Finding the Fetch: Misconceptions in Heathenism and Paganism

Is this what we've come to?

Finding ones personal fetch, or animal fylgia, is something that I have been reluctant about discussing, mainly for the reason that within both heathen and pagan circles, I feel the misconceptions of this concept run deep. But it is something so very important to me as a heathen, that I feel it is time for me to discuss my perceptions of the fylgia, as well as these misconceptions.

I think part of the reason the term fylgia is so confusing, is that in the old languages, the word itself had more than a singular meaning. Often it was used interchangeably with other terms within some of the literary sources. The word fylgia is often associated with the haminja, or personified luck force of the individual. Also, the word fylgia and dis were often used interchangeably, leading to more confusing. In previous posts, I have discussed how the word disir can denote any feminine being, but is most often associated with a sort of ancestral guardian spirit which is most closely connected to the individual and was often worshiped and revered during the Viking Ages, perhaps even more so than the Gods themselves. We can see by these things alone that the fylgia functions on some level as a protective, luck bringing spirit or force which is closely connected to the INDIVIDUAL, rather than the community or society.

Also discussed in previous post was the existence of two differing common types of fylgia or fetch. The first would be the feminine spirit forms associated with the disir. The second is the animal fylgia, what is more commonly called the fetch. Also worth noting is that in a folkloric sense, the animal fetch is often a more negative omen to the individual. It is common for the animal fylgia to be an omen of impending doom and death for the the person in the old lore who comes into contact with their own animal fetch. I think that this has been the reason that much heathen thought has not been directed at understanding the animal fylgia. It has become something that most would rather avoid. But their are also instances in which magicians used their own fetch or fylgia to attack another individual, which indicates that the fylgia itself is NOT ALWAYS a portent of doom. Rather I think that the folklore indicates that to interact with one's fylgia, an individual must have achieved a level of magical or spiritual prowess which is beyond the common folk.

Which brings me to the largest misconception about the animal fylgia or fetch... It seems to me like their is a tendency within some heathen and especially generic pagan and wiccan circles to equate the idea of the fetch with a personal animal totem or guiding spirit. And also it seems like everyone thinks they know what it is, have a name for it, and it is always large, intimidating, seemingly powerful species of animal.

How many individuals have you come across whose fetch is supposedly a bear, or tiger, or a wolf? How many people have you heard proclaim their own fylgia was a sow, or a cockroach, or a snail? I find the tendency of some to proclaim a fetch as their own simply because they perceive a fancy for that animal, or think it is "impressive", well...maddening. It represents a gross misunderstanding of the fylgia itself, and what it represents.

What one needs to understand fundamentally is that the animal fylgia is a personified spiritual representation of ones ACTUAL self. Not the qualities we wish to have, or aspire to. The animal fetch is simply a reflection of our self now, and most often represents the qualities we have possessed since birth. Hence the connection to the feminine fylgia and disir, who represent the protective ancestral force we were BORN with. All these concepts intertwine as a reflection of our personal orlog, inherited from our ancestors and dependent on our own actions, each a thread in the weaving of Wyrd.

Which leads to another misconception. That every person who is heathen, pagan, or wiccan will know their own animal fetch immediately. The indication from folklore and literature is that only a magician knows their own fylgia, and can interact or experience it without being harmed. To me this indicates a certain level of magical knowledge and initiation that must be achieved. In short, it takes work. One can not become a heathen one day and suddenly KNOW their animal fylgia the next. Like any spiritual entity, the relationship must evolve. One can no more claim to possess intimate knowledge of the Gods and how they work immediately upon becoming heathen then they can claim to know and interact with their own fylgia.

Now, a bit about my own experiences. I have always been deeply connected to the natural world, the earth itself, and animals as well. It was one of the main reasons I was first attracted to learning about the Vanir rather than Aesir Gods. For a long while, I wished furtively to know my own personal animal fylgia. I wished and wished, but the knowledge remained elusive. As soon as I felt I had figured it out, the intuition would kick in, telling me" nope, sorry, not your fylgia". I became almost despondent about it. Finally I gave up, and focused soley on working with Freyja and Freyr. I decided it was better to trust the Gods to reveal to me what I needed to know and what was not necessary to know.

I met an individual early on in my path who was a devoted follower of Freyja. They practiced a self taught system of UPG based energy work, which was basically a private practice. After getting to know this person, I found them to be extremely knowledgeable about the Norse Gods and the system of energywork seemed legit. The practice itself would probably be best described a kind of Seid Reiki, with some Tantra mixed in. I would also add that while some of these practices are sexual in nature, they are developed specifically for the solitary.

After learning about the practice, I started experimenting on my own. I found that this practice was literally a revelation to me. I was able to achieve a level of trance and receive energy that was almost palpable. To be honest, the results were instantaneous. I have been practicing for over a year now and find that the results and UPG I have experienced are truly amazing. But for now, that practice will remain personal.

About four months ago, during a trance state, I had an experience unlike any other before. I felt I experienced what is commonly called traveling between the worlds. During this process, my animal fylgia was revealed fully.

And I was shocked. Because my fylgia was an animal that I would never have chosen. Indeed, it is an animal which to most is a symbol of revulsion. But even in my disbelief, I felt that certainty that it was right. So I ruminated on the animal, its symbolism. I researched its characteristics, social structure, how it interacts with the natural world. And the more I learned and thought, the more certain I became. Every characteristic of this animal reflected my own personality and characteristics. And suddenly, this animal followed me everywhere I went. It has been over four months now, and still I cannot leave my house without seeing this animal somewhere along the road. At this point, their is no doubt in me as to the identity of my fylgia.

I hope that my thoughts and experiences give you some insight and things to think about in regards to your own fylgia. Best of luck along whatever path you follow...

Love and Light

Cena