Magic School: Online Course in Finnish Folklore

Here are the details of an online course in Finnish mythology and folklore, which starts this summer. The Heart of Mielikki, an eight-week online course, is run by Niina who is originally from the northern forests of Finland and now lives in Wales.

Niina said: “During each week we shall explore different areas of Finnish mythology and folklore from tree worship to Kalevala poetry. Our goal is to deepen our knowledge wisdom and creativity through mythology and folklore. I will share tips on shamanic journeying and building connections with tree and animal spirits alike not to forget the invisible spirits around us.”

Everyone taking the course will get two emails each week containing videos and pdfs. There will also be a reading list with book recommendations on Finnish mythology and folklore and everyone will get a participation certificate.

Here is the syllabus:

Week 1: Heart of Mielikki
The adventure begins in the forest, getting to know the most important forest deities, elementals and elves.

Week 2: Soothing waves, raging storms
A dive underwater world to meet Ahti, Vellamo, Näkki and other water elementals. Material also covers the meaning of water in folklore and in healing.

Week 3: Earth and the sky
Making the acquaintance of Ukko the sky god and Akka the earth goddess as well as spirits related to farming – not forgetting the sun, the moon and the stars.

Week 4: Power of woman and magical places
Incantations with Louhi, the shaman´s goddess, and magic of women in ancient Finnish culture. Entering the magical places of Finnish mythology: Tuonela, Vainajala and Pohjola.

Week 5: Shaman´s journey
The history of old and new Kalevala and magical songs and incantations. Material looks at Väinämöinen, the archetype of wizard and the ways of a shaman.

Week 6: Animal ancestors
Exploring the bear cult and the deer cult in pre-historic Finland and the bear´s position as a powerful god.

Week 7: Animal connection
A look at Emuus and other first creations in Finnish mythology. Spells and chants related to animals and animal totems will be covered.

Week 8: Magical beings
An exploration of the magical and mythical beings in Finnish mythology and different ways to connect with them. Also a discussion of the concept of the three souls and travelling between worlds.

The course starts on 24 August 2018 and costs only £80. You can find out more about the course and sign up on Niina’s website: http://www.fairychamber.com/online-courses.html

The picture shows the cover of The Kalevala, a 19th-century work of epic poetry compiled by Elias Lönnrot from Karelian and Finnish oral folklore and mythology. The edition shown is an English translation. You can view The Kalevala on Amazon.

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