Innrásir

Innrásir, also known as "innrás" in singular form, is a term from Icelandic folklore and mythology that refers to a type of supernatural journey or visionary experience. The concept is closely tied to the Norse tradition of *seiðr*, a form of magic and divination practiced primarily by women known as *seiðkonur* (seiðr-women). Innrásir were believed to involve the soul or spirit of an individual traveling beyond the physical world, often to gain knowledge, communicate with spirits, or seek guidance from the gods or ancestors.

During an innrás, the practitioner might enter an altered state of consciousness, sometimes induced through trance, chanting, or the use of sacred objects like *seiðr* ropes or charms. The journey could take the soul to various realms, including the home of the gods (Ásgarðr), the realm of the dead (Hel), or other mystical landscapes. These experiences were considered sacred and were often used for purposes such as healing, prophecy, or resolving conflicts.

The term *innrás* itself translates roughly to "inner journey" or "soul voyage," emphasizing the inward and spiritual nature of the experience. While innrásir were central to pre-Christian Norse religious practices, they were later suppressed as part of the Christianization of Scandinavia. However, echoes of these traditions persist in modern Icelandic folklore, where similar concepts of spirit travel or visionary states appear in local tales.

Innrásir are also referenced in historical and literary sources, including the *Poetic Edda* and *Prose Edda*, where figures like the goddess Freyja are associated with seiðr and similar mystical journeys. The practice reflects a broader cultural emphasis on the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual worlds in Norse cosmology. Today, scholars and practitioners of modern paganism, particularly in Heathenry and Ásatrú, sometimes revisit these traditions as part of their spiritual heritage.