The Disclaimer: First, I do not practice any form of Native American spirituality. My practice is derived from my understanding of ancient northern Eurasian practices. Second, I am not now, nor have I ever been, a member of any Asatru or Heathen group. I do not identify as Asatru or Heathen. I am a northern-tradition Pagan, which is a religious tradition that is reconstructionist-derived, rather than a reconstructionist religious tradition such as Asatru and/or Heathenry. The views espoused in these pages may or may not reflect the views of most Asatru and/or Heathen people or religious groups. They are derived from the personal gnosis of myself and other people whom I trust and respect. I do not claim that they are provable by academic sources, nor that they are anything other than what I say they are. Read at your own risk.

Odin's Staff and Aurvandil's Toe: The Wanderer

The brightest star in the constellation of Orion - his right "knee" or "foot", depending on how you see it - is classically named Rigel. The Old Norse people referred to it as Aurvandil's Toe. Aurvandil was a "star-hero" who often journeyed on adventures with Thor; on one of those adventures they crossed the freezing river Elivagar and one of Aurvandil's toes froze. Thor broke it off and threw it into the heavens, where it became this star.

As Aurvandil's Toe, the star brings riches and honors in return for diving into the unknown. As Odin's Staff, it is bound up with teaching and educating, and is often found strongly in the charts of famous teachers. This is Odin's wandering aspect, the Odin who goes in search of knowledge and wisdom, the Old Man with the wizard's staff seeking the hidden facts and bringing them back for everyone to see. It is a very different side of Odin than the warrior or the All-Father, but all these stars are His.

• General Information

  • Welcome
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • About Shamanism
  • Русский перевод
  • The Northern Shamanism Guild

• NT Shamanism Books

  • Neolithic Shamanism
  • The Jotunbok
  • The Pathwalker's Guide
  • Wyrdwalkers (Techniques)
  • Wightridden (Altered States)
  • Northern-Tradition Herbal
  • Nine Sea Songs CD
  • The Giants' Tarot

• Shamanic Techniques

  • Northern Astrology
  • Altered States
  • Elemental Spirits
  • Journeying & Pathwalking
  • Rune Work
  • Shamanic Healing
  • Spirit Possession
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Ordeal Work

• Herbalism

  • The Shamanic Herbal
  • The Nine Sacred Herbs
  • Herbal Treatments

• About Raven Kaldera

  • About & Contact
  • Workshops & Classes
  • Shamanic Readings
  • Sign up for Email Notifications