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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Syn (in brief)
As the Gatekeeper, Syn guards Frigga’s Hall. She also is the Defender at trials against things She wants to refute. Syn can be considered a Goddess of Boundaries and Justice.
 
In the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson wrote, “Syn, who guards the door of the hall, and closes it against those who are not to enter. In trials she guards those suits in which anyone tries to make use of falsehood. Hence is the saying that ‘syn is set against it,’ when anyone tries to deny ought.”
 
Guarding the Doors of Fensalir, Syn sees that only those who are worthy can enter. Because of this, modern Norse Pagans will ask this Goddess to ward their homes. A complex Goddess, Syn not only guards physical boundaries but also those of society. She teaches people to say no to those who would trespass on their personal limits.
 
The saying “Syn is set against it” alludes to Syn defending the truth. By refuting false accusations, She ensures that the defendant’s case will be heard. As a Goddess of Justice, Syn both guides and protects the accused. This Goddess defends those who are involved with legal disputes.
 
As the “Goddess of Defensive Denial,” Syn ensures a fair trial. With the other Gods of Justice, Syn works to keep balance and order. For example, She makes sure that Vidar (Son of Odin), God of Revenge and Retribution does not go too far in his vengeance.
 
Working closely with Forseti, God of Justice and Reconciliation, Syn upholds fairness. Together, They resolve conflicts between Gods. While Forseti acts as the Judge, Syn is the Defense Attorney.
 
Because Syn sees that the laws are upheld for all the worlds, She is the Maintainer of Order. As the Guardian of Order and Balance, She sees that everyone is treated the same. In her role as Guardian of Boundaries, Syn ensures that people keep the ethical standards of their communities.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
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 At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Snorta in brief
Wise and prudent, Snotra encourages basic civility and courtesy towards others. She understands why there exists rules of conduct. Snotra can be regarded as the Goddess of Diplomats.
 
Snorri Sturluson writes in the Gylfaginning, “Snotra, who is wise and courtly. After her, men and women who are wise are called Snotras.” In his writing, Snorri stresses this Goddess’ sound decision-making and clear judgment. Hence, Snorta presides over the rules that govern good-behavior within societies. Therefore, a “snorta” is someone who has self-control and possess civility. In fact, a snorta could be thought of as a mediator.
 
Among the Gods, Snorta mediates disputes and offers diplomatic solutions. Besides Frigga, Snorta is also a Frithweaver. As with the All-Mother, this Goddess is known as the Lady of Frith. Although Frigga is better known as the Peace-keeper, Snorta also engages with feuding parties to establish a truce.
 
“Frith,” in Norse Paganism, is “peace based on mutual trust and respect.” Moreover, honorable deeds are a part of frith. This concept encompasses kinship, bonds between people living in communities, and relations between people and their Gods. (Note 2) Frith can be regarded as piety since it relates to keeping the relations between individuals, communities, and the Gods fruitful.
 
Because of Snorta’s importance in frith-weaving, modern Norse Pagans think of Her as a symbol of female empowerment. Since She makes astute judgements, She is also revered for her intellectual prowess. These qualities make Snorta a powerful Goddess, in her own right.
 
Prayers to Snorta will result with knowledge of the proper course of action in a situation. Moreover, her prayers are answered by self-restraint and prudence. With today’s world of information overwhelming people, Snorta will guide them through it. To those who desire it, She offers thoughtful analysis and responsible use of knowledge.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2. A “frithgarth” or “frithstead” is an area dedicated to the Gods, Ancestors, and Wights.
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 At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Var (in brief)
One of the first oaths in Norse marriages is to Var, who oversees contracts between people. Var punishes perjurers and oath breakers. This Goddess is the Witness to Spoken Promises.
 
In the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson writes, “She (Var) hears the oaths and troths that men and women plight to each other. Hence such vows are called vars, and She takes vengeance on those who break their promises.” Snorri indicates that Var’s name means “pledge” or “promise.” Because She oversees oaths, Var punishes those who break their word. This is because people are expected to keep their vows to the Gods and to their communities.
 
Pronounced “vow-er,” “var” adds to Var’s Kenning of “One Who Hears Wards.” According to Snorri, varar is a private agreement between men and women. (In Old Norse, “var” means also means “beloved.”) “Var” can also be linked to varda which means guarantee. It may be linked to vardlokkur, a song to bring a guardian spirit to the singer. (Note 2.)
 
In the Thrymskvida. (Note 3), Var is the Keeper of Marriage Oaths. Thrym, the Jotun, is presiding over a wedding ceremony. He states, “May Var, Goddess, bless us.” One reason for Var hearing marriage vows is that the oaths of the participants strengthens the community as the community witness them.
“Then said Thrym,
Bring the hammer in, the bride to consecrate;
Lay Miollnir on the maiden’s knee;
Unite us each with other by the hand of Var”
 
Oaths are important for various reasons. They are first laid in the Well of the Wyrd. Then, each oath becomes a part of the Orlog (Note 4) of the individual, family, and community. Since the Well of the Wyrd holds the waters of fate, vows are a part of the threads that weave the Web of the Wyrd.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2. A vardlokkur will bring a person in harmony with their Wyrd.
 
Note 3. The Thrymskvida is the story of Thor recovering his stolen Hammer, Mjolnir from the Jotun Thrym. To do so, Thor has to dress up as Freya to wed Thrym. During the wedding ceremony, the vows are hallowed with Mjolnir. At that time, Thor grabs his Hammer, beat the Jotun present, and escapes.
 
Note 4. Orlog and Wyrd are intertwined. The Troth, a Norse Pagan organization, described the relationship as “Wyrd is the material out of which the road is built, but Orlog is the road that we see is built from that material.” The Troth defines Wyrd as “all the actions that may shape and constrain the context of our lives.” Orlog is “the particular shape of those actions which leads to a particular context we face.”
 
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 At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Vor (in brief)
Snorri Sturluson writes that Vor is “wise and enquiring, so that nothing can be concealed from Her.” She knows what is kept hidden and what should be open. Because of this, Vor is known as the Goddess of Divination.
 
In the Prose Edda, Snorri writes, “Vor, who is so wise and searching that nothing can be concealed from Her. It is a saying that a woman becomes vor (aware) of what she becomes wise.” Snorri emphasizes “the careful one” for a deeper meaning of this Goddess’ name. Knowing what is hidden, Vor discerns what She tell others and what to keep private. (Unlike Frigga, in matters of the future, Vor is permitted to tell what She knows.)
 
Because of her searching spirit, Vor is known for her deep wisdom. Her astute understanding gives this Goddess deep insights into life’s mysteries. Therefore, Vor the Farseeing One is known as the Goddess of Hidden Knowledge.
 
Shrouded in mystery, little is known about Vor. Followers of the Norse Gods say that She is the Goddess of Divination. Overseing all matters of Wyrd (Note 2), Vor perceives “what is, what is becoming, and what should be.” For these reasons, Vor is regarded the “Lady of Awareness.”
 
As a diviner, I have felt Vor’s Presence, especially when I use the Runes. Since I tend to be blunt in what I tell a querent, Vor counsels me. She tells me what to say as She guides me in the reading.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2: Wyrd is a concept in Norse Paganism that corresponds to personal destiny. Meanwhile, Orlog is defined as the primal layers of strands that weave together to make an individual. It is the relationship between the actions and outcomes of each person. The Wyrd and Orlog are intertwined in matters of fate.
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Saga (in brief)
At her hall, Sokkvabekkr (Sunken Hall), Saga drinks with Odin, the All-Father. The two Gods spend their time trading stories. In common usage, “saga” means “a long tale.” Since She is the Patroness of Historians, Saga collects and passes on knowledge.
 
In the Gylfaginning, Saga is listed as first of the Goddesses who attended Frigga. “Saga, who dwells in Sokkvabekkr, and this is a large dwelling.” In the Poetic Edda (Grimnismal), Saga and Odin meet at her home each day. (Sokkvabekkr, Saga’s home is listed as one of the named residences of the Gods.) Her home is believed to be partially underwater or abutting a stream. This is significant since water offers wisdom and prophecy.
 
Sökkvabekk is the fourth, where cool waves flow,
And amid their murmur it stands;
There daily do Othin and Saga drink
In gladness from cups of gold.
 
In their daily meetings, the All-Father listens to Saga, since She is a source of wisdom and knowledge that He appreciates. From Her, Odin learns about the past history and the future destiny of the Nine Worlds. This Goddess perseveres history and provides an understanding of everyone’s places in the Worlds
 
Saga is the Progenitor, Keeper, and Foreteller of Stories. She lends her name to the Norse Sagas, their tales of generational histories. One could say that Saga knows all since She knows the past, present, and future.
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Hlin (In Brief)
Frigga asks Hlin to protect those who She wishes to save. Hlin gives refuge to the fugitive since She, Herself, could not save Balder, Frigga’s son. For that reason, this Goddess also comforts those who mourn.
 
In the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson write, “Hlin, who guards those men whom Frigg wants to protect from any danger. Hence is the saying that he hlins who is forewarned.” This Goddess protects people and gives safe haven to the refugee. Since her name means “help” or “refuge,” Hlin keeps the fugitive from harm.
 
Armored with a shield, Hlin carries a weapon. On the battlefield, She leads the women and children to safety. Unafraid, Hlin ensures the well-being of the non-combatants. To escape peril, a desperate person can call upon this Goddess. Because of this, Hlin is grouped with the other protective Goddesses – Snorta, Syn, Var, and Vor (all Handmaidens of Frigga).
 
Another aspect of Hlin pictures Her with a long dark veil, since She is also a Goddess of Solace in times of sorrow. In the Voluspa, Hlin could not rescue Odin at Ragnarok. This is her “second sorrow,” the first being the death of Balder, who is Frigga’s Son. Because of this, the Goddess will guide people through their grieving.
“Then is fulfilled Hlín’s second sorrow,
when Óðinn goes to fight with the wolf,
and Beli’s slayer, bright, against Surtr.
Then shall Frigg’s sweet friend fall.”
 
Hlin offers protection and comfort. She saves those whom She can. For those who She cannot, Hlin offers solace to the survivors.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Gefjun (Gefjon) briefly:
As an Ancestor of the Kings of Norway and Denmark, Gefjon plowed Zealand into existence. Since She holds power the land and sea, Gefjon is the Giver of Gifts. In addition, all unmarried women go to her hall when they die.
 
In the Prose Edda, Snorri Sturluson writes, “Gefjun, who is a maid, and those who die maids become her hand-maidens.” Out of this Goddess’ many accomplishments, Snorri focuses on her care for maids (virgins), as the most important. Even though, Gefjun has four sons and is an Ancestor of the Kings of Denmark and Norway, She is considered to be a maid. This is because She is thought to be unmarried. But that is confusing since Snorri writes in the Ynglinga Saga that Gefjun married Skjold, Odin’s son and started the line of Danish Kings. Whether Gefjun is a maid or not highlights how complex this Goddess is. What is important is that She cares for the maids who come to her Hall.
 
The Sagas tell of the diverse attributes of Gefjun. In the Gylfaginning, the Goddess ploughs land into being. She is given the task by King Gylfi of Sweden to plough as much land as She could in one day and one night. Before Gefjun attempts that task, She has four sons with a Jotun. Then, She turns her sons into oxen, and ploughs Zealand from Sweden. (Zealand is now a part of Denmark.)
 
From the Gylfaginning:
“Gefjun dragged from Gylfi,
gladly the land beyond value.
Denmark’s increase,
steam rising from the swift-footed bulls.
The oxen bore eight
moons of the forehead and four heads,
hauling as they went in front of
the grassy isle’s wide fissure.”
 
In the Lokasenna, Loki bitterly rebukes the Gods for injustices done to Him. Gefjun tries to mediate between Him and the rest of Them. She counsels the other Gods,
“Why will ye, Æsir twain, here within,
strive with reproachful words?
Loki perceives not that he is deluded,
and is urged on by fate.”
 
Loki then interrupts Her with a rejoinder. He tells the sordid story of how Gefjun slept with a boy for jewelry. Shocked at Loki’s brashness, Odin scolds Him,
 
“Mad art thou, Loki, and little of wit,
The wrath of Gefjun to rouse;
For the fate that is set for all she sees.
Even as I, methinks.”
 
The All Father is warning Loki not to be so insane as to accuse Gefjun of anything. Odin explains that She knows the destinies of everyone as well as He does. Gefjun’s powers expand beyond being the Keeper of Maids and Creator of Land.
 
Finally, in the “Tale of the Penis,” the maid of the home swears by a penis of a stallion. A part of her oath is swearing by Gefjun. (This is in keeping with the Goddess watching over maids.) Gefjun is concerned with young women and their fertility. (Note 2) This Goddess seeks to husband that fertility in appropriate ways.
 
The Oath:
“I swear by Gefjun
and the other gods
that against my will
do I touch this red proboscis.
May giantesses
accept this holy object,
but now, slave of my parents,
grab hold of Völsi.”
 
A complex Goddess, Gefjun is independent in her actions, She may be an Handmaid of Frigga, but She has adventures elsewhere. This Goddess is concerned with the fertility of the land and young women. Moreover, her power encompasses the respect of Odin.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2. The oath could be thought of as containing fertility.
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Fulla (in brief)
Because She looks after Frigga’s shoes, Fulla can be considered the Goddess of Footwear. Her other duty is guarding Frigga’s treasures, which are kept in a casket. She is also a close confidant of the All-Mother. Diane Paxson, Heathen elder, says that Fulla is the “Keeper of Women’s Mysteries.”
 
Snorri Sturluson wrote in the Prose Edda, “Fulla, who is also a maid, she wears her hair flowing and has a golden ribbon about her head; she carries Frigg’s chest, takes care of her shoes and knows her secrets.” This Goddess could be thought of as “Frigga’s Lady.” Fulla attends to the All-Mother’s needs in all aspects. She is entrusted with Frigga’s well-being.
 
Fulla may be a major Goddess, beyond what the scanty lore indicates. She is mentioned often in Snorri’s Skaldskaparmal. Fulla is listed among the foremost Goddesses of the Aesir along with Frigga and Freya in the Prose Edda.
 
A hint of Fulla’s power is the Second Merseburg Charm (Note 2) where she cures a lame horse.
The Second Merseburg Charm:
“Phol and Wodan were riding to the woods,
and the foot of Balder’s foal was sprained
So Sinthgunt, Sunna’s sister, conjured it;
and Frija, Volla’s sister, conjured it;
and Wodan conjured it, as well he could:
Like bone-sprain, so blood-sprain,
so joint-sprain:
Bone to bone, blood to blood,
joints to joints, so may they be glued.”
 
(Phol is Balder, Wodan – Odin, Frija – Frigga, and Volla – Fulla. Sinthgunt is an unknown Goddess.)
 
The Charm lists Fulla as the Sister of Frigga, hinting at a close relationship that goes beyond being a “Lady’s Maid.” Moreover, Fulla is thought of as a major healer of horses. The Charm acknowledges her power as a major Germanic Goddess.
 
The Golden Ribbon, referred to by Snorri, indicates Fulla’s divinity. The Ribbon could be thought of as a crown. This is the description of Fulla’s “Snood” in the Edda.
“One may hear how gold is metaphorically called Fulla’s Snood, in this verse which Eyvindr Skald-Despoiler wrought:
Fulla’s shining Fillet,
The forehead’s sun at rising,
Shone on the swelling shield-hill
For skalds all Hakon’s life-days.”
 
Fulla’s “Snood” and “Chest” hint at Her being a Goddess of Abundance. One of her attributes is “Fulla the Bountiful.” In fact, her name translates to “fullness” or “bountiful” in Old Norse. Fulla is believed to ensure bountiful harvests.
 
My experience with Fulla is in meditating on Her Role as the Keeper of Frigga’s Shoes. Why is that assigned to a Goddess? I realized how important shoes are when my husband had custom shoes made for his deformed feet. The proper shoes assist in walking and mobility. They are considered their weight in gold. Therefore the keeping of shoes is something that I ask of Fulla.
 
My second experience was in finding a box. I had needed a place to put all my prayer beads. While I was considering what, a vision of a wooden box came to me. I was led to the box on sale and had the funds to buy it. Later I realized that Fulla presented the vision and the money to buy the box.
 
My third experience with Fulla has been in the care and keeping of my husband’s feet. She has helped to guide me and him through his toe amputation and later operations. My UPG is that Fulla does concern Herself with feet as well as shoes.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2. The Second Merseburg Charm is one of two Medieval charms written in Old High German. They are the only known examples of written charms of German Polytheists.
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Sjofn (Briefly)
Snorri writes Sjofn “who is much inclined to direct people’s hearts to love.” Sjofn could be considered a Goddess of Love. Not simply erotic love, She oversees all kinds of love. In fact, one of her duties is to heal quarrels between families and communities.
 
In the Gylfaginning (The first part of the Prose Edda), Snorri Sturluson describes Sjofn as “who is fond of turning men’s and women’s hearts to love, and it is from her name that love is called Sjafni.” Little else is written about Sjofn other than it is surmised that this Goddess guards marriages. One can regard Sjofn as a firthweaver (peacemaker). She inspires people to go beyond the bonds of romance to that of goodwill and affection.
 
Sjofn protects the relations between people. By keeping the attachments of love safe, She supports them. Sjofn inspires tenderness between family members and between husbands and wives. Touching a person’s soul at the deepest level, She matches it with an equally deserving soul. Caring and protective, Sjofn embraces both friendship and partnership in love.
 
My experience with Sjofn has been the durability of my marriage. She leads my husband and me to tenderness and kindness. People watch us take our daily walks together, taking slow steps. (My husband uses a cane.) They will stop and tell us how loving we make them feel.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve Handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these Handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Norse Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Lofn (Briefly)
Snorri writes Lofn “who is so kind and good to pray to that She gets leave from the All-Father or Frigga for people’s union… even if before it was refused.” Lofn shows the way to love for those who cannot. She can be called on to bless unions not permitted by society.
 
In the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson writes, Lofn “who is kind and good to those who call upon her, and she has permission from Alfather or Frigg to bring together men and women, no matter what difficulties may stand in the way; therefore ‘love’ is so called from her name, and also that which is much loved by men.”
 
From what Snorri writes, Lofn is the Goddess who finds a way for love to triumph. She could be thought of as the Goddess of Star-Crossed Lovers. Both Odin and Frigga have commissioned Lofn to guide people to each other in spite of numerous obstacles that lie between them.
 
Frigga has three Handmaidens who oversees love in all its forms. Lofn governs forbidden love, while Sjofn keeps the peace within families. Although not usually considered to be a Goddess of Love, Syn does judge the disagreements between lovers. Meanwhile, Lofn settles quarrels between Gods.
 
Compassionate and powerful, Lofn will mediate the affairs between Gods, Jotuns, and Others. She is best at working on the behalf of lovers facing hurdles to marrying. For example, Lofn enabled the God Freyr to wed the Giantess Gerd.
 
In modern times, Lofn has become more than the Goddess of Forbidden Love. She is the Goddess of Love in All Forms, which champions “love beyond traditional boundaries.” Today, Lofn blesses LGBTQ relationships and marriages. According to this Goddess, all love is worthy of divine protection.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
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At her hall of Fensalir, Frigga, the Norse All-Mother, has twelve handmaidens (Note 1) or ladies-in-waiting to attend to Her. Not much is known about who these handmaidens were since the Lore is scanty about Goddesses in general. Much of what is known today is by Group Verified Gnosis.
 
Eir (Briefly)
A master physician, Eir lives with Mengloth, the Jotun healer, at the Mountain of Healing, Lyfja. As the Healer of the Gods, Eir could be considered a shaper of fate. She is the Patroness of Doctors.
 
The lore surrounding Eir presents Her as different Beings – Goddess, Jotun, or Valkyrie. However, they all agree that Eir is a Healer. In the Prose Edda, Snori Sturluson writes of the Goddesses who are with Frigga, “The third is Eir who is the best leech,” (Note 2)
 
In the Poetic Edda, Eir is listed with Mengloth the Jotun, who answers the prayers of women in distress. She lives at Lyfjaberg, the Healing Mountain. That verse says,
“Svipdag spake:
“Now answer me, Fjolsvith, the question I ask,
For now, the truth would I know:
What maidens are they that at Mengloth’s knees
Are sitting so gladly together?”
 
Fjolsvith spake:
“Hlif is one named, Hlifthrasa another,
Thjothvara call they the third;
Bjort and Bleik, Blith and Frith,
Eir and Aurbotha.”
 
Then in the Skaldskaparmal, Eir is listed as a Valkyrie. Apparently, Valkyries do have healing powers which can be used on the battlefield. However, none of the lore says that She was a chooser of the slain. In fact, Eir’s name could be translated as “helper” or “mercy.”
 
Eir is a very powerful Healer, no matter her “beingness.” She protects people from illnesses and helps with childbirth. She is thought to heal with the Runes and the Nine Herbs. (Note 3) She is said to use a white flower for healing.Although Her name is also associated with metal ore, metals are prepared for use in healing in alchemy.
 
Eir has been guiding me in dealing with my acid reflux. She has helped in choosing the proper foods and healing herbs. In this process, I feel that I will be healed.
 
Notes:
Note 1. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
 
Note 2. Leech means doctor from the Anglo-Saxon. Disease was believed to be caused by evil spirits in the body. A leech would rid the body of these demons.
 
Note 3. The Nine Herbs Charm was a spell using herbs to heal. It was said while preparing the herbs and administering them. The herbs are Una (mugwort), Waybread (plantain), Stune (lamb’s cress), Atterlothe (betony), Maythe (chamomile), Wergulu (nettle), Crab apple, Chervil, Fennel.
 
Part of the Charm:
 
Now these nine herbs have power against nine evil spirits,
against nine poisons and against nine infections:
Against the red poison, against the foul poison.
against the yellow poison, against the green poison,
against the black poison, against the blue poison,
against the brown poison, against the crimson poison.
Against worm-blister, against water-blister,
against thorn-blister, against thistle-blister,
against ice-blister, against poison-blister.
Against harmfulness of the air, against harmfulness of the ground,
against harmfulness of the sea.
neptunesdolphins: dolphins leaping (Default)
 Like every Polytheist, I have Gods from other pantheons that I honor. Early in my polytheism, Frigga came to me and said that She is the Patron of my home and watches over my family. For this reason, I have a separate altar for Her that includes amber and keys. Her Handmaidens also requested prayers.
 
I honor Frigga, the Norse All-Mother (Note 1), Her Twelve Handmaidens (Note 2) and the Disr (Mothers of my ancestral line) on Mothers’ Night (Moraneht). The eve of the Winter Solstice is the traditional beginning of the Germanic New Year. My custom of this Holy Night is to lay out a table for my Anglo-Saxon Ancestors. (Note 3)
 
What I do on this long, dark night is to bloodwalk. I move backwards from the present Mother (my mother) to the past Mother (her mother) at each node in the maternal line. During the bloodwalking, I see how patterns become encoded in my DNA. When I reach a knot, I stop. I ask Frigga how I must untangle it for the future generation. We can only do one knot at a time, therefore the process takes years. I do this to ensure better luck for the next in my line, and to change the luck for my Ancestors.
 
Bloodwalking entails going into a trance, focusing on a particular DNA strand. You move along your maternal DNA. This takes you from yourself to your mother to her mother, going backwards in time. Each Mother is a node that radiates outward. (Bloodwalking on the paternal lines goes from the father to his mother, to her mother. This is more difficult to do.)
 
Hail Frigga : Hail the Disr
The All-Mother : Mothers of mine
Guide Us : Whispering
How we go forward: Of Trials and victories
We thank You : I thank You
Notes:
Note 1. Frigga governs Asgard with Her Consort Odin. With Her Twelve Handmaidens, Frigga rules the home and weave frith (peace) amongst people.
Note 2. Saga (seer), Eir (healer), Gefjun (unmarried girls), Fulla (plenty), Sjofn (love), Lofn (forbidden love), Var (oaths), Vor (wisdom), Syn (truth), Hlin (protector), Snorta (diplomacy), Gna (travelers).
Note 3. They requested that I keep an altar to them. Since Mothers’ Night occurs during Saturnalia, the Roman Gods have made room for Them.

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