Start date: 10000 BC to End date: 2200 BC. The relations to this era to witchcraft.
The Legacy of the Völva: Seeresses, Rituals, and Burial Practices from 2200 BC to the Viking Age
Viking seeresses, known as Völvas, were powerful female shamans, prophets, and sorceresses in Norse society. They practiced seiðr, a form of magic associated with divination, fate-weaving, and communication with spirits. Their influence peaked during the Viking Age (circa 793–1066 CE), though their traditions trace back thousands of years to early Germanic and Scandinavian societies, with possible roots as far back as 2200 BC.
Rituals of the Völva
The Völva performed elaborate rituals to harness supernatural forces, foretell the future, and manipulate fate. Key elements of their practice included:
Trance Induction – Using rhythmic chanting (galdr), drumming, or intoxicating herbs to enter altered states of consciousness.
Sacred Staffs – Symbols of authority, these were often made of wood or iron and were believed to channel magical power.
Spirit Communication – Summoning ancestral spirits or the Norns, the weavers of fate, to gain insight.
Sacrificial Offerings – Animals, and sometimes human sacrifices, were given to the gods to ensure favor and knowledge.
Burial Practices of Seeresses (2200 BC - Viking Age)
The burial of a Völva reflected her esteemed status. Excavations have revealed graves containing:
Elaborate Clothing & Jewelry – Blue cloaks, silver amulets, and rune-inscribed charms.
Seiðr Staffs & Ritual Tools – Signifying their magical role in life.
Hallucinogenic Herbs – Possibly used in trance rituals.
Weapons & Sacrificial Remains – Indicating their dual role as warriors and mystics.
These ancient burial rites suggest that the Völvas were not just spiritual guides but also revered figures who bridged the mortal and divine worlds. Their legacy continues to inspire modern pagan and witchcraft traditions.
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