Otherworld is an eclectic look at earth-based spirits and journey techniques. The author focuses more on Celtic and Nordic traditions where there is a history of journeying into the Otherworld and a modern longing to regain the practice. He touches on diverse cultural traditions from other parts of the globe as a way to introduce certain techniques. The main element in common is use of mind-altering techniques in worship to achieve trance state.
I get the sense that Allaun is most at home talking about Celtic and Nordic myths and traditions. He indicates he has also studied some Lakota and Apache ceremonies. While he does veer off into discussions of dances performed by in Voudon ceremonies, by African Bushmen and Sufi’s whirling dervishes, these seem to be something he has studied and found of interest but not experienced.
Initial exercises are simple guided meditations and become more complex as the book progresses. It was interesting to see a chapter devoted to ecstatic dance as a technique to alter consciousness. It’s effective and a good choice for people looking for a kinesthetic, physical, visceral approach rather than a mental approach. He offers several different kinds of breathing exercises and trance dance techniques.
Chapter four deals with seidr or Nordic sorcery. The basic information about the web of wyrd and fate is accurate. Allaun supports the theory of Jan Fries that the ancient Nordic sorcerers used shaking or seething to enter into trance. As no one is entirely sure from the existing historical documents how trance was achieved, it’s possible. For a modern person looking for a way, not necessarily “the way,” Allaun’s exercises are a good place to start.
You will find a discussion of what is a spirit animal versus a helper animal, how to find yours, and the differences in how Nordic pagans and shamanic practitioners and witches work with them. You will not find yet another listing of the animals and their meanings but that’s ok. Allaun talks about how oracular seidr and core shamanism differ.
I found the book got more interesting as it progressed. I enjoyed the chapter on shapeshifting. It builds on the exercises with animal spirits to have the reader do a journey as the animal. The difference between mental, astral, etheric and physical shapeshifting is useful information. The chapter of fairies and elves proposes that they are the same, just seen through the lens of different cultures. He distinguishes them from nature spirits which may be confused with fairies and elves. Healing methods that require shapeshifting and finding a fairy healing tutor bring the exercises up to a higher level. The last section on dragon magic pulls from Asian and European sources and brings the book back down to earth.
Chris Allaun has now published several books and his skill at the technical aspects of writing is improving. Since the last last book of his that I read I notice he has become much better at citing his sources and providing readers with a bibliography. He still has some spelling errors here and there but this didn’t prevent me from understanding passages. It’s nice to see an author improve over time.
Recommended
~review by Larissa Carlson
Author: Chris Allaun
O Books, 2021
pp. 209, $ 18.95
