Whispers of the Elder Gods

Whispers of the Elder Gods; Norse Myths for the Modern Practitioner
Jennie Appel and Dirk Grosser
Hierophant Publishing
ISBN 978-1-950253-75-3
$23.99

In Whispers of the Elder Gods, Appel and Grosser do not simply retell Norse myths, or even simply explain the less obvious aspects of stories—they also connect them to modern pagan and magical practices. Ancient mythology is complex, compelling and, for modern practitioners, distant. Because these stories rely on cultural understanding no longer shared by modern people, the casual reader of the eddas and sagas can easily feel like something important is represented between the lines that they just can’t quite make out, or can’t quite incorporate into their mundane lives. Appel and Grosser offer a bridge across this temporal and cultural gap by illuminating the myths and their symbolism, and interpreting ancient themes for modern practitioners.

The authors’ own practice is shamanic in nature, and they apply this lens to unpacking myths and figures such as Heimdallr—whose heightened senses they understand as a form of shamanic perception—supporting the reader in connecting story to meaningful practice. They also offer guidance in the form of exercises, visualizations and rituals for the reader seeking to begin a Norse-based shamanic practice, or deepen an existing practice. They also include reflective questions to extend readers’ personal and spiritual development through the myths. 

In 272 pages, Whispers of the Elder Gods addresses Norse cosmology and creation myths, introduces the reader through story, explanation and analysis to both Vanir and Aesir gods, as well as the Norns, Mimir and related figures. It is highly readable and an essential guide for the reader seeking to connect personally with the evocative tales of pre-Christian Scandinavia.