Lady Victoria Eclectic Pagan's blog: "The Norse Realm"

FA The Rune of the original fire, Rune of the cosmos, of the universe. Symbol of fire that acts creatively in love. will that spares manifestation down to the material levels. FA rules the Salamanders. Symbol of change, symbol of the Phoenix, Spiritual creation, FAS (fatum or fate), Divine Law, Mobility wealth, FREYR, Connection to the Rune KA (#6). Some uses of the Rune FA: To attract and to absorb Solar and Lunar energies, planetary energies, and energies of the fixed stars. Strengthens persona) magnetism and (on the etheric plane) the electric fluid, Strengthens spiritual powers, Useful at the beginning of psychic healings. Rune to transfer energies. Unfolding the original fire. Time of the year: December 22 through January 12 Number: I Tarot correlate: The Magician, Activum, willpower. The first card. Mantras: ffffffffff (visualize fire, or flaming FA symbol.) fffffaaaaa. UR Symbol of original cause of cosmic and planetary events and trends. Original time, original eternity, root of eternity. Timeless time where space time is irrelevant. Cause of causes. Original creation, Original immortality. Original law of vibration. PRIMA MATER MATERIAE. Original knowledge. In UR are the roots of Yggdrasil the world tree, Here the three Norns, goddesses of fate and destiny are spinning the threads of men and gods. Here the fountain of wisdom is running. Here the gods descend in order to find wisdom and knowledge. Some uses of UR: New existence flows continuously from UR. It is the Rune of healing, using orgone energy on the etheric levels. It opens one to clairaudience. It deepens the ability to recognize true causes, as distinct from apparent causes. Time of the year: January 11 through February 3. Number: 2 Tarot correlate: The Nigh Priestess. Veiled knowledge between Jakin and Boaz. The second card. Mantras: uuuuuuuuuu (speak: oo-oo-oo-oo-oo) Uuuuurrrrr THORN Rune of activity, of the active mind. Symbolic Master of the sword, Rune of active exchange. Thor's hammer. Rune of opposing polarities: life and death, hot and cold, light and darkness etc., and of joining opposites. Rune of eternal return. Mystery of the THORN which awakens one from sleep. Burning thorn bush. Lightning and thunder. Rune of the dowsing rod. Rune of magnetic transfer and of mental telepathy. Some uses of the Rune: THORN awakens the will to act. It helps to get in touch with the continuous change of day and night, of the waxing and waning called life and death. Protects against attacks. Strengthens the aura, particularly when using the mantra. Time of the year; February 4 through February 25 Number; 3 Tarot correlate; The Empress. The third card, Mantras; ththththth, thththooooorrrrrrnnnn. OS OTHIL The fourth element. Run« of Odic energies. Rune of leadership, kingship, government. Rune that frees from the bondage of the material world. OS brings strong magical powers. It teaches the recognition of the laws of nature which concern the Magical universe, or Magical hyperspaces. It involves the symbolism of four as completion: as thesis, antithesis, energetic exchange, synthesis, which synthesis becomes the thesis of the following system. Divine name. Some uses of the Rune: Growth of spiritual powers. Drawing of astral and mental energies. Time of the year: February 26 through March 2Q Number: 4 Tarot correlate: The Emperor. The 4th card. Kingship. Mantra: oooooooossssss, ooothththiiii))ll« oooodalL RIT RITA, right, the Rune of original law, of Divine law. All justice. Re-ligio. Strength. Ritual. Rune of the cosmic rhythm of the worlds. Rune of movement, rotation, wheels, of spiraling development and unfolding, Symbol of the rolling Sun wheel. Rune of rhythms and of dance. Some uses of the Rune: PIT allows you to tune into the rhythms of the worlds. It awakens higher powers, It strengthens inner guidance. Increases experience of ritual. RIT directs thoughts towards inner guidance. Strengthens the power of visualization. Time of the year: March 21 through April 12. Number: 5 Tarot correlate: The Hierophant. The High Priest. Fifth card. Mantra; rrrrrr rrrruiit THE RUNE K A KA is a sexual Rune. It is the Rune of capability and power, the Rune of the occultist, and of higher mysteries. Uses: Like THORN, KA is a Rune of protection against magical attacks. KA gives intuition, inspiration, and it connects with the universe. KA connects with higher polarity. It increases courage. Time of the year: April 13 through May 5. Number: 6 Mantra: k-k-k-k-aaaa. THE RUNE HAGAL Fire refers here to "the fire of thirst." HAG-ALL = take care of the universe. It contains the symbolism of the omnipresent and all-penetrating creative energy. HAGAL is the symbolism of the builder-architect of the worlds. The seven is the rhythm of the Solar System. It connects with Venus-entities (Venus = 7), who create the world in an eternal NOW. HAGAL is the Rune of the world tree, of the world, of the tree of life. It is a combination of MAN and YR, NOD and EH. HAGAL is maintenance and equilibrium of the moving universe. It is the Rune of the zodiac, and mother of all Runes that signifies continuous change. HAGAL leads to the spiritual leader. In the microcosm it represents man, in the macrocosm it represents the universe. Uses: HAGAL gives protection and harmony. It serves as the solid point within the flight of phenomena. It eliminates the burning thirst for things that are not important in life. It provides consciousness of Oneness with the Divine. It brings spiritual powers and wisdom. It increases the functions of the pineal gland and of the solar plexus. Time of the year: May 6 through May 28. Number: 7 Mantra: hag-all The Rune N O D NOD is the Rune of karma. In the Northern tradition, NOD is the Rune of the Norn, goddess of destiny. It is the Rune of karmic debts (the Norn SKULD), of karmic law, of karmic need. NOD signifies Divine justice that balances. "Hate" in the song refers to unresolved karma. Nod helps to master your karma after you have accepted it and recognized it as a structuring process rather than the primitive assumption of cause-effect. NOD symbolizes the appearance out of the infinite, out of the undefined. It connects with the Divine that manifests itself within the finite universe, for "a god who does no manifest itself is dead" (Feuerbach). Uses: NOD makes you aware of your karmic debts and it helps dissolve karma. It leads to truth and fitting into the cosmic order, or the Divine Plan. NOD brings the protection of high spiritual entities of our Solar System. Use your karma and live it consciously. The emphasis here is on "use". With NOD you can recognize that karma is a structuring process rather than strict cause-effect and that the postulate ("law") of cause-effect is nothing but a human fallacy! Especially with the practice of NOD will you gain the insight of just how powerful work with the creative levels (Runes) can be, especially when it comes to the shifting of dimensions of time! Time of the year: May 29 through June 20. Number: 8 Mantra: nnnnnnnn, nnnnoooooddddd, aepandi nam. The Rune IS Rune of the ego, of self-discipline, of discipline. IS is the Rune of the personality, of the magical powers of self-consciousness. It symbolizes will, action, power, and personality. IS refers to the ego in the microcosm, the ONEness that connects everything created to ONE. It is eternal Divine Love within that transcends the lower ego. The Rune of completion. The unicorn, the magic wand, the number of the Moon. Uses: IS strengthens the personality (ship) by calming emotionally charged thoughts (the wind on the billowing floods), controls thoughts. IS procures psychic powers through self-discipline and through elimination of that which is unnecessary. IS leads to Divine Magic. Time of the year: June 21 through July 14. Number: 9 Mantra: iiiiiisssssss,iiiisssssiiiissss. The Rune AR Rune of the Light, of the Sun. Wisdom, beauty, virtue, trust, honor, fame. Rune of the initiate. Symbolism of the Solar child that returns home from darkness. Rune of the explorer. Uses: AR allows control of subconscious thought patterns and recognizes their point of origin, or roots (meditate on the stanza!). AR is the Rune of reframing, of re-assigning subconscious trends and activities, or usually subconscious parts of the personality. AR can cause change from within. You can use AR as a Rune of certainty that dissolves doubts. AR attracts Solar prana. Time of the year: July 15 through August 7. Number: 10 Mantra: aaaaaaaaaarrrrrr, rrrrraaaaaaaa The Rune SIG SIG is the Rune of the light, the Rune of the Sun, the Rune of victory, success, and of good luck. It is the Solar Light in spiritual contemplation. It symbolizes the path "from God to God," the path of the soul. Rune of the spiritual ray, of inspiration. Uses: SIG brings success, overcomes material limitations, increases power of the spirit. It gives knowledge, wisdom, illumination. It increases the power of visualization, and psychic powers. Time of the year: August 8 through August 30. Number: 11 Mantra: ssssssssssss, ssssssssiiiiiiig, sig - sig The Rune TYR Rune of the god of the swords. Rune of the god(dess) who sacrifices him/herself, certain of resurrection. Rune of initiation, of reincarnation, of being born again. Uses: Hammer of Thor. TYR helps overcome the material world, the fear of material death. Brings victory of spirit over matter. Helps the recalling of past lives. Time of the year: August 31 through September 22. Number: 12 Correlation with the Tarot: 12 card, The Hanged Man. Odin's Song (of initiation): I know how I hanged on the wind cold tree for nine icy nights, wounded by the spear, . . . . . A shamanic motif of the dying and resurrecting god, found in most religions. Mantra: t-t-t-t-tyyyyyyrrrrr The Rune BAR Rune of revelation, Rune of birth of the spirit. Rune of birth, of spiritual rebirth. Return to the Mothers, to the empire of HEL. Life, hopes, wishes. Rune of continuous transformation, death and rebirth. Uses: Development of higher spiritual, mystical and psychic capabilities. Lead to inner freedom and outer independence. Helps birth, spiritual birth. Time of the year: September 23 through October 15. Number: 13 Correlation with Tarot: 13th card: Death - Transformation - Metamorphosis. Mantra: b-b-b-b-baaaaaarrrrrr The Rune LAF The ancients used the mythological method to talk of that which is psychological, psychic, and spiritual. LAF is the Rune of life, of the law of life, of the original laws of the universe, of the original waters. Rune of the sea. Rune of the etheric part of the body. Rune of initiation that experiences life on earth as a continuous process of initiation. Uses: LAF brings understanding of the life processes, of true religion. Time of the year: October 16 through November 7. Number: 14 Correlation with the Tarot: The 14th card of the Tarot: Temperance. Mantra: lllllllllaaaaaaaffffff The Rune MAN MAN is symbolism of man, of mankind, of humanity, of the resurrected god. It signifies the upper part of the world tree Yggdrasil. Rune of spiritual powers, of directing Mana powers. Uses: MAN leads to Divine Magic and unfolding of life (see Symbol of Man). It protects against enemies. MAN increases and strengthens the aura. It opens the mysteries of MIMIR, the mysteries of original memories, or of root-memories. Use for levitation, elevation, reaching in the spheres of the Divine. Time of the year: November 8 through November 29 Number: 15 Correlation with the Tarot: 15th card: The Devil. Mantra: mmmmmmaaaaaaaannnnnn, aaooouuummmmmm mmmaaannniii paadmmmmeeeee huuummmmmm The Rune YR Rune of the unio mystica (mystical union, samadhi). Desire for completion, and perfection. Rune of the night and of the Moon. Rune of karma and of karmic tests. The counterpart of MAN, the god with antlers. Roots of the world tree, from which life springs ("the mighty tree which conceals man, where man grew from the roots ...") God in the waters at the winter solstice. God descending to the material world. Uses: YR overcomes illusion of the material world, which is often a painful process bringing radical changes, and a sudden overturning of affairs. Overcomes the illusions of neuro-semantic environments. It recognizes mappings as mappings. Time of the year: November 30 through December 21. Number: 16 Correlation with the Tarot: The 16th card: The Citadel, Lightning. Mantra: yyyyyyyyrrrrrr The Rune EH Rune of cosmic union that transcends the 16 Runes of the zodiac, or the octagon with its polarities. It is the Rune of ideal love, of twin souls, of soul mates. Two in one, Soul and cosmic. God and human. Uses: Connects two lives, brings from the Two to the One. Helps find the soul mate. Brings together soul twins. Brings success and increase. Number: 17 No connection with the year, referring to polarities unified. Also no connection with the Tarot. Mantra: eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh The Rune GIBOR Rune of the wheel of life, of union of the god and the world, of Creator and Created. Uses: GIBOR harmonizes the relations of twin souls, unifies the energies of the I and YOU in a cosmic context, both reaching into the common universe, in a true cosmic wedding. Leads to cosmic consciousness, vision of God, unio mystica, the deepest mysteries of the universe. Number: 18 GIBOR has no relation to any part of the zodiac, but it is Symbolism of wholeness. Likewise, there is no correlation to any single card of the tarot. Mantra: ggiiibbboooorrrr

F A I know the Songs that no wise woman knows And none of the children of men. The first Song is HELP, and help it will Against sorrow, hurt, and any distress. U R A second I know; quite useful to the children of men Who practice the healing hand: It chases disease and all pain, It cures hurts and all wounds. T H O R N A third Song I know: If urgency tells me To tie the opponent with magic Then I dull the steel of my foes So that their swords will not cut anymore. O S A fourth Song I know: If an enemy puts A tie of pliable limbs; Then I speak the spell, the shackles break on the feet And the fetters break on the hands. R I T This I know as a fifth: If in hostile flight An arrow shoots into the crowd; Not matter how it threatens, I block its force By grasping it tightly with the look of my eyes. K A A sixth on is mine: Should a warrior hurt me With the roots of soft wood; This warrior who awakens the hate within me Shall be struck before it gets me. H A G A L A seventh I know: If the hall blazes high in flames Above all the people; No matter how it burns, I still save them all. The Magic I know to perform. N O D An eighth one is mine: quite useful to hear For all the people in danger and need. Where hate should arise between man and man I settle it fast. I S A ninth one I know: I danger is out in the sea To protect my dear ship I conjure the wind on the billowing floods An I sing into slumber the sea. A R A tenth one I know: When ill wishing spirits Fly high in the air; I cause them to turn around Back to their homes, deprived of their covers; Back to their roots, bewildered their minds. S I G This I know as eleventh: Then I Lead Into battle the friend, the beloved; I sing it into his shield, so he will win in battle And luck around him everywhere. T Y R A twelfth one I know: If I see the hanged man On the tree, shaking in the wind Then I scratch and I stain Runes The warrior can talk and descends from the tree. B A R A thirteenth I name: If I wet the Son With holy water When he is facing the foes he cannot perish And no blade can strike him into the dust. L A F A fourteenth I sing to all the assembled people When I name the Divine names; For nobody knows the characters of Albs And of all Aesir as well as I do. M A N A fifteenth I count: That which Volkrast, the gnome Sang by the gates of the day; To strength for the Aesir, and to force for the Albs, And to clear my own senses. Y R A sixteenth I know: If from wise maiden I desire joy of love Then I change the intent of the maiden And I turn her feeling around. E H A seventeenth I know: To join together two lives In love through wise law; Both are willing, and no one will lightly part after this. G I B O R An eighteenth I learned, but I would not let this Know a just anyone else; for the best Everyone keeps for himself. That which leads to the end of the songs. The one only knows who is in my arms as my only lover.

I know myself hanging on the wind cold tree for nine icy nights. Wounded by the spear, consecrated to Wodan I consecrated to myself. I was hanging on the mighty tree which conceals man Where man grew out of its roots. They offered me neither bread nor wine So I bent down in search. I recognized the Runes; wailing I grasped them. Until I sank down from the tree. Now I began to increase, to be wise, To grow and to feel well. From the word, word grew after word And deed shaped to deeds with deeds. Now I know the songs like no wise one knows And none of the children of men. And should these songs, o human child, be un-learnable to you for sheer endless time; Grasp them as you get hold of them, use them as you hear of them. Hail you if you retain them!

Hugin and Munin (Thought and Memory) Hugin and Munin (Norse, thought and memory) are the twin ravens of Norse mythology. They are the servants of the Norse All-Father, Odin. According to legend, they are sent out each morning and report back to Odin each evening on the reports of the happenings of the world. The examples above are adapted from a Viking picture stone from Gotland, Sweden, called the "Larbro" stone, which depicts scenes of the Norse Gods and the afterlife. Gungnir (Gar, Spear of Odin, Sword of Odin) The Norse Runeletter Gar, which symbolizes the legendary weapon of Odin, Gungnir. Gungnir was a Dwarven magical weapon given to Odin by Loki, which never misses its mark, and always returns to Odin's hand. Spirit Ship (Ship of the Slain) The spirit ship is a common theme of Norse pictographs carved in stone, some dating to the fifth millennium BCE. The spirit's ship is most commonly found on funerary monuments, where it represents the journey to the afterlife. The symbol has obvious connections to the Viking practice of sending the deceased into the afterlife aboard a burning ship. Interestingly, the form of the boat in the ancient carvings is identical to the Viking longship. Similar carvings have been found in Canada, dating as far back as 800 BCE. Sleipnir Sleipnir is the legendary eight-legged horse belonging to Odin, the Father-God of the Norse pantheon. Sleipnir carries Odin between the world of the Gods and the world of matter. The eight legs symbolize the directions of the compass, and Sleipnir's ability to travel through land and air. According to legend, Sleipnir is the offspring of the God Loki and the horse of the Giants, Svaldifari. Irminsul The Irminsul is a common symbol of the Asatru faith. The Irminsul was a solar-phallic pillar used in religious worship practices by early Anglo-Saxons, and destroyed by Charlemagne in 772 AD It's exact meaning is unknown, although it may be connected with the Anglo-saxon deity Irmin, who is possibly related to the Norse God Tyr (a theory supported by the shape of the runeletter tyr). The Irminsul was likely related to the World Tree Yggdrasil, a symbol of the axis mundi (world axis), a symbol of man and the cosmos. Modern Irminsuls usually consist of an upright pole or cross, representing the union of earth with the heavens, and are often surmounted or hung with a solar wheel or sun cross. Jumis The symbol of Jumis (pr. Yoo-mis), the Baltic Pagan God who personified the harvest. The symbol of Jumis is two stylized, crossed corn stalks, a glyph which may be related to the Sanskrit word for 'twin.' The two tied stalks are reminiscent of offerings left after the gathering in of the grain; they represent the two faces of the God, who is also related to the Roman Janus. The symbol is one of prosperity and good fortune, and is often found on clothing and decorative painting. Nidstang (Nithing Pole) Nidstang means, literally, "curse pole." The nidstang (sometimes called a "Nithing Pole," or "niding pole") is an ancient Scandinavian custom of formal cursing or hexing someone. A wooden pole or stake was inscribed with the intended consequence and erected with a ceremony. A horse's head or carcass was placed atop the pole in the facing in the direction one wished to send the curse. Today, the nidstang is more likely to be virtual- an internet curse accompanied by a virtual horse's head (I'm sure the horses are relieved). Yggdrasil (Norse Tree of Life) A stylized image of Yggdrasil, the Norse World Ash, the giant mythological Tree that holds together the Nine Worlds or realms of existence. This image appears on the famous Överhogdal Tapestry, which dates to the year 1066 and depicts the events of Ragnarok, the apocalyptic tale of Pre-Christian Norse legend. It encompasses the Nine Worlds, and is guarded by the serpent Jormungandr. Yggdrasil is one of many variations of the Cosmic Axis or Universal World Tree known to all human cultures. Yggdrasil is home to many creatures, most notably the serpent or Dragon Nidhogg, lurks in the base, The Rooster Gullinkambi (golden comb), who lives at the tree's peak, and the squirrel, Ratatosk, who carries messages between them. These animals can be viewed as metaphors for the human body. According to Norse legend, Yggdrasil is where the god Odin hung upside-down for nine nights in order to obtain the Rune Alphabet. Beneath the roots of the World Ash lies the spring, Mimir, to which Odin sacrificed an eye to gain wisdom. Einherjar (Heroic Dead) In Norse Pagan (Asatru) mythology, the Einherjar are the "heroic dead" culled by the Valkyries from the battle field, and divided amongst Odin and Freyja. These warrior spirits live with the Aesir in Valhallah, where they practice for the final battle of Ragnarok, where they will fight alongside Odin and the Aesir. The Einherjar were often depicted in Norse funerary artifacts as armed helpers of the god Odin, and are holdovers from Neolithic times. Lady of the Beasts (Ormgudinna, Mistress of animals) The Mistress of animals, as she is sometimes referred to, is a fourth century stone carving of an unknown Norse Goddess. She usually appears with serpents in each hand, possibly linking her to the ancient Babylonian Goddess Ishtar, or to the Cretan Bee Goddess. She is probably a creator goddess, as she is shown in a birthing position. The triskele above her head most likely symbolizes the Goddess as creatrix. It is made up of the three animals emblematic of the Celtic domains of existence: the boar, representing the earth; the snake, an emblem of water; the bird, representing the sky. Ausekla Zvaigzne (Star of Auseklis, Morning Star) Aueskla means "star" in Lithuanian, and the Ausekla Zvaigzne ("star cross"), or Star of Auseklis, is the emblem of the Baltic Goddess Auseklis. The symbol is one of many ancient cosmological and magical symbols used in Eastern European folk art, and represents the goddess as the personification of the planet Venus. Tryzub (Ukrainian Trident) The Tryzub (pronounced "treh-zoob") is the ubiquitous symbol of Ukraine. The ancient symbol is believed to have originated as a tribal symbol; today it is emblazoned on the country's flag, on postage, money, business logos, even Easter eggs! The highly stylized version seen almost everywhere in Ukraine originated as the family crest of Volodymyr, a tenth century Ukrainian Prince. Today, the tryzub is worn as a symbol of national pride, as a symbol of the Christian trinity, or as a synthesis of the divine elements of fire and water in the manifest world. Web of Wyrd (Skuld's net) A modern representation of the Web of Wyrd, the matrix of fate (wyrd) as woven by the Nornir, the fates of Norse legend. The emblem, nine staves arranged in an angular grid, contains all of the shapes of the runes and therefore all of the past, present, and future possibilities they represent. The web serves as a reminder that the actions of the past affect the present and that present actions affect the future; all timelines are inextricably interconnected- in a sense, it is a representation of the tree of life.

Nine Worlds A graphic depiction of the Nine Worlds in Norse cosmology, which is divided into three realms. These are: In the Upper Realm: Asgard, the abode of the Aesir, ruled by Odin, the chief of the Norse Gods. Vanaheim, the abode of the Vanir. Alfheim, the world of elves, ruled by Freyr. Below, connected to the upper realm by Bifrost, the rainbow bridge: Midgard, meaning "middle earth," this is the abode of humanity, the physical plane. Midgard is surrounded by the Ocean, the abode of the world serpent Jormungand. Jotunheim, the home of the Jotuns, or giants. Svartalfheim, the world of the dark elves, an underground kingdom. The lowest level, the Land of the Dead, also has three realms: Niflheim, a frozen wasteland, eternal darkness, ruled by the Goddess Hel. Muspelheim, the realm of the fire giants. Hel, the abode of the dead. Helm of Awe (ægishjálmr) The Helm of Awe is magical symbol of protection used by early Vikings. Worn between the eyes, it may have been intended to confer invincibility in the wearer or instill fear in one's enemies. Today, it is used as a charm of protection by Asatru believers. Jormungandr Also known as: Iormungand, Jormungand Jormundgandr is the son of the mischievous God Loki and the Frost Goddess Angrboda. He is a monstrous serpent, destined to die by Thor's hand at the battle of Ragnarok. According to legend, Odin, in an attempt to forestall the inevitable, captured the great snake and threw him into the ocean, where he grew so large, he encircled the earth. He is also known as the Midgard Serpent. Jormungandr is sometimes pictured with three heads, symbolic of his existence in all three realms of Norse Cosmology. Thor's Hammer (Mjolnir) Mjolnir, or Thor's Hammer, is an ancient Norse symbol, a stylized representation of the legendary magical weapon of the Norse God Thor. "Mjolnir" means "lightning," and symbolized the God's power over Thunder and Lightning. The Hammer Mjolnir was said to always return after it had been thrown. The Thor's Hammer amulet was worn frequently by believers as a symbol of protection- a practice so popular it continued even after most of the Norse population had converted to Christianity. In modern times, is often used as an emblem of recognition for members of the Asatru faith, or as a symbol of Norse heritage. A later form of the Mjolnir is called the Wolf's Cross, or Dragon's Cross, and was associated with early Norse Christianity. Runes Runes are a Norse alphabet developed around 200 BCE, from characters used for magical purposes. It was believed to have been discovered by Odin as he hung upside down and wounded for nine days on the World Tree Yggdrasil. There are three commonly known runic alphabets: the 'elder' and 'younger' Futhark (futhark being the transliteration of the first few letters of that alphabet), the Anglo-Saxon futhork, and the Danish 'short twig' or script alphabet. The word 'rune' literally means a 'whisper' or 'secret.' The Elder Futhark is the oldest, and consists of three sets of eight letters; there have been as many as thirty three runic characters, and as few as sixteen at various times. Runes have been used as a divinatory device from the beginning, and some scholars believe that at one time, a special class of diviners existed dealing solely in rune reading. In the present time, runes are created and used by Asatru believers as a device for meditation and divination. One is generally expected to construct their own set of rune stones. Shield Knot (Four Corners) The shield knot is an ancient and nearly universal symbol. The shield knot has been used for thousands of years by a variety of cultures for protection and warding. While the common design is most often associated with the Celts and ancient Norse, the most basic form is much older. The fourfold version at right is Mesopotamian in origin and is associated with protective spells invoking the gods of the four corners of the earth. Later, it was used in the Kabbalah as a symbol of the Shema, the prayer/spell to invoke the four Archangels; it is the origin of the "Qabbalistic Cross" ritual still used today. This knot is sometimes referred to as the "Earth Square" or St. Hans cross. The Norse and Celtic versions of the knot are used for the same purposes of protection but are related to the fourfold solar cross. Troll Cross The troll cross is an amulet made of a circle of iron crossed at the bottom (possibly in the shape of an odal rune), a charm worn by early Scandinavian peoples as a protection against trolls and elves. Iron and crosses were both believed to ward off evil creatures. Solar Cross (Odin's cross, wheel of Taranis) The solar cross is probably the most ancient spiritual symbol in the world, appearing in Asian, American, European, and Indian religious art from the dawn of history. Composed of an equal armed cross within a circle, it represents the solar calendar- the movements of the sun, marked by the solstices. Sometimes the equinoxes are marked as well, giving an eight armed wheel. (The swastika is also a form of Solar cross, emphasizing movement.) The cross in its most simplified form is known in Northern Europe as Odin's cross, after the Chief God of the Norse pantheon. It is often used as an emblem by Asatruar, followers of the Norse religion. The Celtic cross is a symbol of the Celtic Christian Church, borrowed from the pre-Christian Celtic Pagan emblem of the God Taranis.

Romuva This is the emblem of the Romuva religion, a revival of the indigenous Pagan religion of Lithuania. The symbol of Romuva is a stylized oak tree, representing the axis mundi, or "world tree," known in Lithuanian mythology as Austras Koks, " tree of life." The three tiers represent the three worlds: the world of the living, or present-day, the world of the dead, or passed time, and the world to come, the future. The flame represents the ritual offering fire central to Romuva religious practice. The runic inscription here reads, "Romuve," or sanctuary, the root from which the word Romuva is derived. Odin's horn (triple horn, horned triskele, Odhroerir) The Triple Horn of Odin is a stylized emblem of the Norse God Odin. This symbol consists of three interlocked drinking horns, and is commonly worn or displayed as a sign of commitment to the Asatru faith. The horns figure in the mythological stories of Odin and are recalled in traditional Norse toasting rituals. Most stories involve the God's quest for the Odhroerir, a magical mead brewed from the blood of the wise god Kvasir. The tales vary, but typically, Odin uses his wits and magic to procure the brew over three days; the three horns reflect the three draughts of the magical mead. Valknut (Hrungnir's Heart, Heart of the slain, Heart of Vala, Odin's Knot) This symbol found on old Norse stone carvings is called "Hrungnir's heart," after the legendary giant of the Eddas. It is best known as the Valknut, or "knot of the slain," and it has been found on stone carvings with funerary motifs, where it signified the afterlife. The valknut can be drawn unicursally (in one stroke), making it a popular talisman of protection against spirits. The Valknut's three interlocking shapes and nine points suggest rebirth, pregnancy, and cycles of reincarnation. The nine points are also suggestive of the Nine Worlds (and the nine fates) of Norse mythology. Their interwoven shape suggests the belief of the interrelatedness of the three realms of earth, hel, and the heavens, and the nine domains they encompass. The Valknut is also an important symbol to many followers of the Asatru faith, who often wear it as a symbol of the faith. A variation called an "open" valknut, due to the looser design: Another, less common version of the Valknut, called a triceps, resembles a cut-away triangle, or a triangle formed of three diamonds (three 'othala' runes interwoven): The triceps was used into the middle ages as a magical sign of protection. Swastika (Fylfot Cross) The swastika is an archetypal, universal human religious symbol. It appears on every continent and is as old as humankind. A marker of the sun's travels, it can be seen on Pictish rock carvings, adorning ancient Greek pottery, and on ancient Norse weapons and implements. It was scratched on cave walls in France seven thousand years ago. A swastika marks the beginning of many Buddhist scriptures, and is often incised on the soles of the feet of the Buddha in statuary. In the Jain religion, it is a symbol of the seventh Jina (Saint), the Tirthankara Suparsva. To Native Americans, the swastika is a symbol of the sun, the four directions, and the four seasons. The swastika is a type of solar cross, with arms bent at right angles, suggesting a whirling or turning motion. Long before the symbol was co-opted as an emblem of Hitler's Nazi party; it was a sacred symbol to Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions, as well as in Norse, Basque, Baltic, and Celtic Paganism. The name Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit language, from "su," meaning "good," and "vasti"," meaning "being" (together; well being) In India, it is used as a fertility and good luck charm. The right turning Indian swastika symbolizes the sun and positive energy, and is most commonly associated with the deity Ganesh, a God of prosperity and wealth. Some Indians regard an anti-clockwise swastika as an opposing, dark force- a symbol of the goddess Kali. Together, the two can be regarded as symbolically similar to the Yin Yang symbol of Taoism, or the two Pillars of Kabbalah. The swastika is also known for its uses in heraldry as the tetraskelion, the fylfot cross (fylfot meaning 'four feet,' a term used in European heraldry), the cross gammadion (because it resembles four greek letter 'gammas.'), and the hakenkreutz (German, hooked cross). The swastika used in Buddhist art and scripture is known as a Manji, and represents Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. When facing left, it is the Omote (front) Manji, representing love and mercy. Facing right, it represents strength and intelligence, and is called the Ura (rear facing) Omoje. Balanced Manji are often found at the beginning and end of buddhist scriptures. In pre-Christian Pagan Europe, the swastika was generally a solar symbol, but in many cases, its use dates so far back in history that its original meaning is obscured. In Baltic regions, the swastika is sometimes called the "thunder cross," and is associated with the Thunder God Perkons (Perkunis).

One of the basic functions of a religion is to offer a set of values on which mankind is to base it's actions. This, sadly, is one area where Paganism has often failed. The cult of anti-values has held sway, taking moral relativism to extremes perhaps even farther from common sense than fundamentalist moral legalism, even to the point where I have heard rape, murder, and genocide defended on the basis of "cultural differences." However, values remain important. All one needs to do is look at the morning paper to see the results of a society that has in many ways embraced the cult of anti-values. We should be experiencing an evolution from a legalistic moral/religious culture to one of flexible honor based values and self-responsibility. All too often, what we have instead is a morass of chaos and immorality. The lesson we should all learn is that while there is no definitive list of sins; right and wrong still exist. As usual Asatru offers a sensible solution. Our faith deals not in legalisms and rules nor in unchecked chaos and relativism. We instead acknowledge the existence of right and wrong, good and evil, but we deal with actions according to basic philosophical concepts that are applied by the keen intellect of Odin, the simple common sense of Thor, and the solid honor of Tyr--the gifts of the Gods to us. Asatru posits that the basic place of moral judgment is within the human heart and mind. We as human beings with the gift of intelligence are sensible and responsible enough to determine right from wrong and act accordingly. The Gods teach us through the examples of their lives, as chronicled in the Eddas, and through various pieces such as the Havamal which directly offer us advice. In the modern history of our faith, various Asatru organizations have outlined simple sets of values which they hold up as simple guidelines on how to live ones life. Of all of the sets of values we saw when first starting out, those of the Odinic Rite struck us as the most cohesive and sensible. This set has been adopted by the Raven Kindred as an "official" statement of our beliefs. We do this not only as a moral guide for our members, but also to say to the world what it is that we stand for--our good name in the community being important to us. Finally, this list is used when someone formally joins the Raven Kindred and we hold a sumble and toast the 9 virtues to the new member in the hope that they will apply them to their life. The Nine Noble Virtues are: Courage Truth Honor Fidelity Discipline Hospitality Industriousness Self Reliance Perserverance It would be hard to get much argument on any of these values from anyone. They simply and briefly encapsulate the broad wisdom of our Gods and ancestors. Courage In virtually every statement of values applied to Asatru, Courage is listed first. Few of us face such turmoil as a literal battle for ones life. In fact, I believe it might be easier to manifest courage in such a situation than to do so in the many smaller day to day occurrences in which courage is called for. The most common of these occurrences for modern Pagans, is the courage to acknowledge and live ones beliefs. It is also, sadly, the one that we most often fail at. While we may often be full of the type of courage that would lead us to face a shield wall, many of us quake at the thought of the topic of religion coming up at the office or a friend asking what church we attend. We won't offer easy answers, but we ask this: if you toast the courage of your ancestors to fight and die for what they believed in, can you trade away your religious identity for a higher salary or social acceptance? In an essay on values there is also the question of moral courage. The way of Tyr is difficult--to lose ones hand for ones beliefs--but, Tyr thought the price worth paying. In a million ways modern society challenges our values, not just as Asatruar who are estranged from mainstream religious practice, but for religious people in an increasingly not just secular, but anti-religious culture. Values are also not in favor in modern society. Breaking or getting around the rules is encouraged to get ahead. Living honorably is simply too inconvenient. I think most people, Asatru or otherwise, find this repugnant, but the only way to change it is to have the courage to refuse to take part in it. Truth The second virtue, that of Truth, is the one that most led our kindred to embrace this statement of values as our own. Early in our discussions, we decided that no matter what values we chose to hold out as our own, truth must be among them. It is a word that holds so much in its definition, and includes such a wide variety of moral and philosophical beliefs that we were all drawn to it as a simple statement of what we stood for. At least one of the reasons we wanted to adopt it was the simple issue of honesty. As was said at one sumbel while toasting truth and honesty: "if you don't want people to know about something, don't do it." Truth, in the sense of honesty, is essential to personal honor and also to any system or morality that is not based on rigid legalism. If one is to uphold an honor code, one must be brutally honest with oneself and with others. Truth is also the Truth that comes with a capital T--the kind of Truth that one talks about in terms of religion or morality. It's common to talk of different peoples having different "truths," but it's equally important to remember that while we acknowledge that each person or people has their own belief as to what Truth is or where to find it, there finally is a single Truth. This is not the Truth as we believe it, but ultimate Truth. While we may respect other people's "truths" and seek our own, we must never forget our search for The Truth. Like the Holy Grail of Christian legend, it may never be ours to reach, but when we cease to search we perish. Honor Honor is the basis for the entire Asatru moral rationale. If anything comes out in the Eddas and Sagas it is that without honor we are nothing. We remember two types of peoples from ancient times: those whose honor was so clean that they shine as examples to us and those who were so without honor that their names are cursed a thousand years after they lived. Good Asatruar should always strive to be among the former. However, honor is not mere reputation. Honor is an internal force whose outward manifestation is reputation. Internal honor is the sacred moral compass that each Asatruar and God should hold dear. It is the inner dwelling at peace which comes from living in accordance with ones beliefs and with ones knowledge of the Truth of what one is doing. It is something deeply personal and heartfelt, almost akin to an emotion. It's a "knowing" that what one is doing is right and decent and correct. In many ways while the most important of all the virtues it is also the most ephemeral in terms of description. It is all the other virtues rolled together and then still more. The best way I have found to describe honor is that if you are truly living with honor, you will have no regrets about what you have done with your life. Or, to put it another way, as one Celtic Pagan friend said, "Reputation is what others say about you, honor is what you know to be true about yourself." Fidelity Fidelity is a word that is far too often defined by it's narrow use in terms of marital fidelity. By the dictionary it simply means being faithful to someone or something. In marriage this means being true to ones vows and partner, and this has been narrowly defined as limiting ones sexual experience to one's spouse. While I have found this to be great practical advice, many treat fidelity as if there were no other ways in which one could be faithful or unfaithful. For we Asatruar fidelity is most important in terms of our faith and troth to the Gods. We must remain true to the Aesir and Vanir and to our kinsmen. Like marriage, Profession (the rite in which one enters the Asatru faith, similar to Christian confirmation or Wiccan initiation) is a sacred bond between two parties; in this case an Asatruar and the Gods. In order for such a relationship to work, both must be honest and faithful to each other. Asatru, although currently being reborn, is a re constructionist religion and we also uphold the value of fidelity to the ways of the ancients. This is why historical research is so important to the Asatru-folk: it is the rediscovering of our ancient ways and our re adoption of them. Discipline In any discussion of the values of Asatru, discipline is best described as self-discipline. It is the exercise of personal will that upholds honor and the other virtues and translates impulse into action. If one is to be able to reject moral legalism for a system of internal honor, one must be willing to exercise the self-discipline necessary to make it work. Going back to my earlier criticism of society, if one rejects legalism, one must be willing to control ones own actions. Without self-discipline, we have the mess we all too often see in our culture. Looking at discipline in terms of fidelity, we see a close connection. Many Pagans go from faith to faith, system to system, path to path. Asatruar are much less likely to do this. The discipline of keeping faith with our Gods and the ways of our ancestors is part of our modern practice. In this way, we limit ourselves in some ways, but we gain much more in others. Hospitality Hospitality is simply one of the strongest core values at the heart of virtually every ancient human civilization. In a community/folk religion such as our own, it is the virtue that upholds our social fabric. In ancient times it was essential that when a traveler went into the world he could find some sort of shelter and welcome for the night. In modern times it is just as essential that a traveler find friendship and safety. In our modern Asatru community, we need to treat each other with respect and act together for the good of our community as a whole. This functions most solidly on the level of the kindred or hearth where non-familial members become extremely close and look out for each other. It can mean hospitality in the old sense of taking in people, which we've done, but in modern times it's more likely to mean loaning someone a car or a bit of money when they need it (that's need, not want). Part of hospitality is treating other people with respect and dignity. Some overenthusiastic practitioners of Asatru express their pride in their faith by behaving rudely to members of other faiths. Hospitality isn't something to be extended just to other Heathens. Many of our Gods are known to wander the world and stop in at people's houses, testing their hospitality and generosity. The virtue of hospitality means seeing people as if they were all individuals with self-respect and importance. Or perhaps from time to time, they are literally the Gods in human form. This has profound implications for social action in our religion. Our response to societal problems such as poverty (that's poverty folks, not laziness) is in many ways our modern reaction to this ancient virtue. In terms of our modern community as a whole, I see hospitality in terms of frontier "barn raisings" where a whole community would come together and pool their resources. This doesn't mean we have to forget differences, but we must be willing to put them aside, and work for our common good. Industriousness Modern Asatruar must be industrious in their actions. We need to work hard if we are going to achieve our goals. There is so much for us to do. We've set ourselves the task of restoring Asatru to it's former place as a mainstream faith and by doing so reinvigorating our society and culture. We can't do this by sitting on our virtues, we need to make them an active part of our behavior. Industry also refers to simple hard work in our daily vocations, done with care and pride. Here's a few concrete examples. If you are reading this and don't have a kindred, why not? Stop reading now. Go and place ads in the appropriate local stores, get your name on networking lists, and with other Pagan groups. Put on a workshop. Ok, now you're back to reading and you don't agree with what I'm saying here? Well, be industrious! Write your own articles and arguments. Write a letter to the editor and suggest this material be banned--better that than passivity. Get the blood moving and go out and do it. That's how it gets done. The Gods do not favor the lazy. The same holds true for our non-religious lives. As Asatruar we should offer a good example as people who add to whatever we're involved in, rather than take from it. We should be the ones the business we work in can't do without and the ones who always seem to be able to get things done. When people think of Asatru, they should think of people who are competent and who offer something to the world. This doesn't just apply to vocational work, but to the entire way we live our lives. It is just as much a mentality. The Vikings were vital people. They lived each day to its fullest and didn't wring their hands in doubt or hesitation. We should put the same attitude forward in all that we do whether it is our usual vocation, devotion to the Gods, or leisure time. Self Reliance Industry brings us directly to the virtue of Self-Reliance, which is important both in practical and traditional terms. Going back to the general notion of this article, we are dealing with a form of morality that is largely self-imposed and thus requires self-reliance. We rely on ourselves to administer our own morality. Traditionally, our folkways have always honored the ability of a man or woman to make their own way in the world and not to lean on others for their physical needs. This is one of the ways in which several virtues reinforce and support each other. Hospitality cannot function if people are not responsible enough to exercise discipline and take care of themselves. It's for those that strive and fail or need assistance that hospitality is intended, not for the idle who simply won't take care of themselves. In terms of our relationships with the Gods, self-reliance is also very important. If we wish the Gods to offer us their blessings and gifts, we must make ourselves worthy of them--and the Gods are most pleased with someone who stands on their own two feet. This is one of the reasons for the Asatru "rule" that we do not kneel to the Gods during our ceremonies. By standing we acknowledge our relationship as striving and fulfilled people looking for comradeship and a relationship, rather than acting as scraelings looking for a handout from on high. It takes very little for a God to attract a follower, if worship simply means getting on the gravy train. We, as Asatruar, are people who can make our own way in the world, but who choose to seek a relationship with the Gods. In mundane terms being self-reliant is a simple way to allow ourselves the ability to live as we wish to. In simple economic terms, if one has enough money in the bank one doesn't need to worry as much about being fired due to religious discrimination. We can look a bigot in the face and tell him just where he can put it. It's also nice to have something in the bank to lay down as a retainer on a good lawyer so we can take appropriate action. On the other side of this is self-reliance in the sense of Henry David Thoreau, who advocated a simple lifestyle that freed one from the temptations of materialism. Again, here we are able to live as we wish with those things that are truly important. Religious people from all faiths have found that adjusting ones material desires to match one's ability to meet them leaves one open for a closer relationship with deity and a more fulfilling life. While our ancestors were great collectors of gold goodies, they didn't lust for possessions in and of themselves, but for what they stood for and could do for them. In fact, the greatest thing that could be said of a Lord was that he was a good "Ring Giver." Being self-reliant also means taking responsibility for ones life. It's not just about refusing a welfare check or not lobbying for a tax exemption, but also refusing to blame ones failures on religious intolerance, the patriarchy, or an unfair system. The system may, in fact, be unfair, but it's our own responsibility to deal with it. In societal terms, we have become much too dependent on other people for our own good. As individuals we look to the government or to others to solve our problems, and as a society we borrow billions from our descendants to pay for today's excesses. Please note, this statement is not intended to denigrate either our government or relying on good friends. However, both can be overdone. Most problems in this world could be solved if people just paid their own way as they went. Perseverance The final virtue is Perseverance which I think most appropriate because it is the one that we most need to keep in mind in our living of the other values. Our religion teaches us that the world is an imperfect place, and nothing comes easy. We need to continue to seek after that which we desire. In this imperfect world there are no free lunches or easy accomplishments--especially in the subjects we have set before ourselves. If we truly wish to build an Asatru community that people will hold up as an example of what committed people can do, then we must persevere through the hardships that building our religion is going to entail. We must be willing to continue on when we are pushed back. If one loses a job for ones religion, the answer is not to go back and hide, but to continue until one finds a vocation where one can more forward and live as an Asatruar should. Finally we must persevere when we simply fail. If one's kindred falls apart because of internal strife, one should go back and start over. Pick up the pieces and continue on. If nobody had done this after the disintegration of the Asatru Free Assembly, this would probably never have been written. We must be willing to continue in the hard work of making our religion strong--not just when it is convenient and easy to do so, but when it gets hard, inconvenient, or just plain boring. To accomplish without striving is to do little, but to persevere and finally accomplish a hard fought goal brings great honor.

The Snake came crawling and struck at none but Woden took nine glory-twigs (pieces of wood on which were carved runic inscriptions) and struck the adder so that it flew into nine parts. This quote shows how Woden/Odin was a master magician and drew his power from the runes. To this day many Saxon Pagans work much of their Magic with runes, inscribing them on candles in candle magick, incorporating them into talismans or symbols of protection that they wear, carry or keep in their homes (can also be for other purposes, etc. They can even be put somewhere invisibly by tracing them with a scented oil. For example, a rune or runic monogram (several runic letters overlaying one another) can be inscribed on your place of business in Money in Abundance oil or some other money -- oriented oils of your own preference. For healing a rune or runic monogram of healing can be written on the body of the patient with an oil of Healing, after the regular transfer of Pranic energy or "laying -- on -- of -- the -- hands" healing has occurred. (including use of crystals, if that is so desired) Etc. etc. etc. Why are runes so important? For the same reason that they were in Cabalistic Magick among the Jews and in Sidha Yoga. In India among the Sidhis the Shakti or Feminine aspect of Deity (as Shiva is the male) has many aspects through which the world was emanated -- one of the more important aspects is matrika shakti or the power of sound to create via the letters of the alphabet forming themselves into Words. In both systems -- Kabbalah and Sidha Yoga -- it is believed that the universe was created by words. This is reflected in modern New-Age work with Affirmations used by such diverse sources as Marion Weinstein, Diannic Witch, as described in her book "Positive Magic" (Phoenix Publishing) and the Unity School of Christianity as well as the Religious Science and Christian Science and Divine Science and all the other "science" churches. Shakti Gawain, author of "Creative Visualization" teaches it from the New Age perspective as well. It is through words we create out own reality and right use of them for good and in loving ways is one of the most powerful of Magicks. (Note below) From the old Norse Verse, Lay of the High one, stanzas 138, 139, and 141 Woden/Odin is speaking "I know that I hung there on the windy tree swung there nights, all of nine gashed with a blade bloodied by Odin myself an offering to myself knotted to that tree no man knows whither the root of it runs None gave me bread None gave me drink down to the depths I peered to snatch up runes with a roaring screech and fall in a dizzying faint Wellspring I won and wisdom too and grew and joyed in my growth from a word to a word I was led to a word from a deed to another deed" As you can see this legend, which in the original sources pre-dates Christianity, has much in common with the legend of Jesus's Crucifixion / Resurrection in the Newer religion -- but then there are similar themes in the story of Tammuz from the Middle East, the story of Osiris in Egypt and in many other sources. The story of the fallen God who is resurrected with great power and wisdom reflects the Shamans's confrontation with his own death -- either in a literal sense through sickness or accident, or in a Psychological sense or by other means such as the mild, natural hallucinogens used by the Native Americans and other tribal peoples. (Note, I am not endorsing their use; they are completely unnecessary) -- but nevertheless, this is the practice in some cultures, where they know how to handle the power of these drugs and guide one safely through the experience. It is important to note this is not done lightly or playfully either and that the drugs they use are natural substances, not the harsher chemical ones abused in our modern society for recreational use) It also represents the natural cycles of the year -- the grain grows and is cut down or sacrificed only to be reborn again, the trees lose their leaves and seem to die only to resurrected, (which is why the tree of life/cross image developed) some animals hibernate and come back, etc. etc. etc Now here is the legend of the Goddess in the Saxon form as the search by Freya for the necklace Brosingame -- a silver circlet worn about her neck as a chaplet. As with the Gardnerian Wicca legend of the descent of the Goddess to the Underworld, it reflects the cycles of the year -- when fertility seems to sink into the earth and vanish during winter's barren months only to have the Lady and her bounty return to us in the spring. *Notes: All day had Freya, most lovely of the Goddesses, played and romped in the fields. Then did she lay down to rest. And while she slept; deft Loki, the prankster, the mischief-maker of the Gods; did espy the glimmering of Brosingame, formed of Galdra (magick) Her constant companion. Silent as the night did Loki move to the Goddess's side and with fingers formed over the very ages in lightness did remove the silver circlet from about her snow white neck. Straightaway did Freya arouse; on sensing it's loss. Though he moved with the speed of the winds, yet Loki she glimpsed as he passed swiftly from sight into the barrow (burial mound) that leads to Dreun. (land of the dead, the underworld) Then was Freya in despair. Darkness descended all about her to hide her tears. Great was her anguish. All light, all life, all creatures joined in her doom. To all corners were sent the Searchers, in quest of Loki; yet knew they. they would find him not. For who is there may descend to Dreun and return again from thence? Excepting the Gods themselves and, alack, mischievous Loki. So it was that, still weak from her grief, Freya herself elected to descend in search of Brosingame. At the portals of the Barrow was she challenged, yet recognized and passed. The multitude of souls within cried joyfully to see her, yet could she not tarry as she sought her stolen light. The infamous Loki left no trail to follow, yet was he everywhere past seen. Those to whom she spake held to Freya (that) Loki carried no Jewel as he went by. Where then was it hid? In despair she searched an age. Hearhden (also known as Heimdall) the mighty smith of the Gods, did arise from his rest to sense the bewailment of the souls to Freya's sorrow. Striding from his smithy, to find the cause of the sorrow, did he espy the Silver Circlet where Loki Mischief-maker had laid it; upon the rock before his door. Then was all clear. As Hearhden took hold of Brosingame (then did) Loki appear before him, his face wild with rage. Yet would Loki not attack Hearhden, this mighty smith whose strength was known even beyond Dreun. By wiles and tricks did he strive to get his hands upon the (silver) circlet. He shape-shifted; he darted here and there; he was visible, then invisible. yet could he not sway the Smith. Tired of the fight, Hearhden raised his mighty club. Then sped Loki away. Great was the joy of Freya when Hearhden placed Brosingame about her snow-white neck. Great were the cries of Joy from Dreun and above. Great were the thanks that Freya and all People gave to the Gods for the return of Brosingame. This tale and the Gardnerian legend of the descent of the Goddess into the Underworld (told in the 2d degree initiation) and similar myths from around the world, such as the legend of Kwan Yin's descent to the land of death and her being expelled for spreading mirth and joy, show that women also shared a very important role in the shamanism/priesthood of the European Pagan traditions and also faced the ordeals -- i.e. the physical or psychological confrontation with death. And again, it reflects the times of darkness and light in the year -- the waxing and waning of the moon each month and the waxing and waning of the sun each year from Yule or Winter solstice to Mid-summer's night or Summer solstice when the light grows stronger and the remainder of the year, when light grows weaker.

THE WHEEL OF THE YEAR IN THE TROTH (Troth: meaning faith or loyalty) WINTER NIGHT - around October 15th - The Norse new year. The forces of nature are finished expending their vital powers. People begin to turn inward to more spiritual things. Originally this festival lasted for around several days. YULE - from around December 20 - 31st This is a whole period of time - the old "yule-tide" also remembered as the 12 days of christmas. Yule-tide begins on the mother night and ends on yule itself, twelve nights from the mother night. It is a prime time to contact dead ancestors or the gods as the realm between this world and the other becomes thin. DISTING - around February 14th - The beginning of the return of the vital forces that turned inward at the time of winter night. This is a time when the ground is being made ready for the planting of seeds. It is a time for the preparation of new things to come. EASTER/VERNAL EQUINOX - The full manifestation of the return of the vital powers of nature. Eostre is the name of the goddess of the spring and of the dawn. Her name is also known as OSTARA. WALBURGA/MAYDAY - the night of April 30 & May 1 - This is a two-fold affair, the night of April 30th is traditionally the night of witches in central Europe. It is a time when the mysterious night side of life is strongly manifest. Walburga means enclosure of the fallen or dead. Mayday is the opposite, being a bright and sunlit celebration. MIDSUMMER/SUMMER SOLSTICE - A celebration of the final victory of the sun in the cycle of the year and of the full manifestation of the vital forces of nature which were given to birth during the yule-tide. On midsummer night, it is said that many wondrous things can appear. This is still a major holiday in Scandinavia. One of the times when the entire panteon of germanic gods & goddesses is to be given offerings in common. THING-TIDE - around August 23rd - A time of great regional and national gatherings, where the social aspects of the troth are given expression, a time when legislation & business matters of all kinds are attended to. HARVEST/WINTER FINDING (Autumn Equinox) - This is the beginning of the culmination of the natural cycles of things which come into being and pass away toward new beginnings. The end of this period is celebrated on winter night, bringing the cycle to a close. Some of the information here was taken from: Northern magic by, Edred Thorsson, published by Llewellyn 1992 --------------------------------------------------- Modernised list of festivals celebrated by the Norse & Germanic peoples. List taken from Mysteries of the runes, by Michael Howard Norse Roman Festival Date Wolfmoon December Yule Mothersnight 21st Snowmoon January Twelth Night 6th Blessing the Plough Horningmoon February Festival of 2nd Light Festival of the 14th Family Springmoon March Summer finding Spring equinox 21st Ostaramoon April Eostre beginning of Summer Full Moon Flowermoon May Walpurgis Day 1st Summermoon June Midsummer 21st Haymoon July Harvestmoon August Lughnasadh 1st Sheddingmoon September Winterfinding Autumn Equinox 21st Huntingmoon October Winters' Night 31st Fogmoon November Fallen Heroes Day 11th

In his role as god of battle & the dead Odin was assisted by the Valkyries. They are depicted as Amazon-like warrior-women or goddesses, tall, strong & clad in battle amour with black faces & long flowing hair. They sometimes appeared as swans but more usually as Ravens or carrion Crows flying over the battlefield. The Valkyries rode on Horseback through the sky above the battle & swooped down to collect the souls of the dead warriors. They carried the heroes across their saddles & back to Valhalla. The name Valkyrie is in fact a title & means "the chooser of the slain". In Anglo-Saxon the word is translated as " waelcyrge" & has the meaning of "corpse eater". In this Saxon version they are represented as a triple goddess of death & battle, similar to the Irish Morrigan, the Furies of Greek myth or the Nordic goddesses known as the Norns. In many ways the Valkyries had much in common with the Norns, the triad of Norse goddesses of fate who weave the destiny of the human race on their cosmic loom or spinning wheel. Visions of the Valkyries were sometimes seen before a battle by those who were about to die & this reminds one of the Irish banshees or "spirit women" who are a folkloric version of the Morrigan. In the 11th century Irish warriors reported seeing a group of dark faced women in tattered grey cloaks weaving human entrails on a loom & using a human skull as a shuttle. A poem in one of the Norse sagas refers to this vision & quotes the words sung by the women, who are of course Valkyries. We weave, we weave the web of the spear, as on goes the standard of the brave, we shall not let him lose his life, for the Valkyries have the power to choose the slain, All is sinister now to see, a cloud of blood moves over the sky, the air is red with the blood of men, as the battle women chant their song. Other versions of the Valkyries are less detailed, but no less relevant. In 1066 one of the warriors in the king of Norway's army reported that just before he departed for England he experienced a strange dream. He saw a great Witch-wife standing on an island (England) with a fork in one hand & a trough in the other. He saw this as a sign that the army would be defeated, as the Witch would use the fork to rake up the corpses & would fill the trough with blood. In this story the Witch can be interpreted as the goddess of death & battle. Another warrior experience a similar dream. He saw another huge Witch-wife riding on a Wolf in front of the English army. The Wolf carried the body of a man in its mouth from which blood was dripping. As the Wolf ate one body the Witch threw it another to eat. The Norwegians, of course, met in battle with king Harold at Stamford bridge in 1066 & were defeated. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This information taken from: Mysteries of the Runes by Michael Howard printed by Capall Bann