#freyja's arts&crafts

[freyja-official]

"I can be different, I can't be puppeted!"

I LOVE YAELOKRE SM U DON'T KNOW

I WAS WAITING FOR THE PREMIERE FOR THREE HOURS AND MADE THREE NEW FRIENDS (Siwotdalan (yt), Benry, and Neso) YOU DO NOT HOW INSANE I AM FOR YAELOKRE

[notthesomefather]

Burned wood piece of Freyja, created by Debs Burnt Offerings on etsy.

[moe-broey]

Fuck tjis shit I'm making base Alfonse my greeter again

AWESOEM......

[autumnsvoice87]

So awhile back, my purse and a few other things got stolen, including my freya prayer/meditation beads. So I made new ones. It's not quite the same as the other ones, but I like these very much. I feel this captivates her warrior side and her motherly aspects with a touch of the Maiden.

[broomsick]

I want to learn seidr but idk where to start or what resources are even valid and not tainted by bigotry or transphobia. A lot of posts are very vague, too. So I have no idea what they actually mean. Any thoughts?

Hello! Thank you so much for the ask.

Seiðr is quite the mysterious practice, which is why you must have found difficult to find trustworthy sources, or even one that could clearly define its nature. We currently know very, very little about it. What we do know for sure is that it was a form of pre-Christian magical practice, the uses of which stretched from divination to healing, luck-bringing, controlling weather and making game plentiful (archaeologist Neil Price). It was neither a force of "good" nor one of "evil", as it could also be used to fulfill malicious purposes, such as to cause conflicts or cast curses.

Unlike galdr, which was often practiced by men, seiðr was seen as a rather "feminine" practice. But as always, there have been exceptions to this: after all, mythology has it Óðinn himself, in his eternal search for knowledge, had learned to master seiðr! Though it was considered dishonorable for men to practice it back in Iron Age Scandinavia, it was common enough for a word to describe such men to emerge: seiðmenn. For this reason, neither galdr not seiðr are (or ever have been) confined to specific genders. This, I felt compelled to specify, especially since you've mentionned having stumbled upon many transphobic posts in your research. Galdr and seiðr do not belong to any given gender.

Another difference we could find in modern practice as opposed to historical practice is the means to reach the seiðrkona's staple trance. Archeological finds have informed us that the practice often would have involved trance-inducing intoxicants, which would have enabled the practionner to receive visions and use divination. It's possible for us to recreate such conditions in vastly different ways, namely, using music, chants, repetitive motions and the like.

Now, what's interesting to note is that the Goddess Freyja was also said to be a master of the art. Since she is often thought to be the archetype of a völva, magic practitionners who famously carried a long staff which was crucial to their craft. The term völur actually means "staff carrier", or "wand carrier". This means that to anybody seeking to re-construct this practice, the use of some sort of staff would be near essential.

Though the accounts describing völur and their work are sparse, it's still possible for us to make out a few recurring informations: they were wanderers (and were generally viewed as standing apart from society), which makes them likely to have had some sort of connection with the God Óðinn, and they went from village to village to offer their help and insights. When welcomed into a household, it's very likely they would have been offered to sit at the head of the table, replacing whoever was the head of house in their seat. This means that their presence was considered of the highest respectability. If you're interested in learning more about völur, I suggest checking out the Saga of Erik the Red, which contains the most detailed account of a völva known today.

Another interesting detail to be noted about seiðr is that weaving, whether it was physical or metaphysical, was a central part of the practice. After all, the Norns, who weave the Wyrd, are said to be the greatest of Seiðkonur. Another mythical element to support this theory is that Freyja as a deity seems to share lots of common points with Frigg. In fact, it's very likely the two were worshipped as one deity at some point in time, and depending on the areas. While Freyja is said to be a magician, capable of surviving a pyre thrice, famously, Frigg is more a clairvoyant master of divination, able to foresee the future. And both these different types of witchcraft could very well be considered seiðr practices! Now, Frigg is often depicted weaving using a spindle. That's because her myth has it she is the one who weaves the clouds, and is therefore a talented artist in this domain, which furthers the connection between magic (or at the very least, divination) and the textile arts. It's also interesting to note that the Nornir and Frigg have one major element in common: their ties with fate. While the Nornir weave fate, Frigg knows everything that's to come in the future, though she never speaks a word of it. This particular element of their respective stories greatly emphasizes the imortance of divination and foresight within seiðr practices.

Though I do work with witchcraft, I don't consider myself a practionner of this art per say. That's because oftentimes, the nordic magic I use takes the form of rune-carving, a practice inherent to taufr instead of seiðr. What little information we have on seiðr is unfortunately not enough to determine exactly how it was practiced, apart from the fiew hints here and there. I'm sorry that I can't be of much more help concerning this topic, but I'll link below a few online articles to check out if you're interested in some further reading.

Seidr

Seiðstaffs of the Völur

Encounters with Völur

Manning the High Seat: Seiðr as Self-Making in Contemporary Norse Neopaganisms

The double world: seidr and the problem of Old Norse 'magic'

Norse Magic: Seidr, Shapeshifting, Runes, & More

I will also suggest the book The Norse Sorceress Mind and Materiality in the Viking World and this video, which dive a lot deeper into the topic than I could. The YouTuber Arith Härger, who has multiple times stated his adherence to inclusive heathenry, has posted multiple videos on seiðr in the past, as well.

[sunny-porridge]

fics that held me softly in July

the depths - by @bahbahhh

I don’t even know how to begin describing this. I have to frequently put the phone down to let the words sink in. The prose is so beautiful, the emotions are so raw, the relationships (specially between Link and Tulin) are so profound, and the plot is developing into one of the most intriguing and fascinating takes I’ve ever read. This is truly a piece of art - and it has visual art, too! Give the comic a shot and prepare for a ride > the depths au (tumblr.com)

--

Frenetīk - by @not-freyja

If I ever do one of these rec lists and not include my dear Freyja, call the guards. I’ve been kidnapped and replaced with my evil twin sister, brand new hair band. 

It’s hard to put into words what this story made me feel. Our most beloved soft boy is dealing with grief, and what’s left after the loss.

Frenetik is, once again, part of the Concatenation series, but I think this one stands alone on its own as a truly rich exploration of Sky. Of course, it will make a lot more sense if you’ve read This is an Adjuration (how many times will I have to tell you to go read it?), but the thing that stands out the most about this story is the powerful emotion surrounding love, and loss, and change – a change that you can’t outrun, or escape, or stop, because it’s happening inside of you.

It's something that feels undescribable, and yet... It's here.

--

The Inn at the End of Time - by @musical-chan

If I were to choose one word for this story it would be haunting. It’s a very intriguing concept, sort of a Links meet, except these are all based on the one guy who broke the timeline... Several times.

Yeah, several Times.

Anyways, the execution is wonderful, mixing a sort of muted fridge horror and a levity that has left me thinking about this story from several different angles. 

Idolatry - by @tashacee and @a-manicured-lawn

After the War, The Captain is the cornerstone of progress in his era, helping rebuild his town stone by stone, but lately he has hit rock bottom. Iconic as he is to his people, it’s easy to take a hero for granted. Fortunately, the Chain has just arrived at his era, but will they be able to help him before he crumbles? Will he become a hollow monument, or are there precious stones hidden deep within his core?

Tash, Lawn, take the wheel. I’ll go where you go. And I have so many more rock puns.

The Fairy Dance - FilipaMariaKerachitomene

This series is another one of my regulars in my lists. I truly love the setting and the connections it makes between every era, every Hero and Princess, and even side characters. The main story is very plot driven and touches on heavier subjects, but The Fairy Dance is a sweeter side story set in Hyrule’s childhood, and it really sets the scene for who Hyrule is and how he makes sense of the world around him and his Princesses.

NSFW ZONE !!

The Obligatory Beach Episode - Anonymous

Listen, I don’t know what to tell you. This series made me who I am, and this entry has been nothing but high notes. Solid character development? Check. Carefully crafted worldbuilding? Check. Interesting plot? Check. Are you wondering how the mailing system works, or why the heroes can use their rupees interchangeably? The answers are all here.

And of course, well… You know what you’re here for. Truly wonderful sex scenes that go beyond the merely physical and really show how intimacy and love are some of the most powerful drivers of a hero’s journey.

Beach Episode also features a guest star that is absolutely stealing the show - not without her introducing a fair share of unexpected changes and complicated feelings. Bah.

one night / all night / every night - ocean__blue

Link and Impa, rivals as sworn protectors of the crown, both want to go after Zelda, but neither of them has any practice in the matters of love. So, they make a deal to set aside their differences and help each other out to learn together. What could possibly go wrong?

Featuring Zelda/Impa/Link from an unknown era - loosely based on the era of the Wild, but with some original spins that make it completely unique. It’s a fresh story with humor, heart and a lot of heat.

[eclipsecrowned]

i think the key to my odin is that, like dream, what story are you pulling from?

is it loki's story? his children? where odin is oathbreaker, betrayer, a murderer of children and a pitiless monster who dares to judge others as such? who judges the innocent by the sins they might commit, that he pushes them into by his own actions? the fool who chooses a future that might not even pass over the present loyalty and love he has?

is it thor's story? baldr's? where odin is the loving father, but love does not guarantee understanding? the man who makes his every step so the sons and grandchildren that follow him might have some glory, might be able to soldier on at the end of this terrible thing? who once loved them with the fury of the sun, but the sun set into helheim, and has left a withered man upon an increasingly weakened throne trying to leave something more for those to follow?

is it the tales of the jotnar? of the vanir? the clever malcontent warring with them sight unseen, or the bold warrior who met them measure for measure and made merry in warfare? who may not have his honor, but does have a boyish joy about the art of warfare even so many millennia on? who is both the viper and the general? who is like the old guard dog at the hearth you do not want to rouse now that his fur has grown grey, knowing age has only sharpened his teeth?

is it frigg's story? freyja? jord? the eternal lover, but not a constant one? the man wearied by all he has been and must be, who gives the beloved what he can no other: his weakness? the king worshiped by all, but who in turn worships at her altar? who says he loves her and means it, but he has been so many men, and there are so many women, too? who would accept the punishment for his straying heart and body, but could not survive a woman's tears over his actions, so he keeps his silence?

or is it the stories of bestla, borr, laufey? those who loved a little boy with the mist in his eyes and a desire to change this world? a young god who wanted to serve his duties well, laughing at the future as a problem for another odin? who was so loyal to his brother, to a beautiful woman, to the realm he crafted? who took the crown to serve, not rule, the rest of his father's people? is he a tragedy because that boy died hung from the boughs of the tree and was reborn as something unrecognizable, even to himself?

everyone has a different story about him. he is something different to all that meet him. hel's nemesis is frigg's eternal supplicant, and bestla's best-loved son has slain thousands of logi of utgard's best men.

[nayarainchapters]

WELCOME TO NAYARALAND

Previous I was Megan the witch, but now I am trying something new and this might help. So here I am.

For those who don’t know, my name is Nayara. I am from Brazil and I am in my mid 20s. I graduated in History and I have the license to teach. I want to expand my brain and learn much more about this area I love so much. 

History is one of the many things I love. Football was/is a big part of my life - but to be honest with you, I was away from the sport for a few years and I am slowly falling in love with it again. 

And I am a witch. I am a dreamer and being a witch just makes sense. 

I want to develop and be the best person I can be. There are many things I don’t know yet, many places to go, people to meet, things to try. I am eager to explore the world around me and the one inside me, which I call Nayaraland.

I am gonna be posting whatever I feel callled to, just because I can.

But seriously, you can expect posts on witchcraft, such as tarot, astrology, mythologies, spells, rituals... whatever I am up to. Also, I am learning about being a woman and I am loving it, so maybe I will write about it in the future. Some posts about productivity too, cause I want to keep track of what I am doing and, hopefully, stick to the things I am writing and inspire some of you. 

NAYARALAND IN CHAPTERS

9 DAYS WITH ODIN SERIES

The Calling

Introduction

Welcoming the Wanderer

Master of Magic and Rider of the Tree

All Father

Desired One

Battle God

Bale Worker

God of the Dead

God of Ecstasy

ASTROLOGY NOTES 

My Birth Chart: Sun & Moon

Astrology: The Planets and their meanings

SAGITTARIUS SUN: Identity and purpose

SCORPIO VENUS: The art of love

SOLAR ECLIPSE IN SCORPIO AND LUNAR ECLIPSE IN TAURUS - Megan’s Lab

RUNIC JOURNEY 

Introduction

RUNIC JOURNEY: Aett ruled by Freyja

RUNIC JOURNEY - Aett ruled by Heimdall

RUNIC JOURNEY - Aett ruled by Tyr

PRODUCTIVITY

2023 - BLOOMING WITH GRACE

JANUARY GOALS AND RECAP

FEBRUARY GOALS

SUMMER BREAK ROUTINE

FEBRUARY RECAP

MARCH GOALS

MARCH RECAP

APRIL GOALS

APRIL RECAP

MAY GOALS AND RECAP

JUNE GOALS AND RECAP

JULY GOALS AND RECAP

AUGUST GOALS AND RECAP

SEPTEMBER GOALS

SEPTEMBER RECAP

OCTOBER GOALS AND RECAP

DIVING DEEP INTO THE UNKNOWN: DREAMS

PART I

PART II

PART III

MY EXPERIENCE

THE CRAFT STUDIES

DEVOTIONAL ROUTINE: A PLAN

[saltandpine]

I feel like I’m missing the community aspect of my new(ish) religion. I post on Reddit sometimes, and I’m in a pagan discord server, but it moves too fast and is intimidating.

I do fandom on tumblr and have met some of my best friends here. The pagans and polytheists on here seem more my speed with sharing their experiences, prayers, art, etc.

I may start posting prayers or devotionals, as well as updates on crafts I’m working on. I’ve been making bracelets for the last few months and I was thinking I might make some prayer beads and devotional jewelry for Freyja.

If anyone ever wants to chat, my inbox is open. 💕

[sciencestyled]

Of Beakers, Butterflies, and the Time Loki Broke Odin’s Favorite Goblet

They speak of “chaos” like it’s a thing to be feared—a dark and turbulent whirlpool ready to gobble up order with a manic gleam in its non-existent eye. Well, as the undisputed authority on chaos (I’ll take applause now), I find myself eternally bewildered by this obsession with order. Order! Such a tedious affair. Predictable, stodgy, and with fewer thrills than watching Thor try to compose a haiku.

But let me tell you about the curious event that propelled me to craft a little “education” for you humans on what you so delicately term chaos theory. Oh, yes. This one had everything: a fragile goblet, a fluttering insect, and me, wielding the fine art of casual mayhem like a ladle in a pot of simmering stew. It all began at a feast in Asgard—a dreadfully tedious affair where gods waxed poetic about their latest skirmishes. Thor was on his third soliloquy about the merits of smashing things with a hammer, and Odin looked as if his eye was ready to roll right out of its socket. My mind was, understandably, wandering.

So, naturally, I thought I’d liven things up a bit. I conjured a simple little butterfly—delicate, inconspicuous, and yet profoundly troublesome in the right place. A harmless flap near Odin’s goblet, and voilà—the butterfly effect was in full swing. Now, if you’re unfamiliar with the term, imagine it’s my way of saying, "Let’s see how much mischief I can start with the smallest nudge." In this case, it was a nudge of gossamer wings near a precariously balanced goblet.

The butterfly’s wings beat once… twice… and splash! Odin’s goblet wobbled and tipped, sending a stream of his sacred mead cascading down onto the Valkyries’ polished floor. The entire hall descended into a chaos that was, frankly, art. Thor lunged at the goblet to catch it, Heimdall tripped over his own sword, and Freyja—who’d had one mead too many—shrieked as the goblet landed squarely on her lap. It was an absolute masterpiece of perfectly timed disorder. I could have cried with pride.

Odin, however, was less appreciative of my masterpiece. He fixed me with that fatherly look (the one that suggests he’s considering a lightning bolt to the head). “Loki,” he intoned, with all the severity of an elder god reprimanding a child for spilling milk. “You have once again stirred chaos in my hall.”

“Chaos?” I replied, innocently enough, though perhaps not convincingly. “It’s simply the natural order, Odin. Perhaps you’d find it enlightening if I taught you a thing or two about it.”

And thus, I stumbled upon my latest pet project. I would demonstrate to the gods, and yes, you mortals too, that chaos isn’t some unwelcome force or a pesky fly to be swatted away. It’s a beautifully complex, capricious creature, a chain of little disturbances connecting everything in unexpected, deliciously absurd ways. Even the flap of a butterfly’s wings—or, say, a little nudge near a goblet—can set in motion a dazzling series of events.

So I crafted a delightful little video (oh, don’t look so shocked; I’m not above a bit of filmmaking) to share the hidden wonders of chaos. And maybe, just maybe, next time you witness a spilled goblet or a misplaced thunderbolt, you’ll understand that these things don’t just happen—they’re the artful result of chaos, playfully bending the predictable until it snaps.

Now go on, watch the video. I promise it’ll make the next goblet you spill all the more satisfying.

[diana-thyme]

Oh! Me!

For reference: I am in school full-time and have multiple physical and mental disabilities.

Also for reference: I worship 19 Greek deities (and am devoted to 2 and another 2 are my patron and matron), 4 undefined deities (aren’t in modern pantheons), 1 Sumerian goddess, 2 Egyptian deities, 1 Georgian goddess (and am a priest-in-training to her!), 3 Norse deities, 1 Roman goddess (and work with her), 1 Slavic god and 1 Slavic entity (and work with the Slavic entity), 4 demons (and have a working relationship with another one), 3 kami (Shintoism), 1 planet (whom I work with as well), 4 Celtic deities (Gaulic and Irish, mostly), and I venerate 3 Saints. I own a TV stand as my altar because I can’t fit it all on a bookshelf.

My religion is my hobby. While others do art or write, and those hobbies take up a lot of their time, I have my worship.

My regular worship is very casual. Prayers, lighting a different candle each day, and occasional offerings when they aid me, when I feel close to them, when I feel like it, or on holidays. Most of my deities I casually worship.

The only problem I have is the different forms of worship. While some are very similar and can be modified to be even more similar (for example, I worship my Norse deities and Greek deities essentially the same way), some are VERY different, like Shintoism and folk Catholicism.

Most of my worship (and even other relationships) are pray-based or based upon devotional acts. Unless it’s a holiday, or I’m feeling closer to someone than normal, or they’ve assisted me with something, I don’t often give offerings. I talk to them, pray, and do devotional acts.

The closer the deities’ domains are, the easier it is to connect devotional acts.

For example, I worship Aphrodite and Peitho. Self-care, beauty things, and the like, are devoted to both of them. I also worship Frigg. Brushing my hair is devoted to both Frigg and Aphrodite. I also worship Palaemon. Swimming is devoted to both him and Aphrodite. You see the point?

Sometimes this isn’t applicable. Apollon is the only craft god I worship, so most crafts go directly to him (or branch out, like writing going to Forneus as well, socials going to Hermes, etc.). Freyja is the only goddess I worship with a connection to cats, so catnip, playing with or caring for cats, etc. are dedicated solely to her (again, with exceptions).

I light one candle every day (or try to, at least), depending on the tone I want to set for the day and what I’m feeling.

I celebrate as many holidays as I can. This can be anything from doing an elaborate ritual to sharing a small pour of my drink.

I devote things I’m already doing to make it easier, like showering for Hygieia or taking care of my dogs for Ares.

A lot of my worship is also research. This can be anything from scrolling through their tags on here to reading a historical book or academic essay on them.

Some of my deities won’t be worshipped for a good period of time. I haven’t worshipped the kami in a while (I’m waiting on a kamidana). That’s just something both I and my deities (it’s a lot harder for me) must come to terms with. Most of my worship is in bursts, and I don’t really feel connected to everyone all at once. This especially happens when I discover a new pantheon.

It’s difficult, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you have any more questions about what I said. please ask! I love talking about this!

How do people manage having these big double digit pantheons? I’m driving the struggle bus trying to have a relationship with 2 deities

[freyja-official]

Day 1: Introduction

"You want to know more about me? Okay..."

Here he is!! I know I'm a day late to this but I fell asleep while drawing him-

My little remnant of God and Gary Stue<3

This is Freyja Kanaria, the little brother of Freyr Kanaria. He is very anxious, paranoid, depressed, and traumatized, but he does have his moments of happiness. Okay, okay- I'm gonna stop being serious for a second because I have to mention I made him the LITERAL REMNANT OF GOD ITSELF. Anyways :3

His current keyblade is named "God-ish Offering", Which is the second strongest keyblade next to the actual fucking X-blade?? I know I made him a little too op but I love him and he's grown on me-

He also likes drawing, like me! He likes to carry his sketchbook around everywhere and will literally have a panic attack if he doesn't have it with him at all times. It's grown on him :')

He's also a masc presenting Agender person who uses He/They/It!

Think that's all, might add more to him

@khoc-week

[notthesomefather]

A few of my favorite sculptures by Nadiia Maslivets.

Top, left to right: Freyja and Ran Bottom, left to right: Loki and Hel

[skydinzeal]

👑Today's weekday name is saved for Ing, Frigg/Freyja and Freyr! I usually speak of Frigg but the Runes tell me to share about Freyr. Such a blessing to all is he that he had not steed, rather a magical dwarf-crafted boar rode he! Freyr kept a talking, dancing sword originally. After gifting it to his love he armed himself with an antler. 🔭🌠💜👽✨🔭🌠💜👽✨ 95% of my Belongings/Art are Gone again!🙁 Some stolen, some thrown in a landfill by my ex-landlord (Peter J. Belitsos). The art that I gave my life to! 🔥⚡👽🌟🦋👑🌷 FEATURED handmade Talisman is one made for LUCK! 🔥👑🌷I hand-make talismans, paintings/sculptures for you or your loved ones!🌷All of my creations are made of 100s of ancient, powerful symbols! I've tested and taught Spiritual practices via my classes at NYCs Edgar Cayce Center for 10 years. 🌷🔥🌟💥⚡☀️✨ I have been trying to rebuild all my jewelry & art that was stolen when I was assaulted & robbed (10 times past few years) I am looking for a quality SPIRITUAL STORE or ART GALLERY to TRULY help with sales/marketing their work & mine! I am a rare, tireless entertainer, salesperson and psychic. I have huge internet reach and can work day and night continuously! I don't even need to eat. I have got by on hard work & skill alone, not cheating & it shows! If you would like to make a connection happen contact me. If it works out I will pay you! 🌟 A very modest GoFundMe here! Please spread the word! https://ift.tt/2aBTQCV Thank you!🌟💜🗽💜🎿💜❄️💜🦌 . . . . . . #elves #fairies naturespirits #freyja #greenman #earthgoddess #freyr #frigg #elven #dryad #treespirits #spiritualart #pagan #ingwaz #newageart #spiritualart #runes #paganism #magick s #wicca #heathen #celtic #pagansymbols #occultsymbols #druid #norsegods metaphysical #occult #norse #germanic #pagangods #magicalsymbols energyhealing — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/bfHLanV

[valdoeswitchcraft]

Intro Post!

Hello! This blog is dedicated to witchcraft. This blog will be run by mostly Tobi (he/him) and Escerne (he/him). While we will not be specifying who is posting what, we do have separate views and interests, so some posts may not line up with others. See more information, our interests and practices, and our tag list under the cut!

Information!

We have been a witch our entire life. We started deity worship over 3 years ago. We worship many deities: Aphrodite, Hades, Apollon, Dionysus, Ares, Hermes, Egeria, Lucifer, Loki, and Freyja. We also worship Prince Seere. We are an eclectic witch, with an emphasis on chaotic witchcraft, ritual work, elemental work, and divination.

Interests/Practices!

As we stated above, we worship multiple deities from many different pantheons. We have multiple altars, including a few online ones. We mostly practice chaotic witchcraft, ritual work, elemental work, and divination, but also practice many other things as well. As of now, we are very interested in spirit work and the concept of patron/matron deities, so that is probably what you will see the most. We are also a sucker for candles.

Tags!

Our ever-growing list of tags.

#spiritsgalore - Spirit Work (Spirits, Ancestors, Etc.)

#deities - Deity Worship and Work

#themain4 - Elemental Work

#spellsandstuff - Rituals, Spells, Etc.

#readingminds - Divination

#milkandhoney - Entity Work (Fae, Demons, Etc.)

#cutenessoverload - Familiars

#lore - Mythology

#cupcakesandrainbows - Baking

#dreamynight - Dreams and Astral Work

#vibes - Energy Work

#artsandcrafts - Art, Crafts, Etc.

#brokewitches - Bargain/Cheap Witch Tips

#masters - Masterposts

#op - An Original Post

#rp - A Repost

[broomsick]

Opening oneself to Freyja in three easy steps

Or: three personal tips to help further one’s bond with Freyja!

1. Look inwards

Freyja’s main “domain” is very abstract: she generally (but not always!) manifests herself in powerful human feelings. She isn’t only the “Goddess of love”. She’s a master of the passage from life to death, just like Óðinn, and as such, can be linked to feelings of mourning and loss which she can soothe. She’s also skilled at the art of seiðr, meaning she’s also a symbol of embodying and mastering one’s power, not only through magic but also through many other means— any that work, really. After making this tight association between Freyja and human feeling, one’s natural reflex is to turn inward and meditate on one’s own feelings. What am I feeling right now? Why do I feel that way? Introspection is important when working with/worshipping any deity, but this is all the more true when it comes to Freyja. Ask yourself these questions: Can I say that I am grateful to Freyja in this or that situation? Could I call upon her for help, assistance or support? What can she help me with? You might say that the process of constantly trying to understand one’s feelings— analyzing them, is a way to establish a connection with Freyja. It is by understanding yourself that you can better grasp the workings of Freyja in your life. You may even start to notice that she’s intervened once or twice in your life before, without your noticing! Plus, you will start to see the areas where she could provide the most help. After all, as mentioned earlier, she doesn’t just help with matters of romance. Her domain stretches from self-love to love of family, friends, and even strangers! She can help you take ahold of your personal traits, the better and the worse, and accept them as yours, as part of a beautifully crafted whole. She can help you to both receive and give love. In my experience at least, opening up to Freyja means opening up to others. Not because the former requires the latter, but because Freyja can help you, little by little, to perceive and comprehend human feeling, which is an immense help when it comes to relationships with others.

2. Find enjoyment

Allow yourself to explore the intricacies of the human experience! Freyja’s followers will tell you that she’s very keen on providing them with joyous moments. She’s benevolent and wants nothing more than their happiness. Allow yourself to try new things, stuff you’ve always wanted to do! Notice what works out and what doesn’t, and don’t expect new activities to go right or wrong. Simply let yourself be surprised from time to time. This is another way of being in touch with your inner sentiments. It can be hard, of course, to motivate oneself to do crazy stuff like bungee jumping or traveling. That’s why I feel the need to specify: “finding enjoyment” doesn’t need to be that complex, and intense. It can be as simple as trying to cook something, picking up an old hobby, like drawing or painting or singing! Please yourself with something you’re curious, or nostalgic about! Moreover, you can even choose to simply rediscover certain habits, as simple as that may seem. Why not take another road than your usual walk home from work? Changing up one’s routine from time does wonders for the mood! Why not treat yourself to a little something, such as a book, a candle, etc… Anything that stirs up your emotion, even in the slightest, can help maintain a connection with Freyja on a tight schedule. Especially if you choose to devote this activity to her.

3. Spread and receive love

“Easier said than done!” Don’t worry, I hear you, and I know. Freyja knows as well. What’s most important for this step is to stand ready to receive affection, but also to take opportunities to spread a little love! You don’t need to be constantly in good spirits and doing everything you can to make others feel loved. On the contrary, adopting such a mindset can become a strain on one’s personal health. It is better to take opportunities as they come! So much is enough to Freyja. I don’t think she expects her followers to be models of absolute, constant, unconditional care! “Spreading love” can be as simple as holding the door for someone who’s walking with crutches, smiling at a stranger, messaging a friend or family member who you haven’t talked to in a while and asking about them. Such seemingly small gestures can have a considerable effect on someone’s mood. You never know if they’ve been having a bad day! Another important part of working with/worshipping Freyja is self-love, though you might have heard about this before. Why not learn to accept love, both from yourself and others, as a way to honor her? It can be difficult, and it’s an effort that can even be considered devotional. Many activities of self-care are considered devotional gestures!