Working with Norse Gods & Goddesses

BY NICOLE LAU

Introduction to Working with Norse Deities

Building relationships with the Norse gods and goddesses is the heart of Heathen spiritual practice. Unlike distant, abstract concepts of divinity, the Norse gods are understood as real, powerful beings with distinct personalities, preferences, and areas of influence. They can be allies, teachers, patrons, and sources of blessing—but they also demand respect, appropriate offerings, and honorable conduct.

For modern practitioners, working with Norse deities offers profound spiritual connection, practical guidance, and the opportunity to participate in ancient traditions that honor the divine forces shaping existence.

Understanding Norse Polytheism

The Gods as Real Beings

In Heathen practice, the gods are not symbols or archetypes but actual entities with agency and will, preferences and dislikes, who respond to offerings and devotion.

Reciprocal Relationships

The principle "a gift demands a gift" governs divine-human relationships. You give offerings, the gods give blessings, creating ongoing reciprocal bonds where both honor and respect are required.

The Major Norse Deities

Odin - The Allfather

Domains: Wisdom, magic, poetry, war, death, runes

Symbols: Ravens, wolves, spear Gungnir, valknut, one eye

Offerings: Mead, poetry, knowledge, personal sacrifice

Working with Odin: Seek wisdom and magical knowledge, study runes and poetry, be prepared for tests and challenges. He demands sacrifice for wisdom. Not for beginners—intense and demanding.

Thor - The Thunderer

Domains: Thunder, protection, strength, common people

Symbols: Mjolnir hammer, goats, oak, red beard

Offerings: Ale, bread, strength, protection of others

Working with Thor: Seek protection and strength, defend boundaries and loved ones, approach with honesty and directness. Good for beginners—accessible and protective. Invoke for hallowing sacred space.

Freyja - Lady of the Vanir

Domains: Love, beauty, sexuality, magic (seidr), war, death, abundance

Symbols: Cats, falcon cloak, Brisingamen necklace, amber

Offerings: Mead, honey, beautiful objects, amber, chocolate, roses

Working with Freyja: Learn seidr and magical arts, work with love and sexuality, develop personal power and sovereignty. She demands authenticity and respect. Powerful ally for magic and transformation.

Freyr - Lord of Fertility

Domains: Fertility, prosperity, peace, harvest, sacred kingship

Symbols: Golden boar Gullinbursti, ship Skidbladnir, grain, phallus

Offerings: Grain, bread, harvest foods, mead, symbols of abundance

Working with Freyr: Seek prosperity and abundance, work with fertility (literal or metaphorical), connect with land and harvest. Gentle and generous energy, good for prosperity magic.

Frigg - Queen of Asgard

Domains: Marriage, motherhood, domestic wisdom, prophecy, sovereignty

Symbols: Spinning wheel, keys, clouds

Offerings: Flax, wool, domestic items, mead

Working with Frigg: Seek wisdom in domestic matters, work with prophecy and foresight, honor motherhood and marriage. She knows all but speaks little.

Tyr - God of Law and Justice

Domains: Justice, law, courage, sacrifice, oaths

Symbols: One hand (sacrificed to bind Fenrir), sword, scales

Offerings: Ale, weapons, oaths kept

Working with Tyr: Seek justice and right action, work with legal matters, honor oaths and commitments. He represents sacrifice for the greater good.

Loki - The Trickster

Domains: Change, chaos, cunning, transformation, fire

Symbols: Fire, serpent, shape-shifting

Offerings: Spicy foods, alcohol, toys, chaos

Working with Loki: Embrace change and transformation, work with shadow aspects, break stagnation. Controversial in Heathenry—some honor him, others don't. Unpredictable and challenging.

Hel - Goddess of the Dead

Domains: Death, the underworld, ancestors

Symbols: Half-living, half-dead appearance

Offerings: Dark foods, quiet respect, ancestor work

Working with Hel: Honor the dead, work with ancestors, face mortality. She is stern but not evil. Approach with deep respect.

How to Begin Working with a Deity

Research and Study

1. Read the myths and sagas
2. Study the deity's attributes and stories
3. Learn their symbols and associations
4. Understand their personality and preferences

Set Up an Altar

• Dedicate space to the deity
• Include their symbols and images
• Prepare offering vessels
• Create a beautiful, respectful space

Make Initial Offerings

• Introduce yourself
• Explain why you're drawn to them
• Offer appropriate gifts
• Ask if they're willing to work with you
• Pay attention to signs and responses

Establish Regular Practice

• Daily or weekly offerings
• Prayers and invocations
• Meditation and journey work
• Study and devotional reading
• Living according to their values

Signs a Deity is Calling You

• Repeated encounters with their symbols
• Dreams or visions featuring them
• Strong emotional pull toward them
• Synchronicities related to their domain
• Feeling their presence in meditation
• Others mentioning them to you repeatedly

Making Offerings

Traditional Offerings

• Mead - Most traditional, especially for Odin and Freyja
• Ale or beer - Especially for Thor
• Food - Bread, meat, grains, fruits
• Incense - Juniper, mugwort, pine
• Handmade items - Crafts, art, poetry

Modern Offerings

• Coffee - Some practitioners offer this
• Chocolate - Especially for Freyja
• Whiskey or spirits - For certain deities
• Actions - Deeds done in their honor
• Time and attention - Devotional practice itself

Offering Protocol

1. Approach altar with respect
2. Light candles or incense
3. Speak the deity's name and titles
4. Present the offering
5. State your intention or gratitude
6. Pour libation or place food
7. Spend time in presence
8. Thank the deity
9. Dispose of offerings properly (return to earth)

Prayer and Invocation

Simple Daily Prayer

"Hail [Deity Name], [titles/epithets]. I honor you this day. Accept my offering and grant me your blessing. Hail!"

Formal Invocation

Include:

• Deity's names and titles
• Their deeds and attributes
• Your relationship to them
• Your request or gratitude
• Offering presented
• Closing hail

Personal Prayer

• Speak from the heart
• Be honest and authentic
• Don't just ask for things—give thanks too
• Build relationship over time

Oaths and Vows

Making Sacred Oaths

Oaths to the gods are serious and binding:

• Only oath what you can fulfill
• Be specific and clear
• Understand the consequences
• Speak over mead or sacred object
• Witnessed by gods and community

Types of Oaths

• Devotional oaths - Committing to regular practice
• Service oaths - Dedicating actions to deity
• Personal oaths - Vows of self-improvement
• Temporary oaths - Time-limited commitments

Recognizing Divine Communication

Signs and Omens

• Animals associated with the deity
• Repeated symbols or numbers
• Synchronicities and "coincidences"
• Weather phenomena (especially for Thor)
• Dreams and visions

Direct Communication

• Feeling presence during meditation
• Hearing words or thoughts not your own
• Strong intuitive knowing
• Visions during journey work
• Messages through divination

Discernment

Not every thought is divine communication:

• Does it align with the deity's nature?
• Does it promote growth and honor?
• Is it consistent over time?
• Does it feel different from your own thoughts?
• Verify through divination or meditation

Building Relationship Over Time

Consistency Matters

• Regular offerings build stronger bonds
• Daily practice deepens connection
• Show up even when you don't "feel" anything
• Relationships take time to develop

Living Their Values

• Odin - Seek wisdom, study, sacrifice for knowledge
• Thor - Protect others, be honest, defend boundaries
• Freyja - Embrace power and beauty, practice magic
• Freyr - Be generous, celebrate abundance, honor nature
• Tyr - Act with justice, keep oaths, sacrifice for right

Honoring Through Action

• Embody their virtues
• Do deeds in their name
• Share their stories
• Defend their honor
• Live with courage and integrity

Working with Multiple Deities

Primary Patron

• One deity you work with most closely
• Deep, ongoing relationship
• Regular devotional practice
• Personal connection and dedication

Secondary Deities

• Work with for specific needs
• Seasonal relationships
• Occasional offerings and prayers
• Respectful but less intensive

Avoiding Conflicts

• Some deities don't mix well (Odin and Thor can be complex)
• Be aware of mythological relationships
• Give each deity their own space/altar if possible
• Don't play deities against each other

When Things Go Wrong

Feeling Abandoned

• Gods have their own priorities and timing
• Silence doesn't mean rejection
• Continue offerings and practice
• Sometimes they step back to let you grow

Offending a Deity

• Apologize sincerely
• Make amends through offerings
• Change the behavior that caused offense
• Be patient—rebuilding trust takes time

Unhealthy Relationships

• If a deity demands harmful actions, question it
• True gods don't demand abuse of self or others
• Seek guidance from experienced practitioners
• You can end a relationship respectfully

Ethics and Responsibility

Respect and Reverence

• The gods are powerful beings, not servants
• Approach with humility and honor
• Don't demand or command
• Accept their right to refuse

Personal Responsibility

• The gods help those who help themselves
• Don't use deity work to avoid personal growth
• Take action, don't just pray
• You're responsible for your choices

Community Standards

• Respect different approaches to the gods
• Don't claim to speak for deities to control others
• Share experiences humbly, not arrogantly
• Support others in their practice

Conclusion

Working with the Norse gods and goddesses is a profound journey of relationship, reciprocity, and transformation. These are not distant, abstract forces but real beings who can become allies, teachers, and sources of blessing in your life.

Through regular offerings, sincere devotion, honorable living, and patient relationship-building, you can develop deep connections with the divine powers of the Northern tradition. The gods are listening. They respond to those who approach with respect, offer with generosity, and live with honor.

Whether you're drawn to Odin's wisdom, Thor's protection, Freyja's magic, Freyr's abundance, or any of the other gods and goddesses, know that the path of devotion is open to you. Make your offerings. Speak your prayers. Live with courage and integrity. The gods will meet you where you are.

Hail the Aesir! Hail the Vanir! Hail all the gods and goddesses who guide and bless us! May your relationships with the divine be strong, reciprocal, and transformative. Wassail!