After years of study, practice, and countless conversations with fellow Norse pagans, I’m thrilled to finally announce the publication of my second book, The Practical Havamal: The High One’s Teachings for Modern Norse Pagans.
Why the Havamal?
My relationship with the Havamal began five years ago when I first embarked on my Norse pagan path. Like many newcomers, I found myself drawn to these ancient verses attributed to Odin, sensing their profound wisdom even as I struggled to apply them to my everyday life. I remember reading translations that either felt too academic and detached from spiritual practice or too generically “pagan” without honoring the specific cultural context of Norse tradition.
As I deepened my own practice, I found myself returning to the Havamal again and again, discovering new layers of meaning as I experienced its wisdom in different circumstances. A verse that seemed straightforward when I first encountered it would suddenly reveal deeper insights after I’d faced a challenging friendship, navigated a community conflict, or experienced a moment of spiritual connection.
I began taking notes in my Study Havamal, creating my own “practical translation” that connected these ancient teachings to modern situations. What started as a personal project gradually evolved into something more as friends and fellow pagans asked for my insight.
What Makes This Book Different?
The Practical Havamal isn’t just another translation, though I’ve worked carefully to provide clear, accessible renderings of all 164 stanzas. What makes this book unique is the practical wisdom section accompanying each verse, where I:
- Connect the teaching to its original Norse cultural context
- Explore its relevance for modern Norse pagans specifically
- Offer concrete ways to apply this wisdom in contemporary life
- Maintain respect for tradition while acknowledging our modern circumstances
I’ve intentionally written this book for pagans, not for general people or academic readers. That doesn’t mean others won’t find value in it, but my focus has been on serving those walking pagan paths who want to bring these ancestral teachings into their daily practice.
A Five-Year Journey
Creating this book has been both a labor of love and a profound spiritual journey. There were moments when I questioned whether I had the right to interpret these teachings, times when a verse would challenge my own actions or assumptions, and breakthrough moments when I’d suddenly grasp a connection between seemingly unrelated stanzas. I also struggled with whether to include some stanzas or just leave them out. I decided to keep as much as possible.
Throughout this process, I’ve been humbled by the depth and resilience of Norse wisdom. These verses have survived centuries, speaking across time because they address fundamental human experiences—how we build community, navigate relationships, develop personal character, and connect with something greater than ourselves.
An Invitation to Conversation
I don’t offer this book as the definitive interpretation of the Havamal. Rather, I see it as opening a conversation—between you and these ancestral teachings, between tradition and innovation, between theory and practice.
My hope is that The Practical Havamal will become a trusted companion on your spiritual journey, a resource you return to in different seasons of life and discover new wisdom each time. I hope it sparks thoughtful discussions in kindreds and study groups, and perhaps most importantly, I hope it helps these ancient teachings come alive in your daily practice.
The Havamal reminds us that wisdom grows through exchange, not isolation: “One flame kindles another until it is consumed; fire is kindled by fire. One person becomes wise through talking with another, but foolish through remaining silent.”
In that spirit, I invite you to join this ongoing conversation. The Practical Havamal is now available on Amazon, and I look forward to hearing how these teachings speak to you on your own Norse path.
You can also find this book and any others on mattholloway.me/books
With respect and excitement,
Matt Holloway
