Tangled Wyrd

Awhile back I posted the ritual script I use for my short morning devotional rituals. That ritual was really just a shortened version of the liturgy I use for my High Day rites, which you can find later in this post. 

This ritual template has evolved from my very first rituals using the ADF Core Order of Ritual. The beauty of the ADF Core Order of Ritual lies in its modular nature. I don’t necessarily need to reinvent the wheel every time I plan for my next High Day rite, I just write a new Statement of Purpose and invocations for the deities or beings I will be honoring for that particular ritual. If I do need to revise the template, I can revise it a step at a time without having to rewrite the whole script.

The liturgy that follows has served me well, and has produced powerful solitary ritual experiences for me.

1: Initiating the Rite [Ring bell three times at shrine] Say: "A child of the Earth has come to honor the Kindreds!" [Perform Two Powers meditation] 2: Purification Say: "The waters of the Earth flow within me, the light of the sky shines within me, cleansing me and making me whole."

3: Honoring the Earth Mother

Say: "Hail Jord, hail Nerthus! Goddesses of the Earth! Your blessings of abundance and peace flow over the land, giving life to all. I stand upon you with gratitude and I honor you. Be with me in my rite. Jord and Nerthus, accept my offering!" [Make offering] 4: Statement of Purpose

Say: [A short statement of the purpose of the rite]

5: (Re)Creating the Cosmos

Say: "And so it came to pass that Odin and his brothers slew the giant Ymir: Of Ymir's flesh the Land was fashioned, and of his blood the Sea; crags of his bones, trees of his hair, and of his skull the Sky. Then of his brows the Gods made Midgard for sons of men." (modified from original translation)

Say: "Hail to the Fire! Flame of the hearth and tribe, fires of creation and destruction, light of the Heavens, shining forth from Asgard, home of the halls of the Gods, radiant with wisdom, order, and inspiration!"

[Make offering of olive oil to the Fire]

"Sacred Fire, burn within me!" Say: "Hail to the Well, the triple Well, deep beneath the earth! The Well of Hvergelmir, source of all waters, near the Halls of the Dead, the Well of Mimir, deep pool of sacrifice and wisdom, the Well of Urd, the spring of fate, where the gods hold court, and where the Norns determine the fates of gods and men!"

[Make offering of silver to the Well] "Sacred Well, flow within me!" Say: "Hail to Yggdrasil, the World Tree! Standing tall in Midgard, connecting all Nine Worlds together, from Helheim below to shining Asgard above, from deepest root to tallest branch, the center of the cosmos!" [Cense and asperge Tree] "Sacred Tree, grow within me!"

[Renew center]

6: Opening the Gate(s) Say: "Hail Heimdall, son of nine mothers, all-seeing and all-hearing guardian of Bifrost Bridge! You stand at the threshold of Asgard, guarding the realm of the Gods from those who seek to destroy it. Be with me in my rite. Heimdall, accept my offering!" [Make offering] Say: "Heimdall, aid me as I open the gates! May this Fire become a gate, opening to Asgard, realm of the Gods! May this Well become a gate, opening to the Halls of the Dead, realm of the Ancestors! May this Tree become a gate, opening to Midgard, realm of the wights, and connecting all Nine Worlds together!"

Say: "May the gates be open!"

[Make an opening motion with hands, envisioning the gates opening in the Sacred Center]

Say: "The gate is now open!" 7: Inviting the Three Kindreds Say: "Hail Ancestors! From the line of Ask and Embla, to the line of my Alfar and Disir, with wisdom and stength you guide me from realms above and below, with wisdom and strength you guide me from within my blood. I honor you. Be with me in my rite. Ancestors, accept my offering!" [Make offering]

Say: "Hail Land Wights, spirits of forest and field, spirits of stone and stream, shining elves and earthen dwarves! You guide me as I walk Midgard, teaching me the lessons of nature. I honor you. Be with me in my rite. Land wights, accept my offering!"

[Make offering] Say: "Hail Gods and Goddesses, Aesir and Vanir! From your halls you shine bright and brave, illuminating me with wisdom, bestowing me with courage, sustaining me with abundance. I honor you. Be with me in my rite. Gods and goddesses, accept my offering!" [Make offering] 8: Key Offerings Praise offerings:

[Make offering]

Being of the Occasion:

[Make offering]

9: Prayer of Sacrifice Say: "Ancestors, Land Wights, Gods and Goddesses! In the Sacred Center I have given you offerings, in the Sacred Center I have given you my devotion! Mighty Kindreds, I honor you! Mighty Kindreds, I praise you! Mighty Kindreds, accept my offering!" [Make offering]

[Renew center and feel the flow returning]

10: The Omen Say: "Hail Odin, All-father, ruler of Asgard! Nine nights you hung from Yggdrasil for the secrets of the runes, nine nights you hung on that windy tree, sacrificing self to self. Odin, All-father, wielder of the runes, let the Kindreds speak to me! What blessings do I receive in return for my offerings?" [Draw three runes] One for: Ancestors Land wights Gods 11: Calling for the Blessings Say: "Mighty Kindreds, offerings have I given you and your blessings have been revealed! A gift calls for a gift to complete the exchange of hospitality. Mighty Kindreds, may your blessings flow into this horn, so that I may drink deeply of fair return!"

Say: “Give to me the Waters of Life!” 12: Hallowing the Blessings [Trace runes on the horn] [Visualize the traced runes glowing with power, sinking into the cup, into the beverage, and glowing within the liquid] Say: "Mighty Kindreds, your blessings flow into this horn. Behold the Waters of Life!" [Drink] 13: Affirming the Blessing Say: "Mighty Kindreds, your blessings flow through my head, my heart, and my loins. Hail to the Kindreds!"

[Renew center]

14: Workings

[Magical workings are done here]

15: Thanking the Beings

Say: “[BoTO], thank you for your presence and blessings in this rite.” Say: "Gods and Goddesses, Aesir and Vanir, thank you for your presence and blessings in this rite." Say: "Land wights, spirits of the land, thank you for your presence and blessings in this rite." Say: "Ancestors, kin of my blood and spirit, thank you for your presence and blessings in this rite."

16: Closing the Gates Say: "Heimdall, my work here is finished. May the gates be closed!" [Make a closing motion with hands, envisioning the gates closing] Say: "The gates are now closed." Say: "Heimdall, son of nine mothers, all-seeing and all-hearing guardian of Bifrost Bridge, thank you for your presence in this rite." 17: Thanking the Earth Mother Say: "Nerthus and Jord, Goddesses of the Earth. Your blessings of peace and plenty flow over the land, giving life to all. I stand upon you in gratitude and I honor you." 

[If there are leftover offerings:] 

Say: "I return to you that which remains."

[Give leftover offerings]

Say: "Nerthus and Jord, thank you for your presence in this rite and your rich bounty."

18: Closing the Rite

Sunna Greeting Prayer By: Mike Kaan

Hail, Sunna!

Bright bride of the heavens, golden, glowing goddess, fire of sky and air!

I greet you this day!

May your journey across the sky be swift and safe.

By: Mike Kaan

Ehwaz May I be blessed to have a strong steed beneath, bearing me along my path. Ehwaz May I be blessed to be the strong steed beneath, bearing kin through trouble. Ehwaz

So, here I am, 30 days later after starting this small project of honoring Odin for an entire month.

I’ve got to admit, this was a challenging project. In the spirit of learning, or revisiting, something about Odin each day of the month, I made it a point not to do any posts in advance. In the midst of a busy summer, it was a challenge, but I’m happy to have undertaken this project. It has helped me grow closer to the All-Father, while deepening my relationship with him. I have felt his presence grow within me and around me, urging me forward in my quest for wisdom. It is a welcome and satisfying feeling.

At the beginning of the month, I did say I was going to do three trance journeys to meet Odin, but it never happened. While it is something I want to do, it’s not something I feel like I’m ready for at the moment. However, once I do make the decision to do these trance journeys, I have a good feeling that Odin will be waiting. It’s both a terrifying and exciting prospect.

My only other regret is that I wish I could’ve gone a bit deeper in my research, but time constraints led to more basic information. There’s certainly nothing wrong with that, and these posts have given me ideas in exploring certain aspects of Odin in the future.

To anyone with an active interest in the gods, I highly recommend the 30 day project as a method of deepening knowledge and experience with the deities.

To those who have followed along and have offered their kind words about this project, I thank you. If you have any questions for me regarding Druidry and Heathenry, feel free to send me a message.

Grim’s Wyrd By: Poul Normansen (Paul Walker)

I will not be discouraged by the news of ravens. I will not be oppressed by the demands of wolves. I will simply sit in the high seat and watch The nine worlds unfold before me, Like the waters of the Whale’s bath, Blown by the winds of time and fate. I will sit and wait, Untroubled by the trails to come, Knowing the battle for a new world is already won.

Odin is a magician. His method of magic is the singing of magical songs, called galdr (Old Norse for “song”). These songs of power allow Odin to do many great feats, from requesting aid to calming stormy waters. Some of these magical songs are performed with the addition of carving runes, thus enhancing the power of the spells.

There are eighteen spells listed in the Havamal. Although the songs themselves are not written, they can help with inspiring personal magical work:

147. The songs I know that king's wives know not, Nor men that are sons of men; The first is called help, and help it can bring thee In sorrow and pain and sickness.

148. A second I know, that men shall need Who leechcraft long to use; 149. A third I know, if great is my need Of fetters to hold my foe; Blunt do I make mine enemy's blade, Nor bites his sword or staff.

150. A fourth I know, if men shall fasten Bonds on my bended legs; So great is the charm that forth I may go, The fetters spring from my feet, Broken the bonds from my hands.

152. A fifth I know, if I see from afar An arrow fly 'gainst the folk; It flies not so swift that I stop it not, If ever my eyes behold it.

152. A sixth I know, if harm one seeks With a sapling's roots to send me; The hero himself who wreaks his hate Shall taste the ill ere I.

153. A seventh I know, if I see in flames The hall o'er my comrades' heads; It burns not so wide that I will not quench it, I know that song to sing.

154. An eighth I know, that is to all Of greatest good to learn; When hatred grows among heroes' sons, I soon can set it right.

155. A ninth I know, if need there comes To shelter my ship on the flood; The wind I calm upon the waves, And the sea I put to sleep.

156. A tenth I know, what time I see House-riders flying on high; So can I work that wildly they go, Showing their true shapes, Hence to their own homes.

157. An eleventh I know, if needs I must lead To the fight my long-loved friends; I sing in the shields, and in strength they go Whole to the field of fight, Whole from the field of fight, And whole they come thence home.

158. A twelfth I know, if high on a tree I see a hanged man swing; So do I write and color the runes That forth he fares, And to me talks.

159. A thirteenth I know, if a thane full young With water I sprinkle well; He shall not fall, though he fares mid the host, Nor sink beneath the swords.

160. A fourteenth I know, if fain I would name To men the mighty gods; All know I well of the gods and elves, Few be the fools know this.

161. A fifteenth I know, that before the doors Of Delling sang Thjothrörir the dwarf; Might he sang for the gods, and glory for elves, And wisdom for Hroptatyr wise.

162. A sixteenth I know, if I seek delight To win from a maiden wise; The mind I turn of the white-armed maid, And thus change all her thoughts.

163. A seventeenth I know, so that seldom shall go A maiden young from me;

164. Long these songs thou shalt, Loddfafnir, Seek in vain to sing; Yet good it were if thou mightest get them, Well, if thou wouldst them learn, Help, if thou hadst them.

This is one of my favorite pieces of art that depicts Odin. To me, it evokes the nature of Odin and how I experience him: dark and at the fringes, but whose wisdom and guidance is unparalleled. It shows Odin as the wanderer, but with his spear ready for those who may challenge him, and a glimmer of danger and knowledge in his eye. The dark landscape reflects the places that Odin wanders to in search of wisdom, where to cost is high and danger lurks.

Odin has many names.

Below is a list of names Odin has gone by, or is known for. Being a wanderer, some of these names are for when Odin wanted to travel in secret. Other names were used when Odin was working deception. Further still, many of the names carry with them attributes of who Odin is as a god, describing his deeds for all to know.

Note: These names and titles can be really helpful in writing invocations to Odin.

Ballad to Odin  By: Erik Goodwyn 

Roaming dusk-red woods and far-strewn fields Through mottled and shade-cold shores. Under cloaked mountains deep secrets sought Your journey timeless and terrible.

You rose blood-worn your eyes well-wise You led the horrid host. Ever thew-thirsty your rage need-wrought and yet I trust your gaze.

The runic rites you gathered grim The world your heart-heavy burden. In dream-dark mist and stave-dark rist You named me as your son.

For most of this month I’ve been praising Odin for his various deeds. He is wise, inspirational, and ferocious on the battlefield. Odin is worthy of praise and devotion, and many people honor him across the world. That said, Odin is not perfect, and there are sides to him that can be difficult to deal with. One of these things is Odin’s penchant for misogyny.

This is seen in the Havamal (Bellows):

81. Give praise to the day at evening, to a woman on her pyre, To a weapon which is tried, to a maid at wed lock, To ice when it is crossed, to ale that is drunk.

84. A man shall trust not the oath of a maid, Nor the word a woman speaks; For their hearts on a whirling wheel were fashioned, And fickle their breasts were formed.

90. The love of women fickle of will Is like starting o'er ice with a steed unshod, A two-year-old restive and little tamed, Or steering a rudderless ship in a storm, Or, lame, hunting reindeer on slippery rocks.

92. Soft words shall he speak and wealth shall he offer Who longs for a maiden's love, And the beauty praise of the maiden bright; He wins whose wooing is best.

Odin is one of the most well-known Norse gods in the world. Here is a collection of figurines of Odin that have been found:

Odin on Hlidskjalf (Lerje, Denmark)

Odin and Ravens (9th-10th century AD)

Odin (Lindby, Skåne, Sweden)

Odin (Loshult, Skåne, Sweden)

Odin figure (Uppåkra, Skåne, Sweden)

Odin and his ravens, Vendel royal helmet plate (900 AD)

I honor Odin many different times over the course of the year. The most frequent and consistent is during my daily devotionals on Wednesdays. It is Odin’s Day, after all, and I give him offerings of wine, with an invocation like so:

“Hail Odin, All-Father! It is Odin’s Day, your day, and I honor you. Grant me wisdom as I continue to walk this path. Grant me fury to overcome life’s obstacles. Odin, accept my offering!”

I also honor Odin at other times of the year, like Winternights (October 31st/November 1st). As the world darkens when the winter solstice approaches, it is a time of death and reflection. As Odin is a death god, and deals with the dead in several different ways, this seems like an appropriate time of year to honor the All-Father. Winternights also signals the beginning of winter, which is when Odin begins his ride with his Wild Hunt across the barren landscape.

For Winternights 2015, I honored Odin thusly:

“Hail Odin, Father of the Slain! You who takes half of the battle dead to Valhalla, where the mighty shall feast and fight in preparation for Ragnarok! You who seeks counsel with the dead, learning their secrets to increase your wisdom! You who mounts the splendid steed Sleipnir, readying the Wild Hunt as darkness enfolds the land! I honor you! Odin, accept my offering!”