Call for Papers: IMC 2027 - Still trú Today: The Influence of the Middle Ages on 21st-Century Ásatrú Communities. Proposals should be sent to D.M.Coultas@leeds.ac.uk for the attention of Dan Coultas and Sif Brookes by 14th September '26. Join us at @imc-leeds.bsky.social #medievalsky #heathensky

While I'm here, I also did a much overdue reorganisation of some of my books last weekend. New bookcases creating a very pleasing wall of books. Most of it is Viking Age/Medieval, though it's pretty eclectic. #Critters #CriticalRole #medievalsky #booksky #heathensky #pagansky

A couple of weeks ago I presented a paper at the IMC (International Medieval Congress) at Leeds. It's the topic of my MA dissertation, and something I'm incredibly passionate about. It was also recorded! So check it out here: youtu.be/GZeHFAIJCAQ?... #heathensky #medievalsky #pagansky #historysky

IMC Leeds 2026 - Valkyries as sacrifice priestesses - MA Dissertation Paper

YouTube video by Valsif

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I've had a super exciting couple of weeks visiting Iceland to do a postgrad manuscript course at the Arni Magnusson Institute in Reykjavik. What an incredible country. I touched Tolkien letters, saw so many manuscripts and saga locations, and took part in a blot with Ásatrúarfélagið. #heathensky

I'm super busy at the moment (currently in Iceland at Haskoli Islands studying Old Norse manuscripts) - but I forgot to share another podcast I was involved in - music.youtube.com/watch?v=A5h5... #medievalsky #pagansky #witchsky #heathensky #valkyries

Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends with @WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast and @valsif

YouTube video by Becky Hill

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I made a guest appearance on the Nordic Mythology Podcast a few months ago talking about all things #Valkyries! youtu.be/zZYiMOF7joM?... #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky

Ep 303 - The Truth About The Valkyries with Sif Brookes

YouTube video by Nordic Mythology Podcast

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Heylo, busy busy busy as usual! But just popping in to say I'm going to be teaching classes with the Fellowship of Fire and Ice again this month - sign up through here docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F.... #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky

May 2026 Class Registration Form

Thank you for your interest in studying with the Fellowship of Fire & Ice! Please fill out the following form and select which classes you are interested in taking this session. Registration for eac...

docs.google.com

I don't know why it's just dawned on me that, with the God of War adaption being focused on the Norse sequels, we'll surely be getting some live-action Valkyries. My favourite Valkyries. These badass Valkyries. I need them. #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky

I had a wonderful weekend in Edinburgh - Saturday was the fantastic Scottish Pagan Federation's Lifting the Veil 2025 Conference. I spoke about Valkyries, of course, which seemed to be well-received. #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky #edinburgh

Book shelf tour, part 3 is a gooooo! Getting into some really cool stuff now. #heathensky #medieval #pagansky #witchsky #history #booksky

“We want the media and politicians to recognise that there is a large number of women who are supportive of the trans+ community. We call on them to report truthfully about the sources of violence against women and to address the systems that perpetuate harm. “ notinourname.org.uk/petition/not...

This is another common piece of Valkyrie related misinformation, we can blame 19th century scholarship here. #heathensky #witchsky #pagansky #norse #valkyrie #heathenry #medieval

I’m also continuing on my common Valkyrie misconceptions, because there are so, so many. #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky #valkyrie #vikingage #medieval

Part 2 of the book shelf tour - disclaimer that may be relevant for any of these videos, just because something is on my shelf doesn’t automatically mean I recommend it (for a variety of reasons). #booksky #medievalsky #heathensky #pagansky #history

I may have started a Book Shelf Tour series on my TikTok that I now feel obligated to carry over here. Enjoy! #booksky #medievalsky #heathensky #pagansky

Having all the fun with sculpting and casting at the moment. Why did it take me so long to get to doing this? Anyway, here’s my army of Thors. 😂 #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky

Managed to squeeze in a few more hours on Hel this morning before the Pagan Federation's first AGM as a charity (and maybe I did a little bit in the first 20 mins as well....) Cough. I'm also prepping Odin for his first silicone moulding bath, which is a bit stressful. Arghhhh. #heathensky #pagansky

Hel sculpture in the works. Already having a ton of fun with putting her together. Get into a meditative, contemplative mindset. Second ever sculpt, and learning a lot! #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky #artsky #sculpture

Art is becoming a key part of my devotional work - here are few in progress or finished pieces I've done over the last several weeks. #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky #artsky #art

This time around, I'm talking everything death in the Nordic sphere. My specialty!

Ryan Smith@rysmith.bsky.social · last yr.

Hey everyone I'm going to be teaching a workshop on the basics of hexing & warding and @valsif.bsky.social will be teaching one on Nordic Death & the Dead! Sign up now while space is available, details are at the link. #PaganSky #HeathenSky #WitchSky #Classes #Religion #Spirituality

Sorry for the radio silence, it's been a busy few months. But in awesome news, I was awarded Author of the Year by #PagansoftheNorth magazine - thank you to everyone who voted!!! www.pagansofthenorth.co.uk/thespotlight... #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky #heathen #pagan #booksky #author

A small break in the Heathenry - Tusk Love arrived a day early. I managed to grab the signed alt cover. Let's get stuck in 😍 #criticalrole #tusklove #booksky

I'm struggling with directing my anger at *everything* recently, tired of the hate and fear. I'm also feeling the Valkyries particularly potently at the moment. They seem active, reactive, present, there, around. And I know I'm not alone in that. I wrote this yesterday. #heathensky #pride #pagansky

Talk about a non-story. The Pagan Federation supports trans-Pagans. Woman makes antri-trans comments & is removed. She goes to national newspaper, and we get this shoddy journalism. No, not all Pagans believe in divine genders."Arthur Pendragon" does not speak for us. youtu.be/z2Iy_4eeky0

King Arthur Pendragon Backs Witch CANCELLED Over Transgender Pagan Row

YouTube video by TalkTV

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tinyurl.com/wyrdthingbi This was very fun to be a part of - and timely for Pride Month. There's so much freedom within Paganism and Heathenry to be yourself, all of yourself, and to be supported by a community that believes the same. Don't accept anything less. #heathensky #pagansky #pride #pagan

Episode 29: Bisexuality - The Wyrd Thing

The Wyrd Thing is a heathen podcast on diversity, made by a diverse group of European heathens. The episodes cover a wide range of topics related to diversity.

tinyurl.com

Last year, I had the opportunity to hold a blöt to the Valkyries at the Great Heathen Gathering (Helsmoot). Torrential rain aside (which was oddly fitting!) It was an exceptional experience. The atmosphere was indescribable. Hail to the Valkyrjur! #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky youtu.be/PjEXLFflGlg

Valkyrie blot

YouTube video by Asatru UK

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The ADHD hyperfocus/cannot focus cycle has been strong recently. I'm trying to exercise more mindfulness, so I'm back to doing some readings to find a way through the brain fog. The message keeps coming through loud and clear, positive change is happening. Keep going. #heathensky #pagansky #witchsky

Yesss, join me and learrrrrnnn. No but seriously, it's going to be fun. History is fun, let's gooooo!

Ryan Smith@rysmith.bsky.social · last yr.

Hey everyone I'm teaching classes on Nordic spirituality alongside @sirivplouff.bsky.social, @rissy.ca, & @valsif.bsky.social! We've got space available for a whole bunch of great classes that start next week, if you're interested then sign up at the link. #PaganSky #HeathenSky #WitchSky #OccultSky

Went back to the hometown yesterday for its annual St George's Day festival. But for me, it's a special place because of one historical figure - Æthelflæd. Lady of the Mercians. Someone who has inspired me, and will continue to inspire me. I hope I'm doing something she would be proud of. #heathen

Super excited to share my history hyperfocuses with everyone 🤣 I’ll be teaching Intro to History and Lore 📖

Ryan Smith@rysmith.bsky.social · last yr.

Hey everyone I'm going to be teaching classes with the Fellowship on the Nordic Gods, Nordic Ritual, and the Younger Futhark starting at the end of April! You can find out more information and register at the link. #PaganSky #HeathenSky #WitchSky #OccultSky #Religion #Spirituality #Class #Magic