Unlock the Magick! - Get Wicca Magazine!
Get ready to cast some serious spells with Wicca Magazine! In each issue, we bring you a cauldron full of magickal knowledge and wisdom, covering all things Wiccan. From ancient traditions to modern practices, we've got you covered. So grab your wand and let's dive into the enchanting world of the craft!
Thor: God of Thunder
The most beloved and well-known god of the Old Norse pantheon, nowadays Thor has achieved worldwide fame through the Marvel comics and movies. But the god of thunder our pagan ancestors worshipped didn’t have as much in common with the blond superhero the world has come to know as Thor. It’s time to get to know the real Thor.
The origins of Thor
Thor has a fascinating origin story that’s quite different from how the world has come to know him. According to Snorri Sturluson, the 13th-century Icelandic historian who wrote the Prose Edda (which to this day remains our main and most complete source of Old Norse religion and mythology), Thor actually descends from Troy. Yes, the ancient kingdom Greeks laid siege on for ten years before using the Trojan Horse to sneakily win the war. Sturluson says Thor, also known as Tror, was the son of a Trojan prince who survived the war and was raised in Thrace, in northern Greece. He was often compared to Zeus, the Greek god of thunder, and Herakles.
He’s supposed to have “fair hair,” and in some depictions, he’s seen as a pagan priest. His descendants followed the Germanic tribes to the north of Europe, and his twelfth descendant, Woden, became celebrated as a god amongst the Germans and Scandinavians. A very interesting tidbit in this story is that “Asgard,” the legendary realm that was home of the gods, according to Sturluson, meant “the city in the east,” a reference to Troy — and “Aesir” meant “the gods from the east.”
This origin story may sound very strange if you’re accustomed to thinking of Thor as Odin’s son. But the archaeological evidence found in Germanic and Scandinavian graves, as well as the many rune stones and sacred groves and oak trees devoted to Thor (or “Donnar”), supports the idea that our pagan ancestors worshipped Thor long before they started worshipping Odin. In his earliest depictions, Thor was worshipped as a god of fertility. He still had legendary strength but was seen as more of a farmstead and smith god, protecting crops and cattle and bringing in the rain and thunder. It was that aspect of yielding thunder that became his main characteristic in the Old Norse pantheon — although his abilities had to be toned down a bit so that he could be portrayed as inferior to Odin. However, his famous hammer still looks like a smith’s blunt hammer, not like a warrior’s sharp-edged one.
Thor in the Old Norse pantheon
In the Old Norse pantheon, Thor became known as the red-haired, bearded, quick-to-anger son of Odin. He’s married to Sif, an Earth goddess that has been compared to Demeter, and has also had an affair with the giantess Járnsaxa. His wrath can summon the thunder, and his chariot is driven by two goats (a nod to the god’s earlier depictions as the god of fertility and cattle). His hammer, Mjölnir, could bring both destruction and bestow blessings and life (like resurrecting his goats). The part about the hammer returning to Thor’s hand like a boomerang, though, is a modern addition. A fierce warrior battling the rivals of the Aesir (mainly the frost giants), Thor slowly acquired an almost messianic aspect: He is supposed to die saving humanity and the world itself from Jörmungandr, the giant serpent (which is also Loki’s child), during Ragnarok.
Another interesting part of Thor’s myth is his relationship with Loki. Contrary to how they’re depicted in comics and movies, Thor and Loki are not siblings — but have a tense friendship that in most cases ends up in fighting. There are several myths of Loki creating problems for Thor, whether trying to accuse his wife of infidelity or being behind the disappearance of his hammer, which he then helps him retrieve. Although many of these myths were created for comedic effect (as the gods of the Old Norse pantheon are famous for their quarrels), underneath it lies the battle of different elements. Thor represents the elements of Earth and Water, while mercurial Loki represents Air and Fire, so the two gods are in constant tension.
Symbols and associations
Thor (along with Odin and Tyr) remains to this day one of the very few Old Norse gods for whom we have tangible artifacts and remnants of their worship. Beloved during the Viking Age, when Scandinavia became Christianized, people still held onto their worship of Thor (and Freya). Thor’s hammer was worn as a necklace both by men and women the same way that Christians would wear a cross — and to this day, Thor remains a popular name among Norwegians and Icelanders. And like all the main gods of the Old Norse pantheon, Thor has given his name to one of the days of the week: Thursday literally means “Thor’s Day” and is astronomically ruled by Jupiter (a nod to the other thunder-wielding god).
Just as it happened with other pagan deities whose worship lingered on after the Christianization of Europe, the church tried to give Thor’s traits to a Christian Saint. St. Olaf, the sanctified king of Norway, was depicted looking like Thor, with long red hair and an unruly beard. This was done in the hope that our pagan ancestors would stop worshipping Thor and turn to St. Olaf instead — but although St. Olaf is indeed very popular in Scandinavia, Thor is still around to this day, in the hearts and minds of people, especially farmers.
It’s interesting to note that popular culture discovered Thor in the 1960s from the Jack Kirby and Stan Lee comics, which used the Asgardian god as inspiration but gave him an American superhero makeover (blond hair, bodybuilder muscles, etc.). The character of Thor was included in the superhero team, The Avengers, and in the past decade has also appeared in several movies. This has reignited an interest in the Old Norse religion and mythology for many people. Thor would probably be pleased with that.
Join thousands of practitioners who have enriched their spiritual journey with Wicca Magazine
I thoroughly enjoy this publication. I learn something new in every issue
As a beginner to Wicca I find the articles in the magazine informative and entertaining. Thank you for this wonderful publication.
I love every magazine. I was literally outcasted and shunned when I opened up to my family and disowned at 16 and been on my own since and learning as I went. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my family ancestors that everyone shunned after learning about our family tree. I am not afraid or ashamed of who I am. I wanna learn more but just on a tight budget.
Yall have great articles and I enjoy and learn much. Thank you!
I’m a newbie to Sisters, but I’ve found the magazine very informative. The spells are wonderfully done and highly detailed, which is of course what they should be. Living the magical life is encouraged as well. Good for us! I’ve only seen one magazine so it’s hard to know what’s already been done, but I’d like to see magical places like Glastonbury Tor and Glastonbury Well. Both powerful places. I’m certain all of you would know of other places as profound as they are. Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again and Blessed Be, Lyn
It's beautiful
Very informative and fun!
I love all the great information Wicca Magazine has to offer! I'm a solitary witch, and it's always good to gain more knowledge that my other sources may not mention. Also, the graphics are just beautiful!
I personally love Wicca Magazine!! Unfortunately I couldn't continue to pay for the monthly subscription each month so I had to make a decision and stop receiving the magazine that I loved so much. Every month I looked forward to seeing that beautiful cover! That's what sold me the first day. But the articles are so beautiful as well. Most important to me was the rituals in each and every magazine. I loved doing them so much. They are so inspiring. Thank you for letting me be a part o. The Wicca magazine experience. Even though I can't afford to continue to be a part of it, it was a pure joy.
I've resubscribed to Wicca Magazine because I've missed the wonderful content and beautiful pictures.
Your publication is absolutely MAGICAL! I wanted a personalized account of the Wiccan traditions, as I am a solitary practitioner, and still new to the craft. Your publication is beautifully illustrated and written. I enjoy the way the writing brings to life Your love of the craft. It has become an enjoyable read for me, in this tumultuous time. Blessed Be!
I love the variety of topics! The main articles are always relevant to the Wheel of the Year, as well as educational on the important aspects of each Sabbat. There’s always something new and interesting to learn about the practice as it relates to the sun, moon, stars and planets - as well as to our entire solar system. The writing is excellent in context and form, which makes the content ever pertinent and interesting to read. I also love the artwork! It’s consistently unique, as well as beautiful.
The articles are very informative, the artwork is beautifully done.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the magazine thus far. My favorite treat to myself.
this has been a very good spiritual journey and amazing information
Subject matter is always fresh, and the photography is gorgeous! Very inspiring
I absolutely love it, It's beautiful
I am thoroughly enjoying my subscription thus far to the magazine😊
Beautiful graphics, laid out well, and great information!
I do enjoy this magazine! I would love to get it for life, but don't have the resources right now.
Beautifully laid out magazine, articles are well written and very educational. I do look forward to downloading every edition
I enjoy the range of articles. Educational as well as beautiful
I'm started my journey as a wiccan a week ago and my sister introduced me to wicca magazine and I feel more refreshed and can't wait to learn more!
Wicca Magazine has been an incredible source of inspiration and guidance on my spiritual journey. Each issue is filled with insightful articles, practical rituals, and beautiful artwork that deeply resonate with my practice. I love how it offers wisdom for both beginners and experienced practitioners, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature. The magazine has helped me grow spiritually, understand the cycles of the moon, and embrace the magic within everyday life. I look forward to every edition, knowing it will bring peace, positivity, and empowerment to my path. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Wicca!
.jpeg?alt=media&token=56b7f8e4-aa58-4baa-88d2-dde24ab4119c)
I am absolutely Blessed that I was lead to this website ❤️❤️ the lesson's and the beautiful bright pictures. The words feel like 🏠🏡🌞🌼🌚🌝💫✨❤️ I have Shared the articles with some of our younger sisters new in the community it's Simple and historic Blessings to all. Ty for your efforts sisters blessed be
I love it.
I absolutely love this magazine!!!!
I wasn't sure what to expect but it really surprised me. It's not just spells and basics. There's a lot of depth, history, and spiritual insight. I actually look forward to every issue and reread pieces all the time.
I love Wicca Magazine. I've been a Gardnerian Wiccan for more than 55 years. And I still feel like a student of Wicca. A person never stops learning. Wicca Magazine has taught me a lot of new things that I just love. I will always be a student, and I will continue to learn by reading Wicca Magazine. I love this magazine.
Great read the articles are wonderful and informative.
Each issue feels like a beautifully curated guide, helping me deepen my connection to my craft and discover new ways to integrate magic into everyday life.
Just getting back in to my spiritual realm and I find the magazines helpful and giving me a good background of how it started
Wicca magazine is informative. It also has beautiful artistry and the staff responds quickly to questions.
I enjoy it so much
So much information available in these magazines, well worth the cost.
Love Wicca Magazine! They're informative, interesting, and you can learn a lot by reading them. They include spells, recipes, and the history of witchcraft and rituals. I really enjoy reading them.
I love Wicca Magazine. The articles always give me something to think about and it feels really aligned with my path. It's not just fluff. There's real depth and heart in every issue. Super grateful I found it.
Love this magazine. Very enjoyable reading
Not only did I find a lot of information but I especially love the Ostara rituals. This magazine feeds my soul.
Exploring the mystical path of Wicca with every turn of the page. Join us in celebrating the wheel of the year.
Support@WiccaMagazine.com
Newsletter
Unlock the Secrets of the Craft: Subscribe now to receive exclusive content, seasonal rituals, and magickal insights directly to your inbox.
© 2025 Wicca Magazine - All rights reserved.
Unlock the Secrets of the Craft:
Subscribe now to receive exclusive content, seasonal rituals, and magickal insights directly to your inbox.
© 2025 Wicca Magazine - All rights reserved.