Heathen

Profile

Art by Keshi

Heil ok sæl! I am Asa, Nútíma Völva! I'm a Norse Pagan. I worship the Old Gods of the Norse faith... the Gods of my ancestors.

Growing up I was always very curious, imaginative, intuitive, sensitive, and connected to the world around me. I was described by those close to me as sweet, compassionate, creative, naive, and often in my own little world. For as long as I can remember, before I could even comprehend how intricately woven the threads were, I have been enthralled with spirituality, the mysteries of life, the cosmos, and magic.

I never questioned if magic existed. Even when other kids stopped believing in it I still did (and was often made fun of because of it). I knew, deep in my soul, that magic existed. I yearned to see, feel, and experience magic, it was just a matter of discovering how, exactly, to interact with it.

As a little girl I would spend much of my time outside, exploring and playing, digging up clay to make crude sculptures and pots, climbing trees, and collecting rocks, shells, and animal bones. Alternatively, while inside I would spend my time writing, daydreaming, making arts and crafts, dressing up, performing my own little skits for family, and playing with our cats.

In middle and high school I was active in drama, dance, speech, debate, mock trial, the swim team, and the school newspaper. I taught myself html and a bit of CSS and Java script so I could make my own websites, took horseback riding lessons, learned tae-kwon-do up to red belt, and took a variety of arts and crafts courses(both in and out of school). During summer breaks I loved to go camping and hiking and exploring with my mom.

It was in middle school that I discovered Wicca. As a “baby witch”, I started by worshiping the one Goddess and Horned God, as I had read about in many of the books my mom had gotten for me. But something didn’t quite feel right to me. Eventually I turned to polytheism. I began worshiping the Greek Gods because that was the only pantheon that was taught to me in school. It felt a bit better, being able to associate certain aspects to certain deities, but still it didn’t fully connect.

When I was in the 10th grade I had an assignment in history class to write a paper about my family history as far back as I could go. So I talked to my mom about it and she showed me a HUGE family tree that she and one of her older brothers(who was even more of a history buff than she was) had compiled.

I had already known that her grandparents came from Scotland, but going further back on her father’s side many generations I learned that they held titles like ‘Sir’ and ‘Lady’ and ‘Lord’. I have to admit, that excited me. Going even further back I discovered that they had lived in England for a generation(kinda disappointed me and I’m not sure why), and before that they lived in Wales for a generation.

Even further back than that, they had lived in France, where I was surprised to find out I was related to royalty. I found out I was related to a countess(Hedwige de France, Comtesse de Mons), and her parents were the King and Queen of the Franks. The Queen, Adélaïde(my 34x great grandmother), was also the daughter of a Princess, the Princess Adèle of Normandy. But it turns out Adèle was her baptized name. She was born as Geirlaug, and her father was the first Duke of Normandy(the Viking chief Gange-Hrólfr 'Rollo' Ragnvaldsson), who was the descendant of Norwegian Jarls and Kings.

Tracing other lines back I found other connections to Norway via the Normans. My surname, is of Norman origin meaning “Little Man”. In Scotland the house motto is “Sine sol nihil” which means “Nothing without the sun”. In discovering these, I looked into the pagan beliefs of my ancestors… Celtic, Scandinavian, and Germanic. I began tuning my spiritual and magical practices into Nordic Pagansim then, and when I did that I felt at home, finally. I have been a Heathen ever since.

Art by bittersweet

This is what 15 years of being a Heathen has taught me...

I believe everything is connected. Every human, every animal, every plant, every stone, every body of water, every mountain, every star… everything in the universe is connected. Yggdrasil is an allegory that shows us this, as it is the great tree that, from root to leaf, connects the nine realms. The Web of Wyrd shows us this as well, as it is the grand tapestry that has been woven, weaves, and will become woven. It is a tapestry made of us and made by us.

There is a flow of energy(some may call it a soul or spirit) which lies within and around all things. This energy is not intrinsically good or evil and yet it is equally both(just as the Gods are, and just as we are). The relevant characteristic of these energies is power, not morality, though they can be utilized for good or evil intentions. It is important to show respect for these energies or spirits, whether it be through ritual, offerings, prayers, or customs.

I feel that nature is a sacred and divine energy. Since the beginning of time, our ancestors have followed and respected the cycles of nature, performing rituals and celebrations near the equinoxes and in conjunction with the phases of the moon. While our own survival may no longer depend on it thanks to advancements in technology, these cycles still affect us.

We all still sense these cycles because everything is connected. Think about the hope and rejuvenation you feel when you step outside on a warm sunny day after a long and hard winter. Think about the invigorating smell of new life sprouting up from the ground, and the giddy anticipation of fresh fruits and vegetables, the sense of rebirth and growth. Think about the urge to burrow into the comfort of your dry, warm home when winter storms present themselves and the tendency to turn inwards towards oneself mentally and emotionally the darker and colder it gets outside. Nature is a primal, powerful force, and should be respected.

As I see it, our future is the product of our present actions. I believe in having faith in oneself, in trusting in life and in the rewards of living rightly. Each person, though connected to everything else in the universe, is their own individual, and must choose for his or her self what is right and what is wrong and act according to their own judgment. Yet, behaving horribly still brings about its own consequences.

There's a very diverse spectrum of practice within the Heathen community, you'd be hard pressed to find any two alike. Some followers believe in the gods as literal beings, some view the gods in an animistic way(as forces of nature), some believe the gods are allegorical. Some practitioners believe you go to Valhalla only if you die well in battle, some believe you go to Valhalla if you live right, some believe you go to the hall of your chosen god, and some believe you are reborn in your family line. Some Völva follow strictly what little has been recorded, while others have adapted to include newer ideologies(for example, astrology, gemstone or herb meanings, color correspondence, tarot or palm reading in addition to runes, and so on).

Are any of these people more right than the other? Should we chastise people for practicing in a different way than us? Are we bastardizing the tradition by not practicing it exactly the same as everyone else? To all of this, I say,”No”.

The Old Norse religion was passed down through oral tradition, so unfortunately historians have recovered very little information on the practices. We all must learn and use our intuition to decipher what to believe for ourselves.

I believe there is no wrong way to practice Heathenism, or the arts of the Völva if you are dedicated to truly understanding and respecting the history and the tradition, and try to keep it as close to its origins as possible. Just as there are numerous ways to practice Christianity, or even Paganism, so too can there be different ways to practice Heathenism.

Aside from this, keep in mind that the Norse traveled far and wide, they made connections with a multitude of other peoples, learned and brought back knowledge of other cultures, and traded for various things that were not native to them. I do not think our Norse ancestors would be upset with us for expanding… after all, they did the same. I believe they would have assimilated the medicinal and magical uses of new herbs they brought back from other lands, or incorporated new gemstones into their magical jewelry if they learned those stones were valued for certain properties in their homeland.

Again, I find myself drawn to Yggdrasil as an allegory. It’s roots represent the past traditions, the way our ancestors worshiped, and the precious little resources that we found which teach us these things(manuscripts, eddas, artifacts, etc). It’s trunk represents the main beliefs that all Norse Pagans(ancient and modern alike) share: belief in the gods and spirits, veneration of ancestors, and worship of nature. And it’s branches extend upward and outward from the core beliefs as the different, modern tribes, traditions, and beliefs, allowing all to practice in their own unique way.

Art by Nayona

In terms of my own practice, this is what it looks like for me:

↟ Devoting myself to the continual study of Nordic history, cultural traditions and religious ways.

↟ Paying respect to and venerating the Æsir and Vanir and Jötunn deities (by wearing my oath ring every day, wearing my pendant to Freyja every day, getting to know each god through study and just talking to/with them, giving offerings appropriate to the deity I am offering to, hailing them during holidays and celebrations, creating things inspired by them, sharing their stories with others, and intentionally performing small devotional acts appropriate for whichever deity)

↟ Paying respect to and honoring my ancestors, both ancient and recently deceased (by seeking to improve our family line through continual self-improvement, talking to them, giving them offerings)

↟ Observing the Norse holidays attested to in the sagas and manuscripts (Þorrablót, Dísablót & Góublót, Sigrblót & Várblót, Miðsumar, Vetrnætr & Álfablót, and Jól)

↟ Following the cycles and rhythms of nature(moon phases and seasonal changes), and paying respect to the natural world by celebrating the solstices and equinoxes.

↟ Taking time to go outside and enjoy nature (and paying respect to the landvættir, skogvættir, fjallvættir, vatnavættir, and/or sjóvættir).

↟ Practicing simple, everyday magic (enchanting my tea while it steeps, lighting candles to send my intentions out into the world, wearing or carrying certain gemstones for a purpose, dancing in the rain to cleanse myself, walking barefoot on the earth to ground myself, selecting certain magical herbs with intention to use in cooking, meditating, drawing/carving/painting/burning bindrunes or staves, chanting, etc)

↟ Practicing divination with rune casting, throwing bones, and ecstatic trance work.

↟ Participating in my community.

Hail to the Old Gods!

Odin

Hail Óðinn, the allfather! May we receive your blessings and remain true to the Havamal, and that we may find wisdom and strength in your words. Allow us to walk the path of the Asatruar with grace and assurance through your wisdom and your example. Breathe life into this faith as you did Ask and Embla; that we may live in prosperity as we grow in the old ways.

Thor

Hail Þórr, defender of Midgard. Watch over and defend us from the agents of chaos as you draw your mighty chariot across our thundering sky. Send out your blessings and guard from harm our family and that which is in our belonging; that we may enjoy peace and prosperity.

Frigg

Hail Frigg, our loving mother. Embrace us in your warm arms and bless us with your divine gift. Give comfort and assurance tous and allow us to receive no evil as we remain in your good graces.

Freyja

Hail Freyja, lady of the Brisengamen, divine goddess of love, beauty, and strength. May your beauty and grace rain down from your holiness. Bless us with the bounty of life and bring forth sustaining happiness through your fertile gifts. Guide us with your boundless compassion, empower us with your fearless courage, and bless us with creative abundance. Surround us with your luminous presence and be with us now and always.

Freyr

Hail Freyr, lord of the elves and holy harbinger of our blessed crop. We ask that you continue to grace us with your fertile blessings and sustain our families and communities, that we may continue to honor your name in celebration and merry feast.

Njord

Hail Njord, father of the winds. May you bring forth life's bounty and guide us to a life well lived. Bless us with your fortune, that in our travels we go with your good grace and find ourselves in exalted company.

Loki

Hail to Loki, the fire of the gods; your actions both destructive and fruitful. See that in our moments of chaos we find new life and fertile beginnings; that as a wildfire restores the land through fire, fertilizing the soil through ash that new forest of crop shall grow, we too find restoration and refinement in trial by fire.

Eir

Hail Eir, holy healer of the Disir. Sustain good health for us and our families; that we in long life may continue to enjoy the blessings of the gods and of the earth.

Heimdall

Hail Heimdallr, holy grandfather and guardian of the bifrost who hears out whispered prayers, grant that we your kin go not in strife. See when we suffer and hear our pleas when we are lost. Grace us with your watchful eye, that we find ourselves in good health and in good spirits and in considerable wealth for as long as we remain true to the gods.

Tyr

Hail Tyr, venerable lord of war who lives the true meaning of sacrifice and duty. Bless us with your courage and strength; that we find in you the power to overcome the enemy and follow a righteous path built on service to our families and our communities by your accord.

Saga

Hail Saga, fair companion of the Allfather. Send forth your blessings and let us never fail to raise a cup in kind friendship. See to the prosperous continuity of the heartwarming bonds of frith, nurtured in your comforting embrace.

Baldr

Hail Baldr, shining light of Asgard. Look on us with grace and grant us your righteous blessings that we may find peace and beauty in this life. Ere that fortune slips from our grasp, guide us to light your torch in the midst of darkness and find value beyond the serpent's lair; for Freyja's tears hold little value when weighted against a life well lived.

Idunn

Hail Idunn, holy guardian of the lust of Thjazi. Bless us that we retain the graces of youth in old age and find ourselves in good health and virility. Grant that we be filled in your spirit and find inspiration and strength in the holy things.

Bragi

Hail Bragi, keeper of the Eddas, master of the skald. Grant us your blessing that we, to the advancement of our station, may travel through memory and, with ease, speak honeyed verse.

Sigyn

Hail Sigyn, lady of endurance, wife of Loki. Grant us the loyalty and compassion and grace we need for those we care about, even in their darkest times. Especially in their darkest of times. Give us strength to do what is needed of us by those we love.

Nanna

Hail Nanna, wife of Baldr and mother of Forseti, remind us to give something to those who have nothing so that we might bring comfort to their lives as you bring comfort and love to ours.

Hel

Hail Hel, the Hospitable One, The Gracious Hostess, Lady of Comfort and Caretaker of the Ancestors, comfort us in our sorrow and grief, and remind us that our dead loves ones are not as far as we might think. Care for our deceased loved ones as we cared for them.

Hodr

Hail Höðr, the blind god. Aid us to overcome any tragedy that may befall us with grace and dignity, that we might rise again and continue a life of service to those we love and to the gods.

Sif

Hail Sif, holy in your name. We praise your bounty, generous gift of the sun and soil. From your touch sprouts life, from your tresses flow fertility's grace. You weave magic in the swaying fields, whispering secrets to the ripening wheat. We beseech your blessing upon our labors, upon the calloused hands and honest toil. Grant strength to our arms, patience to our hearts, and wisdom to our minds.

Vidar

Hail Vidar, avenging god of silence. Give us your blessings and see we come not to failure on our righteous path. Guide us in your patience and free us from the ailments of a restless mind, that in your example we find solace in the slow march of time.

Skadi

Hail Skadi, ski goddess and lady of the bow string. Give us your blessin and set forth a bountiful hunt this seasons, that out arrows strike true and without fault. Bless the animal which fall prey to our efforts that it may provide for us both naturally and spiritually.

Hermodr

Hail Hermóðr, who rides beyond the veil of the worlds. Grant that our prayers be heard by those holy powers in Asgard and deliver by your steed our blessing to Nanna and Baldr and our ancestors who have long passed should the gates of Helheim bar our prayers.

Ullr

Hail Ullr, bless this hunt and guide my arrow to strike swift and true. Bless the animal which sustains us and grant that each finds a good death, that we might life and prosper without cause of lasting pain.

Fulla

Hail Fulla, bless us with your bounty and healing hands as long as we should live, that we may honor your name and go merrily in life.

Gerdr

Hail Gerdr, fair wife of Freyr, grant that we receive in your grace your fertile gifts of earth and sky, that as in your dowry we find acceptance among the Aesir as faithful to the gods and worthy of their blessings.

Hnoss

Hail Hnoss, precious jewel of Freyja, help us to live passionate lives as you and to enjoy life to the fullest.

Gersemi

Hail Gersemi, treasure of Freyja, show us how to love tenderly and with an open heart that we might live a life of compassionate love towards all those around us.

Magni

Hail Magni, son of Thor, help us to defend those we love most in our lives.

Modi

Hail Móði, son of Thor, give us the strength to face any of our battles with courage and ferocity.

Thrud

Hail Þrúðr, daughter of Thor and fierce valkyrie, show us how to stand up for what we believe in and fight for it.

Jord

Hail Jörð, embodiment of the Earth itself, bless us with a rich and fertile earth to live upon and teach us to respect and honor nature that we might honor you as well as the gods..

Ran

Hail Ran, ruler of the waves. Wife of Aegir. Allow that we pass through your vast waters and keep our sail steed safe from harm. Call on your daughters to carry us through smooth seas and turn against us those who would do us harm.

Nott

Hail Nott, weaver of dreams and hood of the holy ones, give us a good, restful night of sleep and easy dreams that we might rise again in the morning and live content lives in service and worship to the gods.

Sol

Hail Sol, harbinger of the shielf by which the morning chariot makes its rise from Dellings door. Shed your light upon us and bring forth the blessings of the day, that in your shining rays we find glory and strength and victory.

Mani

Hail Mani, charioteer who counts the years, grant us insight to the great divine and bless us with your wisdom so that we might form closer connections to the gods.