bloodteethandflame

A life in threes

Month for Loki: Fourth

Lately, I’ve had runes on my mind, especially in terms of expanding upon the layered meanings held by the runes in Loki’s name, and this post concerns the newest thoughts I’ve had concerning Laguz.

As I’ve written before, the changing flow of water invoked by the rune Laguz is very representative of Loki’s shape-shifting abilities

More literally, one may recall how Loki takes the form of the salmon that swims to the source of waterfall, but more often, metaphorically, working with Loki can feel like being brought down into the water of the subconscious to do emotional/shadow work.

underwater (1)(Photo: Medical Daily)

This is yet another aspect of His purview that I believe can be symbolized by the Laguz in His name.

At least, this has been my path with Him, and one that I find especially evocative in the following poem, written by Jacob Ibrag

Deeper

It feels like sinking.

Like you’re trying to break the waters

surface with every kick your body delivers.

You remember that panic causes

more panic so you try to remain placid.

Deeper.

You think about love and if you really

had it.

If it was really love then why hasn’t it lasted?

Maybe if it was real love, you would’ve

already been found.

And if it was real love, how could it ever die out?

Deeper.

You try forming

a symbiotic relationship with the water, letting it take you so you can become a part of it.

You’ve always belonged here.

Deeper.

You let go, giving up the fight.

Remembering

that it was all in your head as you wake up in the middle of the night.

~~~

Month for Loki: Third

Laguz I surrender to the depth and the flow
Othala I surrender to that which encompasses all [the Norns know]
Kenaz I surrender to the flame that roars and sings
Isa I surrender to the stillness at the beginning and the end of all things

 

Lokirunes

Month for Loki: Second

You might be wondering: Why offer Loki coffee as opposed to something else?

The answer is simple – I believe that the Gods appreciate anything offered to Them in the spirit of joy.

And since I enjoy a good cup of coffee every morning, Loki enjoys a cup of coffee right along with me.

Though I will admit that Loki’s cup of coffee is a little bit different than mine, for various reasons, of which I will explain below.

~~~

There is much magic to be found in everyday activities as well as there are magickal properties associated with many common foods, drinks and spices that you may already have in your kitchen, such as

COFFEE: Many folks drink (and appreciate!) coffee for its caffeine kick, but did you know that coffee is a substance that can also be used in summoning and attraction magick? An offering of coffee can be given to spirits and Deities to summon/attract Their attention and encourage spiritual interaction.

As well, MILK (and its associate, CREAM) is one of the best ingredients for spells used to summon nurturing energy into a working, and its addition to an offering attracts prosperity, healing and protection. In some cultures, such as in India and the Middle East, milk is offered to Deity if one seeks to invite Divine consciousness into one’s life.

As one might suspect, adding SUGAR to an offering can be used to ‘sweeten up’ any magickal effects, and adds to the attraction factor. (CINNAMON can be added to bring quick luck and sharpen communication between the giver and the receiver, especially if requests are being made.)

VANILLA can be added to further ‘sweeten’ and inspire/signify love and romantic feelings. As well, vanilla can be used to engender feelings of security and foster honesty between two parties (which again, is super helpful if I have a question or a request to make!)

And finally, WHISKEY has magickal properties as well, and I add a bit of it to most of my daily coffee offerings to Loki as whiskey is an offering that the Anglo-Saxons believed drew people together in friendship and eased communication between beloved friends.

After adding some (and sometimes all) of the above ingredients to the cup, I stir it all up clockwise, while saying His name over the cup: Loki, this is for You…

 (Next, if necessary, I’ll ask a question, or make a request.)

And then, as with any ritual, I end this offering ritual with my thanks and gratitude as I place it on His altar

So there you have it, my daily offering to Loki is a cup of coffee full of magickal intent!

Month for Loki: First

Happy July!

Photo for interest only.

(His name isn’t Loki; it’s Butterscotch.)

Thought.

It’s true.

Sixth

Six years ago today, I said, Yes. I will.

QOTD: Valentine.

“I still believe romantic love is the coolest thing that happens on this planet … But I won’t believe the lies that show up in their absence. I won’t believe there must be something wrong with me. I won’t believe that everyone eventually walks away. I won’t believe the shame of past mistakes. I refuse to focus only on what’s missing.

My heart is working even now. My heart can be a force for good even now. Most of all, I will still participate in loving people and in being loved by other people. This world needs my love. And this world needs your love too.”

– Jamie Tworkowski, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to suck, To Write Love on Her Arms

A chilling interruption.

This afternoon, while I was working on a piece of embroidery for a customer, I was listening to a podcast that advertises itself as a collection of chilling horror tales.

As well, I was listening to this podcast by using wireless headphones, in an effort to block out the sounds of my husband watching tv (loudly) in the nearby living room.

Things seemed to be going well enough, and though I hadn’t reached a tale yet that I’d found particularly chilling, the one that I’d been in the middle of listening to did have a lot of dramatic pauses, such as:

“I was standing there, staring into the gloom of the basement

when I suddenly saw the shadow of what looked like

a large disheveled man on the other side of the room.

Something felt wrong, I thought to myself

as I watched, terrified,

as this man began to move toward me!

And as he moved closer, I realized that his face appeared …

sunken, broken, deformed in some hideous way…

and suddenly, his mouth opened as if to speak

and he said…

BATTERY LOW

chimed my headphones, to notify me – just before they shut down – that I need to plug in to recharge them!

 

 

 

Though I do wonder what that poor disheveled man had to say.

 

Stay tuned!

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