The Way of Wyrd: Tales of an Anglo-Saxon Sorcerer

This book really is one of those works that you have to read, whatever your path. It is like a cross between the style of Carlos Castaneda with J.R.R. Tolkien, set in the context of Anglo-Saxon Britain. Within this wonderful work of fiction is presented a detailed insight into the worldview and magick of the Anglo-Saxon sorceror, working within the web of wyrd and acting as part of the all-encompassing web of wyrd. In an age where growing dissatisfaction with the material and mundane is causing more and more people to seek spiritual meaning and a re-connection with our heritage and nature, The Way of Wyrd shines out as a beacon on a distant hill, calling us through the mists to re-awaken our spirits.

I read this book back in the 90's after a band called Sabbat wrote an album (Dreamweaver) based on the novel. My copy was getting rather tatty so it's nice to see it back in print once again. My new copy is on the way :) The Way of Wyrd is an excellent story exploring the differences and similarities between Christianity and Paganism. Wat Brand is sent to explore Pagan England to learn their ways ready for when Christianity invades. However, his guide, Wulf, shows him far more than he could ever have imagined and Wat becomes submerged in the way of Wyrd. For the best way to learn of the Pagan spirits is to meet them face to face.

This is an amazing book. It changed my way of thinking about myself, and my life - and it gets over its message in a story that I found compelling and moving. Based on factual documents in the British Museum, the book takes the reader on a journey into the spiritual and shamanic world of Anglo-Saxon England. It tells the story of a young man names Brand, who journeys with a sorcerer in the pre-Christian forests of the seventh century. There he learns a quite remarkable path to wisdom, called Wyrd. This is like a western version of Tao, in that every event affects everything else, and the forces of nature are pre-emenent. The story includes vivid encounters with the spirits, and a gripping conclusion where he is helped by his guardian - a hawk. Ancient wisdom for today. Deserves to be the best-seller that it is.

Dr. Bates took an ancient text from the British Museum and turned it into a delightful adventure novel, evidencing the history of Anglo-Saxon shamanism. Those interested in the spiritual will find it an especially exciting read, but even those just looking for a good historical novel will enjoy it very much.

The amazing thing about this book, missed by the previous reviewer, is that the seemingly fantasic circumstances of the novel are based on an extremely well-researched understanding of life in England during the Anglo-Saxon period. It is a marvelous opportunity for those of us with Anglo-Saxon roots to re-connect with our own indigenous knowledge and wisdom.Aside from this rather wonderful aspect, Way of the Wyrd is an engrossing read, full of magic and adventure. Highly reccommended.