[George Hand Right, The Binding of Fenrir appeared in Hamilton Wright Mabie, Norse Stories Retold from the Eddas (Dodd Mead,1908).
Law degree part 3: TyrĀ į
As a heathen with the ambition of earning a law degree, I am naturally a devotee of Tyr. Iād been aware of him before, but only started reading about his myths and worship while applying for university.
I was immensely drawn to the myth of his missing hand. The idea of self- sacrifice in lawgivers really left an impression on me. The resignation of āthis has to be done and it must be meā. Honour and oath- making can be over- emphasised in heathenry, I donāt look on him as āthe first oath- breakerā or any of that.Ā This myth reminds us of the need for deception when we can protect ourselves and others. Honesty is akin to obeying the law: itās the right thing until itās the wrong thing, they have their reasons and limits. Tyr knows the difference.
So I introduced myself and volunteered to be a tool of his will. His shrine was on my desk. I prayed a novena in the lead up to my first semester, offering single malt whiskey. He was with me as I watched my first lecture. Iād give thanks for evidence that I was learning and laid good grades at his feet. His candle burned while I studied for exams. I dedicated last yearās Lent to him, but prayer cycles generally followed the academic calendar.
My UPG impressions are of a very serious individual who listens quietly and holds you accountable. I believe Tyr stands for democracy and local government.Ā Iām all for strategic lawbreaking where obeying the law is wrong, and malicious compliance is a tool for change. Know the law to change the law. This stance feels right around Tyr, to me.
Tyrās martial aspect is not something I really get into. I painted a Tiwaz icon on fabric patterned with medieval banners, saddled knights, and archers- but Iām a pacifist thank you so much. Iād like international law to really do something about keeping the peace and rounding up war criminals. Surely a lawgiving war god is the one to pray to for peace. Heās a war god who disabled himself! He nips problems in the bud. I should lean into that more: Please may diplomacy prevail, make Putin rot. Please may Australia always remain friendly with China, for the sake of Chinese- Australians above all.
At the beginning of last year I was absorbed by Lynne Kellyās memory palace work (introduced by my dad, dammit, see part 2). I highly recommend her book Memory Craft and there are some good interviews with ABC. The various techniques are as useful for students as they are for remembering names and lists. My law notes were transformed into illuminated manuscripts on her instruction, and held up to Tyr. Thereās so much law now that no one can remember it all, but I honour the oral lawgivers of old. I would really like to develop a devotional chaplet to him which works as a memory palace for law. Rosaries are mnemonic devices after all.
As a cultural Christian, my sky god of justice slots neatly into the mental space of a judging heavenly father. I recognise that may put certain people off. My moniker of āheretical heathenā has as much to do with being unbaptised in a Christian culture as it does with Norse gods. My pagan practice is synchretised with Christianity and Iāve noticed Tyr resists this. While I may dedicate a Christian period of sacrifice to him, divination tells me not to conflate him with Jehovah or Christ. The common law is very Christian and I donāt think that sits well with him. I respect that.
Just before my first year began, my sister stick- poked Tiwaz into my skin (I know, I know [1], I could well have chosen a hand), which I consecrated to my patron. Rather than waiting until Iād accomplished my goal, I did it to sort of bind myself to the path. I knew the degree was going to be difficult and unlike anything Iād done beforeā¦ I didnāt want to drop out. Since I have dropped out and will not be studying this year, well, the tattoo seems to catch my eye a lot.
Of the many reasons I left, an important one was my ability to do the thing justice. It would surely not please my patron if I slid through like āPs get degreesā. They do, but will you know your stuff?Ā When I had to retake an exam I didnāt beg to get through, but asked for the opportunity to prove I know this. I didnāt pray to Tyr when I made my decision to leave (I didnāt pray to anything). I donāt seek his forgiveness, but I am sheepish about approaching him. I havenāt lit his candle in six months but his icon remains on the altar.
I have now decided to resume study next yearā¦ or part time second semester? I feel it is time to speak to the One- Handed and decide what Iām about. āI want a law degreeā, Iād said. I got lost in the idea of prestige received for being a lawyer. I know I will be better placed with an ombudsman (one of few Scandinavian legal ideas we use here), a government department, or a union. I kind of toy with the idea of only doing pro bono legal work for activist groups. No small inspiration for studying law was hearing that organisations like the Satanic Temple (no, Iā donāt endorse) have in- house lawyers. Thereās a niche somewhere for me, where I can be most useful and satisfied.
I want to read a couple of textbooks cover to cover this year, work on the manuscripts, get my base knowledge really solid. Program them into that chaplet.
Yes, itās time for a blĆ³t.
[1] No frith with fascists! In re Tiwaz:
As you can see, these abominations donāt understand runes much anyway.
