The Nine Realms

 According to Norse cosmology, the known universe was composed of Nine Realms. These realms were Asgard, the near-perfect home of the Aesir deities; Jotunheim, the fallen world of the monstrous jötunn; Midgard, the land of humans; Alfheim, home of the elves; Hel, a resting place for the dead; Vanaheim, the world of the magical Vanir deities; Nidavellir, the subterranean realm of the dwarves; Niflheim, a frigid land of ice and snow; and Muspelheim, a realm of heat and flame.

The Nine Realms hung on the branches, or else grew from the roots and bole of Yggdrasil, the world tree, which gave structure and form to the cosmos. Their position within Yggdrasil determined both their core characteristics and their connections to other realms. Though the realms were distinct from one another, their boundaries were surprisingly porous. Intrepid travelers, both mortal and divine, could and did traverse the liminal spaces between worlds. Asgard and Midgard were connected via the great rainbow bridge known as the Bifrost, making it possible for deities to influence the humans who adored and abhorred them in equal measure....<<<Read More>>>...

Valknut

The Valknut (pronounced: val-knoot) is a symbol in Nordic mythology depicting three interlocked triangles. The name ‘Valknut’ is a modern word, meaning ‘slain warrior knot’, and was created recently in the Norwegian language. 

The Valknut symbol itself, however, dates back to ancient times and relates to the cult of the dead. An example of the Valknut symbol was found in the 7th century in Gotland, Sweden on the Tängelgårda stone. 

The three triangles of the Valknut were seen most often on gravestones and runestones, usually alongside the figure of Odin, or the animals which represented him, the horse or wolf.

A number of possible explanations of the origins of the Valknut have been suggested by historians. The Valknut symbol was believed to be linked to Odin, a revered and powerful god in Nordic mythology. Odin’s name translates as “Master of Ecstasy”. He was a powerful magician associated with wisdom, war, poetry, shamanism, magic, and the dead. He had the ability to use magic to bind and unbind things, and thereby control people’s minds. The Valknut is said to be a symbol of that binding and unbinding magic....<<<Read More>>>...

The Rune Eolh

Pagan Lore: Another rune that appears to be connected with an older symbol-the splayed human hand which it resembles, an instinctive sign for warding off harm. Outlines of the human hand have been discovered in caves where prehistoric men once lived. The American Indians used this sign for peace. similar symbols, but with five branches, are used in North Africa to turn aside the evil eye.

A reasonable objection can be made that if Eolh is meant to represent the human hand, it should have five branches. In fact, it is one of the less understood runes. In later rune poems it seems to have stood for elk-sedge, which may be though kind of marsh grass that elk feed upon. But it has also been interpreted as willow, sea-holly, swan, and even as the sign of an obscure god named Alcis mentioned by Tacitus.

One thing at least is known: the rune was carried by warriors to protect them in battle, In the Old English Rune Poem the connotation of warding off survives..Read More>>>...

 

The Nine Realms

According to Norse cosmology, the known universe was composed of Nine Realms. These realms were Asgard, the near-perfect home of the Aesir deities; Jotunheim, the fallen world of the monstrous jötunn; Midgard, the land of humans; Alfheim, home of the elves; Hel, a resting place for the dead; Vanaheim, the world of the magical Vanir deities; Nidavellir, the subterranean realm of the dwarves; Niflheim, a frigid land of ice and snow; and Muspelheim, a realm of heat and flame.

The Nine Realms hung on the branches, or else grew from the roots and bole of Yggdrasil, the world tree, which gave structure and form to the cosmos. Their position within Yggdrasil determined both their core characteristics and their connections to other realms. Though the realms were distinct from one another, their boundaries were surprisingly porous. Intrepid travelers, both mortal and divine, could and did traverse the liminal spaces between worlds. Asgard and Midgard were connected via the great rainbow bridge known as the Bifrost, making it possible for deities to influence the humans who adored and abhorred them in equal measure....<<<Read More>>>...

What Is the Wild Hunt?

Across Central, Western and Northern Europe, the Wild Hunt is a well-known folk myth of a ghostly leader and his group of hunters and hounds flying through the cold night sky, accompanied by the sounds of the howling wind. The supernatural hunters are recounted as either the dead, elves, or in some instances, fairies. In the Northern tradition, the Wild Hunt was synonymous with great winter storms or changes of season.

The hunt was said to pass through the forests in the coldest, stormiest time of the year. Anyone found outdoors at the time would be swept up into the hunting party involuntarily and dropped miles from their original location. Practitioners of magic may have sought to join the berserkers in spirit, while their bodies remained safely at home. Grimm postulated the story inevitably changed from pre-Christian to more modern times. The myth originally began as a hunt led by a god and goddess visiting the land during a holy holiday, bringing blessings, and accepting offerings from people. They could be heard by the people in the howling winds, but later became known as a pack of ghouls with malicious intent.

The numerous variations of the legend mention different leaders of the hunting party. In Germany the leader is known by various names, for instance, Holt, Holle, Berta, Foste or Heme. Yet one figure frequently appears in the majority of versions: Odin (also called Woden). Odin is known by two particular names which relate to the time of year the Wild Hunt was alleged to occur, Jólnir and Jauloherra. Both of these roughly mean Master of Yule, a festival celebrating the change of the seasons....<<<Read More>>>...

The nine worlds of Norse mythology

The Norse universe consists of nine worlds. These worlds are only referenced a few times throughout the myths and are not specified, but are thought to be (in no particular order) Asgard, Vanaheimr (Vanaheim), Jötunheimr (Jotunheim), Niflheim, Muspelheim, Álfheimr (Alfheim), Svartálfaheimr (Svartalfheim), Niðavellir (Nidavellir), and Miðgarðr (Midgard) – which is our world.

These worlds are connected by a great ash tree named Yggdrasil, which runs through the centre of the universe. An eagle lives at the top of Yggdrasil, while the dragon Niðhöggr (Nidhogg) lives at the bottom and chews on its roots. The squirrel Ratatosk runs up and down Yggdrasil’s trunk, carrying messages between these two creatures – and they’re not particularly nice messages either.

In addition to holding everything together, Yggdrasil is also a source of wisdom and is where the Æsir often gather for meetings. At the foot of the tree is Urðarbrunnr (Urd’s well), which is associated with the three Norns or “fates”.

Under another root is Mímisbrunnr (Mímir’s well), which is where Odin gave up his eye as payment for a drink in order to gain the well’s knowledge. It is also thought that Yggdrasil is the tree that Odin hung himself on, again in the pursuit of knowledge....<<<Read More>>>...

Was Santa A Psychedelic Medicine Man? Investigating Pre-Christian Santa Folklore

The story of Santa and his flying reindeer can be traced to an unlikely source: hallucinogenic or “magic” mushrooms.

According to the theory, the legend of Santa derives from shamans in the Siberian and Arctic regions who dropped into locals’ teepee-like homes with a bag full of hallucinatory mushrooms as presents in late December.


“As the story goes, up until a few hundred years ago these practicing shamans or priests connected to the older traditions would collect Amanita muscaria (the Holy Mushroom), dry them, and then give them as gifts on the winter solstice,” Rush told LiveScience. “Because snow is usually blocking doors, there was an opening in the roof through which people entered and exited, thus the chimney story.”

Author Dana Larsen elaborated on the pre-Christian symbology of the Christmas tree in her article, The Psychedelic Secrets of Santa. She explains how the ancient northern European people, including the Lapps of modern-day Finland, and the Koyak tribes of the central Russian steppes, believed in the idea of a World Tree. The World Tree was seen as a kind of cosmic axis, onto which the planes of the universe are fixed. The roots of the World Tree stretch down into the underworld, its trunk is the “middle earth” of everyday existence, and its branches reach upwards into the heavenly realm.

“The North Star was also considered sacred, since all other stars in the sky revolved around its fixed point. They associated this “Pole Star” with the World Tree and the central axis of the universe. The top of the World Tree touched the North Star, and the spirit of the shaman would climb the metaphorical tree, thereby passing into the realm of the gods” ...<<<Read More>>>....

The board game at the heart of Viking culture

 An ancient game known as "hnefatafl" held immense symbolic and religious significance.

The Icelandic saga Hervör and Heidrek abounds with tropes instantly familiar to modern fantasy fans. Regarded as a key influence on classic early-20th century works in the genre, the 13th-century tale features dwarves, a tragic curse, a magical sword, and, perhaps most recognizable of all to fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, a fateful contest of riddles.

The contest begins in the saga's closing chapters when Heidrek, King of the Goths, summons to court his enemy, Gestumblindi. Fearing execution, the latter resorts to desperate measures: He seeks help from Odin, the most powerful and notoriously capricious Viking god. Seemingly content with Gestumblindi's subsequent sacrifice, Odin agrees to transform himself into a doppelgänger and take the man's place at court. Rather than submit himself to the judgment of Heidrek's council, the disguised god convinces the king to settle the matter through a game of wits.

The story's subsequent riddles illustrate countless facets of life during the Viking Age — most notably riddle 13, which provides rare insight into an intriguing Nordic pastime. "What women are they," asks Odin as Gestumblindi, "warring together before their defenseless king; day after day the dark guard him, but the fair go forth to attack?" For centuries, Heidrek's answer to this riddle has fascinated archaeologists and historians alike. "This is the game of hnefatafl," he says, "the darker ones guard the king, but the white ones attack."

Heidrek's reference, here, is one of several in the Icelandic sagas to an ancient board game known as hnefatafl (pronounced "neffa-tafel"). Ubiquitous among Nordic settlements during the early Middle Ages, the game was played on a checkered wooden tablet similar to the modern-day chess board. Once a relative mystery to researchers, archaeologists now believe it held immense symbolic and religious significance.

Over the past 150 years, excavators have unearthed large quantities of gaming material from Viking boat burials. Dating from the 7th to the 11th centuries, most of it consists of checker-like pieces constructed from glass, whale bone, or amber. These pieces range from ordinary discs to ornate figurines and are usually uniform in shape and size, save for one prominent king piece, known as the hnefi. The archaeologist Mark Hall recently chronicled the contents of 36 burials containing such pieces in a 2016 article for The European Journal of Archaeology. This material, he says, indicates the game was much more than a frivolous way to kill time between raids. "Its presence in these burials suggests it was an aspect of everyday life that was desirable to see continued," he says, as well as "a significant element that helped define the status of the deceased."...<<<Read More>>>....

Yggdrasil

[The Gypsy Thread]: Yggdrasil (pronounced ig-druh-sil,) sometimes referred to as the Tree of Life, is an enormous Ash tree which is at the center of the Norse spiritual cosmos. This tree, which is always green, connects the nine worlds, or realms, of Norse cosmology. It’s origins are unknown and the exact size of either the tree or the nine realms cannot be measured. It transcends both space and time, serving as the central point of the world, but also encompasses all the realms; the beginning, middle and end. It ties earth, the underworld, and Valhalla together. The Tree of Life brings human beings, Gods, Goddesses, elves, dwarves, giants, and all sorts of creatures from the animal kingdom, together under one single encompassing system.

The most accepted translation of the word Yggdrasil is “Odin’s Horse” – Ygg is another term for Odin and drasil is a horse. In the grand scheme of things, Odin and the great tree can be considered one in the same. Everything we know about Yggdrasil comes from a series of anonymous Old Norse poems called the Poetic Edda. Several versions exist, all consisting primarily of text from the Icelandic medieval manuscript known as the Codex Regius (royal book) which is arguably the most important source of Old Norse history/mythology known. In the Poetic Edda, Yggdrasil is mentioned in three poems; Völuspá, Hávamál and Grímnismál....<<<Read More>>>...

Introduction Into the 9 Worlds Of Norse Tradition

2020 Crop Circle #19

Norton Plantation, Nr Heytesbury, Wiltshire. 

Reported 7th August 2020.

Crop Circle Connector

Following on from the previous crop circle, strangely, there are now 9 circles. Perhaps nine worlds with the central one being representative of the last crop circle depicting Yggdrasil, the world tree, As we stated last time, Yggdrasil is an immense ash tree that is centre to the cosmos and considered very holy by Norse Mythology. Yggdrasil (from Old Norse Yggdrasill) is an immense mythical tree that plays a central role in Norse cosmology, where it connects the Nine Worlds.

The nine worlds being:

Midgard, the world of humanity
Asgard, the world of the Aesir tribe of gods and goddesses
Vanaheim, the world of the Vanir tribe of gods and goddesses
Jotunheim, the world of the giants
Niflheim, the primordial world of ice
Muspelheim, the primordial world of fire
Alfheim, the world of the elves
Nidavellir/Svartalfheim, the world of the dwarves
Hel, the world of the eponymous goddess Hel and the dead.

If this is the case, this is interesting symbology indeed, with the fabled Ragnarok being created in Midgard. 

2020 Crop Circle #18

Potterne Field, Nr Devizes, Wiltshire. 

Reported 4th August 2020

Crop Circle Connector

Is that the world tree, Yggdrasil, I see represented before me? Yggdrasil is an immense ash tree that is centre to the cosmos and considered very holy by Norse Mythology. Yggdrasil (from Old Norse Yggdrasill) is an immense mythical tree that plays a central role in Norse cosmology, where it connects the Nine Worlds. However, there are only 5 worlds represented here. So this might not represent Yggdrasil.

It might even represent the early Mesopotamian Tree of Life. In Babylonian mythology, the Tree of Life was a magical tree that grew in the center of paradise. The Apsu, or primordial waters, flowed from its roots. It is the prototype of the tree described in Genesis: the biblical Tree of Paradise evolved directly from this ancient symbol; it is the symbol from which the Egyptian, Islamic, and Kabbalistic Tree of Life concepts originated.  

The Rune 'Berkana'

The Rune Berkana is known as 'the Birch Goddess' due to its association with the Birch tree. It indicates NEW BEGINNINGS, RENEWAL, GROWTH, LIBERATION, LIFE CHANGES.

[Runesecrets]: Berkano has the energy of a birch grove, and is an hidden sanctuary in times of need. The birch is the first tree to awaken in the spring time, and so Berkano is about the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Healing of all sorts is strongest through this rune, particularly recuperation, rejuvenation, purification, detoxification and regeneration.

Secrecy with Berkano is not a wicked thing, but a power that can be used to great effect. It is the mastery of silence as a device for listening and protecting. It is a life giving rune, so is best used to assist life, to heal and to protect. It will enhance efforts to give oneself, and others, the time and space they need to grow on their own. The creation of time and space is a magical act done consciously through restraint and silence, even concealment of one’s hand in the affair altogether. This ability is magical, requires great humility and is an enviable feminine power.

Ragnarok

[Norse Mythology]: Ragnarok is the cataclysmic destruction of the cosmos and everything in it – even the gods. When Norse mythology is considered as a chronological set of tales, the story of Ragnarok naturally comes at the very end.

For the Vikings, the myth of Ragnarok was a prophecy of what was to come at some unspecified and unknown time in the future, but it had profound ramifications for how the Vikings understood the world in their own time. We’ll explore some of those ramifications below.

The word “Ragnarok” comes from Old Norse Ragnarök, “Fate of the Gods.” In an apparent play on words, some pieces of Old Norse literature also refer to it as Ragnarøkkr, “Twilight of the Gods.”

The event was also occasionally referred to as aldar rök, “fate of mankind,” and a host of other names.

Without further ado, here’s the tale itself...<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...

The Three Norns

[Norse Mythology]: There are three Norns (Old Norse: “Nornir”) in Norse mythology and they live at the well Urd in Asgard (home of the Gods and Goddesses).

Their names are Urd “What Once Was” (Old Norse “Urðr”), Verdandi “What Is Coming into Being” (Old Norse “Verðandi”) and Skuld “What Shall Be” (Old Norse “Skuld”), the three Norns are the Goddesses of fate in Norse mythology.

They spend most of their time spinning the threads of life, to decide the fate of all living beings. The three Norns does this by sitting at the root of Yggdrasil and weave the faith of every living being into a web or thread.

The three Norns starts every morning by placing a rooster at the top of Yggdrasil. The sound of the rooster is a wake-up call for all the Gods and Goddesses in Asgard. Every morning the Norns also carry water from Urd’s well and pour it over Yggdrasil which is the tree of life. The water from this well is very important to keep Yggdrasil green and healthy...<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...

The Rune Algiz

The rune Algiz (or Elhaz) pronounced “Al-jiz”  has the literal meaning of  “Elk”. Esoterically it is the protection offered by the Higher Self, which can manifest on the earth plane as unexpected wards of good fortune - human help, fortuitous circumstances, successful ventures - that can avert negative outcomes or circumstances.

The Rune Algiz is also known as 'Eolh' which is associaed with 'Elksedge'. It is said that Norse warriors (Berserkers) emblazoned this rune on their shields or skin, and as a bearer of this powerful rune of defence, and protection, they would succeed in the most craziest battles, and return home triumphant.

The power of this particular rune cannot be underestimated. It has incredible properties.

The Rune Mannaz

The Rune Mannaz, pronounced “Man-az” has the literal meaning of  “Mankind”.

Esoterically it indicates fellowship and friendship. It is indicative of the strong bonds that link mankind together through friendship, family and human society. These are more often than not bonds which we cherish dearly through our lives, and are often only broken by death.

'Friends are difficult to find but easy to lose'.

The Rune Mannaz also refers to humanity as a race of beings. It signifies man the magician, who through various reasons has lost the power to control evil, or propagate good. It is also indicative of the struggle for spiritual enlightenment and the breaking down of materialistic desire.

Favourite's Collection #310

This is the first of the Favourite's Collection in 2020, and I've chosen a fairly recent image taken on the Urambi Hills, Canberra of an Australian Raven. The photograph was taken back in November 2019; back before the terrible bush fires that flared up all over Australia. There were several fires burning back in November 2019, but nothing on the horrific scale that occurred weeks after this photo was taken.

Raven has been a personal power animal of mine for a number of years; I've respected Raven and Raven has respected and accepted me. Now, in January 2020, knowing what I know now about what befall Australia, with hindsight I should have realised this Raven, and the other Ravens, that were suddenly arriving around me when I was on one of the summits of the Urambi Hills, were actually warning me of something they knew about!!

Raven is a highly intelligent bird; it is telepathic and works in unison with all of its facets. Therefore, this Raven and the others would have been made aware of the fires that had started elsewhere in Australia! Plus, and it is a big power animal quality that Raven possesses, it is able to transcend time and space!

This is in keeping with the legends of the Norse god Wotan/Odin/Woden having two Ravens Hugin (Huginn) and Munin (Munnin) on his shoulders. Where Hugin is believed to represent ‘memory’, while Munin personifies ‘thought’. In Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn  are a pair of ravens that fly all over the world, Midgard, and bring information to Odin.

It is therefore very possible I was being warned of the imminent disaster in Australia, but I was too busily focused on photography, and being back on the Urambi Hills, not to listen to the telepathic voice in my mind. 

The Rune Kenaz

The Rune Kenaz literally means 'Torch' and symbolizes the harnessing, and the control, of fire for warmth and illumination. It represents harnessing forces and energies greater than ourselves.

It is also a rune that indicates transformation and illumination through learning and wisdom. The use of new skills and techniques to harness creativity and ingenuity.

Kenaz is the fire brand and can indicate security and safety in the home and in relationships. Where there is fire there is warmth, so symbolically as a fire brand, Kenaz extends the flames of illumination into aspects of life where there once was shadow.

Where there are shadows, there is fear; remove the shadows and fear can be extinguished ... leading to security and understanding of life's lessons.

The Rune Raidho

The Rune Raidho, pronounced “Ride-ho” literally means  “Ride” and has the esoteric meaning of  'journey'.

Raidho relates to the ordered movement of energies in time and space as perceived by human awareness. It is the rune of leading by example & of actions which tend to speak louder than words.

It can deemed to indicate 'subtle change' and experiences which need a journey through time & space to be changed. Raidho is a rune of good omens, and indication of eventual success in pursuing new projects.

Nothing is straightforward with Raidho, as the gods themselves will require mental activity and hard thinking for a successful endeavour. There is magic and sacrifice behind the workings of Raidho.