Sielulinnut | Soul Birds (SKS Kirjat 2025)

Is the raven a harbinger of death or a winged comforter? What does the call of the cuckoo reveal, and how has the symbolism of the swan been interpreted in different cultures?

In the tradition of the Finnic peoples, birds are seen as carriers of souls, protectors, and messengers. They move between this world and the next – some foretell death, others good fortune. Migratory birds fly along the Milky Way to the mythical Lintukoto for the winter, a place of warmth that we in the north can only dream of.

In this book, I explore the meaning of birds in folklore, mythology, and modern life. As a child, I had a pet crow perched on my shoulder – and that early connection to birds has stayed with me ever since. The book draws from the rich traditions of our kindred peoples and also touches on stories from other cultures. As I examine the relationship between humans and birds, I also raise questions about ecological loss: how should we interpret the endangerment of sparrows in light of ancient myths?

Pyhät puut | Sacred Trees (SKS Kirjat 2025)

Sacred Trees (Pyhät puut in Finnish) is a deeply personal and culturally rich exploration of a people’s ancient connection with trees and the spiritual significance they held in Finnish and Karelian traditions. The book uncovers the vibrant traditions of tree worship, many of which persisted into the 20th century; the relationships people held with sacred groves, and offering trees (pitämyspuu), which were woven into daily life. Women played a central role in these practices, tending sacred trees through rituals that fostered the spiritual connection between nature and humanity, making such offerings as tastes of the first harvest, bounty from foraging and hunting, or a mother’s breast milk.

The book also delves into the significance of memorial trees (karsikkopuu) and bear skull pines (karhunkallohonka), which held a central role in hunting magic and honoring the deceased. Readers will learn how these traditions honored nature spirits, ancestors, and life cycles through rituals, offerings, and festivals such as Kekri, the Finnish harvest celebration.

In addition to exploring historical and mythological aspects, Sacred Trees highlights the enduring magic of trees in modern life. Drawing from primary sources from the Finnish Literature Society archives, modern science and wellbeing research, and first-person interviews of people’s current-day relationship with trees, the book is a multidimensional invitation to readers to reconnect with nature.

Pyhät puut is published in Finnish in March 2025 by SKS Kirjat, the Finnish Literature Society’s publishing house (est. 1831). The book’s international rights are represented by Ahlback Agency

Nordic Forest Rituals Oracle Deck

49 beautiful cards and an eBook with inspiring messages from Nordic nature and mythology, and ideas for modern daily rituals. The Nordic Forest Rituals Oracle Cards draw inspiration from the mythical landscapes of the Nordic forest—its trees, plants, spirits, animals, and the stories that emerge from deep within our folklore. The cards bring Nordic nature and timeless rituals to life in a playful and beautiful way.