I am working hard at putting together a baby blessing ceremony for my son. The ceremony is entirely created by us but we will be pulling from some prayers, poems, and methods we've found on Heathen, Northern Pagan Trad, Pagan, Wiccan, and other baby blessing sites. I thought I would share those resources I am using here. I will go in more depth about the ceremony later.
Resources
Pregnancy & Birth in the North Tradition (I mostly just glimpsed through here as my son will be a day away from his first birthday at his ceremony)
Northern Pagan Tradition Blessing for a Newborn
Frigga Goddess of Mothers (prayer)
Frigga Plea to the All-Mother (prayer)
Frigga To Mother in My Fear (prayer)
Prayer to Nerthus to Bless a Pregnancy
Njord Ritual to Bless a Father to be
For Mothers who have lost a child - Sigyn Mother of Rokkr
Blessing for a Heathen Child
Thursday, September 29, 2016
Saturday, September 17, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 17 Queen of Asgard
How does this deity relate to other gods and other pantheons?
Frigga is the Beloved Queen of Asgard
Frigga is the Beloved Queen of Asgard
Friday, September 16, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 16 Culture
How do you think this deity represents the values of their pantheon and cultural origins?
A large part of Frigga's work is her role as Goddess of spinning and fiber arts. This is a huge role to a people of a northern land where the winters are cold and harsh and people need warm clothes to survive. Raising wool and flax to make these clothes meant that the crops and animals needed to be well tended AND that the women needed to be skilled and blessed by this Goddess to create clothes to keep them all alive and well.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 15 Her Craft
Any mundane practices that are associated with this deity?
Spinning and Fiber Arts:
Crochet
Knitting
Nalebinding
Weaving
Felting
Sewing
Spinning on drop spindle as well as spinning wheel
Fiber production from raising fiber crops or animals to harvesting, cleaning, and preparation
 |
| Gebo crochet rune cloth |
Crochet
Knitting
Nalebinding
Weaving
Felting
Sewing
Spinning on drop spindle as well as spinning wheel
Fiber production from raising fiber crops or animals to harvesting, cleaning, and preparation
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 14 Worship
Has worship of this deity changed in modern times?
Actually I have no way of knowing. We don't have a lot of lore on the worship of Frigga so I cannot compare.
Actually I have no way of knowing. We don't have a lot of lore on the worship of Frigga so I cannot compare.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 13 Modern Problems
What modern cultural issues are closest to this deity’s heart?
Galina Krasskova put forward a really good question of - Do the deities care about modern cultural issues? Should they? Is it really any of their problem the mess we create for ourselves down here?
Thats a good question for another time.
Mothers and children in need (of care, protection, food, medical aid, etc) in general.
I'm a particular fan of making crochet caps for premies in NICU as, I've read, many devotees of Frigga do.
Galina Krasskova put forward a really good question of - Do the deities care about modern cultural issues? Should they? Is it really any of their problem the mess we create for ourselves down here?
Thats a good question for another time.
Mothers and children in need (of care, protection, food, medical aid, etc) in general.
I'm a particular fan of making crochet caps for premies in NICU as, I've read, many devotees of Frigga do.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Spirit of Place: Honoring Our Land Wights
So where does that leave me? Am I therefore a bad person?
I'm sure many pagans think so. I'm already a killer in the eyes of the vegetarians and vegans in the local witchy groups. I have already attributed to the human overpopulation by having a child. I see these accusations and the anger behind them even when they aren't directed at me by name. So we shall add tree-killer and local eco-system destroyer to the list.
That all being said, our ancestors who honored place and Gods and spirits had to have ways of balancing the need to build homes with honoring the spirits of the place they are building in.
I think of this as I take my son out for a walk. How can I honor the spirit of the place where we plan to live out much of the rest of our lives? Can I explain my intentions of creating a garden and horgr and grove after we build? Will that be enough?
At first I grumbled - there is no reason there should be this much garbage on the side of this road. It is a residential area that ends in a circle, meaning no through-traffic. So all of this garbage was littered by people who actually live here. My grumbling went on to thinking of the manicured lawns as green and chemical laden as golf courses in front of these houses. Out abutting neighbors had the nerve to ask us about cutting down trees that were, previously, creating a visual barrier between our land and theirs and yet they have hardly a tree on their whole lot and take every precaution against weeds and saplings.
Instead, in my breathing and picking up trash, I tried my best to emanate a vibe of courtesy and openness. I sang to my son who grinned at every stop and even waved at trees or things in the trees I was not seeing. I turned my task from one of grudging labor to an offering to the spirits there and the land. I offered my care and work to make this area cleaner and free of human waste.
After this, I made note of other ways we are and can contribute to the land.
- Avoid using chemicals for pesticides and herbicides.
- Planting local wild flowers on the banks by the road rather than attempting to keep a pristine lawn.
- Repurpose the wood, rock, and dirt we remove and use it in other places on the land.
- Nothing is going to waste, nothing is done without thought.
- Even my husband, before cutting down trees, stands among them for a long moment, meditating. He shares with the trees and the land his intentions and gives thanks to them for providing shelter, heat, or the base for his craft as some of the birch here will be dried and used in his woodwork making bowls, pipes, mortars and pestles, statuary, and more.
I'm sure some people will think this isn't enough. I am open to other ideas. This is simply a step on the path.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Challenge Accepted: Choosing a Polytheist Paganism
I have been reading Essays in Contemporary Paganism from Moon Books and while I expected to be inspired by the essay on parenting or the one on polytheism most, I was, in fact, brought into deep thought on my own practice most by the final article "After Paganism" by Emma Restal Orr. In this article, Orr points out that she has, at times, wondered if she wanted to associate with the term Pagan after seeing many pagans and groups labeled pagan performing acts of defiling nature even as they claim to honor the land they live on. She goes on to delve into the why behind these actions and why they are so common among the pagan community.
"Paganism focuses from the outset on this search for the self. However, in most Pagan teachings, this appears as the be-all and end-all, the ultimate goal."
She then points out the problem of this thinking when it comes to community, "However, all too often, the self-importance of the I takes over, the insecure ego working solely to benefit itself."
While Orr looks at this issue from the perspective of a nature-loving pagan with a focus on the spirituality of the land and conection to the spirit in community, forests, animals, etc. I looked at this issue in regard to practicing Polytheism.
Not long ago I read Polytheism and Devotion on Galina Krasskova's blog. I began thinking of my religion from the idea of pure and total devotion to Frigga and other Gods that have approached me or that I have approached within the Norse pantheon.
In my witchcraft background, I often approached Gods but almost always only to petition for something for myself. If I gave offering it was in act of thanks for receiving what I asked for. Today, I often give small offerings to My Lady from baked goods I create to flowers I've grown or gathered when out for a walk. I have given offerings in petition to the Gods since I began my polytheist practice in earnest but now I do so far less than when I offer simply out of devotion.
When I contemplated this - I often wonder why the Gods would bother with witches at all unless their petition was something that could benefit more than the witch themselves. Why bother with someone who only comes to you when they want something like a spoiled child? Not even a child, at least then unconditional love might be a factor.
While I was considering this, I came across a conversation on Facebook asking why does Paganism have all these little terms and titles like Wiccan, Polytheist, Heathen, etc. Many people explained the need for the separation and labels much like the denominations of Christianity and defined each word. I focused on how Paganism or Witch does not mean Religious at all much less Polytheist.
Orr says in her essay, "It is no wonder that many give up on gods as actual beings when they have chosen to work with a goddess or god simply because they like the list of associations that go with it. Motherhood, fertility, the wildwood, strength, wizardry, whatever it may be, we are encouraged when we find others who can confirm that Cernunnos or Hecate is what we believe him or her to be. But these are ideas, found in books and shared with other people. They are not the gods that we encounter..."
She goes on to point out similar issues in ancestor work when many pagans profess to honor their ancestors but conveniently disregard parents, grandparents, and other close relations who they have issues with either because of religious conflict or other problems.
It is inconvenient to see Gods or spirits as they are when we can easily focus on ourselves and mold them as ideas that we need in the here and now and can readily dispose of the rest.
If, like me, you believe the Gods had a hand in creating our world and the things within it such as teaching us certain crafts like herbalism, blacksmithing, woodworking, how to survive harsh winters, etc - then that alone would be enough to be in Awe of these caretakers and teachers and cause honor.
I honor the Gods even when I don't feel comfortable with them. Odinn is a great example of this as he has come to me since I began working with runes (drawing his attention is often a result, whether desired or not, when working with runes as they are spirits he has close affinity and workings with). Odinn has told me I am his, I told him I most certainly am not, feeling the need to be loyal to Frigga. He just laughed at me. Odinn has many attributes that I would not like to approach or deal with magically or otherwise. These are not energies I am at all comfortable with. Does that mean I do not honor him or give him respect? No, I honor him not only as the husband of My Lady, not just as the All-Father who rules from Asgard, but also as an entity far greater and wiser than myself.
I honor Frigga because she showed me her face in a time when I needed aid to see me through my second pregnancy and first birth of a live baby. She came to me and helped me through long nights and wrapped me in her love when I needed rest. She hasn't always been so comforting - there have been times her words have been sharp and she has given me no room to squirm out of what I have to do in order to be the very best mother, devotee, and witch I can be in this world and community. For this and more, I honor her.
If I had to choose a God to devote myself too, I probably wouldn't have chosen Frigga. I would have chosen a deity that had more information readily available, who had a darker outlook to match my more gothic aesthetic, who had places to go on pilgrimage to or devotees that could teach me and take me under their wing. Alas, I did not choose and Frigga's lore and those that are devoted to her that are public are few. I did not choose Frigga and, in the beginning, confused her omens and symbols that she sent me to let me know she was there as signs of other Goddesses such as Hekate and Juno. I struggled and yet I couldn't be happier now that things have been made clearer even if it is harder to be a devotee to a Goddess that I do not understand, that I cannot fit into a box with a list of associations on a page in a Modern Pagan handbook.
I honor Frigga and her Handmaidens, Odinn and Mani and Njord and the other Gods and spirits because they are greater than me. I honor them because in my heart I knew honoring them is right and good. I can't make anyone else feel that unless they are open to it and I have no desire to instill this feeling in anyone who would come before the altars of the Gods begrudgingly.
Recently, Dver of Forest Door asked Are You Up For The Challenge? Are polytheists up for discussing their rituals and practices of polytheism. I accept the challenge not just for September but beyond as sharing my practice with others with the hope to inspire polytheist and pagan mamas (and non-mamas who are reading) out there is what this blog is about. I figured the first way to do this is the clarify who I honor and worship and why. The who is partially answered slowly in my 30 Days of Devotion to Frigga posts. The why is, in part, answered here.
Orr says, "To be in company with Pagans whose relationships with their gods and ancestors are evident, who are communicating with other entities within nature’s mind instead of talking to themselves, is a true delight."
I agree. I love that Dver is posting this challenge and people are accepting it. I love hearing about the relationships some Polytheists build with the Gods they worship. Not only does reading about these relationships make me feel a little less alone and crazy but it also inspires me to dig deeper. Reading the practices of others either inspired by text and lore or by UPG, inspires me to develop my practices further. Such inspiration can only be for the better when it comes to community.
"Paganism focuses from the outset on this search for the self. However, in most Pagan teachings, this appears as the be-all and end-all, the ultimate goal."
She then points out the problem of this thinking when it comes to community, "However, all too often, the self-importance of the I takes over, the insecure ego working solely to benefit itself."
While Orr looks at this issue from the perspective of a nature-loving pagan with a focus on the spirituality of the land and conection to the spirit in community, forests, animals, etc. I looked at this issue in regard to practicing Polytheism.
Not long ago I read Polytheism and Devotion on Galina Krasskova's blog. I began thinking of my religion from the idea of pure and total devotion to Frigga and other Gods that have approached me or that I have approached within the Norse pantheon.
In my witchcraft background, I often approached Gods but almost always only to petition for something for myself. If I gave offering it was in act of thanks for receiving what I asked for. Today, I often give small offerings to My Lady from baked goods I create to flowers I've grown or gathered when out for a walk. I have given offerings in petition to the Gods since I began my polytheist practice in earnest but now I do so far less than when I offer simply out of devotion.
When I contemplated this - I often wonder why the Gods would bother with witches at all unless their petition was something that could benefit more than the witch themselves. Why bother with someone who only comes to you when they want something like a spoiled child? Not even a child, at least then unconditional love might be a factor.
While I was considering this, I came across a conversation on Facebook asking why does Paganism have all these little terms and titles like Wiccan, Polytheist, Heathen, etc. Many people explained the need for the separation and labels much like the denominations of Christianity and defined each word. I focused on how Paganism or Witch does not mean Religious at all much less Polytheist.
Orr says in her essay, "It is no wonder that many give up on gods as actual beings when they have chosen to work with a goddess or god simply because they like the list of associations that go with it. Motherhood, fertility, the wildwood, strength, wizardry, whatever it may be, we are encouraged when we find others who can confirm that Cernunnos or Hecate is what we believe him or her to be. But these are ideas, found in books and shared with other people. They are not the gods that we encounter..."
She goes on to point out similar issues in ancestor work when many pagans profess to honor their ancestors but conveniently disregard parents, grandparents, and other close relations who they have issues with either because of religious conflict or other problems.
It is inconvenient to see Gods or spirits as they are when we can easily focus on ourselves and mold them as ideas that we need in the here and now and can readily dispose of the rest.
So why should we look beyond ourselves to honor the Gods?
Well, I suppose this is an answer each person who believes in and honors the Gods has to answer for themselves.If, like me, you believe the Gods had a hand in creating our world and the things within it such as teaching us certain crafts like herbalism, blacksmithing, woodworking, how to survive harsh winters, etc - then that alone would be enough to be in Awe of these caretakers and teachers and cause honor.
I honor the Gods even when I don't feel comfortable with them. Odinn is a great example of this as he has come to me since I began working with runes (drawing his attention is often a result, whether desired or not, when working with runes as they are spirits he has close affinity and workings with). Odinn has told me I am his, I told him I most certainly am not, feeling the need to be loyal to Frigga. He just laughed at me. Odinn has many attributes that I would not like to approach or deal with magically or otherwise. These are not energies I am at all comfortable with. Does that mean I do not honor him or give him respect? No, I honor him not only as the husband of My Lady, not just as the All-Father who rules from Asgard, but also as an entity far greater and wiser than myself.
If I had to choose a God to devote myself too, I probably wouldn't have chosen Frigga. I would have chosen a deity that had more information readily available, who had a darker outlook to match my more gothic aesthetic, who had places to go on pilgrimage to or devotees that could teach me and take me under their wing. Alas, I did not choose and Frigga's lore and those that are devoted to her that are public are few. I did not choose Frigga and, in the beginning, confused her omens and symbols that she sent me to let me know she was there as signs of other Goddesses such as Hekate and Juno. I struggled and yet I couldn't be happier now that things have been made clearer even if it is harder to be a devotee to a Goddess that I do not understand, that I cannot fit into a box with a list of associations on a page in a Modern Pagan handbook.
I honor Frigga and her Handmaidens, Odinn and Mani and Njord and the other Gods and spirits because they are greater than me. I honor them because in my heart I knew honoring them is right and good. I can't make anyone else feel that unless they are open to it and I have no desire to instill this feeling in anyone who would come before the altars of the Gods begrudgingly.
Recently, Dver of Forest Door asked Are You Up For The Challenge? Are polytheists up for discussing their rituals and practices of polytheism. I accept the challenge not just for September but beyond as sharing my practice with others with the hope to inspire polytheist and pagan mamas (and non-mamas who are reading) out there is what this blog is about. I figured the first way to do this is the clarify who I honor and worship and why. The who is partially answered slowly in my 30 Days of Devotion to Frigga posts. The why is, in part, answered here.
Orr says, "To be in company with Pagans whose relationships with their gods and ancestors are evident, who are communicating with other entities within nature’s mind instead of talking to themselves, is a true delight."
I agree. I love that Dver is posting this challenge and people are accepting it. I love hearing about the relationships some Polytheists build with the Gods they worship. Not only does reading about these relationships make me feel a little less alone and crazy but it also inspires me to dig deeper. Reading the practices of others either inspired by text and lore or by UPG, inspires me to develop my practices further. Such inspiration can only be for the better when it comes to community.
Why do you honor the Gods?
30 Days of Frigga Day 10 Offerings
Offerings – historical and UPG
I am not certain that I know of any lore that is associated as an offering to Frigga. If you wanted to draw on the lore for ideas however, offering ideas could include a golden necklace/girdle inspired by the gold she stole from Odin to have made into a piece by the dwarves; tears shed in honor of her grief for Baldr and as a promise to weep for him to return; fiber than can be spun such as flax or nettle fibers or wool; a vow of silence regarding divination work...
The following offering suggestions are mostly based on UPG:
Flax is a sacred plant to Frigga in her aspect as a Goddess of Spinning. Forms of flax that might be considered for offerings are items made from linen (flax fabric), flax flowers grown in a place designated to Frigga or put on her altar, and flax seeds (alone or in food).
Birch is Frigga's tree. Birch bark can be made into jewelry, leaves and bark can be used as medicinal tea or in cleansing incense, and birch sap or water can be used as a libation. Any of these items or sacred pieces carved from birch wood can be used as offering. Consider a birch offering bowl, cup, or plate for Frigga.
I have commissioned my husband to turn one of the cut trees from our land into a statue of Frigga for me to carve and decorate for her altar (images to come).
I often bake and try and give Frigga the prettiest piece of my work. Slices of gingerbread dusted with snowy confectioner sugar, barley and flax seed pancakes topped with birch syrup, warm yeast roll with real butter, etc.
Fiber items - any fiber arts piece created for the Goddess can be an offering. On my altar I have a small skein of white wool dedicated to her that I will spin (once my skills at the spindle are a little better) and turn into something for the Lady. I am also making a devotional shawl dedicated to Frigga with crocheted squares each depicting a symbol or story that is part of her lore and teachings (more on that to come).
Offerings of course do not have to be "things." Actions or charitable donations given in Frigga's name can also be a form of offering.
Charities honoring mothers and their children are great places to give money, gifts, or time to in her honor.
Helping out women in the community who have lost a child would be very appropriate.
Knitting or crocheting caps and blankets for babies in NICU is a common act of offering among fiber artist devotees.
Learning to spin, weave, or any other fiber work can be done to honor Frigga as this is an act that she presides over. Taking this a step further and participating or starting a spinning group, guild, etc could also be done in Her name.
Writing devotional pieces such as songs, prayers, poems, stories, etc as well as creating art pieces for her is a fantastic act of devotion.
I am sure there are other ideas out there.
I am not certain that I know of any lore that is associated as an offering to Frigga. If you wanted to draw on the lore for ideas however, offering ideas could include a golden necklace/girdle inspired by the gold she stole from Odin to have made into a piece by the dwarves; tears shed in honor of her grief for Baldr and as a promise to weep for him to return; fiber than can be spun such as flax or nettle fibers or wool; a vow of silence regarding divination work...
The following offering suggestions are mostly based on UPG:
 |
| Scarlet Flax flowers in altar flower box between 3 birch trees |
Birch is Frigga's tree. Birch bark can be made into jewelry, leaves and bark can be used as medicinal tea or in cleansing incense, and birch sap or water can be used as a libation. Any of these items or sacred pieces carved from birch wood can be used as offering. Consider a birch offering bowl, cup, or plate for Frigga.
I have commissioned my husband to turn one of the cut trees from our land into a statue of Frigga for me to carve and decorate for her altar (images to come).
I often bake and try and give Frigga the prettiest piece of my work. Slices of gingerbread dusted with snowy confectioner sugar, barley and flax seed pancakes topped with birch syrup, warm yeast roll with real butter, etc.
Fiber items - any fiber arts piece created for the Goddess can be an offering. On my altar I have a small skein of white wool dedicated to her that I will spin (once my skills at the spindle are a little better) and turn into something for the Lady. I am also making a devotional shawl dedicated to Frigga with crocheted squares each depicting a symbol or story that is part of her lore and teachings (more on that to come).
 |
| Art as offering |
Offerings of course do not have to be "things." Actions or charitable donations given in Frigga's name can also be a form of offering.
Charities honoring mothers and their children are great places to give money, gifts, or time to in her honor.
Helping out women in the community who have lost a child would be very appropriate.
Knitting or crocheting caps and blankets for babies in NICU is a common act of offering among fiber artist devotees.
Learning to spin, weave, or any other fiber work can be done to honor Frigga as this is an act that she presides over. Taking this a step further and participating or starting a spinning group, guild, etc could also be done in Her name.
Writing devotional pieces such as songs, prayers, poems, stories, etc as well as creating art pieces for her is a fantastic act of devotion.
I am sure there are other ideas out there.
What sort of offerings do you give your Gods?
Friday, September 9, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 9 Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes Regarding Frigga
1. Frigga is the mother of Thor and Loki
No. No no no no no. Just no.This misconception is based on the comic and movies Thor and is a mistake that never ceases to irritate me.
As you can read in Day 5's genealogical layout, Frigga's children are Baldr and Hodr (some say that Hermond and Bragi might be there sons too). Thor is her husband's son with Jord. Loki is the son of Frost Giants.
The most irritating part of this is relating Loki to Frigga as her son while he is actually the one who plotted the death of her favorite son Baldr - who wouldn't be offended by that? It would be similar to saying Judas was the son of Mary.
2. Frigga and Freya are the same Goddess
This misconception arises from modern Heathens and scholars studying ancient language and the lore.The words Frigga and Freya not only sound similar but have similar meanings of Love, Lady-ship, and Beauty. Both are also wives of Odinn (Odr is believed to be an epithet of Woden) and both are seers, work with pregnancy, and are daughters of Earth goddesses according to lore.
There the commonality stops.
When I asked Frigga about her and Freya she said "that elfin creature?"
Thursday, September 8, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 8 Aspects
Variations on this deity (aspects, regional forms, etc.)
While some might suggest that Frigga and Freya are the same goddess, I don't agree but that is a discussion for another time.
I do think, however, that Frau Holle/Hulda is another aspect of Queen Frigga.
Much as the Holly Kind or Father Christmas is another form of Odin, Frau Holle is the wintry, elderly form of Frigga.
Holle, like Frigga, is a hearth Goddess who watches over women, children, and domestic arts such as spinning. Also like Frigga, Holle is kind to those who are diligent and take care while being stern and punishing those that are lazy, negligent, etc.
My association of Frigga with Holle was strengthened when I did a meditation that led to a visitation with Frigga that I talk about on this blog Here.
Resources
Holda's Shrine
While some might suggest that Frigga and Freya are the same goddess, I don't agree but that is a discussion for another time.
Much as the Holly Kind or Father Christmas is another form of Odin, Frau Holle is the wintry, elderly form of Frigga.
Holle, like Frigga, is a hearth Goddess who watches over women, children, and domestic arts such as spinning. Also like Frigga, Holle is kind to those who are diligent and take care while being stern and punishing those that are lazy, negligent, etc.
My association of Frigga with Holle was strengthened when I did a meditation that led to a visitation with Frigga that I talk about on this blog Here.
Resources
Holda's Shrine
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 7 Epithets
Names & Epithets
Frigga's name means "beloved", and it is cognate to several Indo-European words, variously meaning "to marry", "to love", "wife", and "beloved lady".
To read some of her better known names and epithets, please read my post:
35 Adorations to Frigga
Frigga's name means "beloved", and it is cognate to several Indo-European words, variously meaning "to marry", "to love", "wife", and "beloved lady".
To read some of her better known names and epithets, please read my post:
35 Adorations to Frigga
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
30 Days of Frigga: Day 6
Day 6: Other Related Deities and Entities Associated with this Deity
Yesterday we discussed deities that were directly related to by blood or marriage to Frigga. Today I write about deities that are associated with Frigga through friendship or service.
Frigga has 12 (or 13 depending on source) Handmaidens
Handmaidens could also be called Ladies in Waiting or simply Companions to Frigga.
I believe Lofn's Bard explains it best:
"A Lady-in-Waiting is not a maid or servant, rather a companion and confidante, chosen by the princess or queen from the upper nobility (such as a duchess) or from close childhood friends (usually a sister or cousin). They go where the Queen goes, having freedom of visit to the Queen’s bedchamber, help in choosing clothing for events, receive and answer messages on behalf of their mistress, keep her informed of events and gossip, supervise servants, and discreetly relay messages. They are typically proficient in etiquette, languages, dance, music making, horse riding, painting, embroidery and other queenly pastimes. In Britain, the highest titles they bear are Lady of the Bedchamber and Mistress of the Robes."
So these goddesses should not be considered servants of Frigga but merely lower ranking goddesses that she has in her court as companions.
In my personal experience at Fensalir, I have come across her Handmaidens (note, I spell this capitalized when referring to the Goddess Handmaidens but do not do so when I refer to earthly handmaidens like myself) and usually see them about their work. When I have spoken to them it is at Frigga's bidding - she has made it clear to me that she wishes me to become very well acquainted with each of them and venerate them as I do her.
These Handmaidens usually number 12 and are associated with the zodiac and hours of the day. I have also seen them number 13 and associated with the 13 moons of the year though most refer to 12. That being said I believe that there are more than 13 but understand the desire to number 12 for association and correspondences purposes. Those named in her retinue include:
Lofn's Bard is a great blog that has stories inspired by what lore we have of the handmaidens as well as the author's personal experiences.
Yesterday we discussed deities that were directly related to by blood or marriage to Frigga. Today I write about deities that are associated with Frigga through friendship or service.
Frigga has 12 (or 13 depending on source) Handmaidens
Handmaidens could also be called Ladies in Waiting or simply Companions to Frigga.
I believe Lofn's Bard explains it best:
"A Lady-in-Waiting is not a maid or servant, rather a companion and confidante, chosen by the princess or queen from the upper nobility (such as a duchess) or from close childhood friends (usually a sister or cousin). They go where the Queen goes, having freedom of visit to the Queen’s bedchamber, help in choosing clothing for events, receive and answer messages on behalf of their mistress, keep her informed of events and gossip, supervise servants, and discreetly relay messages. They are typically proficient in etiquette, languages, dance, music making, horse riding, painting, embroidery and other queenly pastimes. In Britain, the highest titles they bear are Lady of the Bedchamber and Mistress of the Robes."
So these goddesses should not be considered servants of Frigga but merely lower ranking goddesses that she has in her court as companions.
In my personal experience at Fensalir, I have come across her Handmaidens (note, I spell this capitalized when referring to the Goddess Handmaidens but do not do so when I refer to earthly handmaidens like myself) and usually see them about their work. When I have spoken to them it is at Frigga's bidding - she has made it clear to me that she wishes me to become very well acquainted with each of them and venerate them as I do her.
These Handmaidens usually number 12 and are associated with the zodiac and hours of the day. I have also seen them number 13 and associated with the 13 moons of the year though most refer to 12. That being said I believe that there are more than 13 but understand the desire to number 12 for association and correspondences purposes. Those named in her retinue include:
- Fulla (Frigga's right hand woman and often referred to as a "sister" or as a lover and I believe her to be the latter)
- Gna (the messenger of the gods who I often witness in a hurry with boyish short hair, often wearing reds browns and blacks in almost industrial or militant look and carrying a messenger bag)
- Eir (The healer of the gods)
- Gefion (Goddess of hardworking, independent women)
- Hlin (the protector and source of refuge)
- Hulda (this is not a traditionally named Handmaiden and could be a reference to Frau Holle who I see as a mask of Frigga)
- Lofn (Protectress of forbidden love)
- Saga (the historian and story teller)
- Sjofin (companion of children and young maidens)
- Snotra (Lady of hospitality and learning, a listener)
- Syn (gate keeper, goddess of the doorway and boundaries)
- Var ("Vower" Oath-keeper)
- Vor (the seer)
Resources:
Northern Pagan Tradition Handmaidens ShrineLofn's Bard is a great blog that has stories inspired by what lore we have of the handmaidens as well as the author's personal experiences.
Monday, September 5, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 5 Genealogy
Members of the family – genealogical connections
The following is what I was able to figure up from the Lore
Frigga is the daughter of Fjorgynn which, according to some, is an epithet for the goddess Jord who, like Nerthus, is considered an Earth Goddess. (If Jord is her mother, then she is also half sister to Odin's son Thor.)
Wife of Odin who she had 2 sons with - Baldr and Hodr.
Baldr married Nanna and bore no children before they died.
Some lore mentions Fulla as Frigga's sister, however, from my own experiences *UPG warning* Fulla is Frigga's companion and lover.
The following is what I was able to figure up from the Lore
Frigga is the daughter of Fjorgynn which, according to some, is an epithet for the goddess Jord who, like Nerthus, is considered an Earth Goddess. (If Jord is her mother, then she is also half sister to Odin's son Thor.)
Wife of Odin who she had 2 sons with - Baldr and Hodr.
Baldr married Nanna and bore no children before they died.
Some lore mentions Fulla as Frigga's sister, however, from my own experiences *UPG warning* Fulla is Frigga's companion and lover.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 4 Favorite Myths
A favorite myth or myths of this deity
I believe my favorite stories of Frigga are those that show her relationship with Odin as they often portray her as a partner equal to him especially when it comes to wits and sneakiness.
Frigga and the Long-beards
When the warring tribes - the Lombards and the Vandals - were fighting over new land, Odin favored the Vandals and Frigga favored the Lombards. From the beginning this sounds like a game of chess with the wits of the gods evenly matched on the battlefield.
Frigga tried to persuade Odin to her side and he, thinking he was being clever and could avoid fighting with his wife and still grant victory to his favorite tribe, declared that he would use all his powers to grant the victory to the first tribe that he saw upon awakening, and slept secure in the knowledge that his bed was facing the Vandals and he was sure to see them first.
While he slept, however, Frigga concocted a plan to outwit her husband. She gathered up the women of the Lombards and carefully combed their hair over their faces to give them the illusion of being men with beards, and placed them outside Odin's window; when he awoke and saw them, he mistook them for their men and was forced to cede the victory to the Lombards after all.
I suppose I enjoy this myth because it reminds me of my own relationship with my husband and how much I enjoy turning the tables on him when he thinks he's being so clever.
Resources
Marriage Prayer for Frigg
I believe my favorite stories of Frigga are those that show her relationship with Odin as they often portray her as a partner equal to him especially when it comes to wits and sneakiness.
Frigga and the Long-beards
When the warring tribes - the Lombards and the Vandals - were fighting over new land, Odin favored the Vandals and Frigga favored the Lombards. From the beginning this sounds like a game of chess with the wits of the gods evenly matched on the battlefield.
Frigga tried to persuade Odin to her side and he, thinking he was being clever and could avoid fighting with his wife and still grant victory to his favorite tribe, declared that he would use all his powers to grant the victory to the first tribe that he saw upon awakening, and slept secure in the knowledge that his bed was facing the Vandals and he was sure to see them first.
While he slept, however, Frigga concocted a plan to outwit her husband. She gathered up the women of the Lombards and carefully combed their hair over their faces to give them the illusion of being men with beards, and placed them outside Odin's window; when he awoke and saw them, he mistook them for their men and was forced to cede the victory to the Lombards after all.
I suppose I enjoy this myth because it reminds me of my own relationship with my husband and how much I enjoy turning the tables on him when he thinks he's being so clever.
Resources
Marriage Prayer for Frigg
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Devotional Art: Frigga by Jenn McCarty
30 Days of Frigga Day 3 Symbols
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| drop spindle made by Damon Photo by me |
Symbols related to Frigga
Lore Related Symbols
SpindleSpinning Wheel
Distaff
Queen's Crown
Birch Tree
the rune Berkana is said to be Her rune
UPG Symbols
Any fiber arts tools such as crochet hooks or knitting needlesBlue flax flowers
Friday, September 2, 2016
30 Days of Frigga Day 2 Becoming a Handmaiden
How did you become first aware of this deity?
2014 I began the journey to get healthier in both my physical body but also my energy body. I also connected with the spiritually minded women in my community. I also began to see and dream of a divine female entity who emitted the vibrations of loving mother, dutiful wife, and diplomatic queen as well as connecting to land spirits at the end of that year when we moved to the marshlands of Meadow Lakes.
Visitations from the female deity continued but it wasn't until the beginning of this year (2016) that I learned that it was Frigga, Norse Goddess, Queen of the Aesir, and Wife of Odin/Mother of Balder. I have never had much connection with the northern traditions or pantheons so it wasn't until I was researching an author I liked that I clicked on link and link and link until seeing the image and name Frigga. That was her!
The recognition and acknowledgement opened a door - more like busted it wide open.
I share this story as well as my entering into motherhood Here
2014 I began the journey to get healthier in both my physical body but also my energy body. I also connected with the spiritually minded women in my community. I also began to see and dream of a divine female entity who emitted the vibrations of loving mother, dutiful wife, and diplomatic queen as well as connecting to land spirits at the end of that year when we moved to the marshlands of Meadow Lakes.
Visitations from the female deity continued but it wasn't until the beginning of this year (2016) that I learned that it was Frigga, Norse Goddess, Queen of the Aesir, and Wife of Odin/Mother of Balder. I have never had much connection with the northern traditions or pantheons so it wasn't until I was researching an author I liked that I clicked on link and link and link until seeing the image and name Frigga. That was her!
The recognition and acknowledgement opened a door - more like busted it wide open.
I share this story as well as my entering into motherhood Here
Uruz-Auroch-Wild-Determination
While I was riding into town the other day, I closed my eyes and tilted my head up to the window to feel the sun full on my face. I was then given a vision of a pile of plain gray river stones all gathered in a pile and on top of that pile was a stone painted with a green rune:
I wasn't sure what to give in offering to Uruz. From what I've read blood is powerful but binding and sometimes too strong especially when just starting out. Finally, I gave milk. I coated the rune in breastmilk, taking care to rub some into the carved rune. That done, I held it loosely. It might have been my own pulse thrumming hard in my hands that I felt, strong and rhythmic as a shaman's drum. I closed my eyes.
I saw a herd of wild cattle with majestic horns. Dark brown fur and large liquid black eyes all around. My eyesight was strange. I had a hard time focusing in front of me. I turned my head and felt weight that was more than my own. I was one of them grazing on a grassy field bordered by mountains not much different than those that rest on the horizon of my home in Alaska.
My hackles rise and something, a scent in the breeze. I turn to see a young one fall to two hungry, lean wolves. The herd moves. We turn as one like a river of fur and deadly horn and hooves. The wolves are trampled. We lost one of ours but the enemy has been dealt with, for now.
I breathe.
The vision changes.
I stand on two feet now, looking at the pile of river stones I saw before when Uruz first came to me. I hear water flowing and see a stream ahead formed from a spring in a wall of rock. I begin to climb that wall. My hands, large and calloused - a man's hands - reach fro a hold in the craggy face of the rock. The sun is hot and I can feel sweat running down my face and back. Round my neck is a necklace made from hemp? horse hair? and beads made from bits of stone and glass. My tunic, the yellow dye faded from wear, clings to my back and is wet with sweat.
I'm breathing hard as I rest my head on the rock. I know not to look down but dread looking up. I'm half-way there.
The sun is covered by clouds and the breeze is suddenly cold. The sweat on my back and neck chills and I keep climbing.
Finally, as the sun, now low on the horizon, peeks back out, I reach the top. My legs and arms are shaky as I collapse on grass. Breathing in deep I smell my own sweat, grass, earth.
I grin, feeling accomplished as I look up into faded blue sky. I run a hand over my face, feeling the beginnings of a beard. Turning my head I see the wild cattle, one looking over me with gentle curiosity and a glimmer of "Do you see now?"
I see.
I saw a herd of wild cattle with majestic horns. Dark brown fur and large liquid black eyes all around. My eyesight was strange. I had a hard time focusing in front of me. I turned my head and felt weight that was more than my own. I was one of them grazing on a grassy field bordered by mountains not much different than those that rest on the horizon of my home in Alaska.
My hackles rise and something, a scent in the breeze. I turn to see a young one fall to two hungry, lean wolves. The herd moves. We turn as one like a river of fur and deadly horn and hooves. The wolves are trampled. We lost one of ours but the enemy has been dealt with, for now.
I breathe.
The vision changes.
I stand on two feet now, looking at the pile of river stones I saw before when Uruz first came to me. I hear water flowing and see a stream ahead formed from a spring in a wall of rock. I begin to climb that wall. My hands, large and calloused - a man's hands - reach fro a hold in the craggy face of the rock. The sun is hot and I can feel sweat running down my face and back. Round my neck is a necklace made from hemp? horse hair? and beads made from bits of stone and glass. My tunic, the yellow dye faded from wear, clings to my back and is wet with sweat.
I'm breathing hard as I rest my head on the rock. I know not to look down but dread looking up. I'm half-way there.
The sun is covered by clouds and the breeze is suddenly cold. The sweat on my back and neck chills and I keep climbing.
Finally, as the sun, now low on the horizon, peeks back out, I reach the top. My legs and arms are shaky as I collapse on grass. Breathing in deep I smell my own sweat, grass, earth.
I grin, feeling accomplished as I look up into faded blue sky. I run a hand over my face, feeling the beginnings of a beard. Turning my head I see the wild cattle, one looking over me with gentle curiosity and a glimmer of "Do you see now?"
I see.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
30 Days of Devotion Day 1 Frigga
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| FRIXX by deWitte |
Today is Day 1 of the 30 Days of Devotion I am doing for My Lady, Frigga. While today is supposed to be a basic introduction, most of what I could say about Frigga that is "basic" I will be thoroughly covering in later days.
She is the Queen of Asgard, wife of the All-Father and therefore the All-Mother.
She is the lady of the hearth, mother goddess to some, regal lady and keeper of the keys to the hall to others. Silent seer, mourning mother, spinner of wyrd.
I see Frigga as a regal lady at her spinning or talking among her handmaidens to keep order among the high worlds and Midgard. When she wants to be she can be soft and tender to those that come to her, especially towards children. I have seen her caress my son's hair and felt her wrap me in the quilt of her comforting love.
I have also seen her be calculating, demanding, and strict. I would not want to raise her anger.
It is my hope that in the next 30 days I can give a glimpse of the Goddess I adore to those that look to find her face or to see her hands at work.
Resources
Northern Pagan Tradition Shrine to Frigga
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