The Rational Heathen

Yule, Yuletide, and Its Historic Roots

December 21, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Yule has deep historical roots woven into the fabric of Germanic and Norse cultures, marking a significant celestial event and heralding the arrival of the winter solstice. In these ancient societies, Heathens celebrated Yule as a pivotal festival during the darkest time of the year. Yule symbolizes the rebirth of the sun and the promise of brighter days ahead.

Germanic Origins

Winter Solstice Celebration

Germanic tribes honored the winter solstice in the form of the Yule festival. Yule commemorates the moment when the sun, which had been growing weaker and lower in the sky, reaches its lowest point and then began its ascent. Yule promises the return of longer days.

Feasting and Merriment

Yule celebrations were marked by feasting and revelry, with communal gatherings to share food, drink, and festivities. The feast was a central aspect, symbolizing the abundance of the harvest and the hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

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Yule Log Ritual

The Yule log held great significance. A large, specially selected log was ceremoniously brought into the home and burned in the hearth for the duration of the festival. It represented the continuity of life, warmth, and protection against malevolent spirits during the long winter nights.

Norse Traditions

Norse Mythology and Yuletide

In Norse mythology, the festival of Yule, known as “Jól,” includes the legends of Odin, the Allfather, and the Wild Hunt. Odin, whom we associate with wisdom, war, and poetry, leads the Wild Hunt across the skies during the Yuletide. The Wild Hunt is a spectral procession of warriors and magical beings.

Twelve Days of Yule

The Norse celebrated Yule over twelve days, a period known as “The Twelve Nights.” Each night represented one month of the upcoming year, foretelling events and omens for the months ahead.

Gift-Giving and Symbolism

Yule was a time for gift-giving among the Norse, symbolizing goodwill and fostering relationships. These gifts often held symbolic meanings, representing blessings for the coming year or tokens of appreciation.

Honoring Yule Today

Modern Heathens seek to honor the traditions of their ancestors while adapting them to fit contemporary lifestyles. Celebrating Yule in a way that echoes the ancient Germanic and Norse practices can be a meaningful endeavor. Here are some ways Heathens might celebrate Yule today.

Yule Blot and Rituals

Blot Ritual

Conduct a Yule Blot, a sacrificial offering ceremony to honor the gods and spirits. Offerings could include mead, ale, or food. Place them in a sacred space or outdoors, accompanied by prayers or spoken words of gratitude and intention.

Honoring the Ancestors

Dedicate part of the celebration to honoring ancestors. Set up an altar with pictures or symbols representing ancestors. Offer them food, drink, or light candles in their memory, acknowledging their influence and seeking their blessings for the coming year.

Feasting and Hospitality

Yule Feast

Some traditional Icelandic food (plate to the left: Hangikjöt, Hrútspungar, Lifrarpylsa, Blóðmör, Hákarl, Svið. plate to the right: Rúgbrauð, Flatbrauð). This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Image by The blanz.

Host a grand feast with friends and family, emphasizing traditional foods that the ancestors might have been eaten. Foods include roasted meats, root vegetables, bread, and mulled drinks. Consider using local, seasonal ingredients as a nod to ancestral agricultural practices.

Community and Hospitality

Emphasize hospitality by inviting others to share in the festivities. Open your home to friends, neighbors, or members of the Heathen community to foster camaraderie and a sense of shared celebration.

Rituals and Symbolism

Lighting the Yule Log

Light a special Yule log in the fireplace or bonfire outdoors to symbolize the warmth and light returning to the world. Decorate the log with runes, symbols, or herbs with significant meanings.

Evergreen Decorations

Deck the halls with evergreen boughs, holly, or mistletoe. These plants held symbolic significance for ancient Heathens, representing endurance, protection, and fertility.

Divination and Reflection

Reflective Practices

Take time for introspection, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. Use divination tools such as runes to seek guidance or insights for the coming months.

Storytelling and Lore

Share tales from Norse mythology or stories of Yule traditions with family and friends, passing down cultural lore and fostering a deeper connection to ancestral wisdom.

By blending these ancient customs with a modern approach, Heathens can create meaningful and authentic Yule celebrations that pay homage to their ancestors while embracing the spirit of renewal, community, and the changing seasons. Adaptation and personal interpretation play key roles in shaping Yule celebrations for Heathens today, allowing for a vibrant continuation of these age-old traditions.

In both Germanic and Norse cultures, Yule was a time of deep spiritual significance, emphasizing the cyclical nature of life, the turning of the seasons, and the hope for renewal. These ancient traditions and customs, rooted in the observation of the winter solstice, continue to resonate in modern-day interpretations of the Yule festival within contemporary Heathenry and Pagan practices.

Happy Yule!!

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Summer Solstice 2023

June 21, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

It’s that time of year again! Summer solstice has returned. This year is probably the coldest summer solstice I’ve experienced in a while. 32F or 0C the day before. So, for those of you under a heat wave, I’m feeling pretty chuffed with our weather. Skadi decided to make this summer a bit on the chilly side. All good.

Oh yeah, and for those in the Southern Hemisphere, a Happy Winter Solstice!

Roundup of Solstice Articles

Here is another roundup article of summer solstice themed articles I’ve written in the past. Check them out:

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Watch the Summer Solstice Sunrise Over Stonehenge 2023

You can watch the entire sunrise over Stonehenge livecast HERE . Check it out.

Yeah, you may have noticed, I don’t exactly write enough about the summer solstice. Maybe I’ll change that in the future.

Have a terrific summer solstice. Stay cool! (Or if you’re celebrating winter solstice, stay warm!

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The Norse Calendar: Skerpla – The Month of Brightness and Clearness

May 9, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

The month of Skerpla roughly corresponds to our modern month of May. It was the second month of the summer season. Here we’ll explore the historical and mythological significance of Skerpla. You’ll also learn why it was important for the Norse pagan communities.

What is Skerpla?

Skerpla was a month in the Old Norse calendar that marked the transition from spring to summer. Arguably, the name Skerpla may mean “brightness” or “clearness,” and some scholars think it refers to the increasing light and longer days of the summer season. During Skerpla, the days would become noticeably longer, and the sun would rise earlier and set later.

Skerpla in the Old Norse Calendar

The Old Norse calendar had a unique way of dividing the year into distinct seasons and months. The Norse divided their calendar into two main seasons: winter and summer. They divided winter into six months, which roughly corresponds to October, November, December, January, February, and March. They also divided summer into six months, which roughly corresponds to April, May, June, July, August, and September.

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Each month in the Old Norse calendar has its own unique name, which came from the seasonal or agricultural activities that took place during that time of year. Skerpla was the second month of the summer season. It was when people would prepare their farms and fields for planting and cultivation.

Image by Siegfried Poepperl from Pixabay

Skerpla was when the days grew longer and the weather grew warmer. During Skerpla, people celebrated the return of life and growth to the land, and honored the gods and goddesses who presided over fertility, agriculture, and nature. This month also had the names stekktíð and eggtíð, meaning lambing time and egg time. The Norse, who were predominantly an agrarian society, named their months after the specific periods during which various farming tasks were carried out.

Skerpla in Norse Mythology

Skerpla was an important month in Norse mythology, and it was associated with several gods and goddesses who influence the natural world and the changing of the seasons.

Freyja is one of the most important goddesses of Norse mythology. People associate her with fertility, love, and beauty. Freyja is a goddess of the earth and the natural world, and she is associated with the growing and harvesting of crops.

The goddess Sif is also associated with Skerpla, and she is believed to be a goddess of agriculture and the harvest. Sif is the wife of the god Thor, and she is known for her long, golden hair, which is believed to represent the golden fields of grain that farmers planted.

In addition to the gods and goddesses, this month is also associated with a number of other mythical beings and creatures. The most famous of these are the alfar, or elves, who are believed to inhabit the natural world and possess magical powers.

Holidays and Celebrations

There is one holiday and celebration that took place during Skerpla, which is marked by feasting, dancing, and other forms of merrymaking. The Norse called it Dísablót, and it was a very important celebration.

Dísablót is a celebration of female ancestors, or Dísir, is the major holiday that begins Skerpla, usually on May 14th. People celebrated this holiday with feasting and singing. The Dísir, like the Alfar, are considered powerful guardians–some even becoming goddesses. Since they are female ancestors, people offer blóts, usually of food and mead. I wrote a piece about Dísablót HERE.

Importance of Skerpla

Skerpla was an important month for the Norse and Norse pagan communities, as it marked the beginning of the agricultural season. During this month, people would prepare their fields and plant their crops. It was a busy time for everyone because the work done now would eventually lead to food for the winter.

Skerpla was an important month for our ancestors. It was a time of transition and change, as the days grew longer and the weather grew warmer. People celebrated the return of life and growth to the land, and honored the gods and goddesses who presided over fertility, agriculture, and nature. Skerpla was a time when people would come together to celebrate the abundance of the earth and the changing of the seasons.

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Celebrate Dísablót on May 14th

May 4, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Dísablót, one of the most significant pagan festivals celebrated in ancient Scandinavia, is still remembered and commemorated by modern-day pagans and heathens. This springtime festival, which usually takes place on May 14th, was dedicated to the dísir, the female spirits and goddesses who were believed to protect and bless the fertility of the land, animals, and people. Here, we will explore the history, traditions, and significance of Dísablót.

Origins and Meaning of Dísablót

The word “blót” in Old Norse means sacrifice or offering. Ancient Heathens performed Blót ceremonies to appease the gods and goddesses. Our ancestors sought their blessings and favors, and to ensure the community’s prosperity and protection. Dísablót, therefore, is a special blót dedicated to the dísir. Heathens consider the dísir to be our guardians and benefactors. The term “dísir” (singular dís) refers to ancestral female spirits. These ancestral spirits watch over their descendants and guide them in their daily lives. Eventually, the dísir evolved into a type of goddess, whom we honor.

Our ancestors held Dísablót in the spring or early summer, at the beginning of the growing season. They looked to spring as at time of renewal, hope, and optimism. The harsh winter had passed and the land was ready for planting and harvesting. People invoked and praised the dísir for maintaining fertility. People also prayed to them for protection and guidance in family, marriage, childbirth, and health. Dísablót is a celebration of life and fertility, and a form of ancestor worship.

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Dísablót Rituals and Offerings

Not surprisingly, Dísablót practices varied from region to region and community to community. However, this festival had some common elements and themes. People offered food and drink to the dísir. The offerings could be meat, bread, cheese, beer, mead, or other delicacies. People placed the food on a special altar or platform, which they decorated with flowers, greens, and ribbons. The altar became the connection between our world and the dísir.

People lit bonfires to honor the dísir and to provide light and warmth. People also lit fires to ward off evil spirits and diseases. Our ancestors considered the smoke and ashes sacred, and sometimes used them for divination or healing.

Music, dance, and poetry were also integral to Dísablót. Singing and playing instruments were ways people praised and thanked the dísir, as well as expressing joy and gratitude for spring’s arrival. The bards and skalds, who were the Norse poets and storytellers, recited epic tales and sagas of the gods and heroes.

Dísablót was also a time for socializing and feasting. The participants, who could be family members, friends, or neighbors, shared the offerings and the food, and drank together. This communal aspect of Dísablót reflected the importance of kinship and community bonds in Norse society.

Dísablót in Modern Times

Although the practice of Dísablót ceased with the Christianization of Scandinavia in the Middle Ages, the memory and legacy of this festival have survived and been revived in modern times. Contemporary heathen and pagan communities have adapted and reinterpreted the rituals and meanings of Dísablót to fit their own beliefs and practices. Some groups hold public or private ceremonies that follow the traditional format of offering food, lighting fires, and reciting poetry. Others create their own variations that incorporate elements of personal spirituality or social activism.

Dísablót has also become a symbol of Norse identity and heritage. Some Scandinavian countries, such as Sweden and Iceland, have incorporated Dísablót into their cultural calendars as a way of preserving and promoting their historical traditions. Museums, festivals, and educational programs feature Dísablót as a way of educating the public about the pre-Christian past and the continuity of cultural values.

Moreover, Dísablót has gained popularity and recognition among non-Scandinavian pagans and heathens as a way of connecting with their ancestral roots and honoring the feminine divine. As the dísir represent a diverse range of female energies and archetypes, they are seen as a source of inspiration and empowerment for women and queer people. Dísablót, therefore, has taken on new meanings and significance for those who seek to reclaim their spiritual heritage and resist the dominant norms of patriarchal monotheism.

A Significant Holiday Worth Celebrating

Dísablót is a fascinating and rich festival that reflects the complex and diverse religious and cultural landscape of ancient Scandinavia. Its emphasis on fertility, ancestor worship, communal bonds, and artistic expression has resonated with people throughout history and across borders. Dísablót offers a valuable opportunity to explore and celebrate the feminine divine, the cycles of nature, and the power of community.

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Walpurgis Night and May Day

April 27, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Walpurgis Night and May Day are two festivals that are steeped in pagan and Heathen traditions. People have celebrated them for centuries in various parts of Europe. These festivals mark the beginning of the summer season. Both pagans and Christians associate these holidays with fertility, growth, and renewal.

Let’s explore the history and significance of Walpurgis Night and May Day. BY doing so, we can learn how they relate to pagan and Heathen beliefs.

The History of Walpurgis Night

Walpurgis Night in Jesenice in Prague-West District, Czech Republic by Chmee2, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

Walpurgis Night is a festival that is celebrated on the night of April 30th. It is named after Saint Walpurga, an 8th-century Christian missionary who was canonized by the Catholic Church for her work in converting pagans to Christianity.

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However, we can trace back the origins of Walpurgis Night to pagan and Heathen traditions that predate Christianity. In pre-Christian times, the festival was known as Valpurgisnacht. People celebrated it as a time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead was at its thinnest.

During Valpurgisnacht, people would light bonfires and leave offerings of food and drink for their ancestors and other spirits. They would also dress up in costumes and masks to scare away evil spirits.

Over time, the festival became associated with witches and witchcraft. Unfortunately, literature and folklore depicted it as a time when witches would gather on Brocken, a mountain in Germany. There, they would hold a Sabbath and perform spells and other magical rituals.

May Day’s Significence

May Day, which is celebrated on May 1st, is another festival that has roots in pagan and Heathen traditions. The festival marks the beginning of the summer season, and people associate it with fertility, growth, and the renewal of life after the long winter months.

In pre-Christian times, people knew May Day as Beltane. Pagans celebrated it as a time when the nature spirits awoke from their winter slumber. During the festival, people would light bonfires and dance around a maypole, which was decorated with ribbons and flowers.

Beltane was also a time of fertility, and pagans believed that couples who spent the night together on Beltane would be blessed with fertility and good fortune. This belief is reflected in the May Day tradition of crowning a May Queen and a May King, who represent the union of male and female energies.

How Walpurgis Night and May Day relate to Pagan and Heathen Beliefs

Walpurgis Night and May Day are both festivals that are steeped in pagan and Heathen beliefs. They show a deep reverence for nature and the cycles of life.

For pagans and Heathens, these festivals are an opportunity to connect with the natural world and to honor the spirits that inhabit it. They are also a time to celebrate the return of life and growth after the dark, cold winter months.

At the same time, Walpurgis Night and May Day are also an opportunity for us to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of these festivals. For pagans and Heathens, these festivals represent a time of spiritual renewal and transformation, a time when we can shed the old and embrace the new.

A Special Reverence for Nature

Walpurgis Night and May Day are two festivals that have been celebrated for centuries, and they continue to hold deep spiritual significance for pagans and Heathens today. These festivals are an opportunity to connect with the natural world, to honor our ancestors and other spirits, and to celebrate the renewal of life and growth that comes with the arrival of the summer season.

Whether you’re a pagan, Heathen, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and power of nature, Walpurgis Night and May Day are festivals that are worth exploring and celebrating. By honoring these traditions, we can deepen our connection to the natural world and to the deeper spiritual forces that shape our lives.

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The Norse Calendar: Harpa or Gaukamánuður Month

April 21, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Welcome, fellow Heathens, to the month of Harpa or Gaukamánuður. In modern times, this month roughly corresponds with the middle of April and marks the arrival of spring. In Old Norse tradition, Harpa was a time of celebration and renewal. People celebrated because winter gave way to the sun’s warmth and spring’s return.

Etymology of Harpa and Gaukamánuður

The month of Harpa takes its name from the harp. People associated this musical instrument with the goddess Eostre or Ostara, whom pagans celebrated this time of year. Eostre is a Germanic goddess of spring and fertility. Ancient Heathens often depicted her with hares or rabbits, which were symbols of fertility and rebirth.

Gaukamánuður takes its name from the cuckoo, a migratory bird that returns to Scandinavia during the spring. The cuckoo’s arrival heralded the changing season, and the bird became a symbol of spring and renewal.

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Celebrating the Return of the Sun

During the month of Harpa, the Vikings celebrated the sun’s return and the longer days. In Norse mythology, the sun is personified as the goddess Sunna, who rides across the sky in a horse-drawn chariot. The Vikings celebrated the return of the sun with festivals and rituals.

The Blót of Eostre or Ostara

One of Harpa’s most important festivals is the Blót of Eostre or Ostara, It is held to honor the goddess of spring and fertility. The Blót was a sacrificial rite in which animals, usually a boar or a goat, were slaughtered and their blood was offered to the gods. The meat was then cooked and shared among the community in a feast that marked the beginning of spring.

During the Blót, offerings of eggs and flowers were also made to the goddess Eostre, as eggs symbolized new life and flowers represented the beauty of nature. The festival of Eostre was also associated with the Christian holiday of Easter, which falls around the same time of year and shares many similarities with the pagan celebration.

Walpurgis Night Festival

Another important festival is Walpurgis Night, which is celebrated on the night of April 30th. Walpurgis Night was named after Saint Walpurga, a Christian missionary who was venerated in Scandinavia. It may sound strange to celebrate this holiday, but the festival, itself, has pagan origins. Unfortunately, the name has been lost to time.

During Walpurgis Night, the Vikings would light bonfires and dance around them. This celebrated the arrival of spring and warded off evil spirits. They believed the bonfires had purifying and healing powers, and people would jump over them for good luck and fertility.

Other Rituals and Activities

Harpa was also a time for spring cleaning and renewal. The Vikings would clean their homes and barns. Now is the time they would repair any damage caused by the winter and prepared for the planting season. They would also perform rituals to bless their crops. To ensure a good harvest, they might sprinkle the fields with holy water or ashes from the Yule log. Or they might make offerings to the land spirits.

In addition to the festivals and rituals, Harpa was also a time for outdoor activities and games. The Vikings would engage in sports such as archery, wrestling, and spear throwing, as well as horse racing and boat races. These activities were not just for entertainment, but also served as a way to train for warfare and maintain physical fitness.

Celebrating Harpa or Gaukamánuður

As modern-day Heathens, we can still honor the traditions of the month of Harpa and celebrate spring’s arrival. We can hold Blót rituals, make offerings of flowers and eggs, and hold feasts with friends and family. We can also perform spring cleaning rituals in our homes and gardens, and take part in outdoor activities that connect us with the natural world.

One way to honor the goddess Eostre is to create an altar or shrine dedicated to her. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and can include offerings of eggs, flowers, or other items. You may also wish to light candles or incense in her honor. Use them in meditation on her qualities of fertility, growth, and renewal.

Another way to celebrate the month of Harpa is to hold a bonfire or other outdoor gathering with friends and family. You can gather around the fire, share food and drink, and tell stories or sing songs that connect you with the natural world. You may also wish to perform a ritual or make offerings to the land spirits, asking for their blessings on the coming season.

Finally, you can connect with the spirit of the cuckoo during the month of Gaukamánuður by spending time outdoors and observing the signs of spring. You may hear the cuckoo’s call, or see other signs of wildlife returning after the winter. You can also plant seeds or tend to your garden, honoring the cycle of growth and renewal that is central to this season.

Consider Celebrating Harpa or Gaukamánuður

The month of Harpa or Gaukamánuður was a time of celebration and renewal in Old Norse tradition, marking the arrival of spring and the return of the sun’s warmth. As modern-day Heathens, we can honor this tradition by holding Blót rituals, creating altars to the goddess Eostre, holding bonfires or outdoor gatherings, and connecting with the spirit of the cuckoo and the natural world. By doing so, we can deepen our connection to the season and the cycles of nature, and honor the traditions of our ancestors in meaningful and relevant ways.

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The Elder Futhark: Sowilo or Sowelu

April 13, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Sowilo or Sowelu, also known as Sol or Sigel, is the sixteenth rune of the Elder Futhark, the oldest runic alphabet used by Germanic peoples. People associated this powerful rune with the sun, light, and clarity. Its name translates to “sun” or “wholeness,” and it represents a state of being complete and unified. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history and meaning of Sowelu, as well as its use in divination.

Sowelu in Old Norse, Germanic, and Anglo-Saxon

Sowelu was known by different names in different Germanic cultures. In Old Norse the Nordic peoples called it Sól, which means “sun.” In Germanic, it was known as Sigel, which translates to “victory.” And in Anglo-Saxon, those Germanic tribes called it Sigelc, which is also related to the concept of victory.

The Old Norse name for Sowilo, Sól, is particularly significant because the sun was an important symbol in Norse mythology. Our Northern ancestors believed the sun to be a goddess named Sól, who drove a chariot across the sky.

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In Germanic cultures, the sun was also an important symbol of power and strength. The name Sigel reflects this association, as victory was seen as a manifestation of strength and power.

In Anglo-Saxon culture, people associated Sowilo with success and achievement. The name Sigelc comes from the Old English word “sigel,” which means “sun,” but it was also used to refer to a seal or stamp of approval. This suggests that people saw Sowelu as a symbol of success and recognition.

The Meaning of Sowelu

Sowilo is a rune of wholeness and completeness. It represents the idea of being unified, both within oneself and with the world around us. Sowelu is often associated with the sun, which is a symbol of clarity and illumination.

When Sowilo appears in a reading, it may suggest that the querent is on the right path towards achieving their goals. It may also indicate that the querent is feeling complete and unified within themselves. However, it is important to note that Sowelu can also represent a need for clarity and illumination. If the querent is feeling lost or unsure, Sowelu may be urging them to seek out the truth and find their way forward.

Divination with Sowelu

Like all runes, Sowelu can be used for divination. There are a few different methods for reading runes, but one common method is to draw three runes and interpret them as past, present, and future.

If Sowelu appears in the past position, it may suggest that the querent has already achieved a sense of wholeness and completion in their life. It may also indicate that the querent has overcome obstacles in the past and is now in a position to move forward with confidence.

If Sowelu appears in the present position, it may suggest that the querent is currently feeling complete and unified within themselves. It may also indicate that the querent is on the right path towards achieving their goals.

If Sowelu appears in the future position, it may suggest that the querent will achieve a sense of wholeness and completion in the future. It may also indicate that the querent will be successful in their endeavors and will experience a sense of victory.

It is important to note that Sowelu is not always a positive rune. In some cases, it may represent a need for clarity and illumination, which could indicate that the querent is feeling lost or unsure. It is important to take the context of the reading into account and interpret Sowelu in light of the other runes that appear in the reading. By considering the other runes and the overall message of the reading, the querent can gain a deeper understanding of what Sowelu is trying to communicate.

Some Final Thoughts on Sowelu

Sowilo is a powerful rune that represents wholeness, unity, and clarity. The Germanic cultures associated Sowelu with the sun and victory, thus reflecting its importance where people highly valued strength and power. When used in divination, Sowelu can provide valuable insights into a person’s past, present, and future, but it is important to consider the context of the reading and interpret Sowelu in light of the other runes that appear. Whether seeking success, clarity, or a sense of completeness, Sowelu can offer guidance and support on the journey towards wholeness.

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The Norse Gods: Skadi

April 3, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

Skadi is a Norse goddess who embodies the power of winter, hunting, and skiing. She is one of the most fascinating and complex goddesses in Norse mythology. Skadi’s name means “shadow” or “shade,” which reflects her mysterious and enigmatic nature.

Skadi is the daughter of the giant Thiazi and the wife of the god Njord. She is often depicted as a fierce and independent woman who roams the mountains and forests of the north, hunting with her bow and arrow. Because of this, her fierce spirit is often depicted through her association with wolves, which are considered her sacred animal.

Skadi’s Demand for Justice

Skadi’s story is one of revenge, power, and redemption. According to Norse mythology, Loki killed Skadi’s father, Thiazi. Thiazi kidnapped Loki, forcing the trickster god to lure Idunn and her golden apples away from Asgard so Thiazi could kidnap her. The golden apples gave the gods immortality, so they made Loki rescue Idunn and her apples. In his escape, Loki kills Thiazi.

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In retaliation, Skadi set out to seek justice for her father’s death. She went to Asgard, the home of the gods, and demanded retribution. The gods agreed to make amends by allowing Skadi to choose a husband from among them, but with a catch: she had to choose him by looking only at his feet.

Skadi agreed to the gods’ condition. She chose the god with the most beautiful feet, thinking it was Baldr. But it was not Baldr’s but Njord’s feet. Njord is a sea god, and his realm is vastly different than Skadi’s. Despite her initial disappointment, Skadi agreed to marry Njord, but their marriage was not without its challenges.

Skadi and Njord’s Separation

Skadi and Njord’s differing lifestyles and interests caused tension in their relationship. In retrospect, this difference is quite apparent. Skadi loved the mountains and the snow, while Njord preferred the cold and waves of the sea. They eventually separated, but not before Skadi had learned to appreciate the beauty of the sea and Njord had learned to appreciate the ruggedness of the mountains.

Skadi’s Importance to the Norse

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Skadi’s association with winter and skiing has made her an important figure in Viking and Scandinavian culture. Skiing was an essential part of life for the ancient Norse people, who used skis for transportation, hunting, and warfare. Skadi is often depicted as a skilled skier, and she is considered the patron goddess of skiing and winter sports.

Skadi’s story has also been interpreted as a metaphor for the power of nature and the importance of balance in life. Her marriage to Njord represents the balance between the sea and the mountains, and her journey to Asgard represents the power of nature to seek justice and balance in the world.

Skadi in the Modern Era

In modern times, Skadi has become a symbol of feminine strength and independence. She represents the power of women to stand up for themselves and seek justice, even in the face of adversity. Her association with winter and skiing has also made her an icon of the outdoors and the natural world.

In conclusion, Skadi is a fascinating and complex goddess whose story has been told and retold for centuries. She embodies the power of winter, hunting, and skiing, and her story is a reminder of the importance of balance, justice, and the power of nature. Skadi’s spirit lives on in the modern world, inspiring women and men alike to seek adventure, explore the outdoors, and embrace the wild and unpredictable aspects of life.

Let’s Talk Easter…Or Should I Say Eostre?

March 30, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

All right, buckle up, fellow pagans and Heathens, because it’s time to talk about the elephant in the room: Easter. You know, that holiday where Christians celebrate the resurrection of their lord and savior Jesus Christ by painting eggs, eating chocolate bunnies, and hiding baskets of treats for their kids? Yeah, that one.

Now, I’m not saying that there’s anything inherently wrong with Christians celebrating their holiday in whatever way they choose. But let’s not forget where all these trappings of Easter actually came from. That’s right, folks, they’re all stolen from pagan beliefs and customs that predate Christianity by centuries, if not millennia.

Etymology of Easter

Let’s start with the name itself: Easter. You might be surprised to learn that it’s actually named after a pagan goddess, Eostre (or Ostara), who was worshipped by the Germanic peoples of Europe. She was associated with the spring equinox, fertility, and new beginnings – which makes sense, considering that spring is the time when the world wakes up from its winter slumber and everything starts to bloom and grow again.

But when Christianity came along, it wasn’t content to let the pagans have their fun. So, it appropriated the name of Eostre’s festival and turned it into its own holiday. That’s right, Christians couldn’t even come up with their own name for this holiday – they had to steal it from a pagan deity.

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Easter and Passover

Photo by Eczebulun via Wikimedia Commons. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

And let’s not forget that Easter is also tied to the Jewish holiday of Passover. Passover celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It’s no coincidence that Jesus’s resurrection was said to have happened around the same time as Passover. The early Christians were trying to piggyback off the popularity of an already-established holiday. And it’s not just the name and holiday that was appropriated. Many of the symbols associated with Easter have pagan roots as well.

Easter Eggs

But let’s move on to some of the more tangible trappings of Easter. Eggs, for example. The egg is a potent symbol of fertility and new life in many cultures. Eggs have been used in springtime celebrations for thousands of years.

The ancient Persians used to decorate eggs for their New Year celebrations. And the ancient Egyptians and Greeks used them as offerings to their gods. This has nothing to do with Jesus rising from the dead, and everything to do with pagan fertility symbolism. Eggs have long been associated with new life and rebirth, and were often used in pagan spring rituals.

Easter Bunny

Let’s now look at the Easter bunny. This fluffy little creature has nothing to do with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but everything to do with the pagan celebration of spring. In Germanic folklore, the hare was associated with the goddess Ēostre, and was seen as a symbol of fertility and new life. The tradition of the Easter bunny laying eggs (yes, you read that right) is thought to have originated in Germany, where children would make nests for the hare to lay its eggs in.

The early Christians, of course, weren’t content to let the pagans have their bunny fun – so they co-opted it as a symbol of Jesus’s resurrection. Because nothing says “He is risen” like a cute, fluffy bunny delivering candy to children.

Candy and Easter

And speaking of candy, let’s not forget about all the sweet treats that have become synonymous with Easter. Chocolate eggs, marshmallow chicks, jelly beans – these are all modern inventions, but they all have their roots in the pagan tradition of offering sweet treats to the gods as a way of ensuring a bountiful harvest. The early Christians, again, saw no problem with appropriating this tradition and turning it into a way to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection.

Timing of Easter

But it’s not just the symbols of Easter that have pagan origins – the timing of the holiday itself is suspect as well. The Christian celebration of Easter always falls on the Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox. If you recall your science, the vernal equinox is when day and night are equal in length. This may sound like a purely astronomical calculation, but in fact it has its roots in pagan beliefs. The vernal equinox was a time of great importance in many pagan cultures. Pagans often associated it with the return of the sun or the god of spring.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. “But Tyra, isn’t it possible that some of these traditions just developed independently in different cultures?” Sure, it’s possible. But when you look at the overwhelming evidence of how Christianity has appropriated and co-opted pagan beliefs and customs over the centuries, it’s hard to ignore the pattern.

The TL;DR

So, what’s the takeaway here? Well, for one thing, it’s important to remember that the trappings of Easter – the eggs, the bunny, the candy – all have deep roots in pagan traditions. And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with Christians celebrating their holiday in this way, it’s worth acknowledging where these traditions actually come from.

So there you have it, folks. Christianity has once again appropriated our ancestral traditions and claimed it as its own. So, when you chow down on that chocolate bunny this spring, give thanks to Eostre and the gods and goddesses of Spring.

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The Viking Month of Þorri

March 14, 2023 The Rational Heathen Comments 0 Comment

The Viking month of Þorri, also known as Thorri, is a traditional Icelandic winter festival that is celebrated in January and February. This festival has been observed by the Icelandic people for over a thousand years and is a significant part of their cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of Þorri and its importance in modern-day Iceland.

Origins of Þorri

The origins of Þorri date back to the Viking Age, when Iceland was settled by Norse explorers. According to Norse mythology, Þorri was the god of winter and the hunt. He was revered by the Vikings for his strength and resilience during the harsh winter months. In honor of Þorri, the Vikings would hold a festival in the middle of winter to celebrate the end of the darkest period of the year and the beginning of the lengthening days.

In Norse mythology, Þorri is a personification of the winter season and the god of frost and cold. He was often depicted as an old man with a long white beard and wearing a fur cloak.

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According to the Prose Edda, a medieval Icelandic text on Norse mythology, Þorri is the son of Fornjót, a giant who ruled over the northern regions of Scandinavia. Þorri is said to rule over the month of Þorri, which falls between mid-January and mid-February in the Icelandic calendar.

Þorri is also associated with the hunt, and it was believed that he would bring about the end of the darkest period of the year and the return of the lengthening days. He is often invoked during the winter months to help ensure a successful hunt and a bountiful harvest.

While Þorri is not as well-known as some of the other Norse gods such as Thor or Odin, he was an important figure in Norse mythology and played a significant role in the cultural and religious practices of the Viking Age.

Celebration of Þorri in Iceland

The modern-day celebration of Þorri in Iceland is a continuation of this ancient tradition. It is a time for people to come together and enjoy traditional Icelandic food and drink, including fermented shark (hákarl), sour ram testicles (súrsaðir hrútspungar), and smoked lamb (hangikjöt). These foods were traditionally preserved during the winter months and served as a vital source of nutrition for the Icelandic people during the long, cold winter.

In addition to the food, Þorri is also a time for music, dancing, and storytelling. Many Icelandic folk songs and stories have been passed down through generations and are still performed during the festival. The traditional Icelandic instrument, the langspil, is also often played during Þorri celebrations.

While Þorri is deeply rooted in Icelandic tradition, it has evolved over time to reflect modern-day Iceland. Today, many Þorri celebrations include elements of contemporary Icelandic culture, such as art exhibitions and concerts. The festival also provides an opportunity for Icelanders to connect with their heritage and celebrate their unique identity as a people.

Þorri — A Controversy?

Despite its cultural significance, Þorri is not without controversy. Some Icelanders believe that the traditional foods served during the festival are outdated and unappetizing, and have called for a reimagining of the festival to include more modern cuisine. Others argue that the preservation of traditional foods is vital to the preservation of Icelandic culture and should not be abandoned.

A Popular Festival in Iceland

In recent years, Þorri has also become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to experience traditional Icelandic culture firsthand. Many tour companies now offer Þorri-themed excursions, where visitors can sample traditional Icelandic foods and participate in Þorri celebrations with locals.

In conclusion, Þorri is a significant part of Icelandic culture and history. This ancient winter festival has evolved over time to reflect modern-day Iceland, while still maintaining its roots in traditional Icelandic food, music, and storytelling. Whether you are a visitor to Iceland or a local, Þorri is a time to come together and celebrate the strength and resilience of the Icelandic people during the long, dark winter months.

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