The ancient Norse knew a rough magic drawn from the beautiful grandeur of vast mountains and deep forests, from the power of rolling oceans and thundering storms. This religious and magical system of explorers, farmers, warriors and hunters went with the Vikings to the New World, and was practiced across Europe and eastward to the steppes of Central Asia. The rites and beliefs that sustained the Norsemen have been brought compellingly into the present in The Rites of Odin. Here is a complete sourcebook on Odinism which brings the ancient values back to these turbulent times. The material is authentic and the presentation is poetic and powerful. This book opens the door for the solitary seeker, for groups who have chosen to follow the Old Ways, and for families who wish to be unified by warm and close ceremonies. This book puts forth the message, in rites, practice and background lore, that you are uniquely important. You are in charge of your own destiny. The family and friends who constitute your "extended family" are also important: by working together and helping one another, all of you can prosper and be happy. The archaic Way of Valhalla has a beauty, magic, magnificence and power that has not lessened over the past thousand years. Today, as well as in ages long past, it remains the way of the bold! ... For many years Norse and Saxon neopagans have been starved of suitable ritual inspiration. This has now changed and Fitch's ritual workbook will be of great benefit to those following the Northern Mysteries." -- The Cauldron ... For those with children who are looking for a Pagan way that is warm and poetic, with magic and mystery, and with powerful messages for us all, here is a book to look at." -- Pan Pipes