Over the past year or so, I’ve slowly become more pagan, following Norse traditions into pathways of peace.
For me, paganism has many similarities with meditation, and I often combine the two. Because Norse paganism is about revering and respecting nature, worshipping water, or finding a sacred grove where you can sit and meditate, breathe and be. I often meditate outside, in a local park before meetings, or beside water such as local rivers or when I am by the seaside. Because for me, nature is full of the senses, and water brings me more peace than any church. I often listen to music or drink a coffee, to enhance the sensory experience even more, and when I can’t go outside I use ambient sounds which work just as well.
I have my totems, my charms which bring me luck, which I wear all the time. I have a celtic tree of life necklace, a bracelet of the planets and another of some four leaf clovers, which all ground me and have worked their magic. Another part of paganism is about connecting to nature, and the cosmos, and my bracelet helps with this, as well as an avid interest in astronomy. I may not be able to see the stars myself, but science fiction and documentaries often help describe the images for me. I also have a miniature Viking figurine which sits on my desk, for added motivation and guidance, and its also incredible tactile to fidget with when I get anxious in a meeting.
There are many different forms of Norse paganism. And yes, some do feature crystals and odd candles. But the great part about paganism is that you can choose. You don’t have to do all of it, and you can make it your own, particularly as the records of Celtic druid worship are written by Romans so aren’t accurate, and there isn’t a specific meaning for each rune as the Eddas are not clear on what each Norse rune means. And this making it your own is helpful, particularly in making it accessible. Which I’m happy to report that paganism is, with texts often in audible formats, or available as YouTube videos, and with the nature worship being made of the senses, it comes together nicely. That and the fact that Odin in particular is partially sighted, having lost an eye for wisdom and yet still living and ruling and having wild adventures, which always inspires me.
There are many celebrations in the year, from Beltane to Samhain. I usually try to mark some of them, if not all. At the solstice, I often find a cider, toast gods and skies, and thank them all for good fortune. I often write some poetry or a flash, because the Norse gods loved a good story, and paganism is full of poetry, and kind skalds who will read them aloud, and in my words I am welcome most of all.
I’ve visited some pagan sites, although its tricky sometimes as not all are marked. One of my favourites was Stonehenge, partly because it was a wonderful place, and partly because it had been made extremely accessible; with an audio guide, large print signs, colour inversion and much more. But I also enjoyed Skara Brae, The Ring of Brodgar, the Giants Causeway, several Irish hill forts and the Dolmenes in Spain. Because these sacred sites don’t need any sight, with walls to feel and stones large enough to see, and there I feel at home. When walking round a stone circle I feel that energy, that magic and mystery, the harmonic hum of the earth and the melody of time, and they often spark my soul to write stories that are even better than before. I still have many more to visit, and Norse countries to visit, but I shall get there.
In paganism, I find myself, when I am lost. In paganism, I have found my courage, heading on longships to far away adventures. In paganism, I find peace, soothed by senses and meditation, and the guidance of old gods when the sight loss becomes too much. In paganism, I have found words and song, each enhanced by the more time I spend in paganism. In paganism, I have found acceptance, of myself and sight loss, for all things will be. In paganism, I connect to nature and hear the heartbeat of the world, and delight in its symphony. In paganism, I have found many friends, souls like me who take me as I am.
I’ve only really started on this journey recently, and know more is to come. But for now, I am happy being more pagan.
