One of my first steps in approaching Germanic Heathenry has been to look at what holidays to celebrate. Up until now I’ve divided my holidays between the Norse and Irish, with the solar holidays – the equinoxes and solstices – being Norse, so this represents an entirely new approach. I believe though that its important to have a solid idea of what is being celebrated, when, and why because it not only connects us to the cycle of the year but also creates a pattern of offerings and reciprocity with the gods and spirits.
Monthly Archives: May 2014
Sommer Entdeckung – My Family’s First Walburgisnacht
The evening of this past April 30th my family celebrated our first German-oriented May Day. It has been an interesting experience so far shifting focus with the children; their questions are pushing me to clarify and have an understanding of what I am doing that I probably wouldn’t worry about otherwise.
A ritual to dedicate the next year to studying Manannan Mac Lir (along side my Gods)
Purifying Self:
Dip your hand into water, touch your forehead and say: “May I be pure that I might cross through the sacred.”
Dip your hand again, touch your lips: “May I cross through the sacred that I may attain the holy.”
Dip your hand again, touch your heart and say: “May I attain the holy that I might be blessed in all things.”
Petition Ritual:
My Beltaine ritual
This was a quiet ritual for me last night at home.
The Ritual:
What is needed: four candles (three for representing the gods, ancestors, and spirits, and one to represent the central or ‘hearth’ fire), offerings (bread, raw meat, and apples) a drinking vessel, a vessel to hold offerings (apple juice). Purifying water (I use rain water or spring water).
Renewal of my formal contract with my household Deities
I decided to do three different rituals this Beltaine, the first of which was last night. I decided to renew my contract with my household Deities and ask them if they would be okay with me studying Manannán Mac Lír for the next year. It is a huge commitment for me and so I needed to be sure it was okay with my Deities. Here is the ritual I used:
Purifying Self: