Asyniur: Women's Mysteries in the Northern Tradition [Paperback]

Sheena McGrath (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1997

Unlike other titles in this area, this book looks at all aspects of women's lives, their magic and their religion in the Northern Tradition. Topics covered include the nature of women's activities from the 'traditional' position of housewife to those of scald and warrior, the role of female figures in creation and Ragnarok myths, a comprehensive coverage of Northern Tradition Goddesses, rituals specific to women, runes and the female power of foreseeing events, Seidr - the combination of witchcraft and shamanism, its connections with Freya as well as the connections between her, fertility magic and Seidr itself.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Capall Bann Pub (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861630042
• ISBN-13: 978-1861630049
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,412,000 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Useful for focussing on a little-known topic, May 25, 2009

By 

Elizabeth A. Root (Laurel, MD USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Asyniur: Women's Mysteries in the Northern Tradition (Paperback)

McGrath attempts to assemble all the information about Norse goddesses from the admittedly limited sources, basing her work on an impressive list of scholarly works. In addition, she discusses the lives and status of Norse women. The book could do with some editting: it is sometimes a little disorganized and repetitive, but the paucity of information on this precise topic should make it of interest to those with an interest in Norse mythology and its present-day revival.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your time or your money, January 3, 2008

By 

Danny Harbison "Asatru Teacher" (Carbon Hill, Alabama USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Asyniur: Women's Mysteries in the Northern Tradition (Paperback)

This book is a waste of money and time. I entirely regret the money I paid for this book and wish I could have the hour back that it took me to read it.

One should realize it is fluffy-bunny-make-it-up-as-you-go-along when the author quotes Diana Paxton's names for Freyja's cats. Of course anyone quoting Diana Paxton should be considered academically challenged.

The author completely misses the role of women in the Nordic society, nor does she have any idea of the role the Freyja played. Her idea of Freyja being sent as a hostage of war to the Aesir to be Odin's Bride is completely without merit. Furthermore it shows no understanding whatsoever of the role the Vanadis played to the ancient peoples of Northern Europe.

This is basically, someone with a little knowledge of the lore trying to make it jibe with modern Wiccan movement. If you want to find something on women's roles in the Nordic society look elsewhere, you won't find it here.

Danny