Wayward Wanderer

The runes are one of the most visible expressions of modern Nordic spirituality. Join your host for a short introduction to what the runes are, their history, how they're used, and more! I am hitting the conference circuit this spring! Please contribute by donating whatever you can afford at my Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfi Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patr...

Welcome to the first of my fireside chats, special episodes where I talk about what's going on right now in the world, how we can stay hopeful in times of turmoil, and ways we can work to make things better.  I've unlocked this one because I'd like to share it with everyone and shine a light in dark times. I am teaching a class on the Younger Futhark, the runes of the Viking Age, this March! If yo...

This guided meditation helps the practitioner gain a better sense of awareness of their surroundings and relationship with the space they are currently in. All you need to do this meditation is a safe space where you can sit comfortably and not be disturbed. I am teaching a class on the Younger Futhark, the runes of the Viking Age, this March! If you are interested, sign up at this link . I am hit...

Law and justice are two institutions which are meant to address the role violence players violence within society. Join your host for a walk through how these questions were mediated by the Nordic peoples, why this is different from how we handle it today, what that suggests for modern practitioners, and more! Episode 45 - Violence I am teaching a class on the Younger Futhark, the runes of the Vik...

The concept of myth is central to many modern Pagan and Heathen forms of spirituality. Join your host for a discussion on what myth is, why it matters, and how it influences modern practice. Episode on Conspiracy Theory and Myth:https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-29-myth-and-conspiracy--57549804 Source for Jung's Collective Unconscious: https://iaap.org/jung-analytical-psychology/short-artic...

This modern myth takes us to the Atlantic in the Age of Sail where a certain red-bearded stranger inspires sailors to take charge of their destiny.   Tune in for the myth, stick around for the piracy! I'm hitting the conference circuit!  You can help get me out to Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maryland this spring by donating at this link: https://ko-fi.com/ryansmithwfi Want to hear the rest of th...

This guided meditation walks the listener through one of the core exercises in Fire & Ice spirituality which is used for helping practitioners reach a state of inner calm. All you need to do this meditation is a safe space where you can sit comfortably and not be disturbed. I'm hitting the conference circuit!  If you can help get me out to Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maryland this spring the...

If there's one thing that Nordic myth is known for, it is violence. Nordic groups are often depicted in pop culture and beyond as an inherently violent, warlike society. But how true was this and what does this mean for modern Heathens and Nordic spiritualists? Join your host for a deep dive into the violence of myth, saga, and history. How the Vikings Killed the Nordic Gods: https://www.spreaker....

The World Tree is the center of the Nordic cosmos. It brings together the human and the cosmic, connecting all things into one vast multiversal ecosystem. Join your host for a journey through what the World Tree is, what it represents, and why it matters in Nordic myth. Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patreon! You can also help out by scheduling a rune reading with Ry...

Hey everyone I hope you enjoy my first ever Patrons-only episode! This episode is the first of my modern myths, stories where I bring Nordic myth into the present and more recent past. I also, in the spirit of the Yuletide, am releasing this episode to the public while Patrons will enjoy a little early access and the ad-free experience. This modern myth is a story of the Wild Hunt, set in 1880s Ca...

One term most people who have spent time in Pagan spaces has probably heard is UPG or unverified personal gnosis. Tune in for a wander with your host through what this term means, why it is essential to the modern Pagan movement, and the best way to handle UPG. I'm hitting the conference circuit!  Find out more how you can help get me out to Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Maryland this spring at th...

Hey everyone I have some big announcements for the spring 2025 conference season.  I've been accepted to present at Paganicon in the Twin Cities, Sacred Spaces in Baltimore, and will be returning to the Harvard Divinity School this April!  I'm also going to need everyone's help to make all of that possible.  If you would like to help then please tune in, head on over to my Ko-fi and Patreon, consi...

Elizabeth Sandifer is an author, the creator of Eruditorum Press, and is a practicing Pagan. She currently writes Last War in Albion, a history of the magical war between Alan Moore and Grant Morrison. She used to write TARDIS Eruditorum, a history of Britain told through the lens of a ropey sci-fi series. She also wrote Neoreaction a Basilisk, writes comics, and presented the workshop "Heretical...

Divination is probably one of the most commonly used spiritual tools in the world.  Join your host for a discussion of why divination is worth doing, some key dos and don'ts while using it, and a short introduction into Heathen divination methods. Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patreon! You can also help out by scheduling a rune reading with Ryan! Laura Cohen's Prese...

Joining us today is author and podcaster Sif Brookes!  Sif is a reconstructionist Nordic Heathen writer and artist who is the Marketing Officer for the Committee of Asatru UK, the National LGBTQIA+ manager for the Pagan Federation, co-wrote and illustrated The Wyrd Less Woven, an Alternative Heathen Prayer Book with Dan Coultas, was a founding host of the Heathen Wyrdos podcast, is currently creat...

The US election has happened and fascism won at the ballot box.  It's time to get to work on what can best sustain the Pagan, Heathen, and Witch movements in the days ahead and help build a better world for all.  Join your host for a walk through what can be done and where we can go from here. Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patreon! You can also help out by schedulin...

How reality is made and functions is a central concept in every form of spirituality. Join your host for a journey into the intricate dance of creation and destruction that lies at the heart of Nordic myth! Want to support this podcast and my other work?  Check out my Patreon! You can also help out by scheduling a rune reading with Ryan!

Hey everyone I'd like to make some updates on what is coming from this podcast and let you all know about ways you can help support my work.  Please tune in to find out what's coming in 2025 for the Wayward Wanderer and more! Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/waywardwanderer Calendly: https://calendly.com/ryan-fireandice/reading-appointment Classes: www.onblackwings.com/classes

On October 31st, Ryan hosted a livestream and Q&A with Shane Burley, co-author of "Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism" and author of "Fascism Today: What it is and How to End It", on antisemitism today, antisemitism in the Pagan community, and how Pagan and Jewish communities can resist the conspiratorial Right and rising Christian Nationalism through unity and...

Election 2024 is only days away and the choices couldn't be more stark.  Join your host for a walkthrough of what is at stake, why we need to reinforce the sandbags holding back the fascist flood, and more! Project for a New American Century: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/9/10/decades-after-9-11-what-became-of-the-uss Project 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bTpbDL5dcg Project Esther:...

Hey everyone I'm holding a special live online Q&A with Shane Burley this Thursday, October 31st at 5PM PST! Join me, the author of "The Way of Fire & Ice" and "Spinning Wyrd", for a live Q&A with Shane Burley, co-author of "Safety Through Solidarity: A Radical Guide to Fighting Antisemitism" and author of "Fascism Today: What it is and How to End It", on antisemitism today, antisemiti...

Many core Pagan and Heathen practices are often described as supernatural, but is that really the right word for what we do?  Join your host for a dive into the origins of the concept of the supernatural, what it implies, and how we could move beyond its logic of separation and isolation. Click here to schedule a rune reading with Ryan!

Ancestor veneration is a major component of modern Heathen spirituality and many forms of Paganism.  Join your host for an exploration of veneration for the dead, the foundations of ancestor worship in modern Heathen practice, how to deal with awful ancestors, and more! Click here to schedule a rune reading with Ryan!

I am taking a break from the usual programming to talk about mutual aid, disaster relief, and disinformation in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. * Mutual Aid * It Could Happen Here * Mutual Aid Disaster Relief * Appalachian Medical Solidarity * Appalachian Regional Commission Hurricane Helene Resources * Is Chimney Rock Being Bulldozed?

It's Spooktober, so let's start the month off right with a little explainer about death, dying, and the dead in Heathenry!  Join Ryan for a journey into the why, how, and what of death, dying, and the afterlife in Heathenry.  Highlights of this episode include a short trip through the Heathen hereafters, attitudes towards life and death, and dispelling any notion that your afterlife is a reward or...