The Roads of Hel

It is more often written about, when referring to Winter, to discuss and focus on our maintaining and cultivating of light and fire (physical and metaphysical) in the home, family, and soul etc… We know of many Northern European customs, such as inviting the evergreen into our home during the Yule season, surrounding ourselves with family, song, and good cheer. All of this was done to maintain an “internal fire” within individuals and the “greater individual” of the community, combating an otherwise dark, uncertain, and gloomy part of the year. Symbols of hope, life, and fertility surround us while the Earth sleeps outside. However, this drive for “coziness” must also be mixed with an embrace for the bitter forces of Winter. The less spoken of, and less practically applicable operation in the modern world, is our need to mimic this cycle in its’ “darker” or more unseen aspects.

Winter must be internalized and used for “dark” magic. Acts and meditations that make us look inward and transform ourselves must be sought after and certain rites must be carried out. Chtonic indulgences and deep introspection must be undergone as we walk the roads of Hel within. All intensive personal work and external “curse” work should be done in the Winter; get rid of all your baggage, attachments, and rise anew with Spring, rejuvenated. The Winter is a time (and test) to impose our higher Will upon our internal canvas, “setting the bar,” so to speak, on our future self. While things are harsh outside, we must be harsh inside, becoming that which we see as our higher self, emerging victorious with the Sun. Unfetter yourself and your soul; heal the Hamingja.