A lot of people these days are hungry for community, camaraderie, freedom, tribe, etc…
These are all good things to want and to ultimately strive for; especially when paired with a regular sacrificing of everything that doesn’t align itself with this vision.
However, for those who are seeking for this “group,” it is wise to not only find the correct group or collective to engage with, but when we do, the most important thing is not to ask “what this group can do for me,” but rather, “why does the particular group need me to become a part of it?”
If you can answer the second part easily, you will have no issue in your ascension within any group. If you can’t, you will have to acquire this sense on your own if you wish to gain importance within said group.
As the path of Odin, Shiva, Socrates, Lucifer, Buddha, and many others will reveal: authority, truth, and wisdom reside in our core, lying within us. Through the emulation and understanding of these most invulnerable and permanent forms, the essence of the Self stirring within every human incarnation, we get a glimpse into a higher, more focused, refined and crystalline sense of reason and awareness. Here is where all answers await, and where all questions of importance in time must be directed, as this is the only conveyer of truth, the eternal Self within all. This is the voice which calls the true seeker; drawing ever closer to its origin; striving to balance the earth and sky.
In this piece, I will explain how we can metaphorically link all actions, plans and inspiration to a formula represented by the three main deities of Germanic mythology.
First and foremost, when carrying out any action, we are met by a force of inspiration. A divine “spark,” if you will. This inspiration has long been equated with the wind god, Odin. Odin is the inspiring thought, drive, or “stirring” we feel before any action is undertaken. Once we are inspired to complete a goal, action, or task, the next faculty comes into play, as we move from inspiration into planning and execution.
This intermediate period between final action and initial inspiration is the planning stage. This is when the “seed(s) of inspiration” begin to gestate and grow. This gestation period is deified in the god Freyr, who represents growth, abundance, and fertility.
As this seed of inspiration grows and our plans begin to take form, we begin to move towards our final aspect of completing an action, which is to finally act with precision, force, and fullness. This aspect of the trinity is most easily attributed to the god Thor, who represents action, will, force and potency.
To quickly summarize, Odin inspires, Freyr plans, and Thor executes. Each faculty is crucial and each one fits closely with a certain aspect of society, class, or caste.
If you practice Germanic Paganism, try incorporating this tripartite system into your life. The role of Freyr can be replaced by his sister if that is your preference. This can be a practical application to philosophize Paganism and the “worship” of deities. As much as they are to be viewed as “Gods,” they also represent greater ideas and functions within the life and society of those who revere them. They are the blueprints of ascension.
Celtic Shamanism and Druidry were practiced by the Celtic tribes until the late Roman period, and even until modern day in the far western reaches of Ireland. At the very core of these spiritual practices are 3 main principles to conceive of and practice; 3 systematic perceptions of the way the Shaman should interact with himself and the world around him/her. These concepts are called by their Old Irish names Eolas, Imbas, and Dán, which I’ll be covering in detail throughout this piece. This trifold system of practices will give you new tools to venture into other worlds with; and to use to master the vessel you inhabit.
The first concept is that of “Eolas,” the Celtic word for “knowledge.” This type of learning would be to indulge in studying the Lore, the written wisdom and experience of those before you, and the analyzing of the myths of your people. The Druid, or Shaman, must be well versed in the history of the people and the traditions of his/her blood; he/she is a spiritual anchor for the surrounding community.
The second concept is called “Imbas,” which in Celtic means something like “inspiration/intuition.” This is practiced through the study of dreams, vigorous meditation, communication and offerings to spirits. This is where our intuitions, personal insights, and innate wisdom are given meaning; and we must master our internal dialogues and systems before attempting to master any external forces. The last principle is that of “Dán,” the Celtic word for something like “Gift/Poem/Skill.” This would represent how you apply your Imbas and Eolas to create yourself, your talents, and your destiny. This is represented by art, music, writing, magic, teaching, and the mastery of yourself and the universe in which you inhabit.
Small diagram of the 3 part system.
An easy way to visualize this system is to think of it as a metaphysical cauldron. The cauldron bubbles over a healthy and robust flame, and inside of it is a world that absorbs and radiates whatever is coming into it simultaneously. Out of this union spews forth creation and magic; all the while absorbing the energies of the surroundings and ancestral spirits. Through this trifold union we become true sorcerers of the Will; entering a permanent world of ascension and creation.
When visualizing this cauldron, imagine the Eolas as the Cauldron itself; the foundation of tradition and the anchor of the spirit. Underneath the cauldron of Eolas would be the Imbas, the energy and vitality that boils the Eolas. The Imbas represents the internal fire that transforms the contents within the Eolas or cauldron; the force we use to build off of our Eolas foundation of knowledge. Once the inner fire of the Imbas mixes and brews the contents of Eolas, an internal synthesis is created, which is unique to each person.
Out of this synthesis rises the Dán, the fruits and magic of our union of Lore and Revelation. This is the product of our magic; of our creation. Dán represents the skills or gifts we possess; the vessels and tools we use to make our will and purpose known in this life. Dán also represents the actions and outcomes that arise from the union of Eolas and Imbas, the creations of the inner fire.
Sun Archer : The Pursuit of the Ancient Truth. 