Thoughts of Beltane Past

So it's May Day, Beltane, which ever you like. It's always been difficult for me to celebrate holy days, mainly due to the fact that I am a solitary person. Joining a group, while useful, seems to be the last thing on my mind. Whether it's because I'm worried about our ideas/traditions/what have you won't mesh or because with groups comes group politics, who knows. I try to do something for these days but it usually falls through, which upsets me and makes me wonder why I try to do such things. This is my spiritual path and I need to figure out some way to make it work, dammit.

Grendal and I used to hold bonfire gatherings through out the summer for our friends while we were attending a local community college. It was fun all nighters though it was usually he and I cleaning up the next morning. We look back on them fondly, wanting to have them again, and we know friends are wanting the same. Who knows.

I want to say that it was four years ago that we had a bonfire on Beltane. It was FOR Beltane it just happened to be on the day. That didn't matter in my head. I had a gathering of people, a fire, and there would be so much freakin' energy in the air. While I wasn't doing a ritual or spell, I knew it was just going to be a wonderful way to spend the night: with friends. Something amazing did happen though. Grendal, two of our close friends, and I were out prepping everything before people began to show up. Grendal was coming out of the house with something while the three of us were out front by the fire pit. I hear him shout, "Hey, there's a deer out back."  Deer don't wander onto our property thanks to the highway being so close. Seriously, I've been on this property edging on 9 years and I've seen deer here only twice(but turkeys show up like clockwork).

I don't know why I did this but suddenly I go sprinting towards the rear of the property. Keep in mind that this property is at least an acre and a half(don't remember the exacts) and I am in NO WAY a sprinter/runner/fast mover. I like to mosey. My two friends and Grendal were hot on tail while I sprinted through the property, chasing down the deer just to catch a glimpse. I did and so did the others. We just stood there, together, and watched it bound out of sight and just grinned like idiots. Our two friends have no connection to pagan paths and Grendal is an odd sort of agnostic but knows quite a bit. Despite that I think we all felt something special had just happened. The night was beautiful and one of the best bonfires we've held.

Now, I don't want to go on and say that the appearance of a deer was something special/magical but it just seemed to set the mood. It hasn't happened since but I keep my eyes open for these interesting occurances.

-Djarfskald

A Wee Bit of the Blues

I don't know what it is about today but Grendal and I had one hel of a time waking up. We slept through nearly all of his alarms. Got out of my stupor when Grendal nudged me and asked if I'd make him coffee for the morning. So, even after dragging my groggy butt out of bed and having a cup of coffee myself, I feel like I'm dragging. I don't know if it's the weather because I know I had gotten a decent amount of sleep. No waking up in the middle of the evening, but I'm still just feeling like a bump on a log right now.

This week is gonna be a busy one at work. I have nearly 40 hours, which is rare for us part time peons.  I've been feeling a little bit more like I'm in charge of this around the deli, for some odd reason, and really feeling my age. This past Sunday, while a short shift of four hours was not a happy one for a moment. Why? I had one of the higher ups refer to me as 'the help'.  : |     What now? First off, I don't get paid nearly enough to be called 'the help' nor am I watching the children or cleaning the house of a wealthy person. My opinion of the man quickly slipped into the negative. I knew he wasn't the greatest guy but it had been all decent business when he'd show up. Nope. Not now. The guy can bite me and the next time he calls me as such I will say that if he wants to call me 'the help' he needs to increase my wage a few bucks.  I'll even wear my serious face.

We've gotten some more snow around here, so my previous comments of 'Hey, it looks like spring' seems to have been thrown off. Still seeing those birds, though, and I'm able to walk outside without the cloak nearly as much as I needed during the colder days.

Touching on the notion of feeling my age, it seems like my gaming group and I are becoming 'adults'.  Out of the eight of us our age range from 21 to the mid- to late 30s.  Next year will be my 30th birthday, which I plan to have a wonderful party.  But yes, we're becoming adults.  One of the guys has finally gotten a job, in the Chicago area, in the area of massage which means his time with us on Sunday is gonna come to an end(at least for the time being). Another one of the guys is attending college in the Chicago area and his classes this semester has kept him away. The youngest of us has finally gotten a job and it seems like she'll be getting the evening shift on gaming night. Then there's Grendal and I: about to get married and Grendal having his eyes set on getting the job with the railway. We're growing up and I'm honestly a little worried. My Sunday group is made up of the people I consider my friends. Honestly, the only friends I have and the ones that are within reasonable driving distance. Work and life is pulling us apart, which I don't like.

Maybe that's what has me like this? Who knows.

I've been building a good relationship with my tarot deck. They seem to like me and their personality is coming to light(when I'm working with them, my attention is on THEM, nothing else). I need to reconnect with Odin somehow. :\  Perhaps an offering or just some time with him. Winter is usually a good time for me. For the first time I'm finding myself want Spring to come.

That's One Way to Do It

Well, today is the changing of the seasons.  After this season, Grendal and I will be married!

Speaking of seasons, it doesn't really LOOK like spring.  There is snow on the ground still, it's barely in the teens outside, and there isn't a bud in sight.  While most people would say the above are marks AGAINST the coming of spring, I think they haven't noticed the little signs that's its creeping in.  The Canadian Geese are returning home.  I hear them and watch them whenever I'm out with Yuko.  I've also spotted a Robin bopping in the yard, as well as some European Starling that seemed to come out of nowhere.  The little birds that we've been feeding all winter are starting to shed their weight and their colors are getting brighter.  I do suppose that most of my friends are 'city' dwellers and/or don't really pay attention to it.  It's a little hard for me not to since we have a HUGE window in the dinning room facing the feeders.  :p


As a way to celebrate the changing of the seasons, as well as our impending marriage, Grendal and I began the mead for our wedding!  While it may not be aged properly, we will have our homemade brew for the of age attendees.  I thought today was fitting due to the holiday as well as it being Wednesday.  With Odin presiding over today and the area of mead, what better time to do this?  I plan on leaving a hearty cup of mead for Odin and the other deities, as well as the wights, during the ceremony.  They will also have a nice plate of food and, if all goes well, some cake too!  Grendal is more than happy and willing to have this done which makes me ecstatic.

Grendal letting Yuko examine what's going on.

My new tarot set came in....as well as a rune set.  I decided to treat myself to a deck and thought that I may as well toss in a rune set, since I was going to get one eventually.  I haven't messed with either just and I must say I'm nervous.  It's been YEARS (about 13) since I received a brand new deck to call mine, and I don't know how to go about it.  While I know I should just dive in (same goes for the runes), I want to make sure everything is just right.  My first deck last me many years before they decided they wished to retire.  I want this deck to be very much the same.

As for the runes, well, I don't know what to do.  I guess I'm gonna wing it, do some searches, and hope that all goes well.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 29 & 30

Any interesting or unusual UPG to share?

No, actually. I'm not saying that I don't want to share but I don't have much in the way of interesting UPGs. Since I'm still kinda floundering through this whole thing, I don't know what to bring forth in this situation. I do know, though, that I'll probably cover such things in future posts when they arise.



Any suggestions for others just starting to learn about this deity?

Read the myths and legends, listen to what others have to say about their interactions with Odin, and hear him out.  I've said this time and again: most people see Odin as a harsh deity.  Very manly and war-like.  For some reason he came to me more as teacher and someone I was to journey with.  He has many aspects in the myths and legends, and it shows when you approach each other.  Have an open mind when dealing with him.  Odin has much to teach to those who are willing but you may have to wait. I know I did.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 27 & 28

Worst misconception about this deity that you have encountered?

I suppose the obvious one is the all war and misogynistic aspect of Odin. While Odin has an aspect of war, it's not all encompassing. I also never got a misogynistic feel or view of him.  Odin seems very aloof, at least to me right now.  If you wish to worship him, he would accept you without concern of your gender and demand the same from me as he would of you.  He goes to see a seeress/prophetess without qualm and has learned magic from Frigga.  Why would he seek out such information only to 'spit' on those who were his teachers?  Odin won't come out and say he favors one gender over the other, and I think those old tales paint him in such a way that isn't favorable to some.  It is up to the person to go out and learn whether or not these are true.











Something you wish you knew about this deity but don’t currently.

How to REALLY stay in contact with him.  I've stated before that I'm not fit for god spouse status but I do want to work with Odin more often and in a close way.  I see him as a teacher and would love to take an apprenticeship(best thing I can think of) with him.  His responses to me and ways of watching are through my own thoughts at him and the birds I hear and see through out the day.  Since my job keeps me far away from doors and windows, though, I can't see them during my shift and all seems quiet.

I suppose I just have to keep working at this.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 26

How has your relationship with this deity changed over time?


Oh my relationship has changed greatly.  Odin is no longer a deity that is just kinda there and I kinda sorta pay homage to him.  Odin is the one I turn my thoughts to and the one I put most of my energy out to.  He watches over me in his way, making sure that I know he listens and that he sees me through the sighting of his birds.

I am nothing like a 'god phone' or one of those people who has constant contact with their deity.  I've read posts by others who see deities constantly, have those long conversations, and so much more.  I am not fit to be a godspouse (I am honestly a little frightened by the idea, I love my Grendal).

I have opened up communication with Odin through my thoughts and offerings.  I think shedding the neediness that I had and the constant want of validation has helped.  I have grown in my relationship and it is for the better.

30 Days of Devotion: 23, 24, & 25

Yes, I missed one more day then usual.  -_-;   Worked until early evening yesterday and when I came home my two youngest nieces were here. All I wanted to do was hide.  Anyway, on with it!


Your own composition – a piece of writing about or for this deity

 Um, very iffy about sharing my work but I'll do it. This is very much a work in progress but this novel, when it gets finished, will be dedicated to Odin and even features him and the rest of Norse pantheon.

Harald looked down at the homeless man.  He recognized him, remembered the tattered clothes and the distant look in his visible eye.  The man didn't seem to notice any of them standing beside him, more intent at looking at the ruins of the temple district.

"This is him."

Erik cocked an eyebrow and looked between the homeless man and Harald.  "Him?  Are you certain?"

"Why would the Allfather choose to be homeless?" Vanessa snorted.

"He is a wanderer.  He must have been traveling when the others began to sleep and when his own identity and powers slumbered."  Harald sat beside the man and followed his gaze, "Isn't that right, Vofuth?"

The man looked at Harald out of the corner of his eye, for once seeming to focus on him, but said nothing.

Harald smiled; that was all he needed.  "Give me the drinking horn."

Vanessa hesitated, finally relinquishing the horn when Harald held out his hand.

"This is for you," Harald whispered, holding the horn before the man.  "Drink deep."

Those gnarled hands shook as they took hold of the horn......

That's all I got for that bit.


A time when this deity has helped you.

I get a lot of help when I'm trying to center myself and calm down, as weird as that sounds. Whenever I'm feeling down I either hear or see a few crows, which lifts my spirits right rather instantly. There have been no specific moments when there was something huge and Odin was there to aide me. I think he wants me to do it on my own and he'll keep a protective watch over me. And as much as that may annoy me, I think it's for the best. Being dependent and constantly asking for help would defeat the purpose of growing.


A time when this deity has refused to help.

Like I mentioned above, it seems often that I don't get much 'help'. I don't think I am nor do I want to be one of those people who say/think 'If it didn't happen, then (insert deity here) didn't mean for it to be.'  Looking back on some of the things I've asked for help on, they were all pretty damn petty. The only one that may not have been was asking for some help on a job interview. That didn't pan out but looking at my current situation I think working with a certain person will probably train me to be a bit more calm and keep my emotions in check when it comes to annoying people. That and trying to bribe a deity isn't the best idea in the world.  I got some bad habits that I'm breaking in that regard, don't judge me.

30 Days of Devotion: 21 & 22

Music that makes you think of this deity.

I don't remember how I stumbled across this and I had listened to the whole album. LOVE it and this thong really made me think of Odin. Don't know why, but yup.



A quote, a poem, or a piece of writing that you think this deity resonates strongly with.

Ooo, this is a hard one.  I'm not much for poems and quotes, and pieces of writing are few and far between unless I'm reading a book. I am reading something right now, Fellowship of the Ring, but I don't know if I can throw a passage from that in here. I suppose I could, especially after saying that Gandalf reminds me of Odin in a way.

Um, how about "It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule."

I don't know. XD  If anything else strikes me, I will post it.

30 Days of Devotion: 19& 20

What quality or qualities of this god do you most admire? What quality or qualities of them do you find the most troubling?

The qualities that I admire would be the ones in the vein of writing (I.E. Poetry, songs, novels) and wisdom. I'm always writing or thinking up stories, and knowledge and wisdom is something I strive for constantly. Just ways of bettering myself I suppose.

What I find troubling would be Odin's war aspect. Conflict is not my thing.  I understand that it is a large part of Him but I try to bring the peace as much as possible. I mean, if there is conflict that I cannot avoid then I'll wade through it and weather any blows that come my way, but I don't search them out.


Art that reminds you of this deity.

There has been a bunch of pieces that remind me of Odin, ones that purposely do so and others that aren't supposed to. I mean, I look at Ian McKellen as Gandalf and see Odin more than anything else.  Looking around the collected pieces over the years I suppose this one sticks out:

It is from an artist on Deviantart (LINK) and it's a wonderful piece. Love this to no end.

30 Days of Devotion: 17 & 18

How does this deity relate to other gods and other pantheons?

I believe Odin would mesh rather well. We have the Romans comparing him to Mercury, so those two could possibly do well together.  Then there is the similarities between Odin and Lugus as well.  I think any deity dealing with wisdom and magic could be on decent terms with the Allfather and vice versa. He could also work alongside the deities of war without an issue.  Other than that I believe he could move amongst them with little problem, being a voice of wisdom in needed times.  He seems more like the type just to wander and pop in when he decides to.




How does this deity stand in terms of gender and sexuality? (historical and/or UPG)

I mentioned this in a previous post, but the majority of people seem to pin Odin as being very misogynistic and he-manish. Very much a man's man. Me? When it comes to gender and sexuality I think Odin is very much relaxed with it. While I haven't seen any note of him laying with another man, he seems to have little if no reaction to Loki saying he is less then a man because he was taught 'woman's magic'(by Frigg). Odin has probably reached a point that both subjects mean little to him until, perhaps, he feels the urge to lay with someone.  Gender wise, who know who that could be with.

30 Days of Devotion: 15 & 16

Any mundane practices that are associated with this deity?


None that I know. I think one could argue that composing some form of written work or performing in a play could be a mundane practice for Odin.  Honestly I don't know much about this.  Not many people really set out how the worship a deity point by point, and it always seems like the one you want to know about isn't present.

So personally, it is the composing of written work.  I write stories and if/when they are published, I will dedicate it to Odin in thanks.




How do you think this deity represents the values of their pantheon and cultural origins?


There are nine virtues which I think you could say are the values of the pantheon.  Here is what I've been told:

1. Courage
2. Truth
3. Honour
4. Fidelity
5. Discipline
6. Hospitality
7. Self Reliance
8. Industriousness
9. Perseverance

I do think Odin represents these virtues, though some may argue. I suppose the only argument would be against Fidelity. There are stories of Odin laying with other people, his wife doing much of the same, but the two always come back to each other. Odin loves Frigg and vice versa. For me, I don't think I need to explain each point and how Odin represents them. I will if someone speaks up, but He speaks for himself.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 13 & 14

Hey now, don't judge me. I told you this week was going to be hectic. :P

What modern cultural issues are closest to this deity?

This is all my own personal feelings so this may different from what is out there.  I think things like education is a big deal for Odin.  He is a deity of wisdom and brought the runes, so knowledge is something near and dear to to him.  The lack of good schools or omitting knowledge or even perpetuating misinformation about something would bother him.

War would be another major thing for Odin.  While being a deity of battle, I do think that even he would tire of it and fighting over such menial things would be against what he strives for.  He would know that war is an evil necessity( in some cases).

I'm trying to think of other issues that could be in Odin's sphere of effect.  Perhaps the future of wolves, due to two companions. Maybe even keeping the wild horses roaming free and healthy due to his connection to Sleipnir.  The state of schools in the world.  Mead making, because, well, he brought us mead!

There are so many aspects to Odin that picking a few is seeming to be a little difficult.


Has worship of this deity changed in modern times?

I would have to say yes.  The sacrificing of humans has stopped, as far as I know, and animal sacrifices have probably come to crawl but I do believe there are some that do so.  Since I haven't found any notes of other ways of worship to Odin, I can only speculate after the sacrifices.  We still sacrifice but not in the same way.  We offer items to Odin and pledge to him, but probably in a different manner.  Who truly knows?

Did it again....30 Days of Devotion: 11& 12

I hope this isn't a habit but I do know my work schedule next week is a little hectic. :I  On with the show, yes?


Day 11-  Festivals, days, and times sacred to this deity.

Well, I do know that Wednesday was Wodansday, which made said day Odin's. He's not the only one with a specific day of the week but since I'm discussing him, I'll just stick with that. I'm not sure if anything special was done on this day in honor of Odin but I suppose in this day and age one could present offerings to him.

The only other thing I can think of in terms of days, festivals and what not is the Wild Hunt during Yule. Kids would leave their boots by the hearth filled with hay and sugar for Sleipnir and, in return, Odin would leave little gifts. Over time and with the changing of influencing religion, Odin morphed into our modern day Santa Clause and Sleipnir become a multitude of reindeer.


Day 12- Places associated with the deity and their worship

This one......this one seems hard to answer. All my searches uncover nothing on the idea of specific places for Odin.  There are places with his name in the name but other than that there is no 'holy site' that I can dig up.  I suppose one could argue that Odin's place is the battlefield, and I could argue that it could be in places of learning as well.  In my opinion Odin's places are where ever you feel him most.  He seems more like a wanderer these days and with many of the old Norse settlements gone and being discovered he needs a new place.  Until something is brought to my attention to better answer this question, this is it.

Oops....30 Days of Devotion: 9 & 10

Well, that sucked. I was doing so well about posting every day. Anywho, time to continue!!

Day 9- Common Mistakes about this Deity.

This may just be my personal view/UPG but I think the big mistake or misconception about Odin is that he is misogynistic.  I had never gotten that vibe from him at all.  While he led a people that seemed very pro man, but had some very great views on women before converting, that doesn't appear to be the case. He expects the same from a man and woman, and won't baby one or the other.  The Eddas and the other old stories have the same problem that the Bible does: it was written by human hands.  The author(s) could put in what ever they wanted and we, many years later, don't have a clue.


Day 10- Offerings: Historical and UPG

The only historical offerings that I have noticed for Odin were that of sacrifice or killings in war.  Sacrifices were usually either male slaves or male animals, which were hung from the branches of trees after said sacrifice.  There are accounts of kings being sacrificed to Odin as well, but other than sacrificing I have yet to hear much.

Since I don't personally want to sacrifice men or animals of any gender, I have a tendency to put mead or other alcoholic drinks on the altar to him.  I also light candles and incense.  Some people put food out for Odin but I am iffy on doing that myself, mainly because in the Eddas he only consumes mead.  All others are given to his wolves.

I will say I have thought about putting jewelry or personally made items out for him, but have yet to do so.  I have also been thinking of something that I love dearly to 'sacrifice' in his name.  What that would be, I don't know.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 8

Variations of this deity.


Ah, variations on Odin.

I know of Wodan, in old High Germanic, but I believe there is a similarity between the figures(if ANYONE reading this knows any different, please let me know. Knowledge is power!).

There is an odd coincidence between Odin and the Celtic god Lugus.  They are both gods of intellect, wield spears, are accompanied by ravens, have control over poetry and magic.  I remember seeing a picture of Lugus in a book that Grendal's mother owns and pointing out to Grendal how similar they looked.  He noticed it right away as well.  While they may not be the same deity, Lugus and Odin have strong parallels and is worth peeking at.

The Romans referred to Odin as Mercury in many of their texts, so you could say they are a variation of each other.  Personally, though, I don't see it as such.

Other than those few, though, I am not sure on variations of Odin.  Not much turns up for me.  Hmmmm. If anyone can point me in the right direction for this information, please do!

30 Days of Devotion: Day 6

Other related deities and entities related with this deity.


The biggest relation to another deity that Odin has would be to Loki.  While only mentioned in two stanzas, it is said that Odin and Loki are blood-brothers and that Odin would not accept drink unless it was offered to Loki as well.  This always stuck out to me, even before I fully dove into Asatru and Heathenism.  Now as I wander through posts about the deities and see huge arguments over the exclusion or inclusion of Loki I wonder what others think of the relationship.  Do these people disregard the bond the two have?  Do people only see the bad Loki will do/has done?  I will not deny that there is some negative things in the tales of Loki but he did much good.  I think the reason why everyone is so upset with Loki is Baldr's death and the coming of Ragnarok.  If it wasn't for Loki, none of it would have happened.  In my mind, though, there is no positive without negative and vice-versa.

Then there is Mimir.  He is the wisest of the Aesir and was given to the Vanir as a hostage during their war.  Unfortunately he was beheaded and his head was returned to the Aesir.  It was Odin who preserved Mimir's head and conversed with him.  Mimir gave Odin his wisdom after the Allfather sacrificed his eye.

As for other entities, one could point to the Ravens of Odin, his wolves, Sleipnir, and even Fenrir, who will kill Odin during Ragnarok.  While each of them play specific parts, for some reason I am not urged to describe them.  Mimir and Loki are more prevalent on my mind. Perhaps I'll go into further details on these creatures at a later date.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 5

Members of the family – genealogical connections

 Ah, the family of Odin. Well, Odin's consort is Frigg, though both deities have hard their share of sexual relations outside of that relationship. There are really only three children that are attested to Odin and that would be Thor(obviously), Baldr, and Váli.  Snori Sturluson does claim that Vidar is a son of Odin by way of the giantess Gríd. He also places Heimdalr, Bragi, Tyr, and Hod as sons of Odin, but these are only mentioned once.  So the only ones we are sure of, in the sense of literature, is Thor, Baldr, and Vali.

There are no daughters of Odin mentioned and I have never seen a claim to it.

Odin did have two brothers, Vili and Ve, whom helped Odin slay Ymir and create Midgard, all born from the same parents: Borr and Bestla.

As far as I can tell, other than the usual claims of kings being descendents from Odin, the relation to other deities ends there.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 4

A favorite myth or myths of this deity.


 While I can't find the specific stories that I wanted, my favorite myths about Odin is his sacrificing his eye to Mimir to gain knowledge as well as hanging himself from Yggdrasil to gain the runes.  :I  I will do some searches and see if I can find these stories any where but I at least wanted to get this post out here.

Another is the story about the wild hunt!  Taken from Timeless Myths:

The Wild Hunt was a popular folklore found in Scandinavian and Germanic myth, as well in later folklore in Britain and northern European countries, which had changed over the centuries.

The group of hunters were variously known as the Furious Host or Raging Host. The hunt usually takes part during winter, where a spectral host of horsemen riding through the stormy sky, with their ghostlike hounds. The chillingly sound of the hunting horn can be heard reverberating through the woods and meadows.

In the Norse myths, the original leader of the hunt was the god Odin, known in Germanic myth as Wodan. Odin rode his eight-legged horse, called Sleipnir. His company of hunters were the Valkyries and the dead warriors who resided with him in Valhalla.

The hunt begins on Winter Nights (October 31) and doesn't end May Eve (April 30) of the following year. These two nights were special, because lights go out on all Nine Worlds and the spirits and goblins are free to roam on the earth's surface. However the height of the Wild Ride falls on the night of midwinter festival, known as Yule (December 21), traditionally the shortest day of the year in Scandinavia and Germany.


~~EDIT~~

I found part of Odin's Rune Song, which is the poem retelling how he gained the runes. I won't post all 27 stanzas, so no fear.  Here are the first few:

Wounded I hung on a wind-swept gallows 

For nine long nights, 

Pierced by a spear, pledged to Odin, 

Offered, myself to myself 

The wisest know not from whence spring 

The roots of that ancient rood. 

They gave me no bread,

They gave me no mead,  

I looked down;

With a loud cry

I took up runes;  

From that tree I fell.

Nine lays of power

I learned from the famous Bolthor, Bestla' s father:

He poured me a draught of precious mead,

Mixed with magic Odrerir.

Waxed and throve well;

Word from word gave words to me,

Deed from deed gave deeds to me.

Runes you will find, and readable staves,

Very strong staves,

Very stout staves,

Staves that Bolthor stained,  

Made by mighty powers,

Graven by the prophetic God.

For the Gods by Odin, for the Elves by Dain,

By Dvalin, too, for the Dwarves,

By Asvid for the hateful Giants,

And some I carved myself:

Thund, before man was made, scratched them,

Who rose first, fell thereafter.

30 Days of Devotion: Day 3

Symbols and icons of this deity.


 Symbols and icons, huh?  I suppose the most forefront symbol would be the Valknut, or Knot of the Slain:

The meaning of the symbol has been debated but many modern day followers have said that this is a symbol of Odin, they wear it to show their dedication to Odin and the gods of the Norse. Some claim that you shouldn't tattoo this on your body because those who do will die a warrior's death.  People think it represents the Nine Worlds, the tree Yggdrasil.  Personally, I don't know.  It's an interesting symbol none the less.


Another symbol is obviously in the form of a Raven.  There is little doubt as to why this is one of Odin's symbols.  This pairs with Sleipnir and the spear, Gungnir.  All items or creatures that are at Odin's side.

For me the last symbol is that of an eye or, perhaps, the lack of said eye.  Over the winter holidays Grendal and I made ornaments.  He made one and held it up asking, "Do you know what this is?"  I took one look at it and recognized the shape.  "Odin's eye?"  All I got was a smile of confirmation.  There was no detail to the eye; it was just the basic shape of one, without the pupil or the iris.  We placed it on the altar as a reminder of the sacrifice Odin had made to gain knowledge.

Out of all my searching I couldn't find other symbols/icons that people said belonged to Odin or ones that jumped out at me saying as much.  People have pointed at certain runes as belonging to Odin but that could just be a modern take on it.  While Odin brought us the rune and they can be a symbol of his all together, I'm not sure about one particular rune being his and his alone.

Pardon Me for Being Blue

NOTE: This post is a little more personal than the few others and covers depression. And it's a wee rant. If you don't want to read it, don't. Happier things are on the way, I promise! :)

So, I was diagnosed with depression years back. I'm thinking 12 some odd years. I was in high school, blah blah blah. I took medication that didn't seem to help but I kept trudging through life a little less then chipper. I was never one of the people who sunk into depression so far that I thought about taking my life. Part me believes that I would never let myself EVER think about it. Sure, I've thought about disappearing but I have a strong urge to be here.

Grendal helped me through my depression and did convince me that I didn't need the medication. I weaned myself off early in our relationship and haven't looked back. He's suggested it was more of a situational depression rather than the clinical depression that was diagnosed. In all honesty, it was being around a mother that idolized my older sister and had a strong relationship with my younger. I was the bookworm, gamer, writer....the one more artistically inclined and very much a person that keeps to myself. I wasn't happy at home but no one, not even myself, could see it. That is, until Grendal showed up and helped me out!

I've been fine for YEARS. My father has seasonal depression(winter blues) and my mother has fought depression as well, but I've been good. Until this winter. It's a little strange because winter always seems to breathe new life into me. Grendal has suggested that it's due to the lack of a good snow. I think I can agree. But having SAD for the first time, along with job issues, and our wedding creeping up on us, it's been taking it's toll.

I'm happy to be with Grendal and just be around him in a way to heal myself, but my online gaming friends don't seem to grasp it. We had tried to set up a weekly get together to play Halo 4 with each other. It worked for a while but then holidays hit, Grendal and I had our week off, and then I started getting depressed. Two of the group are seeming to get upset about not having gatherings anymore. I understand. For a few years Grendal and I would get together with two of our friends on a Friday afternoon and hang out for hours. It was great! Then again, I wasn't having these problems and if I had been those two friends would have understood and even try to lighten my spirits. Two of my current gaming friends seem more upset about things not going through. No regard for if I feel up to it or the fact that jobs/classes/life is first in line.

That and one of them suggested that if saving up for the wedding is so hard, then just push it back. Really? Just push it back? No thougths about the people that know the date, or that we've set things up for that date. Perhaps the fact that it has a personal and spiritual significance. Then again he's a person that believe things happen for a reason, and I'm not.

Honestly there isn't much I can do about it. They'll have their own opinions and all I can do is focus on myself and making myself better.  And I shall do that.

Screw 'em!