Idhunna’s Day: March 20

March 20th in the Norse Tradition is the day of the goddess Idhunna who is the personification of the light half of the year. Also known as Idhunn, Iduna or Idun (Germanic), She is a Nordic-Icelandic goddess. The consort of Bragi (the Poet God), she was widely worshiped during the Viking period (700 AD) and earlier until the Christianization around 1100 AD. Some historians say that She is strongly connected to the Norse Tree of Life, the Axis Mundi, Yggdrasil. On this day, She brings joy to humankind by appearing in the form of a sparrow. Her name means “the Renewer” because she is a goddess of healing. Associated with the Viking Runes Eihwaz and Gyfu (the gift), She bestows the gift of rejuvenation and holistic balance.

As the Keeper of the Golden Apples of Immortality, Idhunna is the bearer and guardian of the magickal fruit of Aesir (the principle group of gods of the Norse pantheon). This is the fruit of life and eternal youth for the gods of Asgard, supplying them with immortality. Because of this role, she is known as the “Goddess of Eternal Renewal” and the “Goddess of Youth”. As you can imagine, Idhunna and her apples were in high demand.

Because these powers were coveted by the giants, Loki was blackmailed into abducting Idhunna, giving Her to the giant Thiassi (father of the goddess Skadi) as a form of payment for the construction of Odhinn’s Valhalla (the Hall of the Slain). It tuned out that the Golden Apples were useless to the Giants because the power did not lie in the apples themselves, but in Idhunna; unless they were given directly from Her healing hands, they had no regenerating power. Because it was Idhunna who helped sustain the life-force of divinity, after some time without the Golden Apples, the gods began to age. Ironically, Loki was the one who rescued her and her apples and they were returned to the Aesir.

A sweet fruit of the soil, the apple is a long-time symbol of the wisdom of the Universe. Representing our Earth, when cut sideways, the apple reveals the five-pointed star, symbolizing humankind and it’s ages, vitality, health, wisdom and more. This life-sustaining fruit of heaven is guarded by Idhunna who maintains the vitality and health all of the Norse gods. This is Her gift to them, and if you ask, this can be Her gift to you as well.

Ideally, perform this mini-ritual on March 20th, but you an always perform this on a Monday, which is Her day, if your schedule doesn’t work out. This is designed to leave your old life behind, to renew with the Spring, and bring healing to your life.

Decorate your altar with the colors of silver and green (Her colors) and if you are in an area where there are apple blossoms on the trees, sprinkle a few of those on your altar as well. In lieu of apples made form gold, purchase some Golden Delicious Apples from the grocery store. You will also want to give her an offering of seeds; any will do, as these are a symbol of initiation as seeds contain the concentrated power of potential that is ready to burst into form. Other supplies you will need will be a knife to cut the apple, a candle (silver or green would be perfect), a plate to cut the apple on and a bowl for the seeds.
To call to Idhunna, light the candle and say:

“Goddess Idhunna, Lady of Light,

At this time of growing bright;

Lady, visit me as the Sparrow,

May I start a new life on the morrow.”

With the knife, cut in the side of the apple the rune Gyfu, which you can easily make with an “X”. Meditate upon what gifts you wish to receive form Idhunna, be they health, vitality, renewal, regeneration, or anything else that you desire. Literally see these gifts coming to you and hold these thoughts firmly in your mind.

Cut the apple cross-ways exposing the Star of Wisdom inside and say:

“Ancient fruit of Universal wisdom,

Keeper of the Pentagram,

Growing on the Tree of Life

Renew me now and free me from strife.”

Take a bite or two of the apple and as you state the sweetness, take in the sweetness of your new life. Literally “taste” the success and happiness that is coming your way.

Finally, place the seeds in the bowl and say:

“Idhunna, I Thank You for Your gift,

On the morrow, my life I uplift.

I put the past behind, I am healed and whole,

I have potential like the seeds in this bowl.

My life is mine, but with Your aid,

My garden is tilled by hoe and spade.

Thank You for Your vitality,

My thanks to You and Blessed Be.”

These are you offerings to Idhunna, and do take the time to care for them on a regular basis. If you can, plant the seeds outdoors and care for them daily. If your region has not yet thawed, then plant the seeds in a pot of earth and when able to, transplant the sprouts outside.

Make sure to place some of the apples outside for the animals and the nature spirits!

Sources:

Exploring the Northern Tradition by Galina Krasskova

Norse Magick by DJ Conway

Northern Magick by Edred Thorsen

Pagan Book of days by Nigel Pennick

Rites of Odin by Ed Fitch

Rune Mysteries by Silver Ravenwolf and Nigel Jackson

Rebirth Through Oya Spell: Yoruba/Santeria Feast Day of Oya-2/2

Oya is the Orisha of death and rebirth and spring is the season of moving from the death of winter to rebirth. She is the Keeper of the Cemetery, her home is the graveyard and the spirits of the dead are her subjects. Oya has a relationship with Iku; the Spirit of Death whom she precedes, accompanies and carries with her on occasion. When death strikes, Oya is the last breath taken along with the spirit Iku.

On a much lighter note, Oya is also the river goddess of Yoruba as well as the deity in charge of wind, lightening, storms and thunder. As Guardian of the River Niger, her river symbolism is polished stones. Lightening came from her consort Shango.

Shango took Oya from Ogun. She was originally Ogun’s wife and she stole his tools which were weapons of war from him. The tools became part of her altar and when Ogun confronted her, she replaced the tools with farm implements. Shango had a gourd of medicine which enabled him to split lightening and one day Oya dipped her finger in it and after tasting the medicine she shot fire out of her mouth when she spoke. From then on she used her forked lightening to help Shango fight his battles.

Oya is seen as a strong woman who because of the war became fearless and courageous in the face of danger. She is a proud, self-willed woman whose wrath is so terrible that it must be avoided at all costs. Oya is represented by two swords that reflect her fighting ability.

Another symbol of Oya is horns. Her sacred animal is the wild buffalo which she turns herself into. Her color in the New World is purple but reddish-brown in Yoruba. She is also known as the “Mother of Nine” as she had nine children.

The Spell

SUPPLIES: Purple candle, offering of shell corn, sword (or Athame)

Light the purple candle and call to Oya:

“I call to Oya

Of death, rivers and storm;

And on Your Feast Day

I ask to be reborn.”

Place the offering upon the altar and calls to the Buffalo totem:

“Sacred Buffalo Woman

Chief of the animals upon Earth

I give to you this offering

And ask for my rebirth.

Grant to me survival skills,

Prosperity and courage,

Fertility and abundance

And fill me now with knowledge.”

Holds the sword up high and say:

“Oya, I ask for the death

Of my old life.

Please cut away what holds me back

And free me now from strife.

I wish today to be reborn

And ride upon Your wind.

Oya, grant to me the change

Let my new life begin.”

Take a moment to visualize the negatives being cut away and the void being filled by the positives that you yearn for. When the visualization is complete, say:

“So mote it be!”

Make sure to place the offering outside for the animals and nature spirits!

Guardian Statue Household Protector Spell
by Rev. Merrie Hutchins (Boudicca Andarta)

The Roman festival of Compitalia honored the Lares for their help. The Lares are household hearth deities said to reside with each family as a type of protection. The story began with two children born from a liaison between the god Mercury and a mute Naiad named Laura, whose tongue had been cut out by the god Jupiter. The Lares became widely revered by Romans as house guardians and were depicted as monkeys covered in dog skins with a barking dog at their feet.

Another Roman deity associated with the hearth and fire is the goddess Vesta. She too, became a popular household guardian, depicted as a woman of great beauty holding a lighted torch and a votive bowl. Her mortal attendants were the Vestal Virgins, who were selected for office of guardians of the sacred flame from the age of six for a minimum of 30 years, during which they were expected to maintain a vow of chastity on penalty of live burial. The Vestals dressed in white gowns trimmed in purple and were highly respected members of roman society, enjoying many privileges. During the Vestalia festivals, donkeys were decked with wreaths. Vesta worship was abolished by Emperor Theodosius in 380 AD.

SUPPLIES: Guardian statue (or symbol) to become your household protector, incense, candle, water, salt, wand

First, clean the statue from any dust or dirt. Light the incense; pass the statue through the smoke three times (or if the statue is too large to lift, pass the smoke three times around the statue) and say:

“By the power of Air and incense,

My Lare guardian statue is blessed.”

Light the candle and pass the statue three times through the flame and say:

“By the power of Fire and flame,

My Lare guardian protects me from maim.”

Sprinkle the statue with three drops of water and say:

“By the power of Water and Sea,

Of danger my Lare will warn me.”

Finally, sprinkle your statue with three grains of salt and say:

“By the power of salt and Earth,

My Lare guardian now is birthed!”

Pick up your wand and circle above the top of the statue three times and say:

“By the power of Spirit and light,

Negative entities my Lare will fight.”

Now ask for the blessings from the goddess Vesta. Hold you statue up and say:

“Vesta of the Hearth and Fire

Your blessings now I acquire

Of my Lare Guardian

Let not negativity in.

Beautiful Vesta with Your torch,

Negativity can’t make it past my porch.

Lares and Vesta, please protect me,

As my will, so mote it be!”

Place the guardian statue in a place perfect to keep you property or house protected.

  The President has declared October 7 as Leif Erikson Day. Okay, maybe I'm a little behind on finding this out, but I thought it was very fascinating and am excited about this! There really isn't a whole lot that I can say about it that isn't summed up by the WhiteHouse.gov already...

    On this day in 1825, the ship Restauration landed in New York City after sailing for 3 months from Stavanger, Norway. The 52 passengers aboard represented the first organized emigration of Norwegians to America. These brave individuals set to the seas, following in the grand footsteps of the famous Scandinavian explorer Leif Erikson. Over a millennium ago, Leif Erikson -- son of Iceland and grandson of Norway -- arrived in North America and founded the settlement Vinland, located in modern-day Canada. Today, we celebrate his historic voyage and remember those who journeyed to America from far-away lands.

    Our Nation's founding history is marked by millions of individuals who faced great hardship and difficulty as they pursued a brighter future abroad. As explorers, they did not know what they would find, but they were determined not to turn back, in order to learn what lay beyond the setting sun. This same spirit lived within Leif Erikson, and it has inspired countless others who venture from their homes in search of opportunity, uncertain of the possibilities and challenges that await them.

    Today, our Nation continues to welcome those descendents of Leif Erikson to our shores. Nordic Americans have contributed immeasurably to the success of America. Their cultural accomplishments have enriched the diversity of our country. And their pioneering spirit continues to embody our Nation's unbounded enthusiasm for discovery and learning.

    To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as "Leif Erikson Day."

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2009, as Leif Erikson Day, and I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our country's rich Nordic-American heritage.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

    BARACK OBAMA

By Rev. Merrie Hutchins

Sarasvati, whose name means “flowing water”, is the Hindu Mother Goddess of wisdom, learning, writing and account books. She is also known as Brahmi, Vagdevi (Goddess of Speech) and Bharati. In later Puranic literature she as Brahmi became the first consort of the creator god Brahma. Other texts connect her with Laksmi as the consort of Visnu.

As a river goddess, she pours forth a flood of energy. The actual river Sarasvati has since disappeared, but she may also be linked with the Indus Sarasvati’s source of strength is the primeval water so she is inexhaustible and is also the bringer of fertility and bountiful harvests. By inference, she produces prosperity, which explains the possible connection to Laksmi. Her waves are said to smash mountains and her voice is the voice of torrent.

As patron of the arts, Sarasvati rules the arts of civilization including music, mathematics, the alphabet, calendars, magick, the Vedas and all branches of learning. As “Mother of the Vedas”, her inspiration, she is credited with inventing Sanskrit and is also the patron of students. Schoolchildren during Sarasvati’s festivals will offer her books, pencils, and pens before they begin class. Her image often appears on the portals of school gates.

Sarasvati is depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in white (her color) with a crescent moon on her forehead. Sometimes she has four arms, but usually two and sometime she is shown with three heads. She is shown either riding a peacock or swan or seated upon a lotus; with a lute, bell, book and water jar.

Sarasvati’s presence purifies, as she is the one who slew the demonic god of chaos Vrtra. Her festival began by cleaning the inkstands and pens. Today we can replicate this by cleaning our computer desks and filing our papers. The Indian ritual consists of sounds, rhythms, gestures, flowers, light, incense, and offerings; all designed to draw awareness from the physical into the spiritual.

SUPPLIES: offering of sugar (cane if possible) or flowers (preferably lotus), peacock or swan feathers, bell, Indian music CD, candle, incense, paper, pen, Sarasvati statue or picture, cauldron or thurible....

Place the Sarasvati statue upon the altar and play the Indian music. At the East, place the feathers in front of the statue and say:

“By feathers of the Air,

Sarasvati please enter here.”

At the South, place the candle in front of the statue, light it and say:

“Sarasvati, by the light of fire

Your presence please I require.”

At West, sprinkle the statue with droplets of water and say:

“As Your river flows to the sea

Enter my circle please, Sarasvati.”

At the North, place the flowers upon the altar and say:

Sarasvati, sugar sweet,

I place these flowers at your feet.”

Now at the altar, ring the bell towards the four quadrants, above, below and center; and say:

The bell rings, Sarasvati sings,

Let’s see what the future brings.”

Lights the incense and get out the pen and paper. Writes down what you want help with from Sarasvati concerning the creative arts, science, music, poetry, learning and teaching. Sarasvati will bestow inspiration, diligence, knowledge and all necessary ingredients for success.

Place the petitions in front of the Sarasvati statue and settle down to meditate upon your requests. See your goal firmly in your mind taking form and shape and coming into being.

When done, light the petitions one by one from the candle flame and burn them in the thurible while chanting:

“Sarasvati gowned in white

With a crescent on Your brow

Guide me with Your splendid light

And bring to me success now.”

Thank Sarasvati by saying:

“By feather, fire, flowers and sea,

Farewell and thanks, Sarasvati.”

The ashes are scattered to the wind.