Odin’s Ordeal: 8/17-8/25

Odin, like the Greek Zeus, is the principle deity of the Norse pantheon. Spelled Odin, Odinn, Odhin, Othin or Odhinn; his name is derived from Old Norse meaning “wind” and “spirit”. One of his nicknames is “Thundur” which means “one who thunders” or “the stretched one”. Odin received this title after what we now call “Odin’s Ordeal” where, according to the Edda, he hung himself from the Tree of the World for nine days and nights.

The World Tree, also called Yggdrasil, is where Odin sacrificed himself in an initiatory manner to gain the knowledge of the Runes. For nine long days and nights, hungry, thirsty and in tremendous pain, he stared into the abyss after piercing himself with his own lance and sacrificing one of his own eyes.

The number nine is considered the most sacred in the Norse concept of numerology. Odin’s nine nights hanging from the World Tree also coincides with the nine nights it takes the human soul to travel to the Underworld. The Celts, who found the number three to be significant, felt that the power of three times three to be the most powerful as it multiplies to the sum of nine. Just like Odin did when he sacrificed himself, the Norse saw how the number nine always “gives itself to itself”. Take a look:

1 X 9 = 9

2 X 9 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9

3 X 9 = 27 and 2 + 7 = 9

4 X 9 = 36 and 3 + 6 = 9

5 X 9 = 45 and 4 + 5 = 9

6 X 9 = 54 and 5 + 4 = 9

7 X 9 = 63 and 6 + 3 = 9

8 X 9 = 72 and 7 + 2 = 9

9 X 9 = 81 and 8 + 1 = 9

Odin’s passion for the knowledge of the Runes is what led himself to self-sacrifice and therefore brought the Runes to mankind. This sacred event is commemorated from August 17th, the first day hanging from Yggdrasil, to August 25th, when Odin spied the Runes and with the last of his energy, fell from the World Tree screaming and seized them.

The Spell

This spell is designed to be as simple as possible. You won’t need to make a run to the New Age Store for supplies, but you will need a few things:

Supplies:

* Something to work your spell for. Pick something that you need or want or desire. Perhaps you need a new job or a promotion at your current place of employment. Maybe you need a new car or to be able to fix the vehicle that you already have. Whatever it is that you need, you will be working towards it for nine nights in a row. The happy new is that you will not have to go through the same ordeal that Odin experienced!
* 9 candles; color and size of your choice (you might want to try tea-lights as they are inexpensive and do not burn very long so you don’t have to worry about leaving them unattended or relighting them)
* Peace, quiet and time (you will need time each night to meditate undisturbed). Also, try to perform this spell and meditate at the same time each night for maximum results.

On August 17th, light the first candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 1, on this night my spell’s begun.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on the things that you need to start to change to meet your goal. If you need to, keep a notebook next to you to jot down any ideas that pop up.

On August 18th light the second candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 2, on this night I change my view.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on how you can re-program your thought processes to bring about the change that you desire. What have you been doing that has impeded your won growth? What can you do to get out of your won way? Again, have a pen and notebook handy just in case you need to make yourself a spiritual “to do” list.

On August 19th light the third candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 3, one this night I am set free.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on how you are throwing away all of your old concepts and you are opening yourself to the positive changes to come.

On August 20th light the fourth candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 4, on this night I open the door.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on the fact that you have closed one door and you are ready to open a new one. Open the door, and learn what is on the other side that will aid you in your spell-working.

On August 21st light the fifth candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 5, on this night I come alive.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on how you are like a seed that has grown into a plant that is now blossoming and will bear fruit. Water yourself…give yourself fertilizer…feel the warmth of the life-giving sun…and watch yourself grow!

On August 22nd light the sixth candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 6, I stay vigil for mental tricks.”

Take nine deep breaths and mediate on how you may sabotage yourself. We all hate change, and sometimes we can set bear-traps to step into to impede our own progress. Find ways to keep yourself on track in spite of any roadblocks that may come your way.

On August 23rd light the seventh candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 7, I call in the power of Earth and Heaven.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on the power of Mother Earth and Father Sky. Ask Them for Their help. Ask Them for their wisdom and guidance. You are Their child and They want to help you. However you see Them, have a “family meeting” as to how you can obtain your goal.

On August 24th light the eighth candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 8, I call in the power of the ladies of Fate.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on the Norns, the three women that tend to Yggdrasil; who represent the past, present and future. Or, you could tap into the Fates, their Greek counterparts. Either will work. Chat with them about what in your past has lead to where you are today. Ask them what you are doing today that will lead you to tomorrow. Finally, ask them what you can do tomorrow that will bring about your desire in the future.

On August 25th light the last candle and say nine times:

“By the power of 9 times 9, what I’ve worked for is now mine.”

Take nine deep breaths and meditate on the final outcome of your desire; what you’ve been working towards for the last eight nights. Set a date; make a deadline if you can. If you need to, use a calendar and a fire-engine red marker and make a big circle. See the image firmly in your mind. See how your life will change for the better after you have obtained your goal; how will it affect your environment?, your friends and family? or your day-to-day life? Take the time to set these images in your mind like cement or concrete.

Finally, say your thanks nine times to the Universe and go about making things happen!

Sources:

* Book of Runes by Ralph H. Blum
* Lammas: Celebrating the Fruits of the First Harvest by Anna Franklin and Paul Mason
* Northern Magic: Rune Mysteries and Shamanism by Edred Thorsson
* Pagan Book of Days by Nigel Jackson
* Rune Mysteries by Silver RavenWolf and Nigel Jackson

Midsummer Water Spirit Spell
Boudicca Andarta

Midsummer is considered a fire festival, but it is also a water festival as well. Rivers, lakes, wells and springs were considered holy and pilgrimages were made on this holy day to make offerings, solicit cures and work magick.

The magick people would work would either refer to nourishing the crops (Russia), granting fertility to childless women (Scotland) or ask for healing (England). In exchange for these, offerings of pins, flowers and coins were made to the Guardian Spirit or the Water Nymphs. This guardian was not always seen in human form; instead they would sometimes appear as a frog, mermaid, a winged serpent or a fly. In any form, the Guardian was honored and considered holy.

The reason that the aquatic site was held in such high regard is because it was thought that wells and springs issued form the womb of Mother Earth, the life-giving Goddess. Springs and wells like caves were through to be the entrance to Mother Earth’s womb; from which all life springs forth and all life must return to. Water from such sites were considered so holy that women would bathe in it (Sweden), it was drunk from a special vessel (England), sacrifices of treasure were made to it (Scotland) or flowers would adorn the site (England).

These practices lived on even after the church took ever the land. In Ireland, many wells that had been dedicated to the goddess Brighid were now under the domain of St. Brigit. In Britain, the goddess that was known by Anna, Annis or Anu had many wells as well, and these were “given” to St. Ann. Finally, Midsummer was also known as the festival of Sul Minerva, named after the goddess of healing springs that were located in modern-day Bath were Pagans would honor the spirit of the water.

The Spell

I am fortunate to live on land that has many natural springs, but not everyone is so lucky. That doesn’t’ mean that you cannot honor the Guardian Water Spirit where you live. Do you have a creek, river or lake in your area? Is there a campsite with one of those “old-fashioned” hand-pumps? Can you create a lovely water-fountain in your garden or buy a miniature one to place inside your house or apartment? Find whichever method works best for you and then prepare to make offering sin exchange for your special request.

Your request is up to you as this spell is not limited to fertility (children or crops) or healing, although you could work magick to “fertilize” your bank account or heal your debt in these uncertain economic times. Make yourself a list of what you will ask for from the Water Guardian Spirit and get your offerings ready.

Your offerings can be the traditional coins, flowers and pins, but feel free to use your imagination. You could buy some shell corn or bird seed as an offering to the animals and nature spirits. You could tie pretty ribbons to branches on a tree. You could even pant a tree, adding to the landscape. Think about what kind of offering is best suited for your environment and situation before making your decision.

Decorate your altar in the manner of your choosing. Adjust your decorations to fit working outdoors (think about the windy conditions) or working indoors. Midsummer is a fire festival, so let’s add that into the mix. After all, you can mix fire and water; fire-water or alcohol is considered a spirit isn’t it? Make sure to have a candle (indoor-working) or a Tiki Torch (outdoor-working and it can help to keep the bugs away!) lit during your magical working. But, all you really need is you, your wish-list and the water itself. If working indoors, place a bowl of water on your altar and if outdoors, being at the site of the water source is ideal.

Create Sacred Space or Cast Circle in a manner of your choosing. Then, make your statement of intent after you light your candle or torch:

“On this longest day of the year

Light and fire are king.

But on this day I also honor

The Goddess and the Spirit of the Spring.”

Place your offering upon the altar or at the aquatic site and say:

“From rain to creek to river to lake;

Water feeds humans and Mother Earth.

This I give to Guardian Spirit

For the Goddess giving life birth.”

Speak to the Mother Earth Goddess and the Water Guardian Spirit in your own words, respectfully requesting one-by-one the items on your wish-list. Explain form your heart why you need to remove or add these things in your life. Also, ask for guidance as to how you can make these things happen on the mundane level through physical means.

When finished, than the Goddess and the Water Guardian Spirit and say:

“Goddess and Guardian, my thanks to you

Pales aid me in the works I do;

For the good of all and With harm to none,

So say I, so shall it be done.”

Source: Midsummer: Magical Celebrations of the Summer Solstice by Anna Franklin

Floralia: Beltane Renewal Spell with the Goddess Flora

When thinking of Beltane, we usually think of the practices from northern Europe, but we can actually trace some of the roots to ancient Roman Paganism.

The Romans honored many gods and goddesses, but during the Spring months, from the end of April to early May, the goddess Flora was celebrated with the flower festival Floralia. Flora, the goddess of flowers, was the consort of Zephyrus and her major festival, Floralia, was associated with the dead as well as having strong sexual overtones.

She was mainly worshiped by young girls who would giver her offerings of fruit and flowers and drape her statues with garlands which were carried in a procession of singers and dancers to a flower-covered tree, the predecessor of the Maypole. These practices were among many to be spread to other cultures after they were conquered by the Romans.

The Spell

This is a simple spell to help you tap into the renewing energies of Spring. This is the perfect time to do some “Spring cleaning”, be it physical, emotional, spiritual or all three. Take an inventory of the things that should remain with the dead of winter and toss them out, either physically (like cleaning out your closet) or symbolically (clearing out the cobwebs of your life). What you have left, the important things that you wish to cultivate and harvest this year, plant like seeds now. Also, make sure to remain open to all opportunities that come your way to help make you dreams come to fruition.

Supplies:

· offering to Flora (fruit, flowers or some other form of offering)

· pen and paper

You may begin by creating sacred space or casting a circle, whichever works better for you is fine. If you have a statue or a picture of Flora, it would be nice to drape it with a garland (a flower Lei would work for this). If you would like, you and also burn a floral incense or light flower-shaped candles. When you feel you are ready, call to Flora:

“Flora, goddess of flowers and Spring,

Whose worshippers would dance and sing;

I call to You this fist of May,

To renew my life on this Spring day.”

Make a list of the things that you wish to leave behind, the things that you wish to leave in the dead of winter to be recycled by Mother Earth and transformed into something new. If you need to, take the time to make notes as to how to remove these bad habits form your life. When done, say:

“I leave my past behind, it’s dead and buried,

Gone are the days all crazy and harried.

I open myself to life anew

And I do it with the aid of You.”

Now, make a list of the things that you wish to plant like seeds, the things that you wish to grow and harvest this year. Take the time to “check off” each thought-seed on your list, see in your minds-eye it growing to fruition. If you feel so inclined, Meditate and ask Flora for Her guidance and wisdom. Place your offering upon the altar and say:

“Please guide my path, show me the way.

I open new doors each and every day.

In return I give these offerings to You,

My thanks for aiding me in what I do.”

In your own words, say thanks to Flora. Leave the offerings until morning. Keep checking in on your lists, taking the proper steps to grow your seeds!

Sources:

· Beltane by Raven Grimassi

· Encyclopedia of the Gods by Michael Jordan

   Many different cultures throughout history have utilized meditation. Meditation is the act of calming one's mind, relaxing one's body, and synchronizing one's own vibrations with those of the universe. To become Whole. There are many different ideas on how to meditate, but simply trying to meditate is meditating. Even prayer could be considered a form of meditation. The beautiful thing about meditation is that it is not reliant on religion, belief, or creed. The trick, is to try. So often we get caught up in the end result, when realistically, whether the byproduct is desirable or not, it is the intention that matters.
   There have been many studies on meditation. What people are realizing is that meditation is one of the healthiest things a person can do for oneself. Studies have shown that people who meditate on a regular basis live longer healthier lives. Even those who already have chronic illnesses, have shown less severe symptoms when in the practice of meditating. Other than the belief that meditation is one's attempt at spiritual growth and the path to enlightenment, the act of meditating removes anxiety and nourishes the mind. Man needs a healthy balance of physical, mental, and spiritual well being to truly flourish.
   As simple as meditating might sound, one often finds his or herself more anxious when trying to decide where to start. As aforementioned, there are many different ideas on the proper way to meditation, but I will share a simple method that works as a starting point for those interested in beginning meditation. This is by no means an end all/cure all, and should only be used to begin a journey of personal growth. Likewise, not all of these may be suited to every individual, do what seems to work best for you... with that said, promise yourself that you will make a commitment to not only stick with meditation, but to give each method it's ample respect, before deciding whether it is or is not beneficial to you.
   Where to meditate: Meditation is best done in a secluded and silent location. For those who live a busy life, this can be a hard place to find. You need to find a time and place where outside noises won't distract you and you're not likely to be interrupted. You also want a location that is comfortable. Whether trying this on the floor, bed, couch, or chair, try sitting on a pillow and propping your back with a pillow as well. A comfortable temperature can also be very important. If you're sweating or shivering your body will be unable to relax. Also, fans or wind may be a distraction. For this reason it is not recommended to do this outdoors. Nature and man are full of unpredictable distractions, such as a passing semi or a bug. A forewarning, you want your location to be comfortable, but not overly. The key is to relax the body, which often times can lead to sleepiness. A location like a bed may cause you to drift off.
   How to sit: Many practitioners utilize an Indian style or lotus formation. If you find that a formal position helps get you into the mood, then by all means use them. However, for the average person sitting with one's legs crossed can be uncomfortable, especially over long periods of time, and should be worked into. Simply sitting with your back up against something, with your legs firmly planted on the floor or straight out in front of you will suffice. The key is to sit up straight. By tightening one's shoulder blades the rib cage rocks backwards, opening up passageways that allow for better air flow. Oxygen is the food of the mind, too much or too little can dull the senses. If you are unable to sit up straight due to physical limitations, try laying on your back. Keep your neck and arms at a relaxed and comfortable position. Most recommend folding your hands in your lap or over your stomach.
   How to get started: There are many different exercises that may lead you into a meditative trance, which can be tricky for the time being. To start with, try to just sit or lay in your meditative position for five minutes at a time. The key is to not move. This will train your body that it is time for meditation. As time goes on, you will find that you are able to sit for longer and longer periods of time. Don't rush yourself, meditation is for you and no one else. Steady, rhythmic breathing is very important. Once you're comfortable sitting for minutes at a time, try to control your breathing. Slow it down so that you are taking longer inhales and drawn out exhales. To steady your mind from wandering, count each breath. You are training your mind and body to coexist. Any time an idea appears in your mind, distracting you from counting, acknowledge this idea and then push it away. Start your counting over again, it is not important what number you were on. Likewise, if you begin to reach higher and more difficult numbers, don't think twice about starting over. You will find in time that you are able to go longer and longer without interruption. Once you are comfortable with this last exercise, meditate without occupying your mind, that is, without counting. This is possibly the most difficult step.
   With anything, there is always time. However, I understand how hard it can be to commit to something new. If you find that you just can't seem to set time aside for meditation, try doing it either when you lay down for sleep at night, or when you wake up in the morning. If you drift off to sleep, it is not desirable, but it's quite alright. With time you will strengthen your resolve and eventually may find that you do indeed have time throughout the day.
   Meditation is about training the mind to reach a state of enlightenment. It is training your mind to not only be able to reach a harmonious state during the meditation, but to keep it in that state all the time. Like the muscles of the body, when one exercises they become toned. However they don't lose their shape when you stop exercising, they remain healthy throughout day and night. I hope this article will help you to reach a healthy state of mind, and may even guide you on your journey to enlightenment.

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