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Norse-Wiccan Simple Samhain Ritual for a Couple

By Willow Voss

Performed skyclad under the waxing or full moon closest to Samhain, in a secluded grove, with consent as the unbreakable Rede, honoring the thinning veil and the ancestors.

Preparation

Choose a sacred space in nature or a shadowed chamber, lit by the flicker of Samhain’s somber light. Anoint with oils of myrrh or patchouli for mystery and grounding. Bathe in stream water or an infusion of mugwort and rosemary for purification and ancestral connection. Set a simple altar with found items: stones for Earth, a raven feather for Air, a candle or small fire for Fire, a bowl of rainwater for Water. Symbols for Freyja (amber stone, falcon imagery) and Odin (raven imagery, a small staff or rune-carved wood) adorn the space, but hands and intent cast all.

Casting the Circle

Stand skyclad, facing north.

Join hands and walk deosil (clockwise) thrice around the space, visualizing a silver mist boundary, shimmering like the veil between worlds.

Chant together:

“By will and word, we cast this circle, a veil between the worlds, sacred and whole, on this Samhain night.”

Call the Quarters, starting East, moving deosil, gesturing with open hands:
- East (Air):
  “Hail Guardians of the East, powers of Air and wisdom, breath of Odin’s ravens, come witness and protect.”
- South (Fire):
  “Hail Guardians of the South, powers of Fire and will, Freyja’s burning seiðr, ignite our rite.”
- West (Water):
  “Hail Guardians of the West, powers of Water and intuition, Freyja’s tears of gold, flow through us.”
- North (Earth):
  “Hail Guardians of the North, powers of Earth and endurance, Odin’s rooted wisdom, ground our magick.”
Invoke the center:
“Spirit within, bind this circle true, as the veil thins.”

Invocation of Deities

Stand facing each other, beneath Samhain’s moon.

Priestess raises arms:
“Freyja, Vanadis, Lady of love, war, and seiðr, golden-haired mistress of Folkvangr, descend into me, fill me with your ecstasy and power on this Samhain night. So mote it be.”
Priest kneels briefly:
“Odin, Allfather, Wanderer of wisdom, sacrifice, and runes, raven-crowned god of Valhalla, enter me, grant your insight and strength. So mote it be.”
Embrace lightly, awakening the divine presence, feeling the ancestors’ gaze.

The Five-Fold Kiss

To bless and arouse the gods within, performed fully twice. First, priest to priestess:

Priest kisses priestess’s feet:
“Blessed be thy feet, that walk the paths between worlds.”
Priest kisses priestess’s knees:
“Blessed be thy knees, that kneel at the sacred altar.”
Priest kisses priestess’s vagina:
“Blessed be thy womb, vessel of creation and life.”
Priest kisses priestess’s breasts:
“Blessed be thy breast, formed in beauty and strength.”
Priest kisses priestess’s lips:
“Blessed be thy lips, that utter the Sacred Names.”

Then, switch: priestess to priest:

Priestess kisses priest’s feet:
“Blessed be thy feet, that wander with the Allfather.”
Priestess kisses priest’s knees:
“Blessed be thy knees, that kneel at the sacred altar.”
Priestess kisses priest’s phallus:
“Blessed be thy phallus, spear of wisdom and life.”
Priestess kisses priest’s chest:
“Blessed be thy chest, formed in strength and vision.”
Priestess kisses priest’s lips:
“Blessed be thy lips, that speak the Sacred Names.”

Scourging for Purification

Stand facing each other, the priest holding the scourge. With mutual agreement, the priestess receives first:

Priest says:
“By the touch of the scourge, I purify thee, releasing all that binds thee from the ancestors’ truth.”
Gently strikes the priestess’s shoulders and back five times, light and rhythmic, symbolizing the shedding of mortal weight.
Priestess takes the scourge, saying:
“By the touch of the scourge, I purify thee, freeing thy spirit for the gods and the veil.”
Returns five gentle strikes to the priest’s shoulders and back.
Both breathe deeply, visualizing cleansed energy rising, open to Samhain’s mysteries.

Ritual Dancing (Raising the Cone of Power)

Join hands and dance deosil around the space, feet stamping the earth, bodies swaying beneath the Samhain moon. Chant in unison, voices building:

“Freyja’s seiðr, Odin’s runes,
weave through us as the veil communes.
Power rise, from earth to sky,
in Samhain’s truth, our magick fly!”

Visualize energy as a glowing cone spiraling upward, shimmering with ancestral whispers. Continue until the surge peaks, breaths quickened, forms alive with primal heat.

The Great Rite Actual

At the zenith, enact the sacred marriage—the true union of bodies as Freyja and Odin. On a bed of fallen leaves, moss, or herbs, the priestess receives as the Goddess, the priest gives as the God. With reverence and consent:

Priestess:
“I am the Goddess, vessel of creation and seiðr.”
Priest:
“I am the God, spear of wisdom and life.”
Unite in ritual intercourse, moving with the surging rhythm, channeling power into the joining. Female receptive, male projective, blending into oneness under the thinning veil. Chant softly:
“As Freyja and Odin entwine, so do we divine.”

Climax releases the cone toward the intent (connection to ancestors, wisdom, transformation). Linger connected, grounding the ecstasy, feeling the ancestors’ presence.

Cakes and Ale

Share simple food (apples, bread, pomegranates) and drink (mead, wine, or cider) to earth the energy and honor the dead.

Priestess offers drink:
“May you never thirst, in this world or beyond.”
Priest offers food:
“May you never hunger, in this world or beyond.”
Partake, spilling libations to the deities, elements, and ancestors.

Thanksgiving and Closing

Thank the deities:
“Freyja and Odin, we thank thee for thy presence and blessings on this Samhain night. Depart if ye must, but stay if ye will. Hail and farewell.”
Dismiss the Quarters widdershins (counterclockwise), starting North, gesturing farewell:
- North:
  “Guardians of Earth, hail and farewell.”
- West:
  “Guardians of Water, hail and farewell.”
- South:
  “Guardians of Fire, hail and farewell.”
- East:
  “Guardians of Air, hail and farewell.”
Walk widdershins thrice, visualizing the silver mist dissolving:
“The circle is open, but unbroken. Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again, across the veil.”

Ground by touching the earth, eating more, or visualizing roots sinking deep, carrying Samhain’s wisdom.

!!!Content below the break is NSFW!!!

Willow’s Guide to Norse Wicca

By Willow Voss

Hello, seeker. My name is Willow Voss, age 18, and I’m writing this from the quiet corners of my small apartment in Janesville, Wisconsin, where the woods whisper secrets and the moon watches over my solitary rituals. It’s 1992, fresh out of high school, and I’ve been walking the Wiccan path for a few years now, drawing from books that feel like old friends—Gerald Gardner’s wisdom, Starhawk’s earth-centered magic, and the ancient echoes of Norse lore that call to my blood like the wind through pines. I’m no high priestess in a grand coven; I’m just a girl with pale skin and black hair, clad in my velvet blouse and Doc Martens, tending my altar of stones and herbs. But I’ve woven together what I call Norse Wicca—a simple, powerful blend of British Traditional Wicca (BTW) roots with the raw, mythic strength of the Norse traditions. It’s not for rigid hierarchies or large gatherings; it’s crafted for solitaries like me, for couples who share a deep bond, and for casual small groups of friends who meet under the stars without fanfare.

This guide isn’t a rulebook carved in stone. It’s my personal map, inspired by the Wiccan Rede—”An it harm none, do what ye will”—and the Norse Hávamál’s counsel to live wisely and honor the gods. BTW gives it structure: the duality of Goddess and God, the circle casting, the tools of power. But I’ve oriented it toward the lone practitioner, the intimate pair, or a handful of trusted souls, because magic thrives in authenticity, not spectacle. We’ll keep it grounded, like the earth under my boots during a woodland rite. No need for elaborate robes or secret oaths beyond your own heart’s vow. Let’s walk this path together, step by step, with the simplicity of a rune-carved staff and the power of a thunderstorm.

Chapter 1: Foundations – Understanding Norse Wicca

Norse Wicca is my way of honoring the old gods of the North—Odin the Allfather, Freya the Vanir queen, Thor the thunderer—through the lens of Wicca’s modern revival. BTW, as founded by Gardner in the 1950s, emphasizes initiation, polarity (the balance of masculine and feminine energies), and coven work. But in Norse Wicca for solitaries and small circles, we adapt: self-initiation replaces formal rites, and polarity becomes a personal dance, whether alone, with a partner, or in a loose group of 3-5.

At its core, believe in the Divine as dual yet one: the Goddess as the earth-mother Skadi or the seeress Frigg, weaving fate; the God as Odin the wanderer or Frey the fertile lord, bringing growth. The Norse pantheon isn’t distant; they’re allies in the web of Wyrd (fate), much like Wicca’s Lord and Lady. We follow the Wheel of the Year, but infuse it with Norse festivals—Yule as the Wild Hunt, Ostara as Freya’s awakening. Ethics are simple: Harm none, including yourself and the earth. Honor the ancestors, the land spirits (wights), and the runes as tools of insight.

For solitaries: Your practice is your own. No need for approval; the gods see your intent.

For couples: Polarity shines here—masculine and feminine energies in union, like Odin and Frigg’s wisdom shared.

For small groups: Gather casually, perhaps around a fire pit. No high priest/ess; rotate roles or let intuition guide.

Start with a dedication rite: Alone or together, under the full moon, cast a circle (more on that later), invoke the gods, and pledge your path. Use blood from a pricked finger on a rune stone if it feels right—simple, powerful, binding.

Chapter 2: The Sacred Space – Creating Your Altar and Circle

In Norse Wicca, your altar is your hearth, a bridge to Asgard and Midgard. Keep it simple: A wooden table or cloth on the floor, facing north for the earth’s strength.

Essential tools, drawn from BTW but Norse-flavored:

– *Athame (knife)*: A blade for directing energy, etched with runes like Algiz for protection. Use it to cast circles.

– *Wand*: Carved from oak or ash (Yggdrasil’s wood), for invoking gods.

– *Chalice*: A horn or cup for mead/offering, symbolizing the Goddess’s womb.

– *Pentacle*: A wooden disk with a carved pentagram, perhaps ringed by runes, for earth grounding.

– *Cauldron or Bowl*: For scrying or burning herbs, like Freya’s brewing pot.

– *Runes*: A set of 24 Elder Futhark stones or tiles—your oracle, beyond BTW’s tarot.

Add personal touches: Feathers for Odin’s ravens, stones from your local woods, a Thor’s hammer pendant.

For the circle: BTW teaches casting with athame, calling quarters. In Norse Wicca, adapt to the directions as realms—East (Air, elves), South (Fire, Muspelheim), West (Water, Niflheim), North (Earth, Jotunheim). Invoke the gods at center.

Solitary: Walk the circle thrice, whispering runes.

Couple: One casts, the other calls elements—masculine/feminine balance.

Small group: Pass the athame, each adding a rune chant.

Close by thanking, walking widdershins (counterclockwise). Simple ritual: Light a candle, say, “By Odin’s eye and Freya’s grace, this circle opens to time and space.”

Chapter 3: The Gods and Spirits – Who We Honor

Norse Wicca reveres a pantheon alive with stories from the Eddas. No blind worship; build relationships through offerings and meditation.

Key deities:

– *Odin*: Wisdom, poetry, sacrifice. Call for knowledge; offer mead and poetry.

– *Freya*: Love, magic, war. Goddess of seidr (Norse witchcraft); invoke for spells of attraction or protection.

– *Thor*: Strength, protection. Hammer for warding; offer ale and oats.

– *Frigg*: Home, fate. For divination and family magic.

– *Frey*: Fertility, peace. For growth rites.

– *Skadi*: Wilderness, hunt. For solitary strength.

– *Loki*: Change, trickery. Approach cautiously; he teaches flexibility.

Ancestors and wights (land spirits): Leave milk and bread outdoors. In rites, honor them first.

For solitaries: Meditate on one god daily, journaling visions.

Couples: Alternate invocations—her for Goddess, him for God.

Small groups: Share stories round-robin, invoking collectively.

Power comes from reciprocity: Give offerings, receive guidance. Simple prayer: “Odin Allfather, grant me sight; Freya fair, lend your might.”

Chapter 4: Magic and Spellwork – Simple, Powerful Practices

Magic in Norse Wicca is seidr meets Wiccan craft—intent woven with runes, herbs, and will.

Basics from BTW: Raise energy (chanting, dancing), direct it, ground.

Norse twist: Use galdr (rune chanting) for power.

Tools: Runes for divination/spells; herbs like mugwort for visions, oak for strength.

Simple spells:

– *Protection*: Carve Algiz on a stone, bury at thresholds. Chant: “Algiz guard, harm depart.”

– *Love (for couples)*: Bind two runes (Gebo for partnership) with red cord under full moon.

– *Prosperity*: Offer to Frey with seeds; plant them post-rite.

For solitaries: Self-focused, like rune meditation for insight.

Couples: Great Rite symbolic—union of athame and chalice for polarity magic.

Small groups: Circle dance to raise cone of power, then release for shared goal.

Ethics: Threefold law applies—what you send returns. Always with Rede.

Advanced: Seidr trance—sit with staff, journey to realms. Start simple: Breathe deep, visualize Yggdrasil.

Chapter 5: The Wheel of the Year – Norse-Infused Sabbats

Wicca’s eight sabbats, blended with Norse holy days. Celebrate simply: Outdoors if possible, with fire and feast.

– *Yule (Winter Solstice)*: Wild Hunt; honor Odin. Solitary vigil with yule log; couples exchange runes; group storytelling.

– *Imbolc (Feb 1-2)*: Brigid’s fire, Norse as Disablot (ancestors). Cleanse with snowmelt.

– *Ostara (Spring Equinox)*: Freya’s return. Egg rites for fertility.

– *Beltane (May 1)*: Maypole as Yggdrasil; polarity strong for couples.

– *Litha (Summer Solstice)*: Baldr’s light. Bonfire leaps.

– *Lammas (Aug 1)*: First harvest; thank Frey.

– *Mabon (Autumn Equinox)*: Second harvest; honor wights.

– *Samhain (Oct 31)*: Veil thin; ancestor feast, like Alfblot.

Esbats (full moons): Lunar magic, Freya’s domain. Simple: Scry in water, charge tools.

Adapt: Solitaries journal; couples share visions; groups potluck rituals.

Chapter 6: Daily Practice and Growth – Living the Path

Norse Wicca isn’t weekend magic; it’s woven into life.

Daily: Morning rune draw for guidance; evening gratitude to gods.

Meditation: Sit under a tree, breathe with earth’s pulse.

Journal: Track dreams, spells—my black-bound book is my grimoire.

For couples: Shared altars, joint meditations strengthen bonds.

Small groups: Meet monthly, no obligations—casual as a coffee chat, but with runes.

Growth: Self-initiate after a year and a day. Rite: Fast, bathe in herbs, vow to gods in circle.

Challenges: Doubt? Ground with walks. Loneliness? Remember, gods are company.

Chapter 7: Community and Ethics – Beyond the Self

Though solitary-oriented, connection matters. Join pagan meets casually, but guard your energy—I’m introverted, so I choose wisely.

Ethics: Rede first. Respect nature—pick herbs sustainably. Inclusivity: All welcome, no judgment on orientation (though I’m straight, magic is universal).

If forming a small group: No oaths; consent always. Rotate leadership.

Closing Thoughts

This is my guide, seeker—not the only way, but a simple, powerful thread in Wyrd’s tapestry. Walk it with heart open, boots grounded. May Odin grant wisdom, Freya magic, and the earth strength. Blessed be, in the old ways.

With quiet grace,

Willow Voss

Janesville, 1992

December 6, 2022

AI Written Poem About Land and Ancestors 5

The land, so wild and vast
We call it home at last
Our ancestors, fierce and bold
Their spirit lives within our souls

The mighty Norse gods and goddesses
Guide us through life’s endless messes
Their wisdom guides us each day
In their honor, we always pray

We may live in different lands
But our Viking spirit never fades
For all those who feel a connection
To our Norse ancestors and their traditions

We are spiritual Vikings, one and all
Proudly standing tall
For we carry their legacy
In our hearts and memories

We honor the land and all it provides
We are united by our Viking pride
For no matter where we roam
Our spirit will always call us home.

December 6, 2022

AI Generated Poem About Land and Ancestors 4

In the land of fjords and towering mountains
Lies a rich history of warriors and kings
With fierce spirit and unbreakable bond
Our ancestors roamed the earth

Their legacy lives on in us
As we continue to honor their traditions
We are connected to the land and the gods
Our Viking spirit runs deep within

With Odin, Thor, and Freyja by our side
We conquer all obstacles that come our way
We are spiritual Vikings, no matter our background
Our ancestors watch over us, guiding our way

We are warriors of the north
Our heritage is something to be proud of
Our ancestors’ spirits live on
In the blood that runs through our veins

We are connected to the land
And the gods and goddesses of the Norse
We are spiritual Vikings, forever strong
Bound by our love for the land and its history.

December 6, 2022

AI Generated Peom About Land and Ancestors 3

The land, our ancestors’ home,
The rugged earth beneath our feet,
A land of ice and snow and cold,
But also one of fire and heat.

The spirit of the Vikings runs deep,
In our veins and in our hearts,
We honor those who came before,
Their strength and courage never fades.

Our ancestors roamed these lands,
Exploring and conquering far and wide,
Their legacy lives on in us,
As we continue their Viking pride.

We are a people of the land,
Battling against the elements,
Our bond with the earth is strong,
Our connection with our ancestors ever present.

We may be scattered across the globe,
But the Viking spirit lives on,
In every corner of the world,
We are one with the land and our kin.

So let us raise our voices loud,
And sing our praises to the sky,
For the land, our ancestors, and the Viking spirit,
May they be with us always, never to die.

December 6, 2022

AI Generated Poem About Land and Ancestors 2

In the land of ice and snow
Where the winds do blow
Our ancestors once roamed free
With shield and sword in hand

Their bravery and strength
Inspired fear in all
Their ships sailed the seas
Conquering lands far and wide

Their gods were strong and fierce
Odin, Thor and Freya
Guiding their way
In battles and everyday life

The land was wild and untamed
But our ancestors tamed it
With their courage and might
Their legacy lives on

In the land of our forefathers
We honor their spirit
And carry on their legacy
Forever proud Viking descendants

December 6, 2022

AI Generated Poem About Land and Ancestors

In the land of snow and ice,
Where the winds howl and the frost bites,
We stand tall, proud and strong,
Descendants of the fierce Viking horde.

Our ancestors, the fearless raiders,
Who sailed the seas and conquered shores,
Their spirit lives on in our hearts,
As we keep their legacy alive.

We walk the path they paved,
With swords in hand and shields at our sides,
For we are warriors, born and bred,
In this land of our ancestors.

We honor the land that bore us,
And the gods who guide our way,
We honor our ancestors,
With every breath we take.

For we are the heirs of the Viking kings,
And the land is our birthright,
We will defend it with our lives,
And keep its memory alive.

September 11, 2018

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Why Ancestor Worship is Important in Heathenism

“Hail to my ancestors, both known and unknown. Those of my line going all the way back to the beginning, on up to most recent of times. Both men and women, alfar and disir, whom previously had a human form. Those whom I know, as well as those I do not. Those also whom are the ancestors of all humans living now. All humans that have made the journey of life before my time, and now reside in the realm beyond the living. Hail to the ancestors of all! Hail also to the ancestors of my family line! Hail to the ones that guide me. Hail also to the ones that protect me.”

Heathenism is a religion that venerates the ancestors. But what most people don’t seem to consider regarding this is that:

“When we speak of ancestors most people automatically think of their blood ancestors. But an ancestor can be any predecessor or forerunner. Here we are using the word to mean any person whose existence or actions were responsible for bringing you to where you are today. At one time those people would almost always have been blood ancestors, but this is not necessarily true in our contemporary, mobile society. Hence there is many kinds of ancestors, many whom are not genetically related to you (at least not in any measurable way). In the greater scheme of things, since we all affect each other indirectly to some extent or another, “ancestors” can be said to include the entirety of the human race.” – Travels Through the Middle Earth the Path of the Saxon Pagan by Alaric Albertsson

Also an ancestor can be considered all life from the past since humans had to evolve from many forms of more simple life to get to the point we are at presently. Without all the ancestors, including the ones we are related to, as well as the ones we are not related to, and both the human and non-human ancestors, we would not exist or be where we are now. Ancestor worship means to give thanks to all of life that has allowed us to be here now, to know what we currently know, and to have the language, culture, and technology that we currently do. All this is thanks to the ancestors.

October 6, 2014

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Heathen Ancestor Worship

Only a very small amount of human DNA is human, meaning all animals and all living creatures on the Earth are also our ancestors. Even the space bacteria that started life on earth are our ancestors. All the animals that came before humans are our ancestors. Ancestors are also the humans of all ancient cultures who figured out how to survive as humans on the earth and then later on overcame that level, of being hunter-gatherers surviving to the level of developing complex human cultures once humans started to settle as farmers. All ancient humans are our ancestors as well as all ancient life. All of anyone’s line are the strongest lifeforms that overcome the struggle to survive long enough to reproduce. They represent the strength of uruz. They are the ones smart enough to have developed all human knowledge and culture we now have. All this is what it means to worship the ancestors, honoring that which they have given to us going back to the beginning of time from the space bacteria that formed life here to our direct family line to all that lays in between this. This heritage that the ancestors give us going all the way back to those space bacteria to what we have now, this is othala. Primal consciousness (fire) is fehu. The order of the runes represent the development and evolution of all life from the simplest to the most advanced. Life develops as a ladder taking steps higher and higher each laid down by those we came before.

Hail to the ancestors, the givers of prosperity, knowledge, culture, and the spiritual protectors of their offspring. Hail the Alfar and Disir!

November 2, 2013

in Rituals
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Volmarr’s Heathen Winter Nights (Anytime from Oct-15 to Nov-1) Ritual Version 2 Outline 2013

With additions by Amarina

Need:
• drinking horn
• mead (or beer or wine or even can use juice)
• spring water in small bowl
• fresh pine twig
• offering bowl
• candles (purple)
• incense (any mystical scent is ideal)
• wand (if you don’t have one you can use your fingers instead)
• Thor’s Ritual Hammer (optional, can use it for the Hammer Hallowings)
• Any representation of Odin
• Any representation of ancestors
• Any representation of any one is now dead that you admire, in particular those you admire for their wisdom.
• Halloween type decorations and anything related to death and the dead
• Any symbols for wisdom or knowledge
• Any symbols for the after-life

–

This ritual, as are all Heathen or northern rituals, is done while facing north, except where otherwise noted. The altar should be such that it is in front of you when you face north.

If you don’t know how to pronounce the runes see my webpage on how to pronounce them here.

–

Put spring water in small bowl. Trace 3 Laguz runes over it.:

“LAGUZ… LAGUZ… LAGUZ”

“From the Well of Wyrd does this water flow, and to the Well of Wyrd does it return”

–

Make Hammer Sign at item and then splash each ritual item with blessed water using the pine twig and for each item say:

“I bless this ______ with the waters of the Well of Wyrd”

–

Now trace Hammer Sign at person being blessed and/or self and splash them with water using twig.

“I bless ______ with the waters of the Well of Wyrd”

–

Use twig to splash ritual space with water.

“I bless this space with the waters of the Well of Wyrd”

–

Few silent deep breaths.

–

All stand in Elhaz position.

“Bi-Frost’s rainbow light shine down upon this space and myself so that I may form a portal between the worlds of Asgard and Midgard”

–

Few silent deep breaths.

–

All face north and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the north hallow and ward this stead”

All turn east and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the east hallow and ward this stead”

All turn south and trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the south hallow and ward this stead”

All turn west trace the Hammer Sign while chanting:

“Hammer in the west hallow and ward this stead”

All return to north and look up and trace Hammer sign while chanting:

“Hammer above hallow and ward this stead”

All look below and trace Hammer sign while chanting:

“Hammer below hallow and ward this stead”

–

Return to facing north and all stand in the Elhaz position and chant:

“Around me and within me Asgard and Midgard”

and move into the Dagaz position in the end.

–

Few silent deep breaths.

–

(Highly recommended optional casting of the rune ring)

(face north and trace the rune shape in the air before you using your wand and loudly chant: “FEHU!”)

(face north-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “URUZ”)

(face east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “THURISAZ”)

(face south-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “ANSUZ”)

(face south and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “RAIDHO”)

(face south-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “KENAZ”)

(face west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “GEBO”)

(face north-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “WUNJO”)

(face north and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “HAGALAZ”)

(face north-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “NAUDHIZ”)

(face east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “ISA”)

(face south-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “JERA”)

(face south and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “EIHWAZ”)

(face south-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “PERTHRO”)

(face west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “ELHAZ”)

(face north-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “SOWILO”)

(face north and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “TIWAZ”)

(face north-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “BERKANO”)

(face east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “EHWAZ”)

(face south-east and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “MANNAZ”)

(face south and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “LAGUZ”)

(face south-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “INGWAZ”)

(face west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “DAGAZ”)

(face north-west and trace the rune shape and loudly chant: “OTHALA”)

(Few silent deep breaths)

–

Hold up the bottle of mead:

“I now brew the holy mead of inspiration. Won by high Odin long ago!”

Chant into the bottle of mead:

“Odhroerir! Son! Bodhn!”

“Now I hallow this drink with staves of light!”

Chant and trace these runes over the bottle:

“Othala”

“Dagaz”

“Raidho”

“Ansuz”

“Raidho”

“Isa”

“Elhaz!”

All say:

“Hail Odhroerir!”

–

Few silent deep breaths.

–

Few silent deep breaths.

Light the purple candle. From this candle, light the incense.

“This is the time of year that the veil between worlds is at it’s thinnest. In this time, we can travel more easily between the worlds of the living and the dead. This candle represents the world of the living, the incense’s smoke the veil, and the darkness beyond the world of the dead. It is in this state that our rite must take place, where Odin himself has traveled many times to seek knowledge and wisdom of those who have passed on.”

Circle the ritual space with the incense three times creating a “veil” with the smoke. Take a few silent deep breaths.

–

“Hail Odin! Husband of Frigg. All-father. Father of battle. One-eyed god. Many-shaped. Wanderer. Hanged god. Raven god. Spear-thruster. Wish-bringer. Galdr-father. Graybeard. Deep hood. Thief of Odhroerir. Kinsman of Mimir. Lord of the Wild Hunt. Yule rider. Finder of the Runes. God of the Gautar. Ruler of Valhalla!”

“Hail Hel! Keeper of the dead. Hostess of Baldr and Hodr. Half-living one. Garm’s mistress. Dweller in Eljudnir!”

“Hail to my ancestors, both known and unknown. Those of my line going all the way back to the beginning, on up to most recent of times. Both men and women, alfar and disir, whom previously had a human form. Those whom I know, as well as those I do not. Those also whom are the ancestors of all humans living now. All humans that have made the journey of life before my time, and now reside in the realm beyond the living. Hail to the ancestors of all! Hail also to the ancestors of my family line! Hail to the ones that guide me. Hail also to the ones that protect me.”

–

Few silent deep breaths.

–

“Now is a time in which the rhythms of life turn inward, towards contemplation and trying to understand the deeper mysteries of life and towards the gathering of and seeking out of knowledge. It is through the ancestors and those humans that have come before us that we have all the knowledge which we have in human society. Those who have gone before us are the ones that have created the traditions and knowledge which we as humans rely upon to meet all of our needs, such as how to grow and create food, how to build protective shelters for living in, how to make clothing so that our human bodies are protected from the elements, how to survive the seasonal cycles in all different areas of the planet, what dangers to avoid and how to avoid them, and how to keep our human society functioning and going. We humans are the only animal that can not survive without knowledge. Our very lives depends on knowledge of how to do so many things. Over hundreds of thousands of years humans have increased their knowledge to the point that we live with the current advantages which we have now.”

“It is due to the experience and wisdom of our ancestors, both those within our own family line, and the ancestors of all human beings, that we can live as well as we do in the modern times. Those that have gone before us have recorded their wisdom for us in language, in stories, in poetry, in tools, in fashion, in objects of art, in oral knowledge, in traditions, in music and song, in mathematics, in schools of learning, in books, in the recording of historical events, in objects from the past, in plays, in movies, in TV shows, in videos, in blue-prints, in engineering plans, in computer programs, and even in the bones of the dead. All these things are the sum total of human heritage and the source of our knowledge that allows us to survive and thrive as a species. By turning to the past and studying the wisdom of our ancestors we tap into that knowledge. We must honor the dead and those who have gone before us for all that they have given to us. As well it is important that knowledge is passed to others freely, for otherwise the work of so many becomes lost. It has taken us so long to get to the point we are at now as a species, it is important we not be greedy with our knowledge or hoard it away from others, for this impedes human survival and progress.”

“Odin as god of wisdom is often traveling to the the realm of the dead to seek out the wisdom of the dead. We too must be like Odin and seek out the knowledge of our ancestors, the wisdom of the dead. At this time the focus of the seasons turns more towards this task of looking inward and to the past. Now is the time to look at all which you have done this season and look at what has worked for you and what has not. It is a time to ponder all lessons that are to be gained from what has been done this year, so that you may know better for next season how to increase the abundance of your life harvest. It may be a good time to record some notes regarding this, safely putting them away some place where they shall not be lost. Also this is a time when the veils between the realm of the living and the dead are at their thinnest, and thus a time in which the knowledge of the dead is more accessible. It is a good time to seek out the wise counsel of the ancestors and those that are now passed beyond the realm of the living. This is a good time to spend time reading books, and studying new things, and pursuing the gaining of knowledge in any form.”

“At this time ponder on what you have learned this year.”

Few silent deep breaths while pondering on this.
“Now consider what things you would like to do differently the next cycle”

Few silent deep breaths while pondering on this.

“Now think about those who have have passed into the after life. Now is the time to think about anyone you may know who has died”

Few silent deep breaths while you think about those who have passed on.

“Now think about any wisdom or knowledge they may have for you.”

Few silent deep breaths while you think about this.

“Now is the time to give thanks for all that our ancestors have given to us and to honor the wisdom of the dead.”

(Fill drinking horn with mead and hold it up)

“Hail to all humans that have come before me. Hail to those of my family line, as well as all people of the past of all human family lines. I make this offering to you in thanks for the wisdom you have given us by the lives you have lived in the past. May your knowledge continue and enhance the life of both myself and all other humans alive now and all humans to come for all of eternity! Hail to the ancestors of all people!”

(Drink half the mead and pour out the rest as an offering to the ancestors of all humans.)

“Now is the time to honor Odin, the god of knowledge. Odin tirelessly seeks out the knowledge which all humans have worked to create for all of time. He is the god that seeks to gain and preserve knowledge and give it to others for the benefit of human society and human progress. He is the god who labors tirelessly to establish things in such a way that humans can continue and survive even after the end of this current cycle when Ragnarok comes and all begins again anew. He is the god that has discovered the runes through a difficult process of spiritual initiation so that they may be of benefit for gods and humans alike. He is the god that has made so many sacrifices for the sake of gaining of knowledge. We owe him much for all these things!”

(Fill drinking horn and hold it up)

“Hail Odin, god of the runes. God of knowledge and wisdom. You Odin are the one that frequently travels the worlds seeking to know more. Please guide me Odin in learning more and in applying knowledge in ways that are helpful to me. Please Odin help me to gain a deeper level of connection with all people of the past so that my knowledge my increase. Hail Odin!”

(Drink half the mead and pour out the rest to Odin.)

“Also this is the time that we should remember the one that has been tasked with keeping the souls of the dead. The goddess that is both living and dead. Though she isn’t truly goddess, she has become in being tasked with the lands of the dead by Odin.”

(Fill drinking horn and hold it up)

“Hail Hel, daughter of Loki. She who holds the halls in Helheim and shares what she has with those who have passed on to her lands. Hel is mistress of the lands of the dead and keeps those that have died of old age or illness. Thus her lands are where most of our ancestors will reside. We honor her today as well in hopes that she allows those we love to rest in peace well beyond Ragnarok. She who is most beautiful and frightful in one visage being both dead and alive. We owe her much gratitude and respect in her tireless and thankless duty in tending those cold halls. Thank you, Hel for taking the task given and caring for the souls you’ve been tasked in keeping. May we all share in a feast again one day. Hail Hel!”

(Drink half the mead and pour out the rest to Hel.)

–

(Use the pine twig to splash a bit of the liquid in the offering bowl on yourself, on any others in the ritual with you, on your altar, on the ritual space, and in all general areas of your dwelling as well. Does not need to be much splashed around, just a little is fine. This helps to imbue more of the energies of the ritual on you, and others who may also in the ritual with you, and to your place.)

–

“Now my rite has ended. May all gathered here fare well on their return to their home places. And may the bonds of frith between us grow, gods, wights, and humans alike. Until we meet again.”

–
–

Pour out the offerings from the offering bowl outside:

“A gift for a gift”

Trace gebo at spot offerings were given to.

“GEBO!”

Pour out remaining blessed water outside.

“I pour the sacred water back to the Earth so it may find it’s way back to the Well of Wyrd”

–

Now at this point it is very important to ground your energies. This should always be done after every ritual. Not doing so can lead to problems in the long-run. Grounding is like shifting gears in a car, except it is the process of shifting brain states. During rituals you create a trance like brain state, which is desired for during rituals or for during any spiritual practices. But trance states are not good for doing everyday mundane things. You need to return your mind back to the normal state of consciousness after the ritual is finished. That is what grounding is.

The most simple and common method to ground is to visualize yourself as a tree and see roots growing into the ground from the base of your spine and going down into the earth. Sometimes rituals require industrial strength grounding as they can really create some intense energy. In that case you can try the following triple grounding method.:

First visualize your chakras. You picture in your mind closing first the top one and then seeing a sort of lid closing over it, then proceed with the net lower chakra and so on. You want to leave the bottom most chakra, the root chakra fully open as this is your connection to grounding. Don’t be concerned about having the others closed, the normal proper function of them is that they open and close as needed. Problems with being ungrounded happen when one of more of them are stuck open. Only the bottom one is to be left open at all times.

Next step is to picture a ball of pure white light above your head. Now let this white light slowly descent downward into your body and slowly move lower. As it descends it takes with it any unneeded, old, and negative energies. It is sort of sweeping downward through your energies taking all you no longer need with it. Once it reaches your feet let it move lower till it passes down through the floor. If you are on an upper close let it pass all the way to the ground. Let the earth take this energy to recycle it.

Now final step is to do the traditional grounding. Picture yourself as a tree. Visualize roots coming out of the base of your spine and going down into the Earth. Feel the calmness of a tree, the rooted solidness.

If after these three things you still feel hyper or spaced out you can either eat some food, or put a small amount of salt on your tongue. Another thing you can do is prostrate down to the ground, placing your head on the ground and stay like this for a few moments.

–

Feel free to copy and use this ritual so long as you acknowledge the source.

Download this as a OpenOffice Doc – Volmarrs-heathen-winter-nights-2-oct-ritual-oct-2013

March 23, 2013

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Volmarr’s Heathen Winter Nights (Oct) Ritual Outline Oct-2013

Need:
• drinking horn
• mead (or beer or wine or even can use juice)
• spring water in small bowl
• fresh pine twig
• offering bowl
• candles
• wand (if you don’t have one you can use your fingers instead)
• Thor’s Ritual Hammer (optional, can use it for the Hammer Hallowings)
• Any representation of Odin
• Any representation of ancestors
• Any representation of any one is now dead that you admire, in particular those you admire for their wisdom.
• Halloween type decorations and anything related to death and the dead
• Any symbols for wisdom or knowledge
• Any symbols for the after-life