Odin

Odin is a principal deity in Norse mythology, associated with wisdom, war, magic, poetry, and death. Often depicted as an old, wise man with a long beard, wearing a cloak and hat, and accompanied by his ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), he embodies the qualities of knowledge, leadership, and the pursuit of wisdom at any cost.

Originating from Norse mythology, Odin is the Allfather, the chief of the Aesir gods, and the father of many gods, including Thor and Baldr. He is known for his relentless quest for knowledge and wisdom, which led him to sacrifice his eye at the Well of Mimir and hang himself on the World Tree, Yggdrasil, to gain the knowledge of the runes. Odin is also a god of war and death, often associated with the berserkers and the slain warriors of Valhalla.

Odin embodies properties of wisdom, knowledge, war, magic, and death. He represents the relentless pursuit of wisdom, the strategic aspects of war, the power of magic and runes, and the acceptance of sacrifice for greater knowledge. Invoking his energy can bring about profound wisdom, protection in battle, and guidance in magical practices.

Herbs and plants associated with Odin include ash, yew, juniper, and mugwort. These plants symbolize protection, knowledge, and connection to the spirit world. They are often used in rituals to invoke his blessings for wisdom, protection, and magical insight.

Crystals connected to Odin include black obsidian, amethyst, and smoky quartz. These stones resonate with his energies of protection, wisdom, and transformation, promoting deep insight, spiritual protection, and grounding. They are used in rituals to enhance wisdom, provide protection, and connect with his powerful presence.

Odin’s elemental correspondences are Air and Fire, reflecting his connection to intellect, communication, and the transformative power of magic and war. The Air element emphasizes intellect, communication, and the pursuit of knowledge, while the Fire element symbolizes action, transformation, and the fierce aspects of war.

Odin is linked to the celestial body Mercury, symbolizing his association with communication, intellect, and travel. Mercury’s energy aligns with Odin’s influence over wisdom and knowledge, making Wednesdays (Mercury’s day) particularly potent for working with his energy.

His zodiac associations include Gemini and Scorpio. Gemini represents qualities of communication, intellectual curiosity, and adaptability, while Scorpio embodies transformation, mystery, and the exploration of hidden depths. Working with his energy during these astrological seasons can enhance intellectual pursuits, transformation, and the exploration of mystical knowledge.

The times most auspicious for invoking Odin include the new moon, times of seeking knowledge or protection, and during magical practices involving runes or divination. These periods align with his domain over wisdom and magic, making them ideal for connecting with his energy.

In rituals, tools such as runes, a spear (symbolizing Gungnir, his spear), and representations of ravens are used to invoke Odin’s presence. Offerings of mead, bread, and meat are traditional ways to honor him. Rituals often involve lighting candles, using herbs and crystals associated with wisdom and protection, and reciting prayers or invocations to seek his blessings for knowledge, protection, and magical insight. Meditating on themes of sacrifice, wisdom, and the pursuit of knowledge, or engaging in practices such as rune casting or studying ancient texts, can also deepen the connection to his wise and powerful energies.