Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold

Nicholaj de Mattos Frisvold, a native of Norway and resident of Brazil since 2003,is a behavioral psychologist, anthropologist and master brewer (Capirotagem Cervejaria).

During the last 25 years he has travelled extensively in search of traditional wisdom and spiritual legacies, with a particular focus  on African and Afro derived traditions along with what is generally defined as traditional witchcraft in Europe. This has led to deep involvement with several streams of wisdom, such as traditional Ifá, Haitian Vodou, Palo Mayombe, Quimbanda and a rich knowledge of witchcraft from diligent commitment and involvement with various recensions of the 'witches’ way.’

Frisvold is a pragmatist with an interest in spiritual philosophy, occult history and the aesthetic language used to describe and understand tradition, spirituality, sorcery and witchcraft, as exemplified in his books Palo Mayombe, Pomba Gira, Exu and Ifá. 

Beside brewing, research and writing, Frisvold arranges workshops, courses and events  of a spiritual and psychological orientation, as well as initiations at his grange in the Brazilian countryside, Villa Draconis, with his wife, Katy. They also offer spiritual, magical and astrological services and products through the Sacred Alchemy store. Articles, news and updates can be found on his blog, the Starry Cave.