It's for the birds...

When I became a heathen, one of the first things I noticed was the amount of bird lore contained in the Norse myths. Freyja's falcon cloak, Hugin and Munin, the Eagle and the Hawk in Yggdrasil's branches, even the corpse devouring birds of Hel, just a few examples of the prevalence of bird Lore contained in the myths. They all spoke to me of a complex association between the Nine worlds, and in my perspective of vital importance to understanding the myths themselves.

To me the bird is creature between worlds, or rather, a creature that can in some sense cross the boundaries between worlds freely. Many cultures across the globe view the bird as a hybrid, able to access both the earthly realms as well as the sky realms. Some see the bird as a messenger of the Gods, or even as a fetch for man's soul. I know the feeling well enough, being that my own fylgia is a creature of the sky.

So, continuing, one of my primary ways of connecting to nature as a heathen, and honoring the gods and wights, has been care for, feed, and look after the birds in my area. I live in a fairly rural setting, and for me it is the simplest way to do so without getting crazy looks from my bible thumping neighbors. It has also become one of the more rewarding mundane yet spiritual ways I have connected to the wights of my land, and a simple one that I think can have a value for any heathen.

I feed them, I give them water, I leave them treats, I make them houses and give them shelter. And in return I feel they look after this place, and bring a sense of peace and joy with them. Since I have been caring for them, I have acquired a mated pair of barn swallows who have made their nest in the rafters of our front porch. For two years now they have returned to their nest, and I am told they will probably do so for the remainder of their lives. A potent reminder of the values of loyalty and ties that bind us all together, each day walking out the door, and many times hearing the tiny tweets of their little ones.

I thought I would share a recipe for my feathered friends today, one that I made as treat for them this morning. I encourage anyone to leave them a small gift of food every once in awhile, for you never know who it may truly be, wearing the falcon skin...

Yggdrasil's Bounty Bird Suet

5 parts oats or granola

2 parts Bird seed

1 part dried berries

1 part crushed nuts

1 part lard/grease/or suet

2 parts peanut butter

a squirt of honey

suet mold

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.

Add lard, peanut butter, and honey. Mix. (Best with hands)

Recipe may be altered until desired consistency is reached, you want the mix thick enough to shape into cakes and stay whole, not crumbly or overly wet.

Place in mold (I use a leftover plastic one from a package of store bought bird suet) or shape into cakes. Place in freezer to chill.

When hardened, place in suet hanger, or other hanging bird feeder, or simply leave out near the a tree. Trust me the birds will find them! lol

Love and Light

Cena