|
|
|
These essential, Power Animals were used as meditational focal points and shields to ward, bless, and heal. Each person discovered their Animal Totem Power Animal fetch, a Spirit Guide in animal shape with powers. Each animal had different traits and powers that they could bestow upon their human supplicant. Common Animal Totems were Bear, Boar, Cat, Dog, Dragon, Eagle, Falcon, Horse, Raven, Snake, and Stag. Heathenry Heathen Ásatrú emphasized personal spiritual experience but Heathens often formed groups known as felags, garths, halls, hearths, and kindreds. Some have a priest Gođi or a priestess Gyđja. Runes were used in rituals along with nature shrines, altars (harrows), and magical tools. Heathenry Heathen Ásatrú was an Řrlag faith of magic, fate, and destiny. The Way of the Troth was facilitated by Galđr, magical incantations, Galdrastafr, magical symbols, Gandr, magical staffs and wands, Spa, predictions, and Spákona, soothsayers.
The Poetic Edda, folklore,
history, and literature was studied to understand their religious and cultural
foundations and to discern the intrinsic characteristics and intentions of the
Heathenry Heathen Ásatrú goddesses and gods.
Old Norse for Blessing, a Blót (pronounced "Bloat") was the bastion of Heathenry Heathen Ásatrú ritual and could be either a Festival or a simple Blessing. Mead was usually offered as the holy drink to hail, give thanks, and renew bonds with the goddesses, gods, or Landwights. Felags, for example, held eight seasonal ceremonies, as well as, simpler Blóts to meet personal needs (dedicate food/drink to the deities, have some yourself, and share with the deities through libation). There were also Holy Rites of Passage which were community or family rituals based on folk tradition. They included name-giving (child is give a soul fate and accepted into the family); puberty (man/woman making); marriage (oaths sworn before the gods and goddesses); death (wake and drinking of memorial ale). "Special Blessings" were held to meet special needs such as asking the deities for assistance or thanking them for it. For example, to ask protection from the god Thor while travelling during a storm; or to seek help regarding injury or illness from the goddess of healing Eir.
Moments of "Daily Blessings"
happened during the day when time was taken for blessings: hallowing drink or
food by making the Hammer sign; welcoming a guest with an offering of ritual
drink; placing food out for the little brownie spirit who cares for the
family and home; blessing the Sun at noon or at her four stations at dawn, noon,
sunset, and midnight... Go
back
|
|
|
Explore 
Visit other 
Heathenry
Heathen Ásatrú Troth 
