Meanings
alternative seid · alternative seidh · alternative seidhr · alternative seidr · alternative seith · alternative seithr
- GermanicuncountablelifestyleA form of magic originating in Viking society and revived by modern pagans, incorporating ritualistic, shamanistic, and divinatory elements.
It has also sometimes been said that seiðr is closer to what is commonly thought of as “shamanic” practice.
2016, Stephen E. Flowers, Witchcraft Out of the Shadows: A Complete History, page 132 more examples
One of the special methods of seiðr was to cover oneself with a cloak or similar garment like a blanket, or an animal skin, or even just a hood.
2004, Leo Ruickbie, Witchcraft Out of the Shadows: A Complete History, page 48To find the magic of seiðr we must give up our belief in the value of physical strength and power and our need to control others.
2016, Nicholas E. Brink, Beowulf's Ecstatic Trance Magic: Accessing the Archaic Powers of the Universal Mind, page 212
Origin
- Old Norseseiðr
- Englishseiðr
Borrowed from Old Norse seiðr.
More words from Old Norse
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
seiðr. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sei%C3%B0r
“seiðr.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sei%C3%B0r. Accessed November 2, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “seiðr,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/sei%C3%B0r.
Source: seiðr on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.