The question “How do I become a Norse pagan?” is one of the most common starting points for people newly exploring this spiritual path. And while there’s no official ceremony, church membership, or required ancestry involved, Norse paganism is very much a living and serious practice, one rooted in history, land, and reciprocity with the gods.

This guide will walk you through the basics of beginning a Norse pagan path.

1. Understand What Norse Paganism Is (And Isn’t)

Norse paganism, also referred to as Heathenry or the Old Way, is a modern spiritual path inspired by the pre-Christian traditions of the Norse and Germanic peoples. It involves working with gods like Odin, Freya, Thor, Frigg, Loki, and others, as well as honoring ancestors, spirits of the land, and the cycles of nature.

2. Begin with Study

Before you dive into ritual tools or calling on deities, take the time to study the mythos and worldview behind Norse paganism. Some core texts include:

• The Poetic Edda and Prose Edda (the foundational myths)

• Archaeological sources and historical texts

• Trusted modern translations and commentary — ideally by scholars or practitioners grounded in cultural history

3. Develop a Relationship with the Gods

Unlike monotheistic religions, Norse paganism is polytheistic and reciprocal. You choose to honor the gods, and you build relationships over time. Many people feel naturally drawn to a specific deity such as Odin, Freya, or Thor. Start with one.

Begin by learning who they are, what domains they rule, and how they were honored historically. From there, you can start making offerings and building personal connections through meditation, prayer, journaling, or ritual.

4. Create a Sacred Space - an altar

You don’t need a huge altar or dedicated temple. A small space — a shelf, table, or corner of your room — is enough to begin. What matters is consistency and intention.

Your space might include:

• A candle

• Symbols or statues of the deity you’re working with

• Offering bowls

• Items from nature (bone, stone, feathers, wood)

This becomes your working space — your place for ritual, reflection, and offering.

5. Learn to Give Offerings

Offerings are a foundational part of Norse pagan practice. They express gratitude, show respect, and open a line of connection to the gods and spirits. Offerings can be physical or intangible, but they should always be intentional.

Common offerings include:

• Ale, mead, water, or herbal infusions

• Bread, nuts, berries, or other natural foods

• Iron, stones, herbs, or handcrafted items

• Time, action, labor, or skill

Consistency matters more than perfection. Show up regularly and with purpose.

6. Understand the Role of Runes and Ritual Tools

The Elder Futhark runes are not just symbols — they are magical and spiritual tools used for divination, protection, spellwork, and ritual. Learn them slowly. Each rune has a deep history and multiple layers of meaning.

You may also encounter bindrunes (combinations of runes to direct intent), staves, and other sacred tools. 

Ready to Go Deeper?

If you're serious about starting your Norse pagan path with purpose, I wrote a book to help guide you through the parts most people struggle with: offerings, ritual structure, and bindrunes.

Norse Ritual: Bindrunes, Offerings & A Guide for Norse Pagans

Inside, you’ll find:

• Step-by-step breakdowns of how to create and use bindrunes

• Clear guidance on what offerings to give and how to give them

• Altar setups, tool explanations, and ritual outlines

• Correspondences to the Norse gods and ritual ideas for them

If you want to move from curiosity to real practice, this book is a solid place to start.