Seidr is NOT Norse Shamanism

Words matter. While some people do not feel the need to use words or titles or descriptors to define their spiritual journey, those of who do, do so with intention and reason. As a Seidkona, I wear this title with the respect and understanding that it deserves. It is an ancient tradition that not everyone is drawn to because it is not for everyone.

Though, I see this come up time and time and time again people calling Seidr “Norse Shamanism” and they are not in any way shape or form the same thing.

So let’s talk about it.

What is Seidr? It is Northern European Mystery tradition of the Seertress. A tradition of weaving energy for different intentions and purpose. We have our own words, techniques and practices that make us unique than other mystery traditions that work with energy and looking into the unknown. It is more akin to witchcraft because it is a practice and that uses a certain set of skills.

Shamanism on the other hand is new-age spiritual word that has changed a lot in recent years. It is a very new word that did not exist before the 1600s. And let me be the first to say that language is allowed, and should, evolve and change with time. So with al of that in mind the best description of what Shamanism is, is the cumulative understanding of early humanity’s expression of spirituality. It is a new-age term to generalize a lot of history to get an idea of how humans as a whole do spirituality. And this definition is in no way meant to diminish Shamanism, in fact, for most who use the term Shaman, it’s broadness and openness is what calls them to that practice.

The only problem lies when people use the term “Shamanism” to overly simply and generalize traditions that do have rich history and practices. While technically one could call Shintoism “Japanese Shamanism” to do so would really diminish the tradition that is Shintoism. Now someone is allowed to called themselves a “Japanese Shaman” that uses techniques used in Shintoism, but their practice exists outside of Shintoism. It is it’s own thing and they are not one and the same. And to add a flavor to one’s Shamanic practice is in their right to do so. But again, it exists outside of the tradition it is drawing inspiration from. It does not predate or precede the tradition because Shamanism still is a New-Age concept and idea.

Same with Seidr. It is NOT Norse Shamanism for all of the same reasons and more. Seidr has a rich tradition and practices that are unique to it’s self. Now, Norse Shamanism is a beautiful practice, but it is it’s own thing unto itself. It reminds me a lot of those who call themselves “Norse Wiccan.” It is its own practice and I am happy for those who have found that that practice calls to them. It’s just not Seidr.

Those that do practice Seidr do a lot more than just Seidr and they are allowed to do so, but it’s about understanding where that line is drawn. I am a Seidkona who also practices Shaktism and Yoga and a little Taoism and Shintoism and more. But I understand that those are their own traditions that are separate from Seidr. And when I bring them to my own practice that it becomes my own Seidr practice that is unique to me and myself. But I recognize that Kabala, while it has similarities to Yggdrasil, it is not the same. Angels and demons are not in Seidr. I could go on and on.

Many New-Agers can get really stuck in that space of trying to connect the dots and see how everything is connected that they often muddy all of the colors together or worse, white wash it all away. Colors are meant to be celebrated and we can admire how different colors are complimentary and match and are beautiful together. So too with different traditions.

Again, whatever words and titles that call to you, do so for a reason, I really do believe in that divine calling. But in your search, be mindful of how those words can affect others as well. Norse Shamanism is a beautiful practice that has changed and empowered so many lives and I am so happy for those who have found that calling. Just know that it is different and unique to Seidr, they are not one and the same. And also own and understand the history of the words and titles that you use. Shamanism does not predate other traditions. It is a very New-Age idea that has a lot of beautiful practices but it is still a very new tradition.

Thanks for reading!