Wane Wyrds

FREJA   John Bauer (public domain) What is Vanatru?...it is a question that popped into my mind tonight. I mean I obviously know how to define it for the layperson, but what does it mean to me? What would I consider the core tenets, or beliefs of Vanatru, for myself? What differentiates Vanatruar from a Vanir focused Asatruar? I thought perhaps it would be interesting to write a post about what I believe is the core of Vanatru. {{{{TENETS}}}} of Vanatru 1. a belief in the Vanir gods, and a pledge of loyalty.          To be Vanatru, I believe it is essential to believe in the "realness" of the gods. You may conceptualize this in any number of ways, but a belief in the Vanir is essential. To be VanaTRU you are pledging yourself as true to them, it is a Prioritized relationship. This does not bar the belief in other gods, but rather expresses your loyalty to them as metaphorical kin. UPDATE: Due to some secondary feedback (thanks for leaving ...

Detail from THE HAY WAIN: John Constable  The wain is an item that often appears within the Vanir myths. It has been connected to many of the major Vanir gods, including Freyr and Nerthus. In the simplest terms, the wain is a drawn cart. It was usually pulled by horses or oxen. At some point in history, the term was modified by its exposure to Anglo Saxon and Old English languages, which explains the introduction of the guttural g, changing the term into one more recognizable, wagon or waggon. The wain was a cart used predominantly for agricultural products and other cargo, rather than the transportation of human beings. This makes sense in relation to the Vanir, given that they are beings associated closely with the earth and agriculture. The interesting thing about the wain in the Vanir myths is that it is often depicted with a ritual or religious function. For example, the only mentions we have of Nerthus come through the works of Tacitus, a Roman historian in the 1st c...

I found this book at one of my local thrift shops, and when I opened it was thrilled to see some familiar names. Freya, Fulla, Dvalin. This area is a very strange place to find fiction relating to the Norse gods, so I decided to pay my dollar and have a read. To be honest I wasn't expecting much, as the majority of most lore based fiction has left me yawning. It just seems so lifeless and repetitive. There is a fiction book simply titled LOKI I tried to read not long ago, and it would be the typical unimpressive attempt at Norse fiction. I ended up reading this book in a few hours over the night and at an early morning appointment. I was definitely impressed by the book, and find myself wishing there was more to come, hopefully there is as I have not looked into the author or any other works she may have written. The book was published in 2009 so there may be more by now if she intends to continue, though the story had a bit of a wrapped up ending it may not be likely. PLOT ...

I really hope I am not boring everyone with the soul searching lately, it just seems like at this moment in my life I have been focused more on inner rather than outer working. Alot of thoughts and feelings about my past and my self have been sort of coalescing in the past few weeks, and I find them interesting. Maybe it is good to share, part of being pagan is improving the self too isn't it? I think many times we let the external get the best of our attention and neglect the development of our inner selves. At this time I am trying to incorporate these inner changes into a more holistic approach to spirituality and life in general. So bear with me if you are interested, and pass along until next time. I fell in love a few years ago, and this time it was real love. Maybe the first time I actually knew what that felt like. Its been nearly four years now with this person and if anything the love between us has only grown. Its been a greater blessing to me than I could describe....

I know its a bit early to be thinking about so called "New Years resolutions" but lately I have  been caught in a strange space mentally. I have just completed my degree requirements and am waiting for my diploma. I am suddenly left with little to fill my time and have been somewhat confused about how to fill my time. I have had a strange string of good luck lately yet have struggled to keep my mood on the up the past few weeks. I guess I am feeling a bit lost, and uncertain how to feel after completing a goal I have been so focused on these past three years. My schoolwork filled so much of my schedule, and now here I am fully qualified yet uncertain. I'm a bit angry with myself for not enjoying the moment more. I should be filled with a sense of pride and accomplishment, yet instead I am faced with a whole new set of worries and incessant thoughts of the past. I think I have come to a realization that the difficulties of my past have had a very deep emotional effe...

HEY GUYS! Sorry its been awhile but the last month has been VERY HECTIC, As I am sure it has been for most of you all getting reading for the holiday season. I just wanted to stop by to make a quick Announcement. Thanks so much for everyone who entered and showed support for my blog! I am always happy to know there are those in this world who find my ideas worth reading about! More to come soon, I PROMISE!  IN FRITH CENA

It's been awhile since I had a giveaway. I planned on having one when my followers list reached 100, but never had the time. I am now at 108 followers and couldn't be happier that so many of you actually enjoy my little blog, so its time to give back. I have recently acquired some items that are Celtic in nature, and relating to Celtic spirituality and myth. I am definitely fascinated with the European mythos, and have thumbed through a couple books. But as I focus on the Norse tradition, these items are not particularly relevant to me at the present time. Rather than have them collect dust, I decided they would make a wonderful giveway for any of my readers who might be interested in a Celtic path or are interested in exploring the culture and spirituality of the Celts. Items included in Giveaway as Follows Celtic Women's Spirituality by Edain McCoy  Celtic Magic by DJ Conway 366 Celt: A Year and a Day of Celtic Wisdom and Lore by Carl McColman *...