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From the AI.

In Norse culture, practitioners of magic, particularly women known as völva, used Seiðr, a form of shamanism, to connect with the spiritual realm, gain knowledge, and influence events, often through trance states and ritual practices.

Here's a more detailed look:

Seiðr as a Shamanic Practice:

Seidr is considered a form of Norse shamanism, or an old Scandinavian magic with strong shamanic traits.

Role of Völva:

Völva, the women who practiced Seidr, held a unique and sometimes ambiguous position in Norse society, being both feared and respected.

Trance and Ritual:

Seidr rituals often involved entering trance states or altered states of consciousness to access hidden realms and communicate with various beings.

Techniques:

Practitioners used techniques like chanting, drumming, and possibly psychoactive substances to achieve these states.

Purposes of Seidr:

Seidr was used for divination, communication with gods and spirits, and influencing events, including prophecies, blessings, and curses.

Examples in Saga:

The Saga of Erik the Red provides a detailed account of a völva and her practices, while other sagas and mythic poems also contain accounts of seidr-workers.

Social Standing:

Völva were "set apart" from society, sometimes exalted and sought-after, and at other times feared or reviled.

Odin and Freyja:

Odin is associated with magic, divination, and wisdom, while Freyja is strongly connected to magic and witchcraft.

Galdr:

Galdr is a song which can unleash powers and give access to other realities.