Siegfried Funeral March

Asatru glossary

M

Managarm – the wolf who chased the Moon and caused its eclipse. It was believed that during a lunar eclipse the wolf devours the whole Moon and dyes the whole world with the redness of its blood. This wolf fed on the corpses of dead humans, like Nithog, and his name means “Moon dog”.

Mani – male Nordic deity of the Moon. The Moon took two children from Earth and made them his followers. Their names – Bil and Hjuki – i.e. Waxing and Waning, are actually the phases of the Moon.

Magni – «mighty». Son of Thor and the she-giant Jarnsaxa. After Thor’s demise in Ragnarok, he and his younger brother Modi will inherit the Mjollnir.

Midgard – region inhabited by humans. Midgard means “middle garden”. According to tradition, it was created from the eyebrows of the giant Mimir and set in the middle of the tree Yggdrasil.

Mimir – a God sent to the Vanir after peace was proclaimed with the Asir. When the Vanir thought that they’ve been tricked, they cut off Mimir’s head and sent it to the Asir. Odin rubbed it with magical plants and later used a divination object, returning the ability of speech to Mimir’s head.

Mjolnir

Mjollnir – crafted by the dwarves Etri and Brok, this hammer became Thor’s mighty weapon. The old Scandinavians considered it a symbol of fertility, it also had many other uses, for instance blessing a marriage. This symbol is still in use, and is worn most often by members of the Asatru movement as a symbol of their faith, Troth. Mjollnir means “lightning”.

Modi – his name means Courage; he’s Thor’s son and Magni’s brother. Both Modi and Magni will survive Ragnarok and inherit Thor’s hammer Mjollnir. With Baldur, Hod, Hoenir and Vidar they will be members of the new generation of the Gods.

Munin – one of Odin’ ravens; his name means “memory”. Together with Hugin, Munin flew all over the world and gave news to Odin on all that’s going on in the world. Judging by his name, Munin didn’t travel only through space, but most probably through time as well.

Muspelheim – fiery region. It’s inhabited by the sons of Muspel – fire giants, ruled by Surt. According to the Nordic myth on the creation of the world, fire from Muspelheim mixed with the ice from Nifelheim and thus created life.

The Lorelei

I wish I knew the meaning,
A sadness has fallen on me.
The ghost of an ancient legend
That will not let me be.
The air is cool in the twilight
And gently flows the Rhine;
A mountain peak in the setting sun
Catches the faltering shine.

The highest peak still gleaming
Reveals enthroned in the air,
A Siren lost in her dreaming
Combing her golden hair.
With golden combs she caresses
Her hair as she sings her song;
Echoing through the gloaming
Filled with a magic so strong.

The boatman has heard, it has bound him
In throes of desire and love.
He's blind to the reefs that surround him,
He sees but the Maiden above.
And now the wild waters awaken
Then boat and the boatman are gone.
And this is what with her singing,
The Lorelei has done.

Heinrich Heine (1798-1856)

Asatru glossary

K


Kindred – name for a type of organization whose members belong to the Asatru movement. Earlier this organization had its basis in the tribe, i.e. it was based on familial relations, but this is no longer the case. The kindred is led by a gothi or a gydja, and the main purpose for this kind of group is the joined participation in rituals. Most often the celebrations of Nordic holidays.

Kvasir – a person known for his great wisdom. He was killed by the dwarves Fjalar and Galar. His murder is actually a description of brewing beer.

L

Lif and Liftrasir – «life» and «will to live». A man and a woman who survived Ragnarok by hiding in the branches of Iggdrasil. They will be parents of a new race that will repopulate the Earth.

Ljossalfar– Light Elves

Ljossalfheim – a region inhabited by Light Elves and their ruler – Frey.

Loddfafnir –person who learned the wisdom of the Gods coming to the spring of Urd and staying in Valhalla. He’s mentioned in Havamal.

Loki

Loki – God of fire, a shape-shifter. His giant origins explains his inclination towards evil. However, he didn’t always do harm, but sometimes even helped the Gods, like when Freya was engaged with the giant Thrym. Loki is actually a dynamic impulse that puts into motion events described in Nordic myths, and without him the whole Nordic mythological system is virtually impossible. Because of this, Loki and his progeny are as essential for this system as a negative and destructive change in one’s life is necessary and useful for the future development of an individual.

Lorelei – legendary being from Germanic folklore depicted as a beautiful siren mesmerising sailors with her singing, effectively luring them to their deaths. Beguiled by her song, the sailors would jump into the water wishing to embrace this enchantress.

Asatru glossary

I


Idavoll – «star meadow». This valley, in which the Gods gather after Ragnarok, is actually the starry sky, and the constellations are – houses of the Gods.

Idun – the Goddess who protected the apples of youth, Bragi’s wife. After her apples were stolen, the Gods suddenly started to age rapidly and regained their youth when Idun got her apples back.

 J

Jafnhar – the other member of the trinity of Har-Jafnhar-Tridi. This manifestation of Odin describes him as an equal to himself (Equally-tall is the translation of this heiti).

Jord

Jord – Jord was the Goddess of the Earth in Nordic mythology. The German version of her name is Erda and she was also called Nerthus. Frey’s wife’s name – Gerd – has a connexion to this name as well. Jord still means earth in Scandinavian languages.

Jormundgand – Loki’s progeny, thrown into the sea by the Gods. This Snake of Midgard grew so large that it encircled the Earth and remained in the world Ocean biting its own tail. It will leave its dwelling during Ragnarok to fight Thor and lose its life in this encounter.

Jotuns – giants and the greatest enemies of the Gods and men. They most often came into conflict with Thor who’d crush them with his hammer – Mjollnir.

Jotunheim – home of the giants, a terrifying ice-covered region.

Asatru glossary

H

Hamingja – a being similar to fylgja, it was believed that it measures the fortunes of individuals. In Atlamál there is a description of Kostaber’s dream in which she sees Attila’s hamingja appear in the form of an eagle and sprays blood on its enemies.

Hár – one of Odin’s names, meaning Tall-one. Under this name Odin introduces himself to Gylfi and tells him of the three manifestations of the supreme deity. The other two manifestations of Odin are Jafnhar and Tridi.

Hati – the wolf that goes in front of Sol, that is the girl that represents the Sun in Nordic mythology. His name means “disdain”.

Hávamál – one of the holy Asatru texts, holding the words of Odin himself. The text contains moral guidance on various topics Odin gave to Lodfafnir, as well as health, love and magic advice.

Heimdal – son of nine mothers and the guardian of Bifrost. His dwelling, called Himinborg or Heavenly city, is located near the Rainbow-bridge. As guardian, Heimdal is always on alert. He sleeps very little, he can see by night and day, as well as hear even the grass growing. His guardianship ends with the coming of Ragnarok, for no matter how well Asgard is guarded, its fated to be destroyed. Then Heimdal gives the warning by blowing in the horn of Gjalahorn and thus announcing the world’s end. Heimdal is also called the white God, and in the text called Rig’s Counting, he’s named Rig.

Heiti – in many parts of the world Odin was revered under many names. Depending on which aspect of his personality they comprehended and with which divine manifestation they were in contact with, people gave Odin names that were called heiti. Some of them are Har (Tall), Herjan (Warrior), Gangleri (Voyager), Helblindi (Blind-one from Hel).

Hel

Hel – the daughter of Loki and Angrbode, ruler of Hel, empire of the dead. She refused to send Baldur back into the world of the living where she’ll keep him until Ragnarok. Some believe that Hel was actually in love, and that’s why she wouldn’t let Baldur go back. However, to demonstrate good will she said she will let Baldur go if the whole world mourns for him. Seeing how only the he was kept in Helheim. Hel was described as a half-dead half-living woman of terrifying appearance. The first half of her face represents the rot and horror of death, while the prettier side of her face is a symbol of eternal life. It’s up to us how we should regard this Goddess, i.e. Death itself.

Helheim – region under the reign of Hel, the Goddess of death. Unlike Valhalla, the deceased coming here died from illness or old age. Helheim is depicted as a cold and damp place ruled by misery, famine and tedium.

Hermod – son of Frigga and Odin, Baldur’s brother. He was the divine messenger and went to the Underworld to bring Baldur back into the world of the living.

Hildskjalf – the throne Odin sat on observing the whole Universe. One day Frey sat on the throne and looking north saw the she-giant Gerd and instantly fell in love.

Himir – he’s believed to be the father of Tyr. The giant who owned a great cauldron in which the drink of the Gods was brewed.

Hod (Hodur) – the blind son of Odin and Frigga. Loki tricked him into killing Baldur with an arrow made of holly. Like Baldur, he will stay alive after Ragnarok.

Hoenir – fast-running Odin’s brother, sent to live with the Vanir as a gesture of good faith of the Asir. When man was created he was present along with Odin and Lod; Hoenir’s obligation was to give him senses.

Hrimtursar – ice-giants, the progeny of Imir. They constructed a tough wall around Asgard for protection from Jotuns.

Hugi – «thought», protagonist of the story about Thor’s travels to Utgard.

Hugin – also «thought», one of Odin’s two ravens.

Huldra – name of a female mythical creature. Peasants imagined Huldra as a sorceress with a cow’s tail.

Current 93 - Snow/ North

Asatru glossary

G

Galdor – magical practice of the old Germans which, unlike seidr, can be practiced by both men and women. We can understand galdor in two ways. The first is that galdor is a set of techniques that are based on studying and analyzing myths and the Germanic system in general, as well as the studying of Runes and vibratory formulae. Unlike seidr which is a way of intuition, meditation and astral experiences, galdor is a practice that demands activity. For exactly that reason, galdor is regarded as a male practice, Odin’s way, while seidr is associated with women as more passive beings, and thus named Frigga’s way. The other way we consider galdor as just vibratory formulae, i.e. curses, blessings and spells mantras in general. They can be based on Runes, but it isn’t required.

Garm – the hellhound who was imprisoned in the hole of Gnipahel until the beginning of Ragnarok. During Ragnarok he will fight Tyr, causing both their deaths.

Gefion – guardian of virgins; her name is also connected to agriculture.

Gladsheim – one of the most important halls in Asgard, belonging to Odin.

Gerda – a beautiful she-giant and Frey’s wife. She reluctantly entered into marriage with him only after Skirnir, Frey’s messenger, threatened to cast spells to make her ugly.

Geri – or Greedy, one of the wolves – Odin’s companions. Seeing how Odin drank only wine, he gave all his food to Geri and Freki.

Gerod – a giant who tried to kill Thor by deception, inviting him to come without his hammer and the belt that doubles his strength. The she-giant Grida helped Thor by lending him her own weapon. He was killed by Thor by throwing a flaming ball that went through an iron pillar and his stomach.

Ginungagap – «Gaping hole», the primeval chaos from which the Universe was later created. Ginungagap was located between Muspelheim and Nifelheim; the Fire and Ice that poured into it later created organic life.

Gjallarhorn – a horn hidden near the roots of the Yggdrasil just next to Mimir’s spring. Mimir uses this horn to drink the water from the spring, the water that gave him wisdom. The horn will remain there until Ragnarok when Heimdal takes it and by blowing on it announce the end of the world (and its subsequent regeneration). Gjallahorn translates as “loud horn”.

Gjallarhorn

Gothi – Nordic priest whose obligations were the performance of rituals and handling the kindred.

Grendel – a monster that couldn’t be harmed by any weapon; for a long time he molested the Danish kingdom during king Hrotgar’s reign. He was slain by Beowulf.

Grid – she-giant who helped Thor in fighting Gerod, lending him her battle belt, gauntlets and unbreakable staff. She’s believed to be Vidar’s mother.

Gungnir – Odin’s magical spear, adorned with Runes.

Gulveig – a witch that would cause greed in the hearts of men and Gods. Because of this, the Gods tried to burn her, but since it failed three times they honoured her and called her Heidi (light-one). Behind the name of Gulveig is most probably Freya, which was associated to treasure like Venus (gull means gold); she’s also the Goddess that practices magic.

Gunlod – Sutung’s daughter, the guardian of mead of inspiration. She let Odin drink three gulps of this beverage, after which he tricked her and drank all the mead. Even though he spent three nights with her, Odin stole the mead and escaped in the form of an eagle.

Gydja – Nordic priestess. The female equivalent to gothi, she also handles the kindred and its activities.

Gylfi – Swedish king who, in disguise, visited the Gods and questioned them on the creation of the world and their order.

Asatru glossary

F

Falcon – animal considered holy in the Nordic tradition. The falcon is associated with Freya, seeing how she would occasionally take the form of this bird, but also with Loki, who flew like a falcon after stealing Freya’s feathered shirt.

Fafnir – because of his greed for the cursed treasure he was turned into a dragon. He was slain by Sigurd.

Farbauti – Loki’s father.

Fenriz – one of Loki’s children, the beast of Ragnarok. To stop his destructiveness, the Gods tricked him into magical shackles.

Fylgja – a creature from the Nordic folklore considered a man’s follower. This being appears to a man announcing his death; it had its human and animal form. The placenta the children were born with was also called fylgja.

Fjalar – he and his brother killed the wise Kvasir.

Forseti – God of justice, the son of Baldur and Nana. He reigned in Glitnir where he presided as a judge and dispensed justice.

Frey – the son of Nord and Nertus, Freya’s twin brother. God of fecundity and plenty, ruled the Sun’s light and rain, but also a God of peace and prosperity. During drought and barren years the Nordic peoples would offer sacrifices to Frey; also to achieve peace. Frey’s temple was in Uppsala. Even though he wasn’t allowed to sit on Odin’s throne – Hildskjalf – Frey did it causing big trouble for himself. From Hildskjalf he saw the beautiful she-giant Gerda who he fell deeply in love with. Frey sent his servant Skirnir to propose to Gerd, and gave him the sword he never let out of his hands. Because of this, he won’t be able to defeat Surt, who will attack him when Ragnarok comes, and because of this he will die.

Frey

Freya – one of the Vanir, the Goddess of fertility and Freya’s sister. According to legend, she was a sorceress who could fly in the form of an falcon. Half of the fallen warriors belonged to her, and another half to Odin; because of this she’s also called Valfreyia. Freya would take these fallen warriors to her palace of Sesrumnir, while Folkvang was reserved for dead lovers. Freya was the one who uncovered the power of the seidr to humans, a Nordic magical practice; beside the humans, she also revealed this skill to Odin. In spite of her power and beauty, Freya lost her husband: he abandoned her because she spent the night with four dwarves. Therefore she started a quest all over the world, crying tears of red gold. Her daughter’s name is Hnoss – a name for precious jewellery.

Freki – a wolf whose name means Voracious. Together with Geri, he followed Odin on all his journeys.

Frigga – Odin’s wife and Baldur’s mother, guardian of marriage. She tried to protect his son by making all the plants and all the weapons to swear not to injure him. It worked with everything except the holly which caused Baldur’s death. Frigga is also considered the queen of Asgard, even though Odin doesn’t have the title of king. Her palace is Fensalir which means Marsh Halls.

Merseburg charms

Asatru glossary

E

Eddas – next to the sagas, eddas are the most important source for researching Nordic mythology. There are two narratives bearing this name: Poetic Eddas and the Prose Edda, that is Snorri’s Edda. The Poetic Edda is a collection of poems which were gathered from the 9th to the 12th century AD in Iceland. The essential part of this collection are poems Voluspa and Hávamál. Snorri’s Edda is consisted of four parts: Prologue, The Fooling of Gylfi, Skáldsaparmál and Háttatal. The most important part is certainly The Fooling of Gylfi, seeing that it describes the complete history of the Nordic Universe, and represents all the Gods of the Nordic pantheon.

Egir – God of the sea and the Ran’s husband. His nine daughters are the waves, and their names are: Himinglaeva, Dufa, Blodughadda, Hefring, Unn, Hronn, Bylgja, Bara and Kolga. As he often sunk ships, the Nordic people would sacrifice prisoners to him, hoping that will give them safe sailing. Egir is also known as a very hospitable deity, whose halls often played host to feasts for the Gods. On one of those feasts Loki appeared and mocked the Gods, as described in the Lokasenna.

Egir

Einherjar – Odin’s warriors «they who fight alone», they are dead heroes staying in Valhalla until Ragnarok. Their food is meat of magical boar Sehrimnir and their beverage the mead served to them by the Valkyries. Einherjars spend their days battling on a field in front of Valhalla, and none of their wounds are lethal, because they heal on themselves.

Embla – the first woman, made out of a birch tree. Henir, Odin and Lodur gave life to her and her husband Askr.

Asatru Glossary

C

Cat – animal consecrated to Freya, that symbolizes her femininity. Freya was always depicted in the company of two cats dragging her carriage.

D

Disir – a common name for all female deities, meaning both Goddesses and mortal women who were later deified. These mortal women were priestess and tribal leaders in life, and it was believed that they won’t leave their tribes even after death. Hopeful for their divine protection, the people would offer sacrifices to the Disir.

Donnar – a name for Thor outside of Scandinavia, most of all in modern Germany.

Draugen – mythical being bringing fear to villagers throughout Scandinavia. Draugen is the ghost of a drowned man, describes by the people’s imagination as a horrific creature bloated from the water and covered in river flora.

Draupnir – Odin’s ring of power, capable of multiplying itself nine times.

Freya with her cats

Asatru glossary

B

Baldur – son of Odin and Frigga, Solar Deity who was sent to the Underworld by Loki’s ruse. Described as the fairest of the Gods, Baldur lived peacefully with his wife Nana until one fatal day. Even though he was protected from any weapon, Baldur could be injured by holly which Loki used to get rid of the Sun God. On that ill-fated day, Loki convinces Baldur’s blind brother Hod to shoot Baldur with an arrow made of holly and thus prove Baldur’s famed invulnerability. Hod hit Baldur who fell dead on the spot, and Hod and Loki were then cruelly punished. Subsequently Baldur went to Hel, where he will stay until Ragnarok ends.

Baldur

Bear – one of the sacred animals in Nordic tradition. It’s associated to the berserkers, warriors who possessed great strength and courage, greatly valued among the Nordic peoples. Parents often gave their sons the name Bjørn (bear), hoping that the bear’s strength and wisdom will be passed on to their offspring.

Beowulf – Germanic hero who’s slain two monsters – Grendel and the dragon that attacked his country. Hero of the Old English epic of the same name.

Berserkers – Odin’s warriors going into battle without armour and shields, relying only on their immense strength. They owed their bravery to an unidentified potion they’d drink before battle, which probably included some narcotics. Berserk means «bear-skin».

Bestla – Borr’s wife and mother of Odin, Vili and Vea.

Bifrost – rainbow-bridge, connecting Asgard and Midgard. It was made of three colours – red, blue and green (the Eddas mention four). This bridge was a protection from the forces of darkness and chaos, most of all from Muspel’s sons; it was also a connexion between humans and the Gods. Its other name was Ásbrú, i.e. the As bridge. The guardian of this bridge was Heimdal.

Birka – a place near Stockholm where a pagan sanctuary was located.

Boar – sacred animal in the Nordic tradition, dedicated to Frey. in the Eddas we find the boar Seshrimnir who served as food for the fallen warriors in Valhalla. No matter how much of him they ate, he would always regenerate, which is suggested by the meaning of his name – “cooking pit”.

Borr – son of Buri and husband of Bestla, father of Odin, Vili and Ve.

Bragi – son of Odin and the she-giant Gunlod. God of poetry and eloquence, as well as the husband of the Goddess Idun.

Brisingamen – Freya’s magical necklace crafted by dwarves of Svartalfheima. Because of this item, the Goddess slept with four dwarves and so lost her husband Odur.

Brisings – dwarves that crafted Brisingamen.

Brunhilde – one of the Valkyries. She stood up to Odin and for punishment closed inside the fiery ring, wherefrom she was liberated by Sigurd, her future lover.

Buri – forebear of all the Gods. He was liberated from the ice by Audhumle, the primordial cow.

Nietzsche

"What is good?-All that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man.

What is bad?-All that proceeds from weakness.

What is happiness?-The feeling that power increases-that a resistance is overcome.
Not contentment, but more power; not peace at all, but WAR; not virtue, but proficiency.
The weak and ill-constituted shall perish: first principle of our philanthropy. And one shall help them to do so.

What is more harmful than any vice?-Active sympathy for the ill-constituted and weak-Christianity . . ."

Asatru Glossary

A


Ajra – Goddess of healing.

Alheim – abode of the light fairies identical to Ljosalfheim.

Alvaldi – A powerful giant and father of Tjazi.

Alvis – «omniscient». A dwarf Thor outwitted by giving him riddles. The riddle-asking went on until morning, and when the Sun rose it turned the dwarf into stone.

Alberich – a character from the Nibelung epic. A dwarf whose treasure was stolen by Loki.

Amsvartnir – the lake the island of Lingvi is located. The wolf Fenriz is shackled there.

Andvari – dwarf, owner of the magical ring later stolen by Loki.

Angrboda – «bearer of bad news». An ice she-giant and Loki’s lover. The mother of Fenriz, Hel and Jormungand.

Apple – fruit considered sacred in Nordic tradition. It’s connected to the Goddess Idun who stored apples of youth in her coffer; these apples gave the Gods eternal youth and good health.

Asgard – abode of the Asir and the Vanir, after the two tribes made peace.

Asgard

Asir – one of the two divine tribes. Most of all they were Gods of war; belonging to this pantheon are Odin, Thor, Hermod, Tyr, Bragi, Forseti, Hodur, Vidar and many others. Asir is plural of the word As, meaning God.

Askr – the first man created by Gods from an ash tree. From him and Embla the whole human race was born.

Atli – Nordic name for Attila, king of the Huns, who died in 453 AD. Attila is the protagonist of the most famous German epic – the Volsung saga.

Audhumla – primordial cow, the first creature to rise up from Ginugagap. From her four udders rivers of milk ran, feeding the first ice giant.

Austri – one of the dwarves standing on four sides of the world, holding the heavens; Austri means East.

Fintroll- Svart Djup

Viking jokes

"If bartenders keep asking you, "What's mead?" you might be a Viking.

If you rate your new cars in oarpower instead of horsepower, you might be a Viking.
 
If you think that a Lutheran is nothing more than a quick source of money, you might be a Viking.

If your new girlfriend is dismayed to find that you've given a personal name to each one of your kitchen knives, you might be a Viking.

If you think that attacking and looting smal towns is a good way to meet people, you might be a Viking.

If, after reciting your family lineage and history, you find that your friends all left two hours ago, you might be a Viking. 

If modern day pirace off the Florida coast sounds to you like a good career opportunity you might be a Viking.
 
If you wave a spear over the visiting basketball team and offer their souls to Odinn, you might be a Viking.

If you finish you European vacation with more money than when you started,you might very well be a Viking.

The Unity of Consciousness – Seidr and Sexual Transformation (pt 1)

We’ve mentioned that seidr and galdor were the main magical techniques practiced in the Germanic occult. They represent the two sexes of Germanic magic: while seidr is associated with women, galdor is the “male magical practice”. We shall demonstrate that a person practicing seidr is in a state in which sexual categories have no meaning, therefore the division of male and female magic is outside of the realm of sexuality.

One might recall that Odin was criticized for practicing seidr, a woman’s skill. In Lokasenna, Loki calls Odin an ergi, that is “one with non-male traits”. The term ergi does not signify an effeminate man, but in this context it signifies one who doesn’t have control over himself, who becomes vulnerable in a state of trance, which is unbecoming for a man. The word is an insult and is used for a person who does not act according to his or her sex: in this way, Freia would also be an ergi because she seduced men instead of being seduced by them. There is a theory that states that practitioners of seidr don’t change their sex, but instead become two-sexual or that his or her sex becomes “the third sex”. This theory was outlined by Jenny Blain in her book “The Nine Worlds of Seidr-Magic”.

Lokasenna

Blain’s theory started from the fact that shamans around the world change their clothes for the clothes of the opposite sex and negate their own sexuality during the ritual in general. This custom is found in some Siberian and Altai tribes whose shamans are men who occasionally dress in women’s clothing and even have husbands. The shamans of Lapland, who are exclusively men, always have a female assistant by their side, attempting to reach the unity of both sexes in this manner during the ritual. The Inuit do not think of sexuality as a structure cast in stone, but as fluid and unfixed, which can therefore be changed at will. However, the most striking are other North American shamans who call themselves two-spirit or berdache and describe themselves as third sex beings (the ones who are berdache can be either men or women). By studying modern seidr practitioners, Blain came to the conclusion that the word ergi is used in the same context as berdache is among North American shamans. Ergi describes the state of a person in trance, a state in which the individual looses all features of his or her physical nature, including sexuality. Apart from that, there is also a sense of loss which is called Ego, because the individual performing seidr becomes one with the world of spirits: the spiritual world. The practitioner is overcome by a general transformation during which a change occurs in his or her relationship with the outside world, the world of spirits, people and society in general. The root of society’s intolerance for a man practicing seidr is exactly this – he leaves to role society assigned him and becomes a non-man, ergi.

The Unity of Consciousness – Seidr and Sexual Transformation pt 2

Consequently, by negating the outside world, a man practicing seidr becomes an ergi or a wimp as he would be called today. One should keep in mind that the Viking society assigned the man with the role of the warrior, defender of the family, and generally considered him its active member. Being a seidrmadr at that time was simply socially unacceptable. Nevertheless, the rejection by the society was not caused only by the seidr practitioner’s rejection of sexuality. The transformation that takes over the practitioner separated him from the society and his community, which is predisposed to rejecting anyone who’s different. The individual in a state of trance looses all features of his or her sexuality, his or her physical nature and his or her personality. This individual severs ties with the world of humans and becomes part of the world of spirits, as a result he or she stops being a true member of society. Shamans in all parts of the world are excluded from the society the same way seidr practitioners were in Viking times. Paradoxically, the community was wary even of local healers, midwives and similar professionals, even though they were useful to the society.

Even though it seems that a man practicing seidr takes over a woman’s role in sex, sexual characteristics in fact play no role in the division of magic between seidr and galdor. As we’ve already said, trance is a state in which the individual rejects his or her sex, either becoming asexual or a member of the opposite sex (just like in dreams, in trance a woman can become a man, and a man can become a woman). The only difference between the two magical practices are to be found in the ways seidr and galdor are practiced. Seidr is the more passive, and galdor the more active practice. Of course, here we are talking about galdor in the broadest sense of the word, not just verbal magic.

A person who wants to practice the occult seriously must accept both these magical practices – both seidr and galdor – otherwise he or she will not be able to achieve a spiritual and magical growth. A mage must be turned towards the inner, spiritual world but must not loose the connexion with reality. Therefore, for a mage to be successful, he or she should not focus only on supernatural experiences and contacting non-human entities, regardless of how much more appealing and interesting that might seem from participating in what constitutes everyday life. To call oneself successful in the occult, a person must be able to cause change in reality as well: socially, emotionally and financially. Only then can one consider oneself a follower of Odin – or a follower of Freya, who never limited herself to practicing only seidr.

Vanadis and the Hooded Crow

Gydja

Othala

Othala represents inheritance or heritage and a warm, safe home. This is Fehu on a higher level, but also Fehu – the beginning of a next circle. The heritage of Othala can be understood in the material sense but also as the knowledge of ancestors and wisdom of the Old one always has to come back to. The basic meaning of Othala is actually Ancestral or Inherited Land i.e. home. A resting place we're all aspiring to; it can signify our homeland as well as our spiritual homeland. It's the goal we've finally reached in order to accomplish the peace we longed for. This Rune was used by the Nazis, as well as two Sowilo Runes which were the emblem of the SS formation. Even today Othala is used by skinheads to mark their white heritage, which only damages the Runic system, and the Germanic system in general. That damage is caused by the piling of negative emotions towards Germanic symbols. Othala signifies belonging, but not in such a vulgar sense like belonging to a single race, but more an axis and basis everyone should find within. The Rune is used to end what one has started.

Dagaz

Dagaz signifies the security provided by daylight and day in general. Day is the time when we can see normally and face an enemy, when we can normally do our business. There are no more obstacles in front of us. Dagaz is the end of the Futhark cycle seeing that by the old calculations, day began when people came home to dinner after work. Othala is also the completion of the whole journey, but it contains within itself the seed of a new beginning; it's actually a gate a person goes through to achieve a higher level of existence. As such, it is in no way the end of a journey, but it gives a certain stability and fortifies positions we've reached through the Futhark. Dagaz is a very positive Rune, a Rune which promises a new beginning and gives us hope for a better future (“dawning of a new day”). Dagaz is the level in which the conscious finally awakens and comes to self-realization. The Rune is used to achieve positive results and to help in difficult times.

Heimskringla

Ingwaz

This Rune is connected to Frey, the God of fertility, i.e. with the king Ing, who started the Ingling dynasty. According to legend, during king Ing's rule his lands were more fertile than ever, so Ing, i.e. Frey, was deified after his death, and became a fertility God. Therefore, Ingwaz is connected to fertility, but this fertility – unlike Pertho's – is connected most of all with the creative power of a man. The shape of Ingwaz bears an uncanny resemblance to a seed, and as such this Rune can symbolize at the same time a sperm as well as a plant seed, but as well as a seed, that is a beginning of an interesting idea, a beginning of a good business project. In Ingwaz a person fortifies his or her position and directs to the final goal – Othala. Just like Frey lead his warriors, so Ingwaz leads a person towards self-realization and enlightenment. Passing through the whole Futhark a person has accomplished a lot and now all that remains is to gather the fruits of one's labour and rule his kingdom like Frey in Upssala. All goals in life are now realized and one is in perfect harmony with the world.

Laguz- Within the lake

Laguz

Laguz means lake. This Rune actually represents water in all its forms, so it can signify a sea, ocean, lake, river or marsh. All these water surfaces are under the rule of Njord and his wife Ran, which meant mysterious and dangerous regions to the old Germanic peoples. They imagined that the waters were inhabited by terrifying creatures like the serpent Jormundgand, but also beautiful creatures, but no less deadly, like Lorelai. What is, then, the point of Laguz? In the occult, water has always been the symbol of emotions, intuition, but also of the unconscious, the depths of which are like the depths of the ocean. Dreams, fantasies and hallucinations fall under Laguz's domain, but also illusions which we consider to be real, but are nothing more than projections of our subconscious. Laguz thus has the meaning of something mysterious and unknown, something which needs to be explored, something we should face and so prove our courage. For when we know our flaws, frustrations and fears, the mysterious waters of Laguz we dreaded can become a healing spring. Water is also a symbol of fertility and female qualities in general.

The cry of mankind

Mannaz

The Rune Mannaz signifies a man and the human species in general. The impulse that manifests itself as herd instinct in animals, in humans it's the tendency to live in a group and this is one of the basic qualities of Mannaz. Belonging to a people, community, group or sports club, all of these are different shapes Mannaz appears in. In Mannaz man realizes that he's a part of humanity, his role in society and his place in the system of social relationships. Seeing how this Rune is connected to human relations it can be used to strengthen relationships that are based on communication, cooperation, mutual helping and support. Mannaz actually represents Gebo in a higher level, so the harmonic relation includes not only lovers or co-workers but the whole community. In his works, Tacitus mentions a Germanic God called Tuist who had a son called Mannus, so some authors connect the Rune to this deity because of the similarity of the name.

Totem beast

Ehwaz

Ehwaz means horse. In the Nordic tradition, the horse was a sacred animal, the same as in the old Slavic tradition. This animal was connected to Frey, which we find out in the saga of Hrafnkel, Frey's priest. A modern person can hardly realize what kind of a relationship his ancestors had with the horse, or the specific connexion there was between a man and his faithful companion. This relationship was based on mutual trust and absolute devotion. Therefore, unlike the tamed force we have in Thurisaz, in Ehwaz the relationship between the ruling and the ruled is somewhat different, because the horse is not only a man's servant but also his faithful friend and helper. Because of that the sense of this Rune isn't in the control and subduing but in the mutual exchange of energy, an exchange that goes on between two beings that mutually respect and complement each other. It's the Rune's symmetrical shape that points out to harmony and energetic balance. Communication, as a sort of energetic exchange is also connected to this Rune. Beside that, Ehwaz is connected to journeys as well, seeing that then the horse was also the main means of transportation.

Berkana

The original meaning of Berkana is birch. The birch still has a similar name in Scandinavian languages: in Norwegian it's bjørk, in Swedish björk, birk in Danish, birki in Icelandic. Seeing how the birch is a female plant, this Rune is connected to the female energy and female deities like Frigga and Idun. Berkana is the Rune of regeneration, fertility, birth and health, as attested by the Runic poem describing Berkana as a young and healthy tree. The quality of Berkana is connected to everything that's new, young or just growing, whether it's a new tree or a newborn. Fertility is also connected to the process of birth and creating something new, so Berkana can symbolize a new addition to the family or an emerging thought being born in the mind of a scientist or artist. As the Rune of health, Berkana is most often used as a talisman that brings health back to the sick. Beside that, it can also be used for protection, because in the olden days it was planted in front of a house to provide protection to the residents (in Slavic folklore it's the service tree that's planted in front of a house for protection).

Tiwaz

This Rune belongs to the God Tyr, giver of victory to honourable warriors. Tiwaz was engraved in weapons from the beginning; it was the tendency not only to obtain Tyr's benevolence, but also his courage, fearlessness and sense of fairness and justice. Elderly warriors would engrave Tiwaz on their own bodies to avoid death of old age and in that way open to themselves the entry to Valhalla. Tiwaz signifies the spear but also the arrow, which is evident from the Rune's very shape. This symbol was often engraved on urns, sometimes combined with the archetypical Germanic symbol – the swastika. Tiwaz is the Rune of the warrior and it can be used to awaken the belligerence in us. It's also used to better one's concentration and enable a more intensive focus on a project. Beside that, Tiwaz helps to defeat the competition, or any other situation that has a competitive element. Unlike the Berkana which is preceded by this typically male Rune, a Rune that carries within itself an exceptionally male energy. Like the second Aett, the third cycle of Futhark begins with a kind of destruction. In Tiwaz we have to overcome ourselves and, if needed, to sacrifice ourselves for the higher goals.

Symbols of the sun

Sowilo

Sowilo is the symbol of the Sun as the giver of life, a heavenly body revered in all cultures and civilizations. Julius Caesar noticed that Germanic tribes gave great significance to the heavenly torches, i.e. the Sun and the Moon. As a symbol of Sun and light, Sowilo is connected to Baldur, the God of divine and eminent purity, beauty and light in general. This Rune is also considered to be the primordial fire that together with the cosmic ice caused the creation of the Universe. The strong energetic charge of the Rune enables using Sowilo as an amplifier of our energetic potential, which is especially useful when we're lacking in energy. The Sun is the dynamic, life principle that moves and directs us to great deeds. Like Wunjo, Sowilo represents the positive ending of a spiritual journey that can bring with it success and glory. The Sun is also the symbol of light, so Sowilo can also mean knowing oneself.

Algiz

Algiz signifies protection or defense. The original meaning of the Rune is connected to the giant moose who lives in the northern climes, but also a swamp plant with very sharp leaves. A deer's antlers and the sharpness of the plant's leaves perfectly represent the protective nature of the Rune, while its shape reminds one of a pitchfork or some other sharp weapon. Therefore this is the Rune of protection, but also a warning because it can warn a man of danger like a subtle antenna. Algiz is used to properly channel energy. This Rune is sometimes connected to the Valkyries or even the fylgja, one's personal spiritual company. As we already know, a fylgja appears whenever someone is in mortal danger, this way warning his family.
Today protective talismans aren't rare, they're made by cyclically connected Algiz Runes, like for example the Aegishjalmar – the Steering Wheel of Terror (a symbol made of four or eight connected Algiz Runes). Beside the protective influence, Algiz can also signify help coming to us from higher plains, someone's new and positive influence as well as the appearance of a person who will play the role of mentor in your life.

At the gates...

Perthro

Perthro is one of the most mysterious Runes of the Elder Futhark. Before all it represents passing into the unknown or even initiation, but the term “initiation” can just as well be connected to Eihwaz as the Rune of death. This Rune can represent the female womb and the fertility cauldron of the Mother Goddess. Its shape reminds one of a chalice, which is another association to the womb of the Goddess. The Rune itself signifies mystery, a mysterious event that changes one's life and leads him into a new state of consciousness or a new way of being. Because of this Perthro besides the womb represents a gate or a passage of every kind, but most often the one that leads into the unknown. By passing Eihwaz we have reached an unknown ground, a field we're facing to the first time, which can be caused by a change that has come to being in Eihwaz. But, Perthro can act independent from us and our facing ourselves, so the unexpected change can ensue, enacted by unknown forces. In which ever way you fall under the influence of this Rune, it will always signify a new beginning and a new life.

Blood Axis

Eihwaz

Eihwaz means yew. It's a sacred tree in Runic magical tradition and its wood was used to make arrows. It's connected to the God of hunt Ull, whose sacred weapon was the bow. Yew was used to make poison that arrow-heads were tipped in, seeing how this tree's sap is poisonous. However, yew was also used in shamanic practices. Namely, during the summer, the great heat would cause the trees to exude a psychoactive substance. Practitioners would then meditate under that tree and use those natural fumes for shamanic journeys. Naturally, this practice was not recommended if the shaman who practised it was not completely prepared and trained. Eihwaz also signifies Yggdrasil as the tree Odin sacrificed Himself to Himself. This event manifests itself on the mental plain as a symbolic death of the adept, that is his old Self. However we consider Eihwaz, it will carry in itself death and transformation from one state into another. This is the Rune of facing oneself, the symbolic descent into the underground kingdom of Hel.