I like Galina Krasskova's writing, so I personally would recommend "A Modern Guide to Heathenry" and "The Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner." I remember being disappointed by Diana Paxson's Essential Asatru because it didn't have any rituals in it (Krasskova is very focused on the religious aspects of Heathenry, so she gives plenty of information on how to get started with honoring the Gods). "We are Our Deeds" by Eric Wodening is an interesting meditation on Heathen ethics and well worth reading. The Troth's "Our Troth" has a lot of good information, but 1) it's a compilation of several authors so the essays vary in quality, some being rather dry, 2) it slants progressive politically, which may or may not be an issue, and 3) the most recent edition is a set of 3 thick volumes, therefore pricey. I got my copies by being very, very patient at Half Price Books. If you are drawn to a particular God or Goddess, look for devotionals to that deity. Some are available on Amazon or Lulu, others through small presses like Asphodel Press. Galina Krasskova also sells polytheist prayer cards on her Etsy shop "Wyrd Curiosities"; I found these very helpful, especially when honoring lesser-known deities.
I would also say, ignore anyone who tells you to "Just read the Eddas." The Eddas are our source for most of the myths so you will want to read them eventually, but honestly a beginner is better off with retellings, unless he or she already is a reader of medieval literature. There are lots of retellings, and it's not a bad idea to pick a few and compare information and tone (one that, for instance, treats Thor as a musclebound idiot will lead you astray in your relationship with the Thunderer, Who once tricked an evil dwarf into remaining aboveground until the sun turned him to stone). The Eddas also will not tell you anything about the contemporary practice of Heathenry, which is kind of important if you're going to be a contemporary Heathen.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
(no subject)
Date: 2025-01-13 06:05 pm (UTC)I would also say, ignore anyone who tells you to "Just read the Eddas." The Eddas are our source for most of the myths so you will want to read them eventually, but honestly a beginner is better off with retellings, unless he or she already is a reader of medieval literature. There are lots of retellings, and it's not a bad idea to pick a few and compare information and tone (one that, for instance, treats Thor as a musclebound idiot will lead you astray in your relationship with the Thunderer, Who once tricked an evil dwarf into remaining aboveground until the sun turned him to stone). The Eddas also will not tell you anything about the contemporary practice of Heathenry, which is kind of important if you're going to be a contemporary Heathen.
--Sister Crow