These days, almost everyone is familiar with the 'rough guide' travel books that offer maps, advice and tips on the best places to visit when traveling abroad. In many ways you can consider this book in the same vein as these books, but rather than offering advice to backpackers and students on their gap year, this book offers advice for anyone interested in rediscovering and experiencing for themselves the majik, mystery and beauty of the ancestral Heathen traditions of Northern Europe, as expressed through Yggdrasill; the mighty world tree that stands at the very centre of all existence. Just like the rough guidebooks, 'Up And Down The Tree' is about being active, about getting out there, seeing the sights, experiencing things for yourself, making new contacts in new lands and returning home to draw your own conclusions for yourself. Each chapter will in turn introduce you to either a new world or a different aspect of Yggdrasil and the vibrant mythology, folklore and Majikal practices that are specific to that particular realm. Immersing yourself deep within the nine worlds you will breathe life into the ancient stories of Gods, heroes and wondrous beings that populate the myths, sagas, folk and Fairy tales of the North. As you do so , you will come to realise that these are not simply strange fictions from a bygone era, but everlasting truths that offer us a way of seeing and experiencing reality that is as meaningful to us today, as it was for our early ancestors. Your journey through Yggdrasil will be filled with practical Majik of all shapes and forms. Along the way you will learn of Seidr, the mysterious Majik of the 'other', and of Galdr, the ancient Majik of the Runes. You will learn how to traverse the veil between the physical realm of Midgard and the many realms of the nonphysical otherworld and on your travels gain friends, allies and guides within these realms. You will discover how to manifest your intent and will using the Runes. How to sign, sing and empower the Runes, and how to use your own body to carve the Runes into the very fabric of reality itself. You will meet with Gods and Giants, Elves and Dwarves, ancient Ancestors and fantastic beasts of all shapes and forms. You will learn the Elven Majik of glamour and Fascination, how to turn the mind, kindle fire in the emotions, change the past and weave the present according to your own desire. You will learn of Odhroerir, the precious mead of inspiration and the ancient power of the little red ones; the sacred mushroom Amanita Muscaria. All this and much, much more. Packed full of Majikal exercises, rituals and tasks, and illustrated throughout, this new edition of 'Up And Down The Tree' has been totally revamped and organized according to the authors original vision for his book. Accessible to complete beginners and more advanced Majikal practitioners alike, 'Up And Down The Tree' is a book you will return to time and time again and will prove an invaluable guide to anyone intent on traveling the Heathen path and experiencing its Majik and majesty for themselves.
