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

7/26 Sleipnir’s Day: Aid with Meditational Journeys

Even if you are not familiar with the Norse Pantheon, most likely you have heard of Odhinn, the All-Father. Odhinn is the Shaman-King that travels through the three worlds on his eight-legged horse Sleipnir. These three worlds are known to the Norse and Celts as the Upperworld (Asgard to the Norse and the Sky/Star World to the Celts), the Middleworld (our world that we call Earth; Midgard to the Norse and Surface/Stone World to the Celts) and the Underworld (Utgard to the Norse and the Ocean/Sea World to the Celts).

Sleipnir could run on land, sea or air, which are the three worlds or three realms of the Tree of Life or World Tree of the Celts and Norse. The name for the World Tree among the Norse was Yggdrasil; “Yggr” being one of the names for Odhinn and “drassil” meant both “horse” and “gallows”. Sacrifices to Odhinn were hung on gallows, another version of the World Tree.

Another symbol associated with the shaman-horse Sleipnir is the Rune Eh (M) which means “horse”. “Eh” propels the soul through the Otherworlds, the other spheres of consciousness, so you can call upon his aid with meditation and journeys. Horses were considered sacred to the Norse and horses the color of cloud-gray were said to be one of the methods of travel for the Valkyries. Perhaps you could instill the aid of a Valkyries for your Otherworld journeys as well? The rune Eh can signify a mutual partnership as well as transitional movement, so it is not out of the question to be able to work with Sleipnir or the Valkyries.

July 26th is the day set aside by the Asutru to commemorate the death-steed Sleipnir.

THE SPELL:

This is a very simple spell to help you with your meditations. Many people struggle with meditating, so calling in a little extra help never hurts. If you are already familiar with meditation and journeying, then Sleipnir will be able to take you swiftly (he has eight legs after all) through the worlds and levels of consciousness, enhancing your meditation experiences.

If possible, do this spell and meditation outside with a real-life tree. If this is not possible die to weather or lack or privacy, then simply sit indoors and use your visualizing skills to imagine the World Tree before you.

Supplies: offering to Sleipnir (a nice offering for Sleipnir would be something that a horse would eat, perhaps some sugar cubes would be a nice treat? You need not place your offering at the gallows, instead the base of a tree would work just fine.). Offering to the tree (again, think of what a tree needs; perhaps some fertilizer or water to aid in its growth?).

Stand at a tree with your offering and say:

“I call to Odhinn’s eight-legged steed:

In hand I have _____ for you to feed.”

Place the offering at the base of the tree and say:

“I place this offering here at the Tree

In hopes of the partnership between you and me.”

Sit with your back propped up against the trunk of the tree. Mentally connect to the spirit of the tree and let it know that you wish to make a partnership so you can meditate and travel the three worlds of the World Tree. To show the spirit of the tree that you have good intentions, place your offering at the roots. If you wish, you can also draw the Rune Eh (shaped similarly to the capital letter “M”) in the air or on the ground to seal your “compact:” with the tree.

Now, simply begin your meditation. If it helps, visualize yourself riding on the back of Sleipnir, his gray mane flowing in the air, the hooves making a rhythmic sound that takes you deeper and deeper into a relaxed state. State the purpose of your meditation; what answers do you seek? Ask the Universe your question so you and Sleipnir can find the answers. Say:

“Shaman Steed of air, land and sea,

As I sit here beneath this tree;

Move me through the worlds of three,

Aid me on my shamanic journey.”

Close your eyes and go ahead with your meditation. When you come back to normal consciousness, move your fingers and toes, stretch and come to standing. Thank the tree and say:

“Cloud-Gray horse of the Valkyries,

Thank you for aiding my journeys.

Together we worked magick well

And this concludes my magick spell.

Stay if you will, and go if you must;

In perfect love and perfect trust.

By the power of threes times three,

As my will, so mote it be.”

SOURCES:

Animal Magick by DJ Conway

Pagan Book of Days by Nigel Pennick

Rune Mysteries by Silver RavenWolf and Nigel Jackson

Tree of Enchantment: Ancient Wisdom and Magic Practices of the Faery Tradition by Orion Foxwood

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.

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.