Ryan Smith has been a practicing Pagan since his teens with over fifteen years of experience in inclusive and anti-racist Heathen spirituality. He is the author of The Way of Fire and Ice and Spinning Wyrd. In addition to contributing to the anthologies Bringing Race to the Table and ¡No Pasarán!:Antifascist Dispatches from a World in Crisis, Ryan has been published at Huginn's Heathen Hof, Patheos Pagan, and Truthout. He has presented talks and rituals at Pantheacon, the Gathering Paths presented by Between the Veils, Hexenfest, and Many Gods West. He regularly writes at onblackwings.com and produces a Heathen podcast, The Wayward Wanderer. He also has a PhD in modern economic and social history and can be found online at Facebook, Mastodon, and Instagram.
""[Smith] explains Norse mythology, symbols, and rituals, as well as how to practice Norse paganism, in his diligent, friendly debut. ... Smith's sensible guide will enchant any reader interested in Norse mythology and paganism.""--Publishers Weekly ""The Way of Fire and Ice offers a vision of an inclusive, welcoming, spiritually rich and socially responsible Norse Paganism. Written in a friendly, direct voice, this book presents a guided pathway for developing practice and community in this tradition, with much-needed and clear-headed education to help ensure a foundation in justice and positive core values.""--Morpheus Ravenna, author of The Book of the Great Queen: The Many Faces of the Morrigan From Ancient Legends to Modern Devotions ""The Way of Fire and Ice is Ryan Smith's magnum opus; a declaration of how we connect with the Gods while using that fire to transform our world.""--Shane Burley, author of Fascism Today: What It Is and How to End It ""Engaging, thoughtful, and most importantly inclusive, The Way of Fire and Ice is an excellent introduction to Norse Paganism. Author Ryan Smith includes everything a newcomer needs to get started, but there's plenty here for the experienced practitioner as well. Whether you want a deeper understanding of practice, lore, or the magick of the Norse, you'll find it all in The Way of Fire and Ice. Destined to become the 'go to' book for a new generation of Norse Pagans.""--Jason Mankey, author of Transformative Witchcraft and The Witch's Wheel of the Year ""An incredible read for the faithful and the curious alike, The Way of Fire and Ice brings to life ideals and traditions of ancient times and makes them tangible today. Empowering and dedicated.""--Richard ""Lord Gaylord"" Weeks of Blackened Death Records