ABOUT US
Norse Tradition is a Norwegian non-profit organization working to promote and convey the rich Norse spiritual tradition. We regularly host lectures, private training and rituals, and retreats centered around seasonal celebrations. We work according to a reconstructive method based on Indo-European syncretism. This means that in order to better understand the Norse heritage and tradition, we see it in the light of its roots in the proto-Indo-European culture.
We do not practice historical reenactment, nor do we intend to invent a modern spiritual practice spiced with Norse words and symbols; we transmit a living tradition. All lectures and rites by Norse Tradition are founded on recognized academia or historical sources of Norse, Vedic, Anglo-Saxon, Greco-Roman, or other Indo-European origin. We are thus not innovators; what we teach and practice has ancient roots.
Some aspects have had to be adapted to a modern context, but these adaptations have been made in the light of their historical context, and we can point to an exact method by which they were made. By facilitating genuine, profound and personal experiences, we mean to be able to carry the force of the entire Norse tradition forward.
Anyone and everyone interested in learning about the traditions of the Norse is welcome at our events, regardless of cultural background, identity, creed etc. All we ask is that you approach the tradition and ceremonies respectfully. Norse Tradition is not a religious congregation, and we do not affiliate with any political ideology. We are committed to conveying the Norse spiritual tradition devoid of sectarian division or political motivations.
Ragnar Þórunnarson
Lecturer and content creator
Ragnar Þórunnarson has studied Norse culture, tradition and poetry for several years, and comes from an Icelandic family that to a great extent has been keen to preserve Norse traditions through the generations. He is himself a practicing Christian, but is passionately engaged with the treasure trove of Norse heritage. He is also initiated in a number of traditions within Western esotericism, and is particularly interested in the individual's union with the Sacred, across traditions. Ragnar has an unusually wide range of knowledge, and has long been actively engaging with how to identify and utilize ancient traditional heritage in a modern context. He is particularly interested in Norse poetry, and has translated a number of Norse source texts into modern Norwegian and English, preserving the traditional verse forms. Ragnar is married to Ida and is the proud father of their daughter Alma, who can be seen at Norse Tradition events from time to time.
Henrik Lysøe
Lecturer and content creator
Henrik Lysøe is a lecturer and ritualist at Norse Tradition, and is married to Alexandra. Henrik has participated as a writer in the public debate on the consequences of the shift from Norse religion to Christianity, and debated this issue in Dagsnytt 18. He reads Norse, and has translated a number of Norse source texts into both Norwegian and English, and is also actively involved in the reconstruction of the pagan tradition in Europe.
He is further initiated into Vajrayana Buddhism in the Gelugpa tradition of the Dalai Lama, and studies directly under the first candidate of the Panchen Lama, Panchen Otrul Rinpoche. Henrik teaches yoga and a variety of meditation techniques, and is currently employed by Holistisk Forbund as its CEO.
Alexandra Lysøe
Aesthetic coordinator and lecturer
Alexandra is originally French, and married to Henrik. She holds a master degree in architecture and works as an astrologer and mythologist, with a special interest in the spiritual role of the feminine. Alexandra's main fields of interest are the wisdom we can gain from myth, and how we in modern times can reconstruct a European spiritual tradition towards which we can orient ourselves both as individuals and as a community. At Norse Tradition, Alexandra works with scenography, design, rituals and lectures.
Runar Johnston
Head of board and manager of logistics
Runar has a Masters degree in economics and administration from the Norway School of Economics (NHH) and today works as an energy analytic and production planner for Oslo’s district heating at Hafslund Celsio. He has robust experience with logistics, finance, administration and project management. Runar is engaged to Anna.Today, Runar functions as head of the board at Norse Tradition, in addition to being responsible for finance and logistics at Norse Traditions events.
Ida Lagos Andersen
Marketing and booking manager
Ida er utdannet master i markedsføring fra Handelshøyskolen BI, og jobber til daglig som senioranalytiker i Tine. Hun har mange års erfaring innen markedsanalyse, merkevarebygging og strategi. I tillegg har hun bred erfaring med prosjektledelse og eventplanlegging og har et hovedansvar for kommunikasjon, informasjon og oppfølging av deltagere til våre arrangementer. Ida er gift med Ragnar og sammen har de datteren Alma.
Anna Tungodden
HSE and artistic expression
Anna got her education as a clinical psychologist from the University of Bergen. She works with teens and adults in her own practice at Dr.Dropin. She also has broad experience from volunteering at different ideal organizations. Anna has a deep personal interest for singing and music, and works with developing Norse Tradition´s artistic expression. Anna also works as our HSE-representative at our events. Anna is engaged to Runar.