Icelandic Magic: Aims, tools and techniques of the Icelandic sorcerers

In this unprecedented work, the 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.

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 the present book, now followed by "Vegvisir" (Avalonia, 2022). 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 many now refer to him as 'Uncle Wednesday'.