I am often asked about the pros and cons or even the legitimacy of blood magic in modern pagan practices. I am not qualified to speak directly about any practice other than that of the Norse Heathen and Asatru. I myself use rituals that involve my own blood very sparingly. I understand that there is historical precedence for this practice during the viking age and before. But, I want to make it abundantly clear that the act was about connections and the essence of human creation, it would have nothing to do with the ordeal of self inflicted harm. The acts of cutting and bloodletting for the sake of self harm is a psychological condition, destructive, self limiting and holds no power or magic. The magic is in the practice of sharing our most sacred commodity with the divine for special access. Sharing our psychological dysfunction for the sake of attention welcomes all manner of nefarious entities into our life and practice, rather that is goal or not.
This article is for informational use only and the author does not endorse the use of blood magic.
As the Vikings believed in the interconnectedness of all things, blood was considered a powerful substance with potent magical properties. The use of blood in rituals was widespread in Viking culture, and its various applications in magical practice have been documented in several sources.
"Then Vestein bared his arm and cut it across, and Gunnar did likewise. Then they both took hold of the hilt of their swords and smeared the blood on the hilt, and mixed it with water in a wooden bowl. Then they swore oaths of fidelity and brotherhood, and said that they would share the same fate, whether it be good or ill." (Gisli saga, Chapter 5)
Another example of blood magic in Viking culture was the use of blood sacrifices. Blood was seen as a valuable offering to the gods, and sacrifices were often made before battles or other important events. The Hervarar saga describes such a ritual:
"Then he called for the sacrifice, and all the people brought their offerings to the altar. The blood of horses, cattle, and men flowed freely, and the smoke of the sacrifice rose up to the sky." (Hervarar saga, Chapter 8)
Blood was also used in divination practices. Seers would use blood to create runes or other symbols, which would then be interpreted for guidance or advice. The Hávamál, a collection of Old Norse poems, references this practice:
"I know that I hung on a windy tree
nine long nights,
wounded with a spear, dedicated to Odin,
myself to myself,
on that tree of which no man knows
from where its roots run.
No bread did they give me nor a drink from a horn,
downwards I peered;
I took up the runes, screaming I took them,
then I fell back from there." (Hávamál, Stanza 138)
While blood magic was an integral part of Viking culture, it was not without its risks. The use of blood could be dangerous, as it could attract unwanted attention from malevolent spirits or deities. Additionally, the misuse of blood magic could result in negative consequences for the practitioner.
Blood magic was an important aspect of Viking culture, and its use in rituals and practices was widespread. From blood brotherhood oaths to blood sacrifices and divination, blood was seen as a potent magical substance with many uses. However, practitioners of blood magic were also aware of its risks and understood the need for caution and respect when working with such powerful forces.
The use of blood magic in modern Asatru practice is a subject of much debate and controversy. Some practitioners believe that blood offerings or rituals can be a powerful way to connect with the gods and ancestors and that it can be a valid part of a spiritual practice. Others view it as an unnecessary or even harmful practice that has no place in modern religious expression.
Those who support blood offerings and rituals argue that it is a way to offer something of great personal value to the gods, and that the act of giving blood can create a deep sense of connection and devotion. This connection is not only with the gods, but also with our ancestors who's blood is flowing in our very veins. They also point to historical examples of blood rituals in Norse mythology and literature, such as the blood oath between Odin and Loki, vaguely referenced in the Lokasenna, and the blood-brotherhood rituals practiced by Viking warriors, such is demonstrated in Gisli's Saga..
On the other hand, opponents of blood magic argue that it is a dangerous and unnecessary practice that can lead to physical harm or spiritual danger. They point out that blood offerings were often associated with human sacrifice in ancient times, and that even today there are some extremist groups who use blood rituals as part of their violent practices. Some groups also use blood as a consecration tool for objects such as Mjolnir amulets and ritual tools. While this is not entirely UPG, it does relate back to the time when all major rituals spilled the blood of sacrifices, both animal and human.
The most prominent blood magic ritual in Norse mythology is the sacrifice to the gods, known as Blót. Blót was a significant event, usually performed at the beginning of the winter or summer solstice, to honor the gods and secure their blessings. The sacrifice could be an animal or a human, depending on the occasion and the importance of the ritual. The blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on the altar or the participants, and the meat was cooked and shared as a communal feast. Today, our sacrifices are mostly of home brewed alcoholic beverage and thus, would be the "blood" of our sacrifice, which is used to the same effect.
Another important blood magic ritual in Norse mythology is the use of runes. Runes were believed to be a source of magical power, and their symbols were often carved into objects or inscribed onto pieces of wood or stone. Blood was used to activate the runes, either by painting them with blood or pricking the user's finger and allowing the blood to flow onto the rune. An example of this is written in the Saga of Egil Skallagrimsson, where he scratched runes on an ale horn and reddened them. He then uttered a chant and the horn burst open, revealing that the drink had been poisoned.
Blood magic was a significant part of Viking Age culture and religion. Blood was used in various rituals and practices to connect with the gods, ancestors, and spirits, and to gain power and protection. The use of blood in magic and ritual was seen as a sacred and potent practice that could bring about significant changes in the physical and spiritual world.
In modern Asatru, and Norse Heathenry practice, many groups and individuals choose to avoid blood magic altogether, instead focusing on other forms of worship and devotion. Others may choose to incorporate some elements of blood magic into their practice, but do so with caution and care, taking steps to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.
Ultimately, the decision to incorporate blood magic into one's own pagan practice is a personal one, and each individual must weigh the potential risks and benefits for themselves. It is important to approach any form of spiritual practice with respect and caution, and to seek guidance and support from experienced practitioners or trusted mentors when needed.
If you are considering the possibility of making a blood sacrifice using your own blood, I would ask you to consider visiting your local blood bank and donating blood there instead. Certainly the potential to save a life has more power and influence with our gods than simply spilling your lifeforce on the ground. That is a great modern solution to a historic magical tradition. You might even get a cookie and some juice, Bonus!
þórr viki
References:
Gisli saga. Translated by George Webbe Dasent. London: J.M. Dent & Sons, 1896.
Egil's Saga. The sagas of Icelanders. Lifur Eiriksson Publishing LTD.1997
Hervarar saga. Translated by N.Kershaw. Viking Society for Northern Research, 2007.
Hávamál. Translated by Carolyne Larrington. Oxford University Press, 2014.
Crawford, Jackson. "Blood Magic in Norse Mythology." The Nordic Anthology: Myths and Legends from the Viking Age. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015.
DuBois, Thomas A. Nordic Religions in the Viking Age. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1999.
Gundarsson, Kveldulf. Teutonic Religion: Folk Beliefs and Practices of the Northern Tradition. Llewellyn Publications, 1993.
Paxson, Diana L. Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism. Citadel Press, 2006.
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