draven-blackwood

[draven-blackwood]

🌿✨ Launching This Friday: Völva’s Hearth ✨🌿

I’m excited to announce the upcoming launch of Völva’s Hearth, a side blog dedicated to exploring Norse spirituality, history, and the ancient wisdom of the völva.

What You Can Look Forward To:

Seidr & Spiritual Practice: Insights into seidr and other Norse spiritual traditions.

Runic Wisdom: Discussions on the meanings and mysteries of the Elder Futhark and other runes.

Norse History & Myth: Posts on the legends, historical context, and rich tapestry of Norse culture.

Folklore & Divination: Stories, prophecy, and shared wisdom inspired by the path of the völva.

Völva’s Hearth is a gathering place for those seeking to connect with the old ways and deepen their understanding of Norse traditions.

Stay tuned! The blog launches this Friday—I’ll be posting a link then. Follow @VolvasHearth to be part of the journey!

[draven-blackwood]

I don't typically EVER post things like this but even at 40 years old this has to be the biggest US election in my lifetime. And this entire year I am voting for the first time after a MASSIVE deep dive on both sides...

Please do get out early and do your thing or show up to the polls on Nov 5th and make your decision! There is quite a lot at stake with this one!..

[draven-blackwood]

[draven-blackwood]

🌌 Embracing My Personal Spiritual Journey 🌌: What I am incorporating into my daily, weekly, monthly, etc practices...

Hey everyone! As I step into this exciting new chapter of my spiritual journey, and coming back into the online space... I’ve grown filled with a sense of wonder and curiosity. I have found myself gravitating toward an interesting blend of practices that all resonate with me on so many levels, and I wanted to take a moment to share what I’m incorporating into my own personal practice.

First off, Traditional Witchcraft has been a major influence throughout most of my life. There's something incredibly grounding about connecting with nature and honoring the cycles of the Earth. Whether it’s the changing seasons or the phases of the moon, I feel a deep sense of belonging when I engage in rituals that celebrate these natural rhythms. I love working with herbs, crystals, candles, and even my own blood on occasions to create spells that empower and reflect my intentions.

Then there’s Norse Paganism, which has simply captured my heart and soul!.. The stories from the Eddas, etc of the gods and goddesses, especially Odin, resonate deeply with me! Odin's relentless pursuit of wisdom and his sacrifice for the runes remind me that knowledge often comes at a cost. This narrative inspires me to delve into the meanings of the runes beyond just divination; I deeply explore their not only their symbolisms, but how they can guide/shape my life in each and every way/form possible!.. I find my most valuable strength in this connection, and it encourages me to face the many challenges in my own pursuit to unlock their many secrets!..

Hermeticism adds yet another layer to my spiritual exploration. The teachings of Hermes Trismegistus speak to the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. I’ve recently REALLY begun deep-diving into concepts like the "As above, so below," which help me understand my ACTUAL place in the grand scheme of things. This perspective encourages me to be more mindful about my thoughts and actions, as I realize how they ripple out into the world and even out into the cosmos and beyond our 3D perspective. It's a humbling reminder that we are all TRULY part of something much larger...

I’m also embracing Chaos Magick, which really sparks my creativity and adaptability. This practice encourages experimentation and the idea that belief is a tool to shape our reality. I love the freedom that chaos magic offers; it allows me to try different techniques and combine elements from various paths without feeling confined to one specific tradition...

Finally, I’m incorporating Buddhist principles into my daily life, which has been incredibly transformative! Especially since I do idle at 90 lol. Mindfulness and meditation have become staple and daily parts of my routine, helping me cultivate a sense of peace amid the chaos of everyday life! I find that these practices not only enhance my self-awareness but also encourage compassion toward myself and others (which is something I have struggled with since overcoming addiction...my patience has grown low for nonsense lol). It’s a beautiful and humbling reminder to stay grounded and present, even when life gets overwhelming.

By blending these diverse paths, I have crafted a personal practice that feels rich and fulfilling for me. I’m REALLY excited about where this journey is/has already taking me, and I am ready to share it all with you!

[draven-blackwood]

The Web of Wyrd: Understanding Fate in Norse Paganism

The concept of fate in Norse mythology is as intricate as it is powerful. Rather than a straightforward “this is what will happen to you,” fate—wyrd—is seen as an ever-evolving web woven by the Norns: Urd (the past), Verdandi (the present), and Skuld (the future). At the base of Yggdrasil, the World Tree, they carve runes that shape destiny for gods and mortals alike.

The Web of Wyrd or Skuld's Net (pictured above in post graphic) is a symbol representing the interconnected actions, choices, and consequences that make up our existence. Each line is a reminder that past, present, and future are constantly influencing one another.

Take Odin, the Allfather, for example. In his relentless search for wisdom, he sacrificed himself on Yggdrasil for nine nights, gaining the runes and foresight of Ragnarok. Although he saw the gods' inevitable doom, Odin still chose to face it, preparing as best he could... His actions and sacrifices didn’t change his fate but shaped how he met it, showing that how we respond to destiny is as important as the destiny itself.

In real life, we, too, encounter moments to shape our wyrd. Some examples:

Career Changes: A person stuck in an unfulfilling job may consult the runes, discovering symbols that encourage them to pursue a new path despite uncertainties.

Healing Heartbreak: After a difficult breakup, someone might use divination to find guidance for healing, choosing growth over lingering grief.

Overcoming Addiction: An individual struggling with addiction may draw runes for strength and resilience, seeing a path toward recovery and choosing to walk it.

Wyrd isn’t fixed; it flows with every choice we make. Through intentional actions—whether guided by divination or inner strength—we each leave our mark on the Web of Wyrd, shaping our lives and futures in meaningful ways.

[draven-blackwood]

A great source for Norse info!..

You may know his channel...but if not...TONS of FANTASTIC videos & INFO!

[draven-blackwood]

Walking with Odin

For anyone who resonates with Odin’s story, his sacrifice on the World Tree isn’t just a myth; it’s a powerful reminder of what it takes to truly transform. I find myself returning to this passage over and over, especially when facing struggles that feel endless. When Odin hung on Yggdrasil, he chose nine long nights alone—pierced, wounded, stripped of comfort—sacrificing himself in pursuit of wisdom. This act is about much more than enduring pain. It’s about letting go of anything that holds us back, about finding strength in the rawest parts of ourselves!

When I FOUGHT my way through alcoholism and porn addiction, this story became a guiding light. Facing those habits meant choosing to sacrifice what was once my escape, just like Odin gave up everything on Yggdrasil. It’s easy to think of addiction as something separate from us, but the reality is often harder—it’s facing ourselves, confronting shadows that we sometimes wish we could ignore. Odin’s ordeal reminds us that real growth isn’t found in comfort or temporary relief but in confronting the deepest parts of ourselves.

Recovery isn’t just stopping a behavior; it’s a sacrifice and a rebirth! Like Odin, I endured nights of feeling completely broken and exposed, times when it seemed MUCH easier to turn backwards. But the longer we hold out, the more we understand that this struggle reshapes us! We reclaim our spirit 🙏. And in the place of what we let go, we gain something stronger—like Odin gained the runes, and knowledge upon knowledge...

If you’re on this path, and if you feel alone, remember that Odin’s sacrifice teaches us that enduring pain with purpose can lead us somewhere real and lasting. To walk in his footsteps is to embrace our shadows and reforge our spirit into something indomitable. Stand firm. Embrace the sacrifice. Look to the Allfather for strength, and know that transformation is possible. ✊🖤

note: and for context on the porn thing...I also did do years of adult content production...which in itself was a VERY Mental/Spiritual/Physical DRAIN on each and every level!

[draven-blackwood]

Went for a walk out in nature this morning and had an awesome connect with the local 🏞️ spirits 🙏😊

(small wooded area)

[draven-blackwood]

You seem interesting. Which three occult books or authors influenced you the most, and which would you recommend to seekers?

Thank you for the ask 🙏

And the comment about being interesting...I hear that quite a lot lol. My life has been an interesting set of twists and turns for sure! Ummm...it has been AGES since I've honestly read anything. I did all of my reading back in the mid to late 90s on beginner wicca/witchcraft/etc (web 1 days and library books) and then found a great teacher who happened to follow the Norse path and learned from him for years until he passed 😢

But, I do have some books on the way and will be posting some reviews, etc on the blog 🙏

[draven-blackwood]

My favorite set of runes (Jade)

And

A deck that I created (along with the blank rune)

That I will be using in my #runes posts, including readings, the runes themselves, chakras & runes, and MORE!

[draven-blackwood]

Introduction to the Shadow Work Series: Overcoming Porn Addiction and Alcoholism

For 15 years, I struggled as a high-functioning alcoholic, and since the late 90s, I battled with porn addiction. During that time, I was also involved in the adult industry—both on pay sites and writing fetish erotica for several years. These experiences fed into my addictions, and it wasn’t until I took a couple of years away from everything to face the darkest parts of myself that I truly began to heal. It was a painful process, but it was worth the work.

In this series, I’ll share how shadow work helped me break free from these patterns. We’ll explore the emotional and psychological roots of addiction and how facing those hidden parts of ourselves can lead to real transformation. This journey isn’t about guilt or shame; it’s about understanding, healing, and reclaiming control over your life.

[draven-blackwood]

Owls and Ravens hold a VERY spiritual significance with me which I will be getting into VERY SOON with my first post on that here on the blog. I did however go ahead and make a side blog which will house these beauties from MOSTLY Reddit, but also other platforms. If interested in daily photos and videos of these beautiful and intelligent creatures from all over the net please follow:

[draven-blackwood]

FACTS! My 2 deities Odin & The Morrigan are associated with Corvids so...yea!

[draven-blackwood]

Welcome to my Online Sacred Space

In this sacred digital space, I explore the convergence of ancient wisdom and modern spiritual paths, blending practices from traditional witchcraft, Norse paganism, hermeticism, chaos magic, Buddhism, and more. Each of these traditions offers a unique lens through which we can view the mysteries of existence, and together, they form a tapestry of spiritual discovery.

Here, you’ll find reflections on ritual, mythology, and the balance of chaos and order in both the cosmic and personal realms. I seek not rigid dogma, but the freedom to engage with these spiritual systems in ways that resonate deeply with my own path.

From the geometry of the universe to the power of the runes, from the healing energy of chakras to the philosophical underpinnings of Hermetic teachings, this blog is a space to explore, learn, and connect.

Whether you’re walking a similar path or just curious about these traditions, I invite you to join me on this journey of transformation, balance, and sacred exploration.