Galina Krasskova

[Castus]

I've heard references of her being called the "SRW of Heathenry" but at the same time, I've also seen her spoken of as "the greatest Heathen in Modern times". I known she's controversial over her views on Jotun-worship, but what is you all's take?

[Juniperberry]

I've heard references of her being called the "SRW of Heathenry" but at the same time, I've also seen her spoken of as "the greatest Heathen in Modern times". I known she's controversial over her views on Jotun-worship, but what is you all's take?

I think mass-marketed people write what sells. I think they make sure they are writing about something accessible, charismatic, easy to digest and interesting for public consumption. This why her books are $9.99 but then the "The Well and the Tree" is $349.00. You get what you pay for.

I don't know that anything in her books forces one to look at the world in a new and unique way, or just gives you gods and practices to add to your current philosophy.

Other than that, I don't care. It is what it is. Though, I'm reminded of a quote by Emerson along the lines of 'be careful what you worship, for what you worship is what you are becoming.'

[Lokabrenna]

I've heard references of her being called the "SRW of Heathenry" but at the same time, I've also seen her spoken of as "the greatest Heathen in Modern times". I known she's controversial over her views on Jotun-worship, but what is you all's take?

I have mixed feelings regarding Krasskova. I have Exploring the Northern Tradition and Northern Tradition for the Solitary Practitioner (co-authored with Raven Kaldera). Both books have been immensely helpful to me.

At the same time, I think she comes across as a little "gloomy", by this I mean that she tends to emphasize the "harsher" aspects of relationships with deities (ie. how Odin is a harsh taskmaster who will smite you if you don't do what he wants). Many people take issue with the concept of the "godatheow" (god-slave) that she promotes. Personally, it's not my cup of tea, but whatever floats your boat. Others take issue with her association with Raven Kaldera and Cauldron Farm (not just for the jotun-honouring) but I think there is often an element of "Kinky people are icky" in the criticism that's leveled at them.

There's also the issue of whether or not she is Heathen in the first place. Raven Kaldera is very up front about the fact that his Northern Tradition Paganism is not Heathenry, but Krasskova identifies as a "free-range, tribalist Heathen" and this is what I think pisses a lot of Heathens off (especially since her writings are readily available to the public).

[Castus]

I think mass-marketed people write what sells. I think they make sure they are writing about something accessible, charismatic, easy to digest and interesting for public consumption. This why her books are $9.99 but then the "The Well and the Tree" is $349.00. You get what you pay for.

I don't know that anything in her books forces one to look at the world in a new and unique way, or just gives you gods and practices to add to your current philosophy.

Other than that, I don't care. It is what it is. Though, I'm reminded of a quote by Emerson along the lines of 'be careful what you worship, for what you worship is what you are becoming.'

The reason I ask is that Ms. Krasskova has volunteered to not only send a submission to Whispers for the Dead, but also to post about it on her blog. I'm just trying to make sure that the anthology wouldn't be tainted by her submission or anything.

[Juniperberry]

The reason I ask is that Ms. Krasskova has volunteered to not only send a submission to Whispers for the Dead, but also to post about it on her blog. I'm just trying to make sure that the anthology wouldn't be tainted by her submission or anything.

Recon and traditionalist heathens will probably think anything associated with her is crap and avoid it, while pagans and wicca-tru probably wont care.

Your call.

[Juniperberry]

"the greatest Heathen in Modern times".

This cracks me up, BTW. Yes, Galina ranks right up there with the great heathens of the past. She is comparable to Veleda who saved the German tribes from an invasion across the Rhine, or Hermann.

Jebus, she writes a few books on lighting candles and saying your heathen prayers. I'm more impressed by the heathen soldiers out there dying for their country everyday.

"The greatest heathen today." *snort*

[hlewagastir]

I've heard references of her being called the "SRW of Heathenry" but at the same time, I've also seen her spoken of as "the greatest Heathen in Modern times". I known she's controversial over her views on Jotun-worship, but what is you all's take?

It´s fairly simple, IMO.
Those who keep to historic facts and approach the sources from a critical (academic) perspective usually don´t like her.
Those who seek mysticism, personal spirituality, personal relationships with deities - IOW, folks who like to wrap the Norse gods into a Christian worldview - usually like her.

[Nyktipolos]

Those who seek mysticism, personal spirituality, personal relationships with deities - IOW, folks who like to wrap the Norse gods into a Christian worldview - usually like her.

These concepts are not restricted to a Christian worldview alone, however.

[Nyktipolos]

The reason I ask is that Ms. Krasskova has volunteered to not only send a submission to Whispers for the Dead, but also to post about it on her blog. I'm just trying to make sure that the anthology wouldn't be tainted by her submission or anything.

From what I understand, Krasskova does a lot of work in the public pagan community to support the practice for the Beloved Dead, so it's not surprising to me to see her put in a submission for the anthology.

And well, personally for me I do not give the time of day to people who would discredit a entire anthology based on one or two submissions. She may be apart of circles that other people don't approve of, and participates as well as puts out quite a high volume of books (although I wouldn't call it mass-marketing), but her entry should be included (or discluded) based on the quality of the piece she is putting forth, and whether it fits the anthology or no.

[Juniperberry]

And well, personally for me I do not give the time of day to people who would discredit a entire anthology based on one or two submissions. .

Exactly, though. Everyone has attitudes, philosophies, behaviors, whatever, that they avoid and don't associate with for whatever reason. I'm sure you feel as justified in your reasoning as others do in theirs.