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The Way of Wyrd: Tales of an Anglo-Saxon Sorcerer
Sent on a mission deep into the forests of pagan Anglo-Saxon England, Wat Brand, a Christian scribe, suddenly finds his vision of the world turned upside down. The familiar English countryside is not what it seems: threatening spirits, birds of omen and plants of power lurk in this landscape of fallen terrors and mysterious forces. With Wulf, a sorcerer and mystic, as his guide, Brand is instructed in the magical lore of plants, runes, fate and the life force until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his own soul.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 1983
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
December 30, 2015
This book changed my life...for the better...made me look at the world in an entirely different way.
I also liked how it is a novel based on or inspired by a true story.
The novel is set in 6th Century England when the pagans still controlled the land. It's based on a real manuscript found that was written by a monk from that era.
Basically, the plot is a young German monk arrives in England to attempt to convert the "heathens" to Christianity, but ends up being surprised by the sophistication of the old Pagan religion...And in the story the monk learns that these people believe in something called the Wyrd (a word that the 60s generation recaptured with the usage of "weird"). However, the original meaning of the word Wyrd meant something different...Vivid descriptions of some kind of invisible fabric or spiders web-like substance that connects everything and every being in the entire universe...
I also liked how it is a novel based on or inspired by a true story.
The novel is set in 6th Century England when the pagans still controlled the land. It's based on a real manuscript found that was written by a monk from that era.
Basically, the plot is a young German monk arrives in England to attempt to convert the "heathens" to Christianity, but ends up being surprised by the sophistication of the old Pagan religion...And in the story the monk learns that these people believe in something called the Wyrd (a word that the 60s generation recaptured with the usage of "weird"). However, the original meaning of the word Wyrd meant something different...Vivid descriptions of some kind of invisible fabric or spiders web-like substance that connects everything and every being in the entire universe...
May 26, 2017
While reading other materials for a class on Shamanism was more informational and gave me a good idea of Shamanism, this book gave me a true and potent picture. This book is written as fiction, but researched impeccably by the author, Brian Bates, an anthropologist and professor of shamanic consciousness at the University of Brighton in the UK. His reason for writing this fact-based story as fiction was to make it more accessible to the average reader. This was genius.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this reading blew me away. There were times I had to stop reading and remind myself to breathe. It's messages and meaning were not only powerful and clear, they resonated strongly within me.
Wyrd is both constant change itself, and it is what creates change. Wyrd is not only infinite, it is infinity. It is consistent and constant, but constantly changing. Wyrd is created at every instant, so wyrd is the happening. If all of the universe is a giant web of fibers, shimmering with power, you may start at any point on the web and find that you are at the center. Wyrd is all of it.
The forces of wyrd are like the winds and tides for a fisherman. If they are known, the sailor can trim his sails to adapt to them. He can be in harmony with the forces and use their power.
"As I told you, the greatest mistake we can make is to become attached to our shield-skin and to treat it as something we wish to preserve forever. Trying to preserve the shield-skin merely dams up the flow of life-force."
I've been studying the world's religions intensely for nine months. No reading has brought me to a closer understanding of the connections of the Universe than this book.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this reading blew me away. There were times I had to stop reading and remind myself to breathe. It's messages and meaning were not only powerful and clear, they resonated strongly within me.
Wyrd is both constant change itself, and it is what creates change. Wyrd is not only infinite, it is infinity. It is consistent and constant, but constantly changing. Wyrd is created at every instant, so wyrd is the happening. If all of the universe is a giant web of fibers, shimmering with power, you may start at any point on the web and find that you are at the center. Wyrd is all of it.
The forces of wyrd are like the winds and tides for a fisherman. If they are known, the sailor can trim his sails to adapt to them. He can be in harmony with the forces and use their power.
"As I told you, the greatest mistake we can make is to become attached to our shield-skin and to treat it as something we wish to preserve forever. Trying to preserve the shield-skin merely dams up the flow of life-force."
I've been studying the world's religions intensely for nine months. No reading has brought me to a closer understanding of the connections of the Universe than this book.
May 3, 2014
Set in the pre- Christian times of Great Britain when England was divided into
many small kingdoms , a monk from the Christian kingdom of Mercia is sent to
learn the pagan ways of a neighboring kingdom. The purpose is to bring them over
to Christianity .
Eappa , the head monk of the monastery sends him on this frightful mission. A
guide has been arranged for this hapless monk and what follows is the adventure
of a life time.
Brand, the protagonist arrives in a neighboring kingdom via ship to experience a
lonely shore beset by rainy weather . He spends a couple nights alone and one of
those nights he is presented with a nightmare of wild horses and dogs going on a
hunt. He hurts his ankle trying to hide . Later on he links up with Wulf, an
Anglo -Saxon sorcerer.
Sorcerers are both respected and feared. Brand and Wulf go on a series of small
adventures. Mostly healings of sick villagers and animals.
Later on as they enter the forest Brand is hunted by spirits who haunt him and
snatch his soul to the underworld. What follows is a gathering of plants, spirit
allies and an adventure into the spirit world . Brand is being watched and
chosen.
Bryan Bates is a scholar of Norse paganism. One gets a good view into the
animistic world of the Anglo-Saxons. Yet I detected many native American
influences in the work. Could be parallels or borrowing as he has worked with
Native American spiritualist and the books are listed in the bibliography.
Brand despite what he sees is always in doubt as to what is real and what is
not. In the end it becomes clear that what he is experiencing is real and true.
Mention of the gods is slight .
For a more thorough view of Saxon spirituality one should read the authors other
works.
many small kingdoms , a monk from the Christian kingdom of Mercia is sent to
learn the pagan ways of a neighboring kingdom. The purpose is to bring them over
to Christianity .
Eappa , the head monk of the monastery sends him on this frightful mission. A
guide has been arranged for this hapless monk and what follows is the adventure
of a life time.
Brand, the protagonist arrives in a neighboring kingdom via ship to experience a
lonely shore beset by rainy weather . He spends a couple nights alone and one of
those nights he is presented with a nightmare of wild horses and dogs going on a
hunt. He hurts his ankle trying to hide . Later on he links up with Wulf, an
Anglo -Saxon sorcerer.
Sorcerers are both respected and feared. Brand and Wulf go on a series of small
adventures. Mostly healings of sick villagers and animals.
Later on as they enter the forest Brand is hunted by spirits who haunt him and
snatch his soul to the underworld. What follows is a gathering of plants, spirit
allies and an adventure into the spirit world . Brand is being watched and
chosen.
Bryan Bates is a scholar of Norse paganism. One gets a good view into the
animistic world of the Anglo-Saxons. Yet I detected many native American
influences in the work. Could be parallels or borrowing as he has worked with
Native American spiritualist and the books are listed in the bibliography.
Brand despite what he sees is always in doubt as to what is real and what is
not. In the end it becomes clear that what he is experiencing is real and true.
Mention of the gods is slight .
For a more thorough view of Saxon spirituality one should read the authors other
works.
Read
April 7, 2024The Way of Wyrd is the compelling story of an Anglo-Saxon sorcerer, and his apprentice. The apprentice is a monk and scribe from the Christian kingdom of Mercia sent on a mission to learn the pagan ways of a neighboring kingdom, with the intent of eventually converting the pagan population to Christianity. The novel is, however, according to the author, not strictly a work of fiction. The the mission, historical settings, sequence of events, details of the teachings, the character of the Wulf, the sorcerer, are reconstructed from research evidence. A copious bibliography of sources is provided at the end of the book for those wishing more information.
The author came upon a thousand-year-old manuscript from the Anglo-Saxon period, preserved in the British Museum. It is a collection of magical/medicinal remedies probably recorded by Christian monks in the tenth century, but reflecting a tradition several hundred years earlier. Instead of the usual translations of classical texts from Greek, this particular manuscript records the medical practice of pagan practitioners operating within the indigenous Anglo-Saxon culture. Brian Bates used this manuscript as a focus to research the world in which the Anglo-Saxon sorcerer lived and worked, which ultimately led into areas such as the history of medicine, comparative mythology, archaeology, folklore, Old English literature, the social history of the 'Dark Ages', various theories of psychological development, altered states of consciousness and spiritual disciplines. Bates chose to present his research in the form of a documentary novel in which each event and detail of the Anglo-Saxon mystic teachings is reconstructed from the Anglo-Saxon evidence. This book documents the teachings of an Anglo-Saxon sorcerer, spirit-diviner and mystic who practiced his art in Southern England in the 600s. His views of life and death, psychological and paranormal powers, omens and journeys into the spirit-world are chronicled by an apprentice who was the direct recipient of his knowledge. Bates wrote this book in an attempt to recreate and make accessible this particular path to "psychological and spiritual liberation; a way of being in the world that challenges our very notions of body, mind and spirit".
I found the portrayal of the apprentice's journey in learning about a different faith, a different mindset and a different way of life compelling. They manner in which Wyrd was explained often resulted in eloquently and descriptively written passages. The sorcerer, Wulf, came across as a sort of friendly and helpful trickster character. On the other hand, the apprentice Wat Brand, a sheltered Christian monastic scribe, tended to be a nervous, snivelling and fearful specimen that didn't seem at all suited to a mission in pagan lands infested with "demons". Watching him gain confidence and grow as a person was very satisfying.
The novel as a whole is written unevenly, with occasionally clunky dialogue, but sections that are beautifully written. I loved the concept of the book - it was entertaining and educational at the same time and makes me want to go do some research on various topics - but the actual story could have used some fleshing out and smoother writing skills.
PS: I have absolutely no idea how to rate this book, so I'm not.
The author came upon a thousand-year-old manuscript from the Anglo-Saxon period, preserved in the British Museum. It is a collection of magical/medicinal remedies probably recorded by Christian monks in the tenth century, but reflecting a tradition several hundred years earlier. Instead of the usual translations of classical texts from Greek, this particular manuscript records the medical practice of pagan practitioners operating within the indigenous Anglo-Saxon culture. Brian Bates used this manuscript as a focus to research the world in which the Anglo-Saxon sorcerer lived and worked, which ultimately led into areas such as the history of medicine, comparative mythology, archaeology, folklore, Old English literature, the social history of the 'Dark Ages', various theories of psychological development, altered states of consciousness and spiritual disciplines. Bates chose to present his research in the form of a documentary novel in which each event and detail of the Anglo-Saxon mystic teachings is reconstructed from the Anglo-Saxon evidence. This book documents the teachings of an Anglo-Saxon sorcerer, spirit-diviner and mystic who practiced his art in Southern England in the 600s. His views of life and death, psychological and paranormal powers, omens and journeys into the spirit-world are chronicled by an apprentice who was the direct recipient of his knowledge. Bates wrote this book in an attempt to recreate and make accessible this particular path to "psychological and spiritual liberation; a way of being in the world that challenges our very notions of body, mind and spirit".
I found the portrayal of the apprentice's journey in learning about a different faith, a different mindset and a different way of life compelling. They manner in which Wyrd was explained often resulted in eloquently and descriptively written passages. The sorcerer, Wulf, came across as a sort of friendly and helpful trickster character. On the other hand, the apprentice Wat Brand, a sheltered Christian monastic scribe, tended to be a nervous, snivelling and fearful specimen that didn't seem at all suited to a mission in pagan lands infested with "demons". Watching him gain confidence and grow as a person was very satisfying.
The novel as a whole is written unevenly, with occasionally clunky dialogue, but sections that are beautifully written. I loved the concept of the book - it was entertaining and educational at the same time and makes me want to go do some research on various topics - but the actual story could have used some fleshing out and smoother writing skills.
PS: I have absolutely no idea how to rate this book, so I'm not.
September 17, 2015
I first discovered this book through one of my favourite albums of all time - Dreamweaver by Sabbat - which quite simply pure poetry with racous guitars and drums. The album is based on this book telling the story of Wat Brands' quest to discover the secrets of Saxon beliefs.
Naturally the book covers a lot more detail than the album and that extra richness adds a lot to the story. This is a fascinating journey, not only of very different faiths, but also differences in mindsets. The exploration of the less familiar Saxon faith is portrayed in a vivid style, colouring the world with its viewpoint.
As interesting as the journey is, it's the style of writing that elevates it into an excellent read. Although the one slight downside is also evident here. Generally speaking the quality of the writing is superb, with some exquisite turn of phrase that really draws you into the wonders and terrors the young monk faces. It is a bit uneven though, in patches the prose is simply workmanlike, although that does provide an accent to the pacing of the story.
It's a hard book to place in any particular genre, it's a spiritual journey, yet also a historical record. In many ways it also reads like a fantasy tale, albeit one based within a genuine belief structure. in some ways its also a horror tale with some very dark moments. I like a book that doesn't settle easily into standard definitions and the imagination and emotion of this story is something I'd recommend to anyone.
Naturally the book covers a lot more detail than the album and that extra richness adds a lot to the story. This is a fascinating journey, not only of very different faiths, but also differences in mindsets. The exploration of the less familiar Saxon faith is portrayed in a vivid style, colouring the world with its viewpoint.
As interesting as the journey is, it's the style of writing that elevates it into an excellent read. Although the one slight downside is also evident here. Generally speaking the quality of the writing is superb, with some exquisite turn of phrase that really draws you into the wonders and terrors the young monk faces. It is a bit uneven though, in patches the prose is simply workmanlike, although that does provide an accent to the pacing of the story.
It's a hard book to place in any particular genre, it's a spiritual journey, yet also a historical record. In many ways it also reads like a fantasy tale, albeit one based within a genuine belief structure. in some ways its also a horror tale with some very dark moments. I like a book that doesn't settle easily into standard definitions and the imagination and emotion of this story is something I'd recommend to anyone.
October 10, 2012
Not sure what to make of this. Obviously, I've come across the concept of wyrd before, since I spent a good chunk of my degree fangirling over Anglo-Saxon poetry, but Brian Bates proposes a whole shamanic faith and a way of interacting with the world that, frankly, I didn't find convincing. Obviously I've really only encountered the Anglo-Saxon world through a Christian viewpoint, as only Christians kept records like that, but this just didn't ring true to me. Knowing that it was meant to be neither entirely fiction nor entirely fact, I couldn't get on with it as either one.
Perhaps it's the fact that I don't connect back to Anglo-Saxon ideas very well anyway. The blurbs on the back talk about an "overly Keltically obsessed British mindset", which makes me grit my teeth to begin with. Historically, the British are the 'Celts'... And for me, there isn't an Anglo-Saxon 'side of my psyche'; I'm Welsh and Irish (and Romani, apparently), and if there's any Saxon blood in there, it's quite drowned out.
Hm, apparently this got my hackles up more than expected. I just can't quite see the appeal.
Perhaps it's the fact that I don't connect back to Anglo-Saxon ideas very well anyway. The blurbs on the back talk about an "overly Keltically obsessed British mindset", which makes me grit my teeth to begin with. Historically, the British are the 'Celts'... And for me, there isn't an Anglo-Saxon 'side of my psyche'; I'm Welsh and Irish (and Romani, apparently), and if there's any Saxon blood in there, it's quite drowned out.
Hm, apparently this got my hackles up more than expected. I just can't quite see the appeal.
May 7, 2009
In places, I found this a hard slog as his narrative doesn't flow as easily or evoke images as well as a natural writer's might. However the material he had at the centre of his book is fascinating and I loved many of the descriptions of the Wyrd and the spirituality of the pagans. You come away with an understanding of the way of Wyrd but it leaves you hungry for more. Perhaps this is its aim. My copy, published by Hay House, was rife with typos and grammatical errors and this was distracting.
September 24, 2008
This is a wonderful fictional account of a young Christian scribe, Wat Brand, who is sent on a mission to record details of the pagan society in England. He is met by a guide, Wulf, who leads him on his journey ... Wat's life is about to be turned upside down on the web of wyrd.
Brian Bates explores the ways of Anglo-Saxon magic through the fictional characters of Wat and Wulf. A well told story with some amazingly researched information amongst the weave.
This is one book that will be kept on my shelves to be re-read at intervals.
Brian Bates explores the ways of Anglo-Saxon magic through the fictional characters of Wat and Wulf. A well told story with some amazingly researched information amongst the weave.
This is one book that will be kept on my shelves to be re-read at intervals.
January 22, 2012
Conceptually interesting bit I suspect there's a lot more "speculative synthesis" with shamanic techniques from other cultures than the author owns up. And it's worrying that an academic still thinks the witch hunts of antiquity were all about oppressing the "old religion" (try heresy, the outsider, politics, greed, individual malice - the list goes on and on. And don't forget that identical criteria and accusations were made by pagan Rome against Christians and Christians against Jews).
As a novel it's irritating at times, unexpectedly enthralling at others.
And yet I've given it three stars?!?
The thing is, it does give a genuine flavour of what life and religion might have been like for a pagan Saxon in the sixth or seventh century. As an evocation it works, even if one suspects that there's more Jung than archaeology in the activities of Wulf.
For those interested in this area, approach with caution and a pinch of salt but do approach.
As a novel it's irritating at times, unexpectedly enthralling at others.
And yet I've given it three stars?!?
The thing is, it does give a genuine flavour of what life and religion might have been like for a pagan Saxon in the sixth or seventh century. As an evocation it works, even if one suspects that there's more Jung than archaeology in the activities of Wulf.
For those interested in this area, approach with caution and a pinch of salt but do approach.
February 7, 2017
I'm torn. I really wanted to like this book and the underlying concept - a monk who encounters Anglo-Saxon shamanism and learns to be a sorcerer - is so cool. However, the prose is cringeworthy; there are at least 1-3 adverbs per sentence, everyone "apparently" does things, and the narrator never stops trembling and being sick. I think this novel was also the author's excuse to dump all his research into a story. Pretty sure every piece of the narrator's dialogue was a question beginning with "But Wulf..." so the author could spew information for a few paragraphs. It was weirdly compelling but I think it's because I'm interested in the subject matter, so someone looking for an entertaining piece of medieval fiction, look not here.
August 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. My nutshell summary would be an Anglo-Saxon version of the Teachings of Don Juan only not made up.
I recognized elements of yoga and Taoism in the events of this book. I believe it's because all of the above derive from a common source if you go back far enough.
I recognized elements of yoga and Taoism in the events of this book. I believe it's because all of the above derive from a common source if you go back far enough.
February 11, 2013
This is one book that has immensely and profoundly changed my life. I read this sometime back in high school after getting into a metal album whose lyrics are a beautiful poem that pretty much follows the story line of this book. This was one of those life changing books that alter your perception of the world around you a la Tales of Power or the Tao. Keep going back to it again and again and every time pull something new out of it. Great Book
March 6, 2012
Originally published on my blog here in June 1998.
This book arose from an academic look at "shamanism" in pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxony England. Bates looks at this culture through the eyes of an outsider, Wat Brand, a priest sent to learn how the shamans work so that the church can combat them as they move into the area (I think) now covered by the New Forest. He receives an education in the way of the Wyrd (the principle governing the pagan world-view) from the shaman Wulf.
It's an interesting education, forcing Brand to question many of the assumptions of his own world-view. He is a convincing medieval Christian, which is more than many historical novelists seem to be able to manage.
The problems with the book lie with the world-view of the author. Wulf is given all the advantages; throughout his is assumed to be the correct, insightful way to live a life. Bates is clearly sympathetic to the shamanic and antipathetic to Christianity; and the introduction of many elements from different shamanic cultures means that Wulf is putting forward a strongly New Age perspective. (A quick glance at the bibliography will show just how wide these borrowings are; they are principally North American and Asian, and some of them come from studies on the use of drugs in ritual which I believe have since been discredited.) The author deserves some credit for making the pagan culture more vicious than the standard wishy-washy New Age rubbish, but he certainly doesn't give the church a fair deal.
This book arose from an academic look at "shamanism" in pre-Christian, Anglo-Saxony England. Bates looks at this culture through the eyes of an outsider, Wat Brand, a priest sent to learn how the shamans work so that the church can combat them as they move into the area (I think) now covered by the New Forest. He receives an education in the way of the Wyrd (the principle governing the pagan world-view) from the shaman Wulf.
It's an interesting education, forcing Brand to question many of the assumptions of his own world-view. He is a convincing medieval Christian, which is more than many historical novelists seem to be able to manage.
The problems with the book lie with the world-view of the author. Wulf is given all the advantages; throughout his is assumed to be the correct, insightful way to live a life. Bates is clearly sympathetic to the shamanic and antipathetic to Christianity; and the introduction of many elements from different shamanic cultures means that Wulf is putting forward a strongly New Age perspective. (A quick glance at the bibliography will show just how wide these borrowings are; they are principally North American and Asian, and some of them come from studies on the use of drugs in ritual which I believe have since been discredited.) The author deserves some credit for making the pagan culture more vicious than the standard wishy-washy New Age rubbish, but he certainly doesn't give the church a fair deal.
March 10, 2018
Lively writing despite info dumps, excellent job handling the anglo-saxon "medical" poetry--Bates did a great job with the poetry himself. If the book suffers it's because it came out during the time when everyone was relying on the Eliade/Castaneda view of shamanism and unfortunately doesn't imagine the anglo-saxon world as terribly different from that universalist view. We're offered a view into a lost world, but only one that brings us in line with animism as it may (or may not, now that Castaneda and Eliade have fallen) have been practiced by our own ancestors. If it seems alien it's because we're digging beneath the foundations overlaid by the Church. It's not alien to anything else we might find, anthropologically, around the world, except in minor details. I wasn't even exactly sure how different from Celtic worldviews it was, given the Three Sisters and the Hunt.
Nevertheless, I was happy to be in this world, and plan to read everything else Bates has written. At least his sorcerers exist in order to heal, rather than to go off on hero's journeys for the sake of power.
Nevertheless, I was happy to be in this world, and plan to read everything else Bates has written. At least his sorcerers exist in order to heal, rather than to go off on hero's journeys for the sake of power.
February 28, 2013
Wow!! This book totally rocked my world! The story is so engaging and the philosophies imparted in such a natural beautiful delivery within the story that I found myself contemplating deep thoughts while being thoroughly entertained. I've never read a book ending in a bibliography that I didn't like and this one holds true to that theme.
This was a very slow read for me. Partially due to being sick for the past several days but mostly because there was so much to absorb that was complex and thought provoking. I would reach a saturation point and need to let everything settle before drinking in more. I can't wait to read this again a couple months from now with a fresh but familiar perspective.
What a delicious and deeply satisfying read.
This was a very slow read for me. Partially due to being sick for the past several days but mostly because there was so much to absorb that was complex and thought provoking. I would reach a saturation point and need to let everything settle before drinking in more. I can't wait to read this again a couple months from now with a fresh but familiar perspective.
What a delicious and deeply satisfying read.
December 14, 2009
Brilliant!I've read this book three times now, and every time I find something to open my mind further - I can not recommend this book high enough. If you like historical novels, or just simply enjoy voyages into the hidden depths of the human condition, beyond conventional 'spirituality' and into the heart of existence then this book delivers. Outstanding.
December 29, 2011
The Way of Wyrd is like time travelling back into an ancient era. Loved every page of it.
November 5, 2023
I had forgotten what a lovely book this was. It gets dismissed unfairly I think in Heathen circles, but there is actually quite a bit of wisdom here.
May 19, 2014
I was led to this book because it is a documentary novel offering a backstory to one of the few remaining Anglos-Saxon books. I am glad that I found it. If you have any interest in the pagan religion that existed in the UK before Christianity made an appearance, this is a novel that you would appreciate.
February 17, 2024
this is the most shamanic, mystical book i have ever read - and i have read a LOT. i was captivated just reading the first page, and every new page changed me from the inside. what an incredible journey into the mysticism of our world - a glimpse into the magic that surrounds us in our everyday existence that we are utterly blind to. this has been my favourite book of 2024 so far, a journey into souls and through the spirit world.
“you see life as if you were viewing a room by the light of a single moving candle. this is the fallacy of the ordinary person's view of life, for everything is always connected. earth is one room, lit by a thousand candles.”
“the Universe existed before the gods and will exist after them. yet it lasts only for an instant, because it is the constant creation of the forces. the Universe is constant change, like the seasons, yet because it is created at every instant, it is unchanging, like the still centre of a whirlpool. all we can see are the ripples dancing on top of the water.”
“the threads of fate are a dimension of ourselves that we cannot grasp with words. we spin webs of words, yet meaning slips through like the wind. the secrets do not lie in our words, but are locked in the soul. we can only discern the shadows of reality with our words, whereas our souls are capable of encountering the realities of the cosmos directly.”
“the pattern of life is not woven ahead of time, like cloth to be worn later as a tunic. rather, life is woven at the very instant you live it.”
“you see life as if you were viewing a room by the light of a single moving candle. this is the fallacy of the ordinary person's view of life, for everything is always connected. earth is one room, lit by a thousand candles.”
“the Universe existed before the gods and will exist after them. yet it lasts only for an instant, because it is the constant creation of the forces. the Universe is constant change, like the seasons, yet because it is created at every instant, it is unchanging, like the still centre of a whirlpool. all we can see are the ripples dancing on top of the water.”
“the threads of fate are a dimension of ourselves that we cannot grasp with words. we spin webs of words, yet meaning slips through like the wind. the secrets do not lie in our words, but are locked in the soul. we can only discern the shadows of reality with our words, whereas our souls are capable of encountering the realities of the cosmos directly.”
“the pattern of life is not woven ahead of time, like cloth to be worn later as a tunic. rather, life is woven at the very instant you live it.”
June 1, 2023
There is an attempt to sit somewhere in between fiction and non-fiction, to unveil some deeper secret to life and act as a metaphysical guide a la the alchemist or something by Hesse. I think where it fails is to wear this label on its sleeve. It’s a fine story - sometimes thought provoking - and well researched, but it’s bookended by a forward and bibliography that are conveniently placed to remind you that “actually this is all very wise”. Unfortunately, it just loses all of its bite by the afterword, and by the time you see the exhaustive list of research in the bibliography you wish you could have read one of those books and come to your own conclusions.
October 31, 2020
I read this book 35+ years ago. I loved it. It's fiction presented as based on historical fact. Who knows. It felt true though.
March 11, 2014
The book The Way of Wyrd is a fictional story of a Christian Monk who is sent to learn the ways of the Anglo-Saxon pagans. The story is rich and entertaining. The author worked hard to research and present the information in a way that was informative and entertaining. By working the true beliefs of the Anglo-Saxon sorcerers into this work of fiction the author has brought back the use of stories to transmit knowledge and information.
The book is actually in two parts. The first part focuses on the early aspects of the Monk's training. Here the monk is very skeptical of all the powers the sorcerer claims to work with and hold. While he works hard to learn all he can learn, Brand (the name of the monk) never really believes the ways of the people or that the powers are real.
In this part of the book the author introduces the basic beliefs of the people. The story actually opens with Brand working with Wulf (the sorcerer) at a healing ceremony banishing an evil spirit. This powerful start to the book illustrates a few of the key practices and beliefs that Brand is exposed to as he begins the training. This ceremony is set after he has completed his journey so we see here that Brand has much to learn and yet he was open to them.
In this first part of the book Brand is highly skeptical of the beliefs and practices. There are some that even scare him. Though he is fascinated with the tales of the Gods and of the spirits he does not appreciate their real value aside from primitive beliefs and practices.
The first powerful ritual that Brand is exposed to is an example of his difficulty in attempting to switch worldviews to learn the beliefs and practices. Here Brand is taught about gathering power from plants and how to properly gather the plant and give it an offering.
Other powerful rituals are experienced in this section. Here the author also goes into reading the omens of nature such as the flight pattern of birds and the way fish swim. The largest concept of Germanic paganism introduced here is the concept of Wyrd and knowing how to read and work with Wyrd.
The final experience in this section of the book Brand has is watching Wulf heal an elf shot horse. When Brand declares the process a fraud Wulf knows then that he must make Brand experience these forces or the mission to learn their ways will be a failure. The experience at the farm and Brand's declaration of being a fraud.
In the second part of the book Brand is forced to encounter the shamanic aspects of Germanic paganism. Here we learn about spirit flight, how our spirits can be stolen, and how to work a soul retrieval in the practices of the Anglo-Saxon sorcerers.
The authors use of the narrative story teaches several elements of Germanic paganism. There are tales of the Gods taught, beliefs about plant lore explored, beliefs of the soul, and much more. The book provides through the story a basic concept and outline of many main beliefs found in Germanic Paganism as well as in Traditional Witchcraft, Amglo-Saxon shamanism, and much more. This book was well researched and written allowing a student to learn concepts in a way that non-fiction books may not be able to portray them.
The book is actually in two parts. The first part focuses on the early aspects of the Monk's training. Here the monk is very skeptical of all the powers the sorcerer claims to work with and hold. While he works hard to learn all he can learn, Brand (the name of the monk) never really believes the ways of the people or that the powers are real.
In this part of the book the author introduces the basic beliefs of the people. The story actually opens with Brand working with Wulf (the sorcerer) at a healing ceremony banishing an evil spirit. This powerful start to the book illustrates a few of the key practices and beliefs that Brand is exposed to as he begins the training. This ceremony is set after he has completed his journey so we see here that Brand has much to learn and yet he was open to them.
In this first part of the book Brand is highly skeptical of the beliefs and practices. There are some that even scare him. Though he is fascinated with the tales of the Gods and of the spirits he does not appreciate their real value aside from primitive beliefs and practices.
The first powerful ritual that Brand is exposed to is an example of his difficulty in attempting to switch worldviews to learn the beliefs and practices. Here Brand is taught about gathering power from plants and how to properly gather the plant and give it an offering.
Other powerful rituals are experienced in this section. Here the author also goes into reading the omens of nature such as the flight pattern of birds and the way fish swim. The largest concept of Germanic paganism introduced here is the concept of Wyrd and knowing how to read and work with Wyrd.
The final experience in this section of the book Brand has is watching Wulf heal an elf shot horse. When Brand declares the process a fraud Wulf knows then that he must make Brand experience these forces or the mission to learn their ways will be a failure. The experience at the farm and Brand's declaration of being a fraud.
In the second part of the book Brand is forced to encounter the shamanic aspects of Germanic paganism. Here we learn about spirit flight, how our spirits can be stolen, and how to work a soul retrieval in the practices of the Anglo-Saxon sorcerers.
The authors use of the narrative story teaches several elements of Germanic paganism. There are tales of the Gods taught, beliefs about plant lore explored, beliefs of the soul, and much more. The book provides through the story a basic concept and outline of many main beliefs found in Germanic Paganism as well as in Traditional Witchcraft, Amglo-Saxon shamanism, and much more. This book was well researched and written allowing a student to learn concepts in a way that non-fiction books may not be able to portray them.
July 9, 2015
Although I didn't want this to hinder my experience I found this novel to be slow to start and found myself distracted quite a bit, however in saying that, the parts I did focus on were really interesting.
I found the concept behind this, being fiction based on factual events of a kind, really interesting and made for a very creative and unique plot.
In terms of characters, we only really encounter Wat and Wulf and although Wulf was a toughy to figure out I think I ended up liking him, whilst Wat, on the other hand, grated on me a bit because of his whinny sounding questions. (Random, but at times, with the way things were going, I was so sure there was gonna be a cheeky kiss between the two... Maybe I'm some what disappointed... :p ). I also felt like they came out with some super wise comments that really made me think in terms of my existence in the world.
I didn't feel like the religion and spiritual aspects of this book was as heavy or overwhelming as I had expected, which I am greatful for.
I found that this novel had a lot of intervals that consited of sudden bursts of action. It kind of made me laugh because the characters would be talking seriously one moment and then all of sudden, out of seemingly nowhere, and ton of shit is happening. I've decided this is a bad point as I couldn't take a lot of these scenes seriously.
I also found some circumstances where events that happened didn't necessarily do anything for the plot and was a little pointless.
As I was coming to the end, I was anxious that this would not have enough room to end properly and would be forced into hunting down a sequel, however it obviously did end properly and in a mostly satisfying way... It's still rather open, yet still feels like a tidy stand-alone.
The themes explored in the novel of faith, friendship, self discovery and learning were all powerful and brought it together, however the story fell flat slightly for me as I did not manage to grasp a lot of things, most likely because I was drifting in and out of a constant daze.
Overall, it was a good book.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! ^.^
I found the concept behind this, being fiction based on factual events of a kind, really interesting and made for a very creative and unique plot.
In terms of characters, we only really encounter Wat and Wulf and although Wulf was a toughy to figure out I think I ended up liking him, whilst Wat, on the other hand, grated on me a bit because of his whinny sounding questions. (Random, but at times, with the way things were going, I was so sure there was gonna be a cheeky kiss between the two... Maybe I'm some what disappointed... :p ). I also felt like they came out with some super wise comments that really made me think in terms of my existence in the world.
I didn't feel like the religion and spiritual aspects of this book was as heavy or overwhelming as I had expected, which I am greatful for.
I found that this novel had a lot of intervals that consited of sudden bursts of action. It kind of made me laugh because the characters would be talking seriously one moment and then all of sudden, out of seemingly nowhere, and ton of shit is happening. I've decided this is a bad point as I couldn't take a lot of these scenes seriously.
I also found some circumstances where events that happened didn't necessarily do anything for the plot and was a little pointless.
As I was coming to the end, I was anxious that this would not have enough room to end properly and would be forced into hunting down a sequel, however it obviously did end properly and in a mostly satisfying way... It's still rather open, yet still feels like a tidy stand-alone.
The themes explored in the novel of faith, friendship, self discovery and learning were all powerful and brought it together, however the story fell flat slightly for me as I did not manage to grasp a lot of things, most likely because I was drifting in and out of a constant daze.
Overall, it was a good book.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! ^.^
February 26, 2017
I loved the ending of this book and some of the ideas around Wyrd, but there were also many eye-roll moments. The writing is pretty over-done, sometimes confusing, and often repetitive (I felt like I was reading this book for way longer than I wanted to our was necessary). Also, this book is touted as being a glimpse into AngloSaxon paganism but reads like what one would expect of a sensationalized, medieval Christian version of "ancient island primitive religion". I'm sure the manuscript Bates based it on is real but that doesn't mean it's an accurate reflection of Anglo Saxon pagan practices. It just means it might be an accurate reflection of what a medieval Christian monk wrote about pagan practices. Hardly a trustworthy source! It's not that I don't believe that Anglo Saxon pagan practices weren't more shamanistic. I'm sure they were. It's just that I don't believe that Medieval Christian are a reliable source for what these practices looked like and meant since they, like many historical sources were written hundreds of years later and through a very particular lens with a very particular agenda.
January 16, 2014
I have mixed feelings about this book. Although only 200 short pages long it seemed to take me forever to get through it. Although written as a story it is an interpretation of a number of historic documents which catalogue the skills and services of sorcerers of the Anglo-Saxon era before Christianity truly tightened its grip on Western Europe.
As an explanation of those documents it's quite reasonable; as a story it's slow, sluggish and dull.
The story is about a junior missionary who is sent out to learn the ways of the locals in order to evaluate the potential difficulties in converting them to Christianity. His encounter with the sorcerer leads to a series of events which are explained away as being tied together by the threads of Wyrd. Unfortunately many of the events of this book are merely a farce in my opinion. And while it represents how easily the peasants could be convinced that someone has great powers if they put on a good show it doesn't make for a very good story.
As an explanation of those documents it's quite reasonable; as a story it's slow, sluggish and dull.
The story is about a junior missionary who is sent out to learn the ways of the locals in order to evaluate the potential difficulties in converting them to Christianity. His encounter with the sorcerer leads to a series of events which are explained away as being tied together by the threads of Wyrd. Unfortunately many of the events of this book are merely a farce in my opinion. And while it represents how easily the peasants could be convinced that someone has great powers if they put on a good show it doesn't make for a very good story.
October 29, 2012
Super book. well written. Messages on multiple levels... Almost my favorite book of all time!
Finally reprinted this is a true classic. At one time, this book used might sell for $500! Sent on a mission deep into the forests of pagan Anglo-Saxon England, Wat Brand, a Christian scribe, suddenly finds his vision of the world turned upside down. The familiar English countryside is not what it seems: threatening spirits, birds of omen and plants of power lurk in this landscape of fallen terrors and mysterious forces. With Wulf, a sorcerer and mystic, as his guide, Brand is instructed in the magical lore of plants, runes, fate and the life force until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his own soul. I can truly recommend this book.
Read more: http://asterothsdomain.com/?p=165#ixz...
Finally reprinted this is a true classic. At one time, this book used might sell for $500! Sent on a mission deep into the forests of pagan Anglo-Saxon England, Wat Brand, a Christian scribe, suddenly finds his vision of the world turned upside down. The familiar English countryside is not what it seems: threatening spirits, birds of omen and plants of power lurk in this landscape of fallen terrors and mysterious forces. With Wulf, a sorcerer and mystic, as his guide, Brand is instructed in the magical lore of plants, runes, fate and the life force until finally he journeys to the spirit world on a quest to encounter the true nature of his own soul. I can truly recommend this book.
Read more: http://asterothsdomain.com/?p=165#ixz...
July 10, 2016
To me this book was like finding home. I have been a pagan for a long time, but for the first time I found someone describing what is very close indeed to how I have always found the world. My five-star rating is very personal and I do not expect everyone to find this book as usefull as I did, but to me it was a comfort, finally showing me that I am at least not alone in my views on at least some things.
I think the thing you really have to get used to is that it is written as a personal account from the perspective of an early monk. Most neopagans, magicians and wizzards are not used to reading books written this way. But look beyond the mere words and you will certainly find that the Germanic traditions has something to add to Europes vibrant pagan past, pressent and future.
I think the thing you really have to get used to is that it is written as a personal account from the perspective of an early monk. Most neopagans, magicians and wizzards are not used to reading books written this way. But look beyond the mere words and you will certainly find that the Germanic traditions has something to add to Europes vibrant pagan past, pressent and future.
December 27, 2019
Having a slight obsession with all things Pagan/Celtic/pre-Christian this was a perfect read for me! Exploring the pagan beliefs of Anglo-Saxon England, Bates takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the lore of runes, fate, life force, wyrd and the ideas of the soul. Seen through the eyes of a Christian missionary this provides an interesting point of balance and an opportunity for showing the similarities and differences in faith of this period. A compelling story about the search for spiritual meaning and the power of belief.
April 16, 2013
It's been a long time since I've been genuinely startled by a book. I found myself reading wide-eyed, my inner OMG firing. There is a lot of wonder and humor here-- I expected something wooden and maybe corny, given the premise is primarily historial anthropology and theoretical conjecture. But Wulf will remain in my mind as one of the most vivid characters of any fiction I've read. I can still hear his voice. The ending is bittersweet, given the fate of pagan mystic traditions-- not just on this island but all over the world.
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