Customer Reviews

Germanic Heathenry: A Practical Guide

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

My take on Odinism (he calls it Irminism) is different than Coulters in a myriad of ways but I was very impressed with this book none the less. Coulter seems to base his beliefs mainly on what is known about the heathen continental Germanic tribes as opposed to the usual ideas that come from the lore and history of Scandinavia and to a lesser extent the British Isles.

One good thing Coulter does is he emphasizes the home, family, kin and doesn't really delve much into the warrior side of northern European heathenry. This is good because I think over emphasizing the warrior aspect tends to attract the nerdy role playing sca pretend warrior types who are into dressing up and playing Viking instead of spiritual people who are serious about discovering Odinism. I also found his take on the different types of wights and elves very interesting. There is loads more great stuff in this book, even Coulters own translation of the Havamal.This book would probably go over the beginner or person with only a casual interests head real fast but for the true Odinic seeker this book is essential reading.

So many books that claim to be about Germanic Heathenry barely touch the wellspring that is the German contribution to the Heathen world. This book more than addresses this issue!
Coulter manages to capture a perfect blend of language, ritual, and rationale in his paperback, rolling a HUGE body of lore into a rather simple book that captures the essence of what all these disparate elements over the centuries have been reaching toward without losing the simplicity that is the basic nature of our faith. Without bothering to even attempt to describe the complex history that is Germanic Heathenry, the writer goes straight for the proverbial `meat,' dealing with the spiritual concerns of modern practitioners.

No single volume can cover everything on such a complex topic, but Coulter has indeed succeeded in presenting an authoritative work that is richly detailed and full of useful information on Germanic Heathenry. This is a brilliant effort, and Coulter has clearly earned his place amoung the most respected of Heathen writers.

Coulter presents a thorough treatment on Germanic Heathenry from a particularly "continental" rather than Scandinavian perspective, proper. I couldn't disagree more with the idea that there is 'not much here'- the book is most extensive in its presentation, offering a wealth of information on the subject matter at hand.

This is a wonderfully detailed study of Germanic Heathenry, presented from a Germano-centric perspective, but quite relevant to more 'general' Germanic/Northern European practices overall. The author presents the information in an easy-to-follow and descriptive layout, while employing a real balance of necessary terminologies, using the good old familiar forms, as well as introducing more German-specific terms and names- (as it states on the back cover) 'from common renderings to Modern High German to Old High German, allowing for the greatest freedom in practice and form'.. and, it might be added, a clear understanding from any perspective- be it that of the novice or those well-versed in Heathenry!
A great book for anyone seeking to learn the root and practices of authentic Germanic Heathenry!

Reviewed by L.E. Camp. Coulter's work is masterful! Not only does it cover the EXTENDED essentials of "ALL things Germanic Heathen" that EVERY true Heathen of German descent craves, but it presents them in a readable fashion that everyone will be very comfortable with... HOWEVER, don't let that fool you into thinking that this book is a simple, watered-down work. This is a multi-layered gem...meaning that the author can present many things that may appear (at first glance) to "as they are written, so as they are..." Not the case here. Esoteric topics are presented in seemingly exoteric shells - making re-reading essential, especially for the esotericist. The work is a must for the serious. It isn't a censored mass-market monstrosity (like most) or a puerile attempt to court shock-troops for a 21st century "movement"... This is hardcore Germanic Heathenism at its ABSOLUTE BEST! Most highly recommended.

Coulter captures the rich essence of a real Germanic Heathenry in this work, giving those of Germanic descent a truly powerful religious path beyond just the Scandinavian. 'Germanic Heathenry' is rooted in the ways of our forebears, drawn from the deep Well of our culture. Authentic and powerful, I recommend it highly!

I have been involved in germanic heathenry for many years. Most of the good books on the subject are now out of print. Only a few basic books are left. Mr. Coulter has given us a worthy read here. Beyond the basic intro. or asatru 101. It is good for the person who is looking deeper into germanic heathen religion. Worth having on your bookshelf.

This is a book that will benefit both the person new to Heathenry and the old hands. I would place it on the same level or higher than Garman Lords "Way of the Heathen" & Chisholm's "True Hearth". Hjuka has managed to write a book that not only tells how to do things, but also goes into depth on some subjects as to the metaphysical workings of things. The notes alone are almost a book unto itself and will prove invaluable to any Heathen...

At a time when the Heathen Faith Community is coming more into its own, Coulter provides us with a classic which will work for many decades to come. Buy this book, read it and learn! Awesome!