Gifts of the Wyrd

Norsevember: Setting Sail! I found out about a fun adventure called Norsevember which was first held over the month of November in 2020.  It returns this year for another run and has some interesting and fun topics to explore.  Tune in for a fun chat with Alex from Spells and Spaceships Blog to learn why he created Norsevember and what's in store for week 1: Setting Sail.    The following two epis...

Wild Soul Runes author Lara Veleda Vesta joins me to talk about a favorite subject - RUNES.  It's been a while since we had a rune discussion and this is a treat.   Lara's book encourages us to engage with the runes as entities, through ancestral work, and to listen when they get "bossy."  Wild Soul Runes by Lara Veleda Vesta, published by Weiser Books . available from Weiser, online retailers, an...

I created an oracle deck and Ancestral Tarot author, Nancy Hendrickson, joins me this episode to talk about it.   We talk about the inspiration for the deck, the artwork, and the connection to the magic of the Christmas season.  UPDATE: August 5, 2021. The Kickstarter did not fund. However, I have obtained funding to still have the decks created.  Order details will be posted soon and decks should...

In this episode we get to visit the Vikingverse with creator and author Ian Stuart Sharpe.  The Jötunn War is a series set in an alternate universe where events go into a different direction and the Norse/Germanic religion's are dominant in the world today.   “In the Vikingverse, the Norse rule the stars with restless fleets and an iron will. But when the thralls rebel, turning to the artifice of...

Joining me on this episode is a lively discussion about Frigg and her companions (aka Hand Maidens) with Rev. Maire Durkan. Maire is the author of Circle of Frith: A Devotion to Frigg and Her Handmaidens.  Maire talks about getting to know Frigg and her "Cabinet" or Board of Directors which includes: Saga, Eir, Gefjun, Fulla, Sjofn, Lofn, Var, Vor, Syn, Hlin, Snotra, and Gna. We have a lively disc...

For many, there is a hesitancy, resistance, or disconnect with how to work with the spirits (vaettir) of urban/city settings. How do you get to know these entities with glass, concrete, asphalt, and steel?  Just as with the spirits in forest and rural settings, they exist and we can develop relationships with them.  Joining me to talk about urban paganism and city spirits is Paul Mecurio, a New Yo...

‘Viking’ and ‘Muslim’ are two words that are rarely, if ever, positively associated in the public discourse. However, the upcoming anthology Althingi: The Crescent and the Northern Star explores the fascinating connections between Vikings and Muslims at the height of the Viking Age (~920 A.D.). Joining me this episode to discuss this project are Muhammad Ahmed (A Mosque Among the Stars, Islamicate...

Drop in with my guest Patricia Lafayllve to chat about Freyja.  We talk about meeting her, are Freya and Frig the same Goddess, magic, Gullveig, twinsies, and more.   Patricia is the author of Freyja, Lady Vanadis and A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru (available through your local bookstore, Lewellyn direct, or online seller).  To learn more about Patricia and listen to another very cool podca...

Welcome to the fifth anniversary of Gifts of the Wyrd! a Wyrdiversary!  Thank you for supporting and listening to this podcast. It's a lot of fun to do and we get to interact with some interesting projects, topics, and people.    Also: A review of the Runes for Modern Life rune deck by Camilla Perkins and Theresa Cheung from Laurence King Publishers .   The deck is available from online sellers. C...

  Bat Collazo joins me to discuss the release on April 1st of Blood Unbound: A Loki Devotional by The Troth publications.  Blood Unbound is a collaboration of poetry, rituals, stories, plays, art, and comics submitted by many contributors and edited by Bat.  We talk about why the book is important today, how it came into being, and about Loki himself.  Bat and Luke Babb were on the podcast last ye...

Nancy "Sage Shadow" Hendrickson joins me for this episode to talk about connecting to the ancestors, tarot, and her new book Ancestral Tarot from Weiser Books.  This is a practical book to help you connect to your ancestors using tarot, meditation, and intuition.  Available for order now with a March 2021 release.  Order from your local bookstore or online bookseller. Available in print, eBook, an...

Author Chris Allaun returns to the podcast to talk the Otherworld. With his latest book Otherworld: Ecstatic Witchcraft for the Spirits of the Land due on 1 December, Chris and I talk about the Otherworld, it's landscape, and the magical beings who reside there.  We also go off topic a few times to travel along a few Otherworldly rabbit trails.  Drop in and join the discussion with us. It's a long...

AWOOOOOOOOOO!!!  It's WOLFENOOT season! Joining me on this episode is the delightful Wolfmum Jax Goss to talk about the new holiday, Wolfenoot.   Wolfenoot was created by in 2018 by 7-year old Wolfkid who thought it would be great to have a holiday dedicated to being nice to animals and pets. So, he invented one and it has taken off around the world. This is the third anniversary of Wolfenoot whic...

The wait is over and the The Oracle of Freya - Journey of The Völva oracle card set is now available from creator Bela Siol.  To "kick" off the Kickstarter campaign, I interviewed deck creator Bela about her process. UPDATE: The project fully funded and you can contact Bela directly for copies. Bela is the creator of the Oracle of Nehalennia (episode 22) and the Transformational Oracle of the Morr...

 Listen in to a discussion with author Gunivortus Goos about his latest works to be translated into English (Germanic Magic) and updated (Goddess Holle).  Both books are lengthy volumes filled with fantastic history and ways to connect to a Germanic based practice of Heathenry/Asastru.   Germanic magic is a modern system developed from Germanic folk practices and relationships with the Elder Futha...

This episode I welcome Walter Freyrsson, author of the guidebook to The Wood and Bone and Path Unknown Gay Runic Oracle by St. Jinx. We get a interesting insight from Walter as he collaborated with St. Jinx during the creation of this beautiful deck expressing runic mysteries through celebrating gay identity.  This episode is released during Pride month, June 2020.  We remember the Stonewall riot...

Author, healer, and teacher Chris Allaun joins for an episode to chat about the otherworld, magick, Nordic Paganism and Witchcraft, and an assortiment of other topics in an open and fun discussion.  Chris is the author of the upcoming book is Otherworld: Ecstatic Withcraft for the Spirits of the Land ; and Underworld: Shamanism, Myth, and Magick,  Deeper Into The Underworld: Death, Ancestors, Magi...

Join Jan and guest, author and musician T.L. Merrybard.  Tina has written several books on a variety of subjects including how to write a first draft. The Norse World Tales series includes Land of Fire and Land of Giants with the adventures of SCA enactor Perry and his friends in other dimension worlds. Check out her other series': The Fjordrider Chronicles, the Galloping Plans, and "crap demon hu...

In April 2020, much of the world is practicing social distancing, staying at home (except for necessary errands/work), and finding alternative ways to hold ritual, socialize, and share experiences due to the worldwide pandemic.  Enter online video conferencing.  Video conferencing has increased in workplaces and as a venue for teaching and learning more than ever.  Among these cyber experiences is...

 In this Episode, Faith Food Family author Suzanne Hersey joins me to talk about creating sacred space in your kitchen and making food a magickal experience.   Faith Food Family is available at:  Iaconagraphy Press and  Barnes & Noble  . Independent book stores can carry it in-store by searching the ISBN at Ingram: 978-0-578-49439-5 Check out Suzanne's column, Hearth & Heart, in the  Official Heid...

Welcome to Gifts of the Wyrd, a podcast for and about inclusive Heathenry / Norse Germanic pagan paths.  In this episode, I celebrate the fourth anniversary of the podcast. It's been four years of speaking with interesting people doing interesting things to manifest and hold inclusive paths of the Norse/Germanic traditions.  A big thanks to you all for listening and supporting the people and works...

Welcome to Gifts of the Wyrd, a podcast for and about inclusive Heathenry.  This episode, my guests are Bat Collazo and Luke Babb to talk about - Loki and his family. Loki is a being of the Heathen/Norse practices who is often regarded as the trickster god not to be trusted, blamed for the end of of the world (Ragnarok), and should certainly not be honored or a part of any practice today.   In thi...

This episode I have the pleasure of talking about runes and ancestors with Lonnie Scott, host of Weird Web Radio. Lonnie is also a runester, the Illinois representative for The Troth , a tarot reader, hypnotist, and father. Lonnie's essay on ancestors is published in Elhaz Ablaze: A Compendium of Chaos Heathenry available on Amazon in print and ebook. During the rune talk, I mention my friend's or...

Jan speaks with Jeremy Baer about his new Thor devotional book entitled Hammer, Oak and Lightening: A Thor Devotional.  It is published by The Troth and is part of a series of devotional books to the Gods and Goddesses of Germanic Spirituality.  The book was released in early August 2019 and contains references to the stories of Thor, how he has been honored through different periods of time and p...

To discuss our attendance at Trothmoot 2019, I am join by The Wild Hunt columnist Luke Babb . Luke is an eclectic polytheist and a magical Jack of All Trades. They are the Herald of the Chicago Temple of the Fellowship of the Phoenix , where they help to design and offer education to the queer pagan community. They are also a proud member of The Troth. Check out Luke’s blog post about Trothmoot on...