Speaker Spotlight: Thor Halvorsen

Posted on July 10, 2019 Updated on July 10, 2019

Thor Halvorsen is a Deaf Pagan, Poet, Educational Interpreter, artist (the crafty kind), activist. Norwegian/Welsh American, Geek of Technology and Linux. He walks many paths including Norse, Welsh, Wiccan, Heathen, Ancestral Veneration, Reiki, and studies Runes including practicing RunValdr.

Thor’s interests include being an Audiophile (LOVE MUSIC), science fiction, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, transpersonal psychology, anything Norse, and to do with Deaf culture and Social Justice. (Did I mention I am a Technology Geek?) He loves folklore, mythology, and words (fairytales is misnomer, honestly).

Thor is a longtime fan of Richard Bach.

 “If you argue for your limitations, they are yours” Richard Bach, Illusions. “That to be human, is to recognize the humanity in all, if you expect them to honor the humanity in you.” “If belief was wind, the stars, the seas, then all will be fair, the mysteries would be preserved, and all can know these things are alike and equal”  also recently been delving into Wendell Berry’s works.

Thor Identifies as a “Military brat”, and has lived in South Korea, Germany, east and west coast of USA, as well as Maryland, Arizona and Washington. His stepdad emphasized cultural relativity long before he found a word for it. He had exposure to the culture of Norway via dad’s and stepdad’s Scandinavian family, as well as Welsh from Mom’s side of the family. He gained familiarity of the dieties, stories, and culture, and eventually the food, from visiting Scandinavian countries.

Thor is a published author, his poetry in The Tactile Mind quarterly magazine, Virtigo issue: Vertigo.

Thor has been a practicing Wiccan for almost 20 years, with recognized Clergy status in Maryland, 3rd Degree Elder, High Priest of the Coven of Amber Heart, of the Coven of Amber Rose family of Covens. He was a visiting member of Ecumenicon, then migrated to CTCW (honored to return each time). He also does readings in Runes & Tarot cards, encouraging people to jot down notes during readings. I go slow. My rule of thumb is if I go too fast, and you don’t remember, then what was the use?

Thor is a Professional Educational Interpreter for the Deaf, language facilitator, ASL Adjunct Professor at College of Southern Maryland. His goals are to network and build awareness of Paganism in the Deaf World, continue being an artist and writer, and has offered to get involved in making Youtube presentations and videos alongside CTCW.