Wane Wyrds

The Temple of Uppsala was one of the foremost religious sites historically for the Norse pagans, and by examining it's material and literary records, many aspects of Norse Paganism and the old Heathen traditions can be better understood. It is located in a place called Gamla Uppsala or "Old Uppsala" on the cultivated river valley on the River Fyris in Sweden. Photograph of Uppsala Site in modern times, attributed to OlofE This town was once a religious center for the Norse, as well as a governmental one. The written record describes various traditional religious occasions and celebrations which occurred there throughout the year. Uppsala was the residence of the legendary Yngling line of Swedish kings which are spoken of in myth and saga. Many literary references claim that Uppsala was among the last areas to be converted to Christianity in the 11th century, and the people there were very much opposed to the loss of their pagan ways. Many of the accounts le...

"Freyja Wandering" Amber is an organic gem, which is created over hundreds of thousands of years. Amber itself is actually simply solidified tree sap, which is why one often finds inclusions and organic objects and small creatures such as insects inside. It is the softest gemstone on earth in its solidified state, and if place in fire will eventually melt, releasing a fragrant scent which is common enough that most would recognize it immediately. For a Vanatru like myself, the gemstone of Amber is also connected to the Goddess Freyja herself. Baltic amber is some of the most sought after amber in the world, often washing up on the Baltic shores, in a myriad of colors such as cherry, green, yellow, and the commonly known traditional buttery copper color we call amber. Though the etymology is uncertain, both amber and gold are known as Freyja's tears, and many modern day followers of the Goddess Freyja choose to wear this stone in honor of her. Amber is called Fre...