Odinism: The Religion of Our Germanic Ancestors In the Modern World Paperback – April 7, 2011

This book is not your usual generic ramblings of lore written by a pseudo intellectual ego masturbator. It isn't an introductory to Odinism guide either but would still be quite useful to a curious tire kicking future Odinist. The Author does not try to indoctrinate you with his bias and even disclaims that there are things many would not agree with.Mr. Kaldenberg also approaches a subject which is highly controversial in the Odinist Community:Shamanism as it pertains to Germanic practices. He does not delve deeply into the subject but does hint at it possibly being explored more in another book.The Author also gives a good perspective on how Odinists should deal with monotheists. That is something never approached before and of great importance. Instead of containing his thoughts only, he has many contributions from fellow Odinists/Heathens as well. Making it for a well rounded sociological study rather than just opinion.I liked the chapter on Odinism and Separate realities. It uses a bit of quantum and shamanic theory to help the reader conceive why some people are restricted in their spiritual abilities.I also thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on Giordano Bruno. It illustrates how some people can be living as Odinists and never claim it as a religion. There is also a very detailed ritual explained which really shows you how much of a serious practitioner Mr. Kaldenberg really is.It has loads of good prayers to reference. It even explains how women have been paramount in preserving heritage over the centuries. There is a grand section of oaths and tenets every Odinist should live by.Wyatt Kaldenberg takes readers into discussion as if you are at a table with him. He isn't only informing and discussing. He is helping us find our way as Heathens and Odinists in this world. Extremely good read.

The author is very opinionated, and acknowledges that many will not agree with him. He includes opinions from other Odinists that vary considerably. He has gems of brilliance, and areas where I really thought he was an idiot.Which means, this is a great book for those interested in the subject. The author assumes that the seeker is able to think for him or herself, and respects them enough to share his own and others perspectives, even when they are contradictory. Each reader is responsible for assessing what is in this book, and deciding which aspects of the book apply to them, or dont. Or even those that inspire thought.In other words, if you are looking for the One Book on Odinism with all the answers, this is not it. If you are looking for a sincere, often offensive, sometimes thought provoking view of the subject that makes no claims of objective truth and no apologies for his views, yet transmits the spirit of the pursuit - that one must think for themselves - then you might enjoy this book as much as I have.

The worst thing about this book is the sweeping generalizations and the way the author consistently lumps us all into one camp. There has been some consistent viewpoints across his books that may not tickle the fancy of the common Odinist. There are however some really good things in this book. I would never question his knowledge on the subject of Odinism and how we should treat it in the modern day. However, there are some ideas that will make you want to turn away. I hate to say that because there are so many things this man has to say that are completely worth hearing. If you're an Odinist who wants to read something from the view of a fellow Odinist, pick this book up. If you're not an Odinist, don't buy this book.

This is a great book for anyone looking to live Odinism or heathenry and really shows the faith from different views. I was skeptical about first getting it, as I consider myself Asatru, but Mr. Kaldenberg writes in such an inspirational way that any folkish heathen would be glad to have this in their collection. I particularly liked chapter 4, titled "Why Odin Is King of Our Gods", and the way he relates various gods and their importance to the people of particular times, as well as the weapons and tools that were so important to them. It gave me a whole new outlook on Tyr! The prayers and blottir are truly inspirational. This is one of those books that won't collect dust on a shelf, as you will find yourself returning to it again and again.

A book of the authors opinions, some good, some interesting and not really bad. In my opinion, not his best work. For my tastes, not Fundamental enough. If you want Fundamental Odinsism without the political discourse, buy Dr. Casper Odinson Crowell's books.

This is definitely a book by a guy who's a hardcore Odinist (Loki bad, outsiders bad) and if you're not into that kind of paganism, this is not the book for you. That being said, there was a lot of good information in there - it's just there's a lot of instances where it got a little preachy and got awkward, since I don't hold a lot of the strict beliefs that this particular Odinist holds, being more open-minded myself.

Wyatt is a great writer and his philosophies that he shares with the reader are vibrant and to the point. Even if you don't see eye to eye with everything he said, he still manages to get his point across in a way you can understand.A very thought provoking book!

I could not agree more with the other commentors. This is a very great read, it well informs. It lets the reader learn and choose how to use this information unlike others I've read that tell you how it is and thats how it has to be. Great for first-timers wanting to learn or one who has been in it for awhile and would just like to broaden they're information with great opinions. Will keep you interested through out and never a dry chapter. Highly recommended.

Wyatt puts over his views here in an interesting and thought provoking way.We may not all agree with all his opinions here, but as he argues in this book, Heathenisms tolerance of different ideas and views among its followers is its strength.I look forward to Wyatts next work.

Thought provoking and easy read