#norseheathen

[ajtheheathen]

"Hail the Old Gods! Hail the Old Ways!"

#norsepagan #heathen #norseheathen #pagan #paganism #norse paganism #norsegods #runes #heathenry #Asatru #hailtheoldgods #yggdrasil #oldnorse #norserunes #aesir #oldgods #norse #vanir

[ghilliedubh]

Vrinda: The Ivy Queen

Exploring the connections between the Norse goddess Rindr/Vrinda and ivy folklore

I am writing this with my mind swathed in a dark emerald green. Last Yule night I drew the rune Gebo, the Ivy card from my Ogham deck and the Queen of Swords. This painted an interesting picture in my head, of a green lady wandering amongst ivy-clad ruins. I dived into ivy folklore and mythology, researching who this might be. I visited Hebe, the Maenads and the various Green Ladies of Britain, but one particular solemn figure was sitting and waiting for me.

Very little is known of the Goddess Rindr and her name’s origin is obscure, but it is thought to be connected to a Gotlandic word for ivy, rind. A variation of her name, Vrindr, Wrinda or Vrinda (the name I prefer), can possibly be found in the Ostergotland place name Vrinnevi, the meaning of which would in that case be Vrindar-Vé (Vrindr’s Shrine). Oscar Lundberg proposed that she was therefore a fertility goddess represented by ivy or perhaps even made of it. The theory of her being connected to Vrinnevi has been debated, and some argue that the place name simply means “Ivy forest”. Even so, the similarity between the name Rindr and the word rind is hard to ignore and I strongly feel that she is represented by ivy as Lundberg suggests. Previously I had only known her as some kind of winter goddess and as the unwilling bearer of Óðinn’s son, Váli. This connection to the ivy plant opened up a whole new dimension of her.

I want to start by criticizing Patricia Telesco’s interpretation of Vrinda being a goddess of accepting uncomfortable changes. That just as winter yields to spring, so does Vrinda yield to the advances of Óðinn and become warm and fertile. Whether or not Vrinda’s myth is a metaphor for the changing of seasons, I find it appalling that someone would look at a story about sexual assault and draw from it the lesson that one should not fight “positive change”. Change can be good, but that attitude in this context is disgusting and disrespectful to all that have had to go through such a horrible experience. Now, moving on…

First there is the madness. The maenads were wild, ecstatic worshipers of Dionysus who wore ivy. Often willing participants of the frenzy, but sometimes forced. In Gesta Danorum the tale is told of how Óðinn, when thrice rejected by Vrinda, uses magic to drive her mad and then ill. Disguised as a medicine woman called Wecha, Óðinn tells her father that he can cure her but it would cause a violent reaction. Vrinda is tied to her bed and Óðinn proceeds to commit one of his ugliest crimes. I connect these two instances of forced madness with certain properties of the ivy; ingesting the leaves can cause delirium, convulsions and even hallucinations. Surprisingly, wearing crowns of ivy was believed to prevent drunkenness. To me, all of the above makes Vrinda a goddess of madness, but as a sufferer. We who may have bouts of bad mental health may find comfort in her.

Next I want to talk about the Green Ladies of Britain, specifically the melancholy yet usually benevolent ghosts that haunt castles. The Green Ladies are dead but are still kind, often protecting living residents of their haunts. The Green Lady of Huntingtower Castle in Perthshire (known as Lady Greensleeves) is said to have healed a young boy who lived in a house on the estate. Ivy was also seen as a protective plant in Britain.This protective element also be a domain of Vrinda, John McKinnell writes about a kenning for a warrior in the saga of Guðmundur Arason, serkja Rindar Sannr. Sannr is a name of Óðinn meaning “truth”, Rindar serkur would be “Rindur’s serk”. According to McKinnell this hints that she may have been able to enchant clothing to work as a protective charm. But back to the Green Ladies. Most of them are thought to be the ghosts of particular women of noble lineage that lived in the castles and were usually killed in horrible ways. The Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle is the ghost of Alice de la Marche of France who died of shock when she learned of her husband’s men killing her lover. I mention her specifically because of her ability to blend into the ivy that grows on the castle walls. The ivy in this story feels like a very appropriate symbol and I feel it could be extended to the rest of the Green Ladies. Ivy clings to ruins, it clings to trees long after they die. I want to quote the first stanza of Henry Kendall’s The Ivy on the Wall:

The verdant ivy clings around

Yon moss be-mantled wall,

As if it sought to hide the stones,

That crumbling soon must fall:

That relic of a bygone age

Now tottering to decay,

Has but one friend—the ivy—left.

The rest have passed away.

I believe this sentiment lives with Vrinda. In this aspect, she is a goddess of mourning and trauma, of yearning for the irretrievable past. But at the same time she is a goddess of protection and overcoming hardships and devastation. As ivy holds together and decorates the weathered stones of an old castle, so too can Vrinda help hold together our broken hearts and shattered selves.

Then there is winter. I have read many articles and blogs online written by pagans associating Vrinda with winter and almost nothing else. I never actually saw mentioned any concrete reason for it, but now that I have become aware of her ivy realm it has become obvious. Most people are familiar with the carol The Holly and the Ivy. Both plants are evergreen and are part of a family of yule plants alongside mistletoe and yew. Ivy and Holly historically represented the feminine vs masculine, in parts of England there are still dances between the Holly boy and the Ivy girl. It was supposedly custom once for men and women to light-heartedly taunt each other through song. Sadly it seems mostly the songs praising Holly have been preserved, an example is the following verse:

Nay, Ivy, nay; it shall not be i-wys ;

Let Holly hafe the maystery, as the manner is.

Holly stond in the Halle fayre to behold;

Ivy stond without the dore; she is full sore acold.

Holly and his merry men they dancyn and they sing.

Ivy and hur maidens they wepyn and they wryng.

(Ballad from the time of Henry VI)

In a more positive light, holly and ivy feature in a poem by Henry VIII called Green Groweth the Holly. Here ivy's steadfast color throughout winter symbolizes fidelity. It is a charming poem if a bit ironic, since Henry himself wasn’t exactly a paragon of fidelity. I’ll let you read the third and fourth verse:

As the holly groweth green

With ivy all alone

When flowers cannot be seen

And greenwood leaves be gone,

Now unto my lady

Promise to her I make,

From all other only

To her I me betake.

It is not strange that Henry made this connection. In the language of flowers ivy represents fidelity, wedded love and friendship. Ancient Greek brides would carry ivy as a symbol of undying love and sprigs of it are often found in wedding bouquets today. I think ivy being an evergreen as well as it’s ability to cling tightly are good reasons for it being a symbol for faithful love. We also see generosity and kindness as ivy provides berries for birds in winter. These aspects all together give me the feeling that, yes, Vrinda is a winter goddess. However, I feel she is more a goddess of persevering winter, rather than a goddess of the frost and cold itself. She stays living, green and fruitful when other plants lie dead. Her love persists through hardships. Winter or summer, it holds on.

Just before I conclude I’d like to touch upon animal associations. There is not a lot to work with, but the color and winding tendencies of ivy invoke the spirit of a serpent. Perhaps an adder, with its ivy-like pattern and ability to hibernate. The adder, like the ivy, is also toxic. The maenads wore serpents as well as ivy so it's not entirely far-fetched to see snakes as a favorite of Vrinda, but I’m not sure how well it fits. Perhaps the wren, a bird often seen darting through ivy bushes and has connections to winter. The word “wren” is of obscure origin but the words wren, rind (the Gotland word for ivy) and rindill (the Icelandic word for wren) sound curiously similar to Wrinda and Rindur.

Then there are owls. In Britain ivy has a special relationship with the tawny owl, which is sometimes even called an ivy-owl. Most people are familiar with owls being traditionally associated with death, but it may surprise some that ivy is so as well. This seems contradictory to it’s tolerance of winter, the death of the year, but this association likely stems again from fidelity as well as ivy’s tendency to grow over tombstones. Ivy was also a frequent motif on headstones and there it likely represents immortality and eternal life. Both snakes and owls are carved on headstones too. Ivy was also used to foretell death.

This association with death ties well in with the aforementioned Green Ladies. Owls and ivy are paired together in the idiom “like an owl in an ivy-bush”, which is used to describe a person with a vacant stare (usually due to drunkenness) or in some cases those with a frightened and dishevelled appearance. I almost forgot to mention that tawny owls usually mate for life, fidelity again. Finally, the carol I mentioned earlier has a couple of verses mentioning owls:

Ivy hath berries black as any sloe;

There come the owl and eat him as she go

…

Good ivy, what birds hast thou?

None but the owlet that cries how, how.

That brings us to the end. It’s quite bold of me, I know, to just give Vrinda all these associations purely based on ivy folklore and mythology. However, I feel so uncomfortable just leaving her bound to that one, grisly story of her impregnation. It’s unfair. I really do feel she may have shown herself to me that Yule night, or at least an aspect of herself, and I’d rather she lived in my mind as a lush and complex entity. Maybe I am getting lost in a thick forest of wishful thinking but maybe, like the Green Lady of Caerphilly Castle, she has indeed been hiding in the ivy.

Vrinda the broken, Vrinda the crazed,

Vrinda the wanderer of ruins and graves.

Vrinda the devoted, Vrinda the evergeen.

Vrinda the beautiful, unwavering Ivy Queen

Hrafnsunna Ross

Sources and further reading:

On English ivy folklore and mythology:

http://khkeeler.blogspot.com/2021/10/plant-story-folklore-of-english-ivy.html

https://interestingliterature.com/2021/05/ivy-symbolism-in-literature-religion-mythology-analysis-meaning/

https://from-bedroom-to-study.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-hedonistic-history-of-interesting.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3kerXYa_Nud94rzbCuhPlv-qH8Dah2R2jibqFLPYV4d8GmGTP87GJgVBQ

https://books.google.is/books?id=eOvyDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA118&lpg=PA118&dq=ivy+drunkenness+folklore&source=bl&ots=n3L6TNUO9e&sig=ACfU3U1PGGIezufv-sZbxklBhjBdNuqwKw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjDi6SxgYT1AhWTEMAKHcEyBN4Q6AF6BAg0EAM#v=onepage&q=iv

y%20drunkenness%20folklore&f=false

https://speakingofwitchwands.net/2017/11/16/the-magick-of-ivy/

https://www.woodland-ways.co.uk/blog/hedgerow-medicines/ivy/

Properties of English ivy:

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hedera-helix/

On Maenads:

https://www.thecollector.com/maenads-women-bacchus/ On Green Ladies: https://www.spookyisles.com/scottish-green-lady-stories/

Wedding flower customs:

https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-flowers-customs-traditions

Wren:

https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=rindill

https://www.bardsinthewoods.com/2012/12/the-wren-wren.html

Tawny Owl:

https://www.peakdistrictonline.co.uk/birds-of-prey-the-tawny-owl/

Evidence pointing to Rindr being a worker of protective magic:

https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.138/16i.962.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/John_McKinnell_Meeting_the_Other_in_Norse_Myth_ab-ok.cc.pdf

https://norse.ulver.com/src/biskup/gudmunda/index.html

Gesta Danorum book 3, where the story of her assault is written:

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1150/1150-h/1150-h.htm

Possible etymology of her name:

https://books.google.is/books?id=DtcMCAAAQBAJ&pg=PA160&lpg=PA160&dq=scandinavia+ivy+goddess&source=bl&ots=GMILPvloOP&sig=ACfU3U3EX9SDhIxFUwiTT_sNHFbMbxOlng&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjv-_fXvYP1AhUwQEEAHdY1D9cQ6AF6BAgfEAM#v=onepage&q=scandinavia%20ivy%20goddess&f=false

Headstone symbolism:

https://headstonesymbols.co.uk/

#norse paganism #pagan #heathen #witch #Rindr #Rindur #Wrinda #Vrindr #Vrinda #trees and forests #ivy #folklore #mythology #norseheathen #norse deities #norse mythology #owl #wren #tawny owl #adder #winter #mine #theory

[exmotapir]

Last week I performed a ritual to Freyja. I offered bread, honey, and fresh parsley grown in my garden. I also invited the land spirits, water spirits, and the spirits of my ancestors to participate.

I spent quite a lot of time planning the ritual, thinking of the symbolism and structure especially. Regardless of whether any of these things actually exist, there is great psychological power in ritual and symbolism. Ritual and the use of symbols can help to focus intent and energy towards a given goal, and if none of these spiritual entities and worlds really exist, I want to lean into the self improvement that my pagan beliefs have the potential to offer.

Putting aside my skeptical nature now that it has said it's piece, here is basically how the ritual went... And I should say before hand, this is all from my heart. I don't claim to be an authority or anything. This is what I felt would be appropriate for the ritual and for the intent I wanted to put into it.

First, a few hours before the ritual I meditated and focused on placing a warding bubble around my space, warding out negative and unwanted energies and entities. This was the first time I had tried to do this, and overall I think it worked. I visualized a bubble of energy expanding from my chest to slowly encompass my whole home. Then I imagined it settling into place to become semi-permanent.

To open the ritual I lit a stick of incense and said, "Hail Freyja! I light this incense in your honor. May this ritual, and my prayer reach your ears with gladness. I open my heart and my home to you now. Hail and welcome."

I placed the incense on an object to catch the ashes, then I placed a sprig from an oak tree in my yard on the ritual space, at the top of the space. This sprig was symbolic of the land spirits, the landvættir, around my home. "Hail, Landvættir. Keepers and guardians of these lands. I welcome you into my home and invite you. Let this sprig of oak be for you. Lend me your energy as I perform this ritual to Freyja. You have my frith and are welcome in my home for the duration of this ritual."

Then I filled a cup with fresh water and placed it on the left side of the ritual space. "Hail Water Spirits, you who fill the aquifers and nourish the plants. Bringers and maintainers of life. Let this cup of water be for you. I welcome you and invite you. You have my frith for the duration of this ritual. Lend me your energy as I perform this ritual to Freyja."

Then I placed a sprig of fresh rosemary from my garden on the right side of the ritual space. "Hail to the spirits of the plants, animals, and other living things in my area. Let this rosemary be for you. I welcome you to my home and invite you to sit. You have my frith for the duration of this ritual. Lend me your energy as I call upon Freyja."

Finally I set a candle at the bottom of the ritual space. I lit it and said "Hail to my ancestors, spirits of my kin. I welcome you into my home. Let this candle be for you. You have my frith for the duration of this ritual. Lend me your energy as I call upon Freyja."

At this point I took a moment to feel the energy in the room. I closed my eyes and focused inwards. The house was extremely quiet, peaceful. Yet there was an expectant feeling; a sense of waiting. I could not sense any specific entity or force, but a pervading sense of a feeling that all was well.

Feeling this, I lifted the incense and said, "Hail Freyja, goddess of love, compassion, and war. I call upon you and invite you into my life, into my home, and into this space. Let this incense be for you."

I then laid the incense back down and placed the bread upon the altar. "Let this bread be for you. May my family and home be fruitful and healthy."

Then I placed the honey upon the altar. "Let this honey be for you. May my capacity for love and compassion grow just as the bees collect the nectar that becomes the honey."

Finally, I placed the bunch of parsley on the altar. "Let this parsley be for you. May my endeavors to provide for and protect my family be abundant and successful. Just as I grew and cultivated this parsley."

At this point I took a few moments to speak my desires and intentions to Freyja, which I will not record here... That's personal.

Then I sat for ten minutes or so meditating upon what I had done. Unlike when I dedicated my mead to Oðinn and Þór, I did not feel an immediate and overwhelming sense of tranquility and peace. I felt quiet, waiting, and it caused my mind to fix upon any and every thought going through my head, which were largely self-doubt.

To close the ritual I thanked Freyja and the spirits, and gave them leave to depart. Then, I blew out the candle and extinguished the incense and said "From the Earth, to myself, to the Gods. A gift has been given. So let it be."

In the days since, I have felt more connected to myself and my family. Opportunities have come for my family that are going to put us in a much better place. I believe that my relationship with Freyja is much more subtle than the ones I have with other deities. I don't know for sure if any of this is real, and I probably never will. However performing that ritual and making the offerings I have to the Gods has made me feel happy and fulfilled, and maybe that is enough. Do what makes you happy.

#pagan #norseheathen #ritual #babywitch #paganism #babypagan #freyja

[unearthedbyodin]

It’s completely okay to be emotional and to feel everything deeply. It’s okay to have a sensitive heart and spirit. Don’t let the world tell you that you have to be hardened and cold. The bravest, most outrageous warriors are the ones that fight with passion; who scream at the top of their lungs— so much that it burns, and it reminds them that they are alive and that they have to FIGHT.

So, feel; and fight and feel and fight. Push through the brazen waves that foolishly dare to even think they can take you down. Brandish your weapons; tongue and sword, heart and axe. Bare your teeth at the world, allow the tears to fuel what is your roaring fire. What cleanses you, what makes you bolder, stronger.

Never allow another mouth to utter the word weak around you, with your feeling, beating heart.

#witch #witchcraft #pagan #heathen #magic #hedgewitch #flowercore #naturewitch #therapy #healing #Viking #norse patheon #norsepagan #norseheathen #warrior #emotional #heart #poetry #affirmation

[embercraftcreations]

I'm still here, don't worry! 🙋 My page has been super quiet recently as I dig myself out of this HUGE pile of orders! I've never had this many made-to-order items in the queue before, so I've just temporarily transformed into a leatherworking machine over here in order to get them all done (AND make things for PA Ren Faire at the end of the month, PLUS an Earthwardens batch for my next shop update... It's kind of crazy right now 😅) So I wanted to pop in just to let you know that your orders are getting made, and you can always feel free to reach out with any questions 🥰 Mark your calendars with my next shop update on September 19th at 3pm EDT! #runes #runecasting #norserunes #ritual #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmade #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #kitchenwitch https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpcWDXLgUN/?utm_medium=tumblr

#runes #runecasting #norserunes #ritual #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmade #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #kitchenwitch

[aggressivelybicaptainamerica]

Really fucking tired of being afraid to wear my religious symbols because of Nazis. Norse heathenry is a beautiful tradition, focused on brotherhood and hospitality, that was warped by Hitler and those who follow him. Nazis are heathen the same way the Westborough Baptist Church is Christian, and they do not speak for me. You are ALL welcome in my hall. #mjolnir #norsepaganism #norseheathen #fucknazis #mygodsarequeer #mygodsaremixedrace #mygodsarebeautiful https://www.instagram.com/p/BzOMFuch7vr/?igshid=18l2q30x74gd9

#mjolnir #norsepaganism #norseheathen #fucknazis #mygodsarequeer #mygodsaremixedrace #mygodsarebeautiful

[cenweindesigns]

Algiz: Literally translated, it could mean either Elk or Pinewoods. It represents the gods' protection, and our spiritual path. Whenever you are feeling like your life is out of control, call on the power of Algiz. It will bring you closer to the gods and the Fates, and will illuminate your path. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Have you seen my newest highlight reel titled "runecasts"? If so, you're probably wondering why you haven't seen these daily runecasts in my story feed. That's actually because I send all of my runecasting related stories only to my "close friends" list. Since runecasting isn't directly related to my craft, I didn't want to flood my regular story feed with it... However, if runecasting and rune symbolism is something you're interested in, I can absolutely add you to this list! It's open to anyone, all you have to do is let me know in the comments. Do you want to subscribe to my daily runecasts? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Belt: @embercraftcreations ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shawl: @trolltovadesign ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photography: @1strangeloop ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Model: @embercraftcreations ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #runes #runecasting #norserunes #forestspirit #forestfashion #forestwitch #woodlandcreatures #wintergarb #winterstyle #bohostyle #hippiestyle #hippiegirl #vikingwoman #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmadebelt #witchofthewoods #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #fae #oldsoul #druid #festivalfashion (at Spillian) https://www.instagram.com/embercraftcreations/p/Brabf21nZy9/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=nxe5g7zquthx

#runes #runecasting #norserunes #forestspirit #forestfashion #forestwitch #woodlandcreatures #wintergarb #winterstyle #bohostyle #hippiestyle #hippiegirl #vikingwoman #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmadebelt #witchofthewoods #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #fae #oldsoul #druid #festivalfashion

[northmanworld]

#Repost @dutchpagans ... Paganism: no rules, just human decency. Do you agree? I made this… but no waterwark, that makes the pic ugly… #paganmemes #pagan #heathen #magic #occult #pagansofinstagram #dutchpagans #wicca #odin #norse #norseheathen #thor #ᚦᛜᚱᚱ #mythologymemes #futhark #runes #freya #books #paganbooks #paganyoutuber #occultbooks #freyr #vikingmemes #viking #freyr #freya #returntotheoldgods #followtheoldgods #dutchpagan https://www.instagram.com/p/CShOME9jwmB/?utm_medium=tumblr

#repost #paganmemes #pagan #heathen #magic #occult #pagansofinstagram #dutchpagans #wicca #odin #norse #norseheathen #thor #ᚦᛜᚱᚱ #mythologymemes #futhark #runes #freya #books #paganbooks #paganyoutuber #occultbooks #freyr #vikingmemes #viking #returntotheoldgods #followtheoldgods #dutchpagan

[rosemarywaterwitch]

A valentines gift from me for me 🙈💘 has anybody already read it? If so, what's your favourite part? ☺️

#rosemarywaterwitch #viking spirit #witchcraft #norse mythology #heathen #norseheathen #norse pantheon #norse deities #witchblr #Daniel McCoy #witch #witches #witchy book

[dinenthal]

All are welcome at my hearth. #fire #hearth #viking #norseheathen #norsepagan #viking #diversity #love #worldpeace #together #woodfire #embers #glow #flame https://www.instagram.com/p/CDqDwdnpfU7/?igshid=vs0cnec5s3mq

#fire #hearth #viking #norseheathen #norsepagan #diversity #love #worldpeace #together #woodfire #embers #glow #flame

[ajtheheathen]

Even though I feel my Gods with me every day, I feel them the strongest when I am out in nature. "I walk the path of my ancestors and nature is my church." I want to share with you, mine.

“Ours is the path of the Old Gods, our ancestors, and ours is that path which leads us to the central point from which all true paths ultimately spring.”

"All Hail the Old Gods, All Hail the Old Ways! "

Eversole Phptography

Photo Location: Tennessee

#norse #norseheathen #norsepagan #heathen #pagan #heathenry #norse heathenry #paganism #norse paganism #norsegods #asatru #runes #nature #kentucky #heathens #history #norse mythology #mjolnir #nordic #ancestors #oldgods #oldways #yggdrasil #nine worlds #odin allfather #beautiful

[ghilliedubh]

Offering to Fenja and Menja

(ig@hraesol)

#mine #iceland #witchcraft #heathen #pagan #norseheathen #jötunn #norse paganism #nature #sea #ocean #photography

[temperanceshop-blog]

Happy Wednesday! Our Odin’s Day rune discount is applicable on this day every week!

#paganshop #occultshop #occult #runes #runecasting #odin #allfather #vikings #heathen #norse #pagan #norsepagan #norseheathen #divination #smallbusiness #myrtlebeach #spooky #halloween #october #spookyseason

[unearthedbyodin]

Just a day ago, I was leaving out offerings for my gods. They all were cool with the red wine I had, however Thor asked specifically for the bourbon I had in my fridge. So, I open it up and pour him a glass. As I’m approaching the altar to set it down for him, I very clearly “hear” him tell me to take a shot of it w/him. Mind you, this bourbon has been sitting in my fridge unopened for awhile now— so it’s extra…bourbon-y. I said, eehhh this is for you, though? And again, he asked that I take a shot. So, I took one— and holy shit was it BITTER. The most spicy, biting taste ever. I remember my face scrunching up and I shuddered, forcing myself to swallow it. I then said, (sarcastically), “mmmm— so good and tasty!”

And I shit you not, his fucking laughter BOOMED. Thor, the mighty Thunderer, laughed his ass off at me— and it was fucking rad.

#witch #witchcraft #pagan #heathen #magic #hedgewitch #naturewitch #norse patheon #norseheathen #norsepagan #Thor #Heathen

[embercraftcreations]

One of my favorite things to do during the Holidays is to create new rituals and traditions with friends and family. This year, @1strangeloop and I decorated the whole house with clippings from trees and shrubs around our house! It smells incredible. What kinds of new traditions did you introduce this year? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I hope you all are having a wonderful Yule and any other holidays you celebrate during this time of festivities and togetherness! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Belt: @embercraftcreations ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Shawl: @trolltovadesign ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Photography: @1strangeloop ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Model: @embercraftcreations ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌲 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #runes #yuletide #forestspirit #forestfashion #forestwitch #yule #wintergarb #winterstyle #bohostyle #hippiestyle #hippiegirl #vikingwoman #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmadebelt #witchofthewoods #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #fae #oldsoul #druid #festivalfashion (at Spillian) https://www.instagram.com/embercraftcreations/p/Br21Y56nIax/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1tfduhpu2j4h2

#runes #yuletide #forestspirit #forestfashion #forestwitch #yule #wintergarb #winterstyle #bohostyle #hippiestyle #hippiegirl #vikingwoman #paganwoman #norsewitch #witchesofinstagram #norseheathen #heathenry #vikings #vikingclothing #handmadebelt #witchofthewoods #oldgods #norsemythology #asatru #paganism #fae #oldsoul #druid #festivalfashion

[hel-awaits]

I get filled with joy seeing my work get shared by people who use it to make some sort of sense of the world. #blm #fucktrump #heathen #norse #Norseheathen #handmade #divination #fuckbigotry https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ2q5eNH6SW/?igshid=1afihp4ids4ay

#blm #fucktrump #heathen #norse #norseheathen #handmade #divination #fuckbigotry