Have you heard about our lord and savior, Odin? If you're interested in heathenry, Norse paganism, mythology, or vikings in general, join me in reading the words of the Allfather this solstice season!

Tomorrow night, on the eve of December, I'll start my annual reading of the Hávamál. It's the first book of the Poetic Edda, one of the main source texts for everything we know about Norse mythology. Written around the year 1000, this 164-stanza poem includes hints about ancient Norse culture, popular myths, and enduring life advice that is still relevant in modern times.

This will be my 9th Yuletide reading, and I learn something new every time. I'll be reading 8 stanzas per night leading up to the solstice. This year, I'll choose 1 or 2 of the octet to post each night with commentary. I'll be using the same tag as last year, #21NightsOfHavamal, if you want to follow along.

#pagan #NorsePagan #Heathen #Odin #polytheism

As a polytheist, I worship gods from a few different pantheons. When the weather turns colder, and I wake up to a world covered in glittering frost every morning, my focus turns to the Norse pantheon.

Their myths were born from a people who were living through the end of the last Ice Age, and so it's easy to see how the Frost Giants were their adversaries.

Here in the Northern forests of the American continent, an average of 39% of days in the year will reach below freezing. I feel like I know what it's like to battle the cold and darkness of winter. It's difficult, depressing, and hard to get out of bed sometimes, but I can take comfort in knowing that my gods are right there with me.

#NorsePagan #Polytheism

The days grow shorter. Four minutes are lost to the darkness every time the sun sets. The light dwindles until a mere six hours remain. Then, on that darkest day, we celebrate and watch the light return once more.

This is the season for Sol to rest, and as should we.
Mani will watch over us.

Happy winters rest folks. Sleep a lot. I know I intend to! 🖤

#winter #norsepagan

My (gender-neutral) version of Sigdrifa's prayer, from the Poetic Edda:

Hail Day! Hail children of day!
Hail Night and its progeny, too!
Look down on us with loving eyes and grant us easy victory.
Hail Aesir! Hail Vanir!
Hail all the living Earth!
Grant us wisdom, and common sense,
And healing hands, lifelong.

#Pagan #NorsePagan #Heathen

Daily practice in paganism doesn't have to take a lot of time. My daily prayers are simple things that fit into my regular tasks, just a few lines spoken with reverence and a small offering. It's consistency that builds relationships, even if the action only takes one minute.

For Odin, an offering of tea before I plan my day each morning:
"Odin, Allfather, Wise One, One-Eyed, lend me your wisdom and wit." (most times I'll add Sigdrifas Prayer)

For Frigg, an offering of lavender salt before I start my morning cleaning:
"Hail Frigg, Queen of the Aesir, of falcon form and Fensalír, help me to bless and cleanse this home."

For Freya, an offering of lavender oil before I clean my glasses/put in contacts:
"Hail Freya, Lady, Vanadís, Queen of the Valkyrie, bless my eyes with your golden tears, bless my eyes that I might see the wyrd."

For Freyr, an offering of a ringing brass bell before I workout or practice cello:
"Hail, Lord Ingvi-Freyr inn Froði, you who rules over the winds, and the gentle rains, and therewithal the fruit of the Earth. Free me of fetters and fill me with your light."

#Pagan #Polytheism #NorsePagan

Hey everyone I'm teaching Intro to Nordic Paganism and Intro to Inclusive Practice next week! If you are looking for an inclusively grounded, practitioner-centered, and anti-fascist approach to Nordic spirituality then head on over to this link:

https://www.onblackwings.com/classes

And sign up now!

#Pagan #Heathen #NorsePagan #Witch #Religion #Spirituality #Classes #OnlineClass

Today's divination pull:

Fortune from the Thoth Deck, signifying constant change
Berkano of the Elder Futhark, the rune of the birch
Mannaz of the Elder Futhark, the rune of humanity
Thurisaz of the Elder Futhark, the rune of the giant

This divination reminds us of the importance of embracing the constant tide of change that defines existence & how we can better navigate it. It begins with Fortune, representing the constant turning of the wheels of reality. Change will come, the question is what we do about it.
#Divination #Tarot #Heathen #Pagan #NorsePagan #Witch #Runes