It is now well-known that the Vikings set foot in the New World around the year 1000, when Leif Erikson and his family led several expeditions to areas around Newfoundland, which they called Vinland. However, the Vikings didn’t settle in the region, as the goods they were able to take back home weren’t worth the…
The Vikings began raiding the coastal regions of France at the end of the 8th century, at around the same time that they started raiding in England. Just as in England, the scale of their raids grew over time. Five thousand Vikings, under the leadership of a chief named Ragnar, sacked Paris in 845, and…
The Vikings started raiding England at the end of the 8th century and moved to invading and colonizing in the 9th and 10th centuries. By the early 11th century, there were even Viking kings of England. But not long after that, the Norman Conquest happened, and Viking influence largely disappeared from England. But what happened…
It is not uncommon for people to ask me why the Vikings, who were so active to the west in England and France, did not give the same attention to their German neighbors in the East. The short answer to that question is that they did, but it is not as well-documented as the English…
I was recently asked whether the Celts had a version of Valhalla. The simple answer is no, since Valhalla emerged from the old Germanic religion, and the Celtic religion had a different root. But they did have an idea of an Otherworld, where the divine and the dead meet. That is not unlike Valhalla, where…
Most histories of the Vikings concentrate on their activities in the west. This includes their raids on neighboring regions, such as England and France, their settlement of Iceland and Greenland, and their voyages to the New World around the year 1000. But now, archaeology is drawing increasing attention to Viking activity in the east, where…
Candle magic is one of the most popular forms of magic spells, especially for beginners. Spells utilize the power of the flame, representing the element of fire, which represents creative force, transformation, passion, and vitality. Fire is considered a powerful tool of both destruction and creation in various traditions. Among the Vikings, they believed that…
If you are fascinated by magic, witchcraft, and the occult, there are many fascinating museums around the world that dive deep into these topics, with genuine historical artifacts. From museums dedicated to ancient pagan magical practices to false modern witch trials, these are the ten best, must-see museums of witchcraft and Wicca from around the…
In an age of constant digital hum, demanding schedules, and an ever-accelerating pace, finding moments of peace and spiritual connection can feel impossible. Yet, for the modern witch whether you identify with a specific tradition or simply resonate with the idea of intentional living and connecting with the unseen these moments are not luxuries, but…
Fundamental to the practice of witchcraft is a Grimoire or Book of Shadows, as they are fundamental to preserving and transmitting magical knowledge. Discover the history of these enchanted books and get top tips for creating your own Book of Shadows as part of your magical journey. What Are Grimoires ? The History of Grimoires…