Icelandic Magic by Christopher Alan Smith
ICELANDIC MAGIC Aims, tools and techniques of the Icelandic sorcerers By Christopher Alan Smith In this unprecedented work, author Christopher A. Smith has meticulously studied no less than 6 original Icelandic manuscripts dating from 1500 to 1860 to extract a picture of the aims, tools and techniques of Icelandic sorcerers. Set against the context of the harsh economic, social and environmental conditions of this North Atlantic island, the book gives a detailed account of the types of spells that were used and the motivations behind them. Hundreds of items from the six books of magic have been analysed to present the reader with a clear idea of the methods that were used, including incantation, invocation of deities and use of the enigmatic magical staves (galdrastafir). Furthermore, the book goes into great detail concerning the physical tools used by magicians and the kinds of objects that might have been found in a sorcerer's 'toolbox'. The book is illustrated throughout with images from the original manuscripts. Although it is not intended by any means as a book of instruction, one chapter does focus on workings of certain types and gives suggestions for those brave enough to try them out. All in all, this work will be an indispensable item for anyone interested in the history of magic in general and of Icelandic magic in particular. 2015, 220 pages. Hardback with dust jacket, paperback & Kindle editions available. ISBN 978-1-905297-93-1 B&W 6.14 x 9.21 in or 234 x 156 mm (Royal 8vo) Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam ISBN 978-1-905297-92-4 B&W 6.14 x 9.21in or 234 x 156mm (Royal 8vo) Blue Digital Cloth™ Cover w/Jacket on Creme w/Gloss Lam
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements Introduction A note on orthography and pronunciation CHAPTER 1 - ICELANDIC MAGIC IN CONTEXT The environment and the economy Law and law enforcement Vernacular literacy Religion and attitudes to magic Conclusion CHAPTER 2 - THE BOOKS OF MAGIC CHAPTER 3 - PURPOSES AND PREOCCUPATIONS The question of ‘white’ and ‘black’ magic Apotropaic magic Farming, fishing and trade Friendship, favour and influence Crime and disputes Healing Love and seduction Divination Games and sports Luck and wishes Spells of purely malign intent Conclusions CHAPTER 4 - THE MAIN TECHNIQUES OF ICELANDIC MAGIC The primacy of the magical sign as a vehicle of the intent Appeals to supernatural entities Talismans The importance of incantation The methods of delivery Direct carving Bringing a prepared spell into direct contact with the target Ingestion Delivery by proximity Delivery from a distance Divination Ritual washing Conclusions CHAPTER 5 - THE TOOLS OF ICELANDIC MAGIC The carving instrument Fingers Knives, awls and scissors Pens, pencils and chalk Materials used for carving The carved surfaces Clear choices Wood Paper and parchment Metals Bones, human and animal Sea creatures Use of body fluids and excretions Herbs and vegetable preparations Conclusions CHAPTER 6 - TIME AND SPACE CHAPTER 7 - THE PERSISTENCE OF HEATHEN BELIEF CHAPTER 8 - RUNES, CIPHERS AND SECRECY CHAPTER 9 - SOME PROMINENT THEMES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS Ægishjálmur Kaupaloki – the bargain sealer ‘love’ spells Disputes and lawsuits Brýnslustafir – keeping sharp is good CHAPTER 10 - THE ISSUE OF COMPLEXITY CHAPTER 11 - CONCLUSIONS Who practised magic, and with what intentions? Techniques and tools – summary The construction of the staves – can any sense be made of this? Final conclusion: how are we to typify Icelandic magic? Works cited Suggestions for further reading Endnotes
About the Author
Christopher Alan Smith (b. 1954) has been a practising magician for all of his adult life. As a child, he was deeply drawn to tales of magic and mysticism and, at the age of 19, when a student at Sheffield University, he discovered his first books on practical magic. Following the initial fervour of graduating with an upper second in Political Theory and Institutions, he found himself faced with a philosophical crisis. Turning to occult philosophy for answers, he radically questioned everything that he had been taught to believe. In doing so, he found the old Gods of England. At first espousing Wicca (and founding a coven in North Yorkshire), he soon became drawn to the path of Woden, the one-eyed wanderer ever in search of knowledge, and the patron of sorcery. After many years of isolated searching and practice, Christopher joined the Rune Gild in 2006. He presented his Master- work and he was raised to the status of a Master of the Gild at Yule 2014. That Master-work formed the basis of his first book, “Icelandic Magic” (Avalonia, 2015).
Christopher now has many careers behind him. For the past twenty-four years, he has been a freelance translator, and continues to operate as such. He has travelled extensively, covering many countries from Iceland to South Africa, and from Turkey to Chile. However, he counts being a father as his greatest achievement, having co-created a wonderful son and a wonderful daughter. His experience as a father has, perhaps, shaped him more than anything else, and it may be why so many now refer to him as ‘Uncle Wednesday’.
