Zak (@vanic_vibes) to both continue the conversation of the similarities of Native Tradition, and Northern Spirituality. But also to bring up a pretty serious subject, something that is effecting the Native community right now.  This is a heavy talk, and if you want to help out then here are the resources Kai mentioned in the podcast: National Indian Child Care Association: https://www.nicca.us Native American Rights Fund: https://www.narf.org Native American Heritage Association: https://www.naha-inc.org National Indian Council On Aging: https://www.nicoa.org Association on American Indian Affairs: https://www.indian-affairs.org The American Indian College Fund: https://collegefund.org

We bring on Kai to discuss his interesting story, having both been raised with the Native Lakota beliefs, and now practicing Norse Paganism. We draw connections between the two worlds, that every day, appear to grow ever more closely. 

Ian, Jacob, and Caleb get together to discuss the first episode of Vikings Valhalla, and their initial impressions. We also discuss our expectations for the show (good and bad). What did we think? Where will the show go? And should you watch it as a pagan? All questions we explore in this entertaining and thought provoking episode. Interested in attending one of our gatherings? Head over to our community website: https://www.northerntraditions.org/

We discuss the duality of living life as heathens in this modern age, where one minute you are dancing around a fire, and the next you are around a christmas tree with your christian family. 

Caleb and I have returned from our travels west, and have some catching up to do on our experiences there. We also discuss the importance of living life simply, and enjoying the "big fire" moments.

With Thanksgiving behind us, the co-host sit-down to reflect on the importance of Family and tradition. We turn into old men complaining about "the youth" for awhile during this podcast! But you know what? Sometimes the youth deserve to be complained about. Hope you enjoy this laugh of an episode, full of good fun, and deep talks. 

Today we bring on Lauren (@lildragonwitch) to discuss her connection with Dragons and Serpents within the faith today. We also discuss global dragon legends and how they relate to us. All while making fun of Ian, as he deserves. 

With the upcoming shamanism video, many people have asked about mentorship within pagan practices today. So today Caleb and I, discuss the complicated nature of establishing new mentors in beliefs that used to rely so heavily on them. 

This episode is quite the roller coaster, we cover the topic of fate, as well as the what that means in our very confusing world. We talk about the eddas, video games, Nostradamus, revelations, and a women named Freydis who slapped her breast with a sword; all in this wild episode! 

Ian and Jacob discuss the difference of being pagan in the summer vs the winter. And how living by the seasonal cycles may benefit you now even in our modern age. 

In this episode we bring on Terry (@loki.son99) to discuss the Norse concept of the afterlife. Which means we tackle the question of who goes to Valhalla, and is Hel that bad of a place? 

This video serves as an interview of myself and Caleb Baker as we return from our weekend celebrating Yule with the folk in Kentucky! 

In this episode wearing on Raul (@cenizasdelragnarok) to discuss his time working with Bragi as both a Musician, and a native Spanish speaker. Raul is a close member of the community so this episode is a good casual hang out with friends. Something I think Bragi would appreciate! 

Caleb and I discuss our recently preformed Odin ritual from the Yule Gathering 2021, and howe plan on evolving the ritual as we preform it again this very weekend. Additionally we talk about the importance of constantly working on your own personal practice. 

We invited Hew from The Raven's Eye (@the_ravens_eye_kindred) YouTube channel to discuss his upcoming projects, as well as talk about his work in magic!

We bring back on Blade (aka Babushka) to discuss his recently published book. Then the team talk about their favorite books that have helped them along their path. 

In this episode we discuss the importance of oaths, and also discuss the very popularized oath rings, and what they mean to the faith today.

It is officially our 1 year anniversary and our 50th episode. This is a huge achievement for any podcast, so for this episode we are giving ourselves some time of reflection. Both looking at how far we've all come personally in our practices, but also reflecting on previous memorable episodes.

Social media used to be called a social network, and the networking benefits are definitely the positive of having a social account. In this episode we discuss sharing your spiritual journey online, and share tips on how to maintain your soul despite the analytics. 

In this episode we reunite the podcast team at last! We decided to have a round table discussion on ritual clothing, both in public and private practice. 

Episode 10 brings on Anthony @mynorsepaganjourney a YouTuber, active duty military service member, who is currently stationed in Germany. We discuss several topics including "coming out" as a pagan to friends, family, and society. We also discuss the afterlife, and describing the faith to others. 

No matter who you are, you will struggle at times in your practice. We here at the Folk Podcast are no different, so today we share with you things we have personally struggled with following the path of old.

With our break behind us, The Folk Podcast is back with a new name, The Northern Traditions Podcast. Be sure to check out the podcast on YouTube to see our beautiful faces!  Learn more about the community:  https://www.northerntraditions.org/

Shird's brother recently started following the old ways, so we brought him on the show to discuss what questions he has as a new practitioner. 

In this episode we bring on Keenan (@keenan_longsword) from his own podcast (Grandma and the Dwarf) to discuss his workings with the dwarves. We have little material on these mysterious beings, but they are woven throughout many of our poetic stories. 

We bring on Ben (@oaksandoaths) who runs his own podcast, as well as an instagram account for mens health. He recently found out he is going to become a father, so we took this time to discuss what he looks forward to as being a dad. We also discuss how we view parenthood in our modern world, as well as modern pagans. 

In this episode we bring on Austin (@austinwandering) to discuss animals and their place in paganism. From signs, fylgia, and visions. We discuss personal experiences as well as historical sources to share the importance of Animals in paganism. 

We have several topics to discuss today, including Estonian Paganism, Reputation and its importance, as well as gift giving. As always grab a warm or cold drink, and enjoy the conversation around various pagan subjects!  Community website: https://www.northerntraditions.org/

We deep dive into the practice of seidr magic with Erik. Through his story and wise words we give a brief introduction into the mysterious practice. We also discuss the mythology of Nantucket Island, and overall pagan practice. 

We answer a community question on the Norse Creation Myth, and how literal we thought it to be. We also tackle other subjects of the Poetic Edda that seem to work with science, instead of against it. 

With Ian and Jacob just coming back from Heilung, we decided to discuss how ritual practices continue to evolve and change. 

This is the full interview based on the latest video on The Wisdom of Odin Youtube channel. I am joined by Mirjam and Anthony as I ask them questions on Shamanism and how to practice it in our modern day.  Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lN6BAXsj9g

Spirit of Wolf Links:  Website: https://www.spiritofwolf.net Instagram @spiritofwolfshamans

Mirjam @izih_deer_kam

Anthony @wolfpackhealer

Their Podcast @woedwolf.podcast 

We bring on Heath (@ravn_ager) who is our community chronicler, to discuss the importance of preserving our stories now. So that future generations can have a history to look back on. 

In this episode we talk about a range of topics with The Wildlings (@wildlingwoods) a crafty couple who create unique items out of sustainable natural elements. From bones, to willow wood, to deer skin, this pair creates some truly amazing work, and have quite the story to share!

We bring on a very special guest today, Tragoe. He is most known for his popular instagram account @tragoe but he is also a creator of music under the same name. Tragoe also produces videos on his YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW-gw582beyDmuGn3GldkcQ) We talk about his experience growing up pagan in Greece, as well as his many projects now and in the future!

We bring on an author, Johanna Wittenberg, to discuss her historical fiction series The Norsewomen. We ask what historical influences inspired her to create this story, as well ways she filled in the blanks spiritually. Be sure to check out her website for all of he writings: https://johannawittenberg.com And check out our community website for all upcoming events:  https://www.northerntraditions.org

We open up episode 6 with Amanda (@skadi_winters). With an interesting back story and personal journey, we dive deep into what we can learn from dreams. We also discuss techniques you can use to find more answers within your own dreams. We then discuss the differences between dreams and visions.  If interested in joining us on the folk podcast please email us at thefolkpodcast@gmail.com

We discuss the nature of ragnarok, and what conclusions can be made from the global cultural obsession with the end times. A more light hearted episode than you'd expect as we put on our tin foil hats for some rabbit hole conversations.  Wanna come to a gathering? Check out our community website: https://www.northerntraditions.org

We continue our conversation on viking representation in media, this time discussing video games specifically. We talk about our favorite moments in viking video games, as well as what we would like to see moving forward!

In this episode we discuss the Gods/Beings who do not get mentioned a lot in general within Heathen circles. So today we give some podcast time to Gods like Sif, Aegir, Ran, Vidar, and many more! 

We are changing our format a little on he podcast, we are now going to try and focus on several subjects throughout an episode to give you more variety in our content. So today we discuss our thoughts on Heilung's new album, as well as the differences between christian funerals and what we want pagan funerals to become. 

In this episode we discuss why Thor and Freyr should be venerated more in our modern time. We explore the historical origins of their worship, as well as the modern benefits of following these two beings. 

We bring back on Lauren to discuss the ever growing issue of internet Viking Bros, and wanna be shield maidens. We tackle both sides of the issue from the popularity of Viking media, to the importance of respect when getting interested in new topics. 

In episode 12 we talk to Myron (@myga1123) on his over 30+ years involved in the faith, as well as his experience being a martial arts instructor, a veteran law enforcement officer, and even a MMA referee. If you are interested in following the warrior path of Odin this is the podcast for you! 

We bring on Chris (@drengr.of.tyr) to discuss the crazy three day weekend we all just came back from. During the Fall Gathering many things happened. Laughter, fellowship, drinking, feasting, and plenty of magic. In our longest podcast yet we try our best to breakdown everything that happened day by day.  Fall Gathering video premieres on Youtube October 5th, 3pm EST 

This episode will have a video podcast also featured on the Wisdom of Odin YouTube, if you would like to see our faces for once. Otherwise we are covering an important topic to us co-host: Taking your time with the faith. This is geared towards new practitioners as they take their first steps into Norse Paganism. 

Today we sat down and recalled some of our stories about giving offerings. From our first time, our most recent, and even where we feel like we messed up. We also cover some of the beginner questions that get asked about giving offerings by people getting into the faith for the first time. 

We continue out three topics, talking today about three things that are good for those getting into the faith for the first time. 

After a year of podcasting we are finally talking about Celtic Paganism! We brought on a member of our community, Kevin, to discuss his experience and to help answer our questions on the ways of the Celts.

We share our personal experiences dealing with the various kinds of road blocks, burnouts, and moments of spiritual exhaustion that effect any people following a pagan path. 

We bring on Steven Sweeney (@sweeneymma513) a MMA fighter who has had some close connections with Thor while training. We also discuss his time living in Nevada, as well as the importance of fitness, and honoring your family. 

We tackle a heavy subject today, as many of us in our lives will experience hardship and loss. And dealing with those times is difficult for everyone, so we discuss how we have handled these situations as believers in the old ways, and what wisdom those who came before have for us. 

Today we bring back on Amanda (@skadi_winters) to discuss her experiences with the goddess Skadi. We also discuss how different we as people prepare for winter differently than our not so distant ancestors. Somehow this episode turned into quiet the laugh, so we hope you enjoy!

Myself, Ian, and Caleb Baker the time to answers from the community submitted a poll on The Wisdom of Odin instagram. 

Ian had a dream, that dream was to host an episode and talk about spooky things. This episode is letting Ian live that dream. 

In our return episode we discuss our unique experiences and viewpoints on runes within the faith. 

We bring back on Claire from 60 episodes ago to discuss what it has been like for her to be pagan while growing up in Europe. While sharing our experiences as Americans and what it has been like to practice in the "new world." 

In this episode we discuss Odin, and the experiences we all have had following him. We discuss heavily the various different paths one can take to grow closer, and learn from the one-eyed wanderer. 

We celebrate our 100th episode by answering community submitted questions. We also reflect on 2+ years of podcasting and the many topics and guests we've had along the way.  We also announced we will be taking a break, but will be returning! We just need some time to focus on ourselves, the community, and to plan some new guest and topics. Expect to see us after the yule season, and until then be sure to check out our past 99 episodes you may have missed!  All upcoming gatherings for the Fellowship of Northern Traditions on our website:  www.northerntraditions.org 

We bring on Darius (@ulfur_svikinn) to discuss his experience with Fylgia coming from a Norse Perspective as well as a Native American point of view. We will discuss what the difference between Fylgia and other spirits animals is, how to find yours, and what you can do with your Fylgia. 

We bring on Tom Rowsell from his channel, Survive the Jive, and we discuss his YouTube career spanning over 10 years. Get your notebooks and pens out for this informative episode of history, myth, and faith.  Survive the Jive Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZAENaOaceQUMd84GDc26EA Community Website: https://www.northerntraditions.org

In the first episode of 2022 we talk about the importance of setting personal goals within the cycles, as well as sharing our own personal goals moving into this next year. 

Today we bring on James Alofs a true international man of mystery, he is a Canadian born, Chinese super star, who is also a norse pagan who just made a YouTube channel on bushcraft/survival. We talk about an incredibly wide range of topics in this episode ranging from his new channel, all the way to ancient pubic hair and the Last Kingdom.  Be sure to follow James at his channel THOR'S OUTDOORS:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClgyZr2eKE68yDzLDN2JJMQ

And follow our community at:  https://www.northerntraditions.org

We discuss an interesting take on Loki with Claire (@chaotic_claire) who is from the Netherlands. We also discuss her history with intense dreams, and her background in Wicca. 

Ian, Baker, and myself discuss our recent experiences at the Fall Gathering 2021 in Pennsylvania. We also discuss gatherings, past, present, and future in this light hearted episode full of laughs and good stories. 

Today we invite Elin (@mooselady_) to discuss her research into Estonian archeology. Ever want to know why ancient people put "cup" shaped makers onto stones from Estonia, Sweden, and Scotland? Great! So did we!  Support/Join The Fellowship of Northern Traditions: www.northerntraditions.org  Support Elin on instagram @mooselady_ or through www.valhyr.com 

We have quite the packed podcast today. We bring on 2 people from the community to discuss their recent, and past, and experiences with Tyr. 

We bring on Matthew (@soil_shaman) a homesteader from Montana, to discuss life living off the grid. And how that has effected his personal heathen practices. He also runs his own YouTube: Eihwaz Initiations

With the fundraisers huge success on Wednesday we wanted to reflect and dream on what is to come in this amazing community. 

Parker thought he was just coming to pick up some gifts, but instead I roped him into the podcast! Parker (@sonofthevanir) is a hard man to pin down as he spends most of his time in the forest, often honoring the Vanir gods. In this episode we discuss with him his experience in working with Freyr, and we also explore the complexities of the Aesir and Vanir relationship! 

We bring on Kaodin (@planty_pagan) to discuss her job working for the military, where she is actively seeking to improve representation of pagan individuals who are currently in the US Military. We tackle a lot of subjects in this video including beards, mjolnirs, altars, and other religious accommodations for active duty service members!

We return to our three topics: Ian is obsessed with red deer, Caleb is finding joy in the laughter of his children, and Jacob is navigating the pagan community in Scotland.  Learn more about the community:  https://www.northerntraditions.org/

Graphics provided by Valhyr: www.valhyr.com 

In this episode we discuss what things we wish we knew before starting this path. The most popular video on the Wisdom of Odin Youtube is "5 Things I wish I knew before becoming a Norse Pagan" so Jacob also gives his updated list of things after making that video more than 10 months ago. 

In preparation for the Fall gathering, all 4 co-host round table a discussion about their expectations going into it. We bring on Andrew, a member of our community that will also be attending his first gathering. In this casual conversation we discuss expectations, as well as fears going into such a new experience for Ian, Shird, and Andrew. As well as previous experiences from Jacob and Baker. 

In this episode we bring on Daina @theshadowmoonwitch and The Shadowmoon Witch on YouTube, to discuss her personal practice. With years of knowledge and experience we explore many topics from her personal practices, to ancestor worship, lunar cycles, divination, and so much more! 

In this episode we talk about the modern obsession with DNA test, and ancestor websites and how they relate to paganism. We also talk about our own experiences discovering our ancestors and how we honor them today. 

We decided to have an interest talk today on whether or not heathenry is becoming too soft in this modern age. Has our fear of scrutiny, judgement, and harassment made us too scared to practice our faith more honestly? Check into this episode to hear our conversation on this very question.  Link to The Fellowship of Northern Traditions Website: https://www.northerntraditions.org

After 34 episodes we finally let Ian off the chain and talk about his lady love, Hel. An often misunderstood Goddess whom we will all one day surely meet. We discuss both Ian's personal experience with her, as well as what research remains of her in the Prose and Poetic Edda's.

Today we bring on 30 year Navy Seal Veteran, Jason Gardner, to discuss his career in the military. We also discuss what he has been up to since his retirement, and raising a daughter with the warrior mindset. 

We bring on Mary (@valkyrieofwyrd) and Logan (@druid_of_freyja) to discuss the creation of personal and public rituals. All co-host are present so this makes this is our biggest podcast yet with 6 people! We all share our personal experiences solo practitioners, as well as our experiences from gatherings preforming for multiple people! 

Last year we recorded an episode called "The Wolf, The Raven, and The Bear: The Many Pathways of Odin." This episode is a follow-up showing how much our lives can change in a year, and what lessons we learn along the way no matter what path you take. 

Our three topics today include Jacob finally telling his mother about his job and religion. Caleb dealing with two children, working, and getting little sleep all while still trying to maintain his spirituality. And then Ian talking about different kinds of sacred (legal) plants.  Here are the stores Ian mentions in the episode:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/1067425519/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/BodhiExtracts

We bring on Blade aka Babuska (@norseways99) to discuss his experiences with trance and mediation work. We then dive into our personal practices using trance and mediation as a way to clear our minds, and connect to the Gods on a deeper level. As noted within the podcast all of us are still learning and practicing these skills, so we are not experts. However we hope this gives you a place to start your journey into these disciplines to help develop into a higher understanding of yourself

In this episode we discuss how wandering can make a huge impact on your life. That even small trips can make a huge difference in how you can see the world. As always this episode is filled with moments of hilarity and deep thoughts on the modern world we live in, through the pagan lens. 

In one of the most unique episodes we have had, we dig through the stories buried in Heimskringla. Sharing some truly bizarre and magical tales that include a kingly visit from Odin, Spirits of Iceland, and a Yule Dolphin! 

In this casual episode the co-host Jacob (@thewisdomofodin), Ian (@desert_pagan), and Shird (@bigshirdks) sit down to discuss viking/pagan representation within modern media. With Assassin Creed Valhalla's recent release many more people will become interested in the old gods. However the story of Viking history in media goes long before now. Join us as we discuss this topic and have a few good laughs! 

After our short break, we return with an episode on the differences between spirits. Specifically we are talking about North American spirits vs European, but we also discuss how different environments can effect spirituality.  If you want Ian to grow back the stache, then sign this petition. 1000 signs and he does it! https://www.change.org/p/ian-horn-bring-back-the-stache?recruiter=1163137036&recruited_by_id=f17125b0-22a3-11eb-b935-5f15eb00fea0&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard

We bring back on James to discuss the new movie, The Northman, and make our cases for why every norse pagan should go and see this movie. This is a spoiler review, and meant to continue on the review already posted to the Wisdom of Odin YouTube. 

Our topics today include drinking culture in paganism, and around the world. How fitness can connect you in different ways with the faith. And daily routines that can help you maintain your faith when life gets busy. 

In the last 10 years interest in Northern Spiritualities has skyrocketed, In this episode we discuss the growing interest in the old ways. While also looking at some of the reasons we believe that this growing interest is happening right now. 

This episode will be available for video on The Wisdom of Odin YouTube. If you want to see our poorly lit zoom faces, head over to YouTube to see the faces behind the podcast! 

Ian, myself, and Shird discuss the world tree Yggdrasil by pulling in the theories and thoughts of those within the Discord community. This episode is less about the mythology, and more about the modern interpretations of what the world tree means to us today. Grab a cup of coffee, and maybe a tin-foil hat for this wild, yet sciencey episode.