AGATE-- Calming, comforting, useful for relieving pain.

AMBER-- Electrifying. Relieves fear and problems, depression, tiredness, Asthma and infections. Soothing.

AMETHYST-- Protects against excesses in all forms. Powerful blood cleanser. Excellent for meditation. Calming.

AQUAMARINE-- Keeps one young and happy living. Calms nerves, helps banish fear and phobia. Excellent for meditation. Good luck for travellers.

BLOODSTONE-- Used to balance and calm the uneasy mind. Develops courage and caution. Augments mental and physical vitality. Powerful physical healer.

CALCIUM-- Alleviates fear and reduces stress. Valued as a thought amplifier, increases capacity for astral projection. Aids kidneys, pancreas and spleen.

CARNELIAN-- Energises blood. Aids kidneys, lungs, gallbladder and pancreas. Increases faith and repels fear. Alleviates bad temper and brings contentment.

CITRINE-- Relieves tiredness, brings happiness and strengthens nerves. Good for heart, kidneys and liver. Enhances body healing energy and tissue regeneration.

COPPER-- Influences blood flow, aids metabolism. Balances emotions. Alleviates poor memory and the ability to retain thoughts. Eases Arthritic pain.

DIAMOND-- A master healer..Enhances brain function. Draws toxicity from the body. Useful for anxiety, insecurity and low self-esteem. Thought amplifier.

EMERALD-- Calms the troubled mind and increases psychic clairvoyance. Makes one more mentally alert.

FLUORITE-- Strengthens bone tissue, especially teeth. Eases bone tissue and dental disease. Alleviates anxiety and sexual frustration.

GARNET-- Enhances will power and perseverance. Comforts depression strengthens heart. Eases bad dreams.

GOLD-- Balances brain hemispheres. Aids tissue regeneration. Eases depression and suicidal tendencies. Amplifies thought and aids thought retention.

JASPER-- Helps morning sickness, relieves stomach and liver and kidney diseases. Calms uneasy minds and induces caution.

MOONSTONE-- Brings success and contentment. Protects against accidents. Benefits pregnancy, menstrual problems and stimulates lactation.

OBSIDIAN-- Balances stomach, intestines and muscle tissue. Alleviates inflammation and reduces stress. Protects soft hearted and gentle people.

OPAL-- Emotional balancer used for radiating sex appeal. Amplifies thought, eases sexual depression. The Friendship Stone.

PERIDOT-- Strengthens heart and eyes. Aids tissue regeneration, reduces stress and helps personal disorders.

QUARTZ, CLEAR-- Conquers fear, protects against loss of balance and motion sickness. Balances emotions and stimulates the brain. Excellent for meditation.

QUARTZ, ROSE-- The Love Stone. Aids creative thinking, stimulates creative ability. Eases sexual and emotional unbalances. Reduces stress, enhances forgiveness and relaxation.

QUARTZ, SMOKY-- Increases fertility, eases heart disease and neurological disorders. Aids depression, good for meditation.

TIGER EYE-- Assists thought, mental faculties and literacy. Balances emotions and eases stubborness.

TOURMALINE-- Builds self confidence and concentration. Good for nervousness and sadness. Vitalises and gives inspiration.

  

 

Correspondances for days of the week

 

SPELLS

Sacred Space

This spell is designed to 

 

 

To create a special space for yourself:

 

What We use:

To represent the element Air:  Incense

To represent the element Earth:  Salt

To represent to element Water:  Water (see below)

To represent the element Fire: a Candle

 

What We Do:

Cleanse and consecrate each item by holding it and saying something to the effect of:

"Holy Mother I cleanse this (name of element) of all negativity in this world and in the astral.  I consecrate and regenerate this (element) in the name of the Lord and Lady."

To cleanse and purify the water:

Put 3 pinches of salt in the water.  Say something to the effect of:

"In the name of the Divine Mother and the Glorious Father, I ask for the blessings of Love, Peace and Harmony upon this water."

Visualize the water glowing gently in your mind.   It is now holy water.

Circle the space with each element clockwise.

"I cleanse consecrate and empower this space with the element of ______.  In the name of the Spirit.  So mote it be!"

Move to the center of the space.  Assume the Goddess position.  (Palms up, feet apart, arms up.)

"In the name of the Lord and Lady, In the name of the Good Mother and the Good Father, I cleanse, consecrate and empower this sacred space with the element of Spirit.  So mote it be!"

And now your space is ready for use!

 

General Candle Spell

You will need a candle of appropriate colour, matches, an ashtray, a pen and a piece of paper. Prepare yourself for the spell, then think about what you really want and write this on a piece of paper. Light the candle and visualise yourself with the desired item. Concentrate on the candle flame (for at least ten minutes) knowing that the desired outcome is being drawn to you. Then take the piece of paper with your wish on it and burn it in the flame with the knowledge that your desire is being manifest.

To enhance this spell, you could also recite the following incantation...

Candle shining in the night,
with your flame enchanted,
by the powers of magic might,
may my wish be granted.

When the candle sheds its gleam,
at the mystic hour,
let fulfilment of my dream
gather secret power.

Flame of magic brightly burn,
spirit of the fire.
Let the wheel of fortune turn,
grant me my desire.

One, two, three - so it shall be!

 

 

Candle spell for health

You will need 1 white candle to represent yourself, and 3 red candles. On a waxing moon light the white candle and say,

"This candle is lit for me to see
the health and strength that comes to me!"

Light the red candles while saying,

"Here is health and strength by three
and this is drawn to my body.
Health and strength now comes to me,
as I do wish, so it shall be!"

Move the candles a little closer to the white candle and visualise how you will look, how you will feel, and what you will do when you have regained your health and vitality. Extinguish the candles after approximately ten minutes and repeat this process each day for seven days. The red candles should be resting against the white candle on the seventh day.

 

CANDLE SPELL FOR PROSPERITY

To gain a temporary increase in finances, use the following spell during a waxing moon. You will need a white candle to represent yourself, a green candle to represent your desire for financial gain, and a pile of gold coins between the candles for the focus of the magic.

Light the white candle and say, "This candle represents me, and my desire burns like this flame." Take a few moments to relax, then light the green candle and say, "This candle represents the money that I desire." Think of what you will be doing with the money when you have it. Feel what it will be like when you have it in your hands. Now move the candles a little closer to the money and repeat the chant,

"Money flow, money shine,
money grow, money's mine!"

Burn the candles for approximately five minutes while imagining how it will feel to have plenty of money, then as you extinguish the candles say,

"The money I need now comes to me,
for the good of all, so it shall be!"

Repeat this for seven consecutive nights until the candles rest against each other and the money. On the seventh night let the candles burn themselves out (safely) and if the spell has been for the good of all, then results will come within the month.







Bath Magic is another form of spell-work. The magic associated with this type of spell is found in the preparation of the bath, the ingredients that are infused in the water, and in the time spent visualising the success of your spell while you soak up the pleasant atmosphere that you have created in the bathroom.

BATH MAGICK FOR PROTECTION

This spell releases negative energy or influences, and lasts for 12 hours. It is a good spell to use if you have to visit negative or hostile people, as it provides a sort of protective armour through your visit.

In a large saucepan place half a teaspoon of ground cloves. Pour one litre of boiling water into the saucepan and allow the water to cool. Strain out the cloves and pour this water into your bath water. Shower before taking this magical bath. While you are soaking, repeat the words, "I am protected. I am safe."

Visualise yourself as strong and assertive. Air dry if possible, or use a fresh towel.

 

PROSPERITY BATH MAGICK

To gain a temporary increase in finances, this spell should be undertaken during a waxing moon, but do not use it more than once every three months.

In a large saucepan place 7 teaspoons of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Pour 1 litre of boiling water over the mixture and allow it to cool to room temperature. Strain the mixture and place the liquid into your bath water. Shower before taking this magical bath, then repeat the following phrase while you are bathing, "I am open to opportunities that increase my financial wealth." Air dry if possible, or use a fresh towel.




Folk magic is the magic of our ancestors. It involves using objects from our surroundings to symbolise our desires, and it requires a focus of energies upon these objects to empower these symbols and thereby bring about manifestation.

 

HAPPY HOME

Mix some mint, a clove, some grated lemon peel and a bay leaf in a china bowl. Place the mixture on a white cotton handkerchief and tie up the four ends with green ribbon. Hang this near your front door while saying,

"This charm that has been made by me, it now protects my family.
We live in health and prosperity.
By the power of my spell, so it must be."

 
PROSPERITY

On a new moon, mix a teaspoon of nutmeg with a teaspoon of cinnamon while visualising the amount of money that you would like to see in your bank balance. Pour this into a purse or wallet that has three gold coins in it, then shake the purse while saying,

"The money I need now comes to me,
for the good of all so it shall be."

Place the wallet or purse in the place that you normally keep your financial documents.

 

TO GET A JOB

Place some lavender, nutmeg and bay leaves into a piece of white cloth. Tie it up with a blue ribbon while chanting,

"For work fulfilling, I am willing,
the job I need now comes to me.
By this request, I am now blessed,
and for the good of all, so it shall be!"

Carry this mixture of herbs with you to your interview and expect the best!

 

 

TO BREAK A HEX

On a Saturday, write the name of the person who has hexed you onto a piece of yellow paper. If you do not know their name, write "enemy mine". Around the name, draw an outline of the person with a red pen, and then cut out this image. Sprinkle it with paprika, wrap it in red cloth, and tie it with a red ribbon. Hold it in your hands while repeating,

"Enemy mine your power is gone,
the hex is broken, the spell is undone.
Enemy mine has been turned away,
and so it shall be from this day."

Take the spell package far from home, preferably by the sea, and place it a hole.

 

 

HEALING

The following spell will help the healing process of anyone who has been injured. Visualise the person being whole and well, then repeat the following chant over and over again...

"This is the spell that we intone
Flesh to flesh and bone to bone
Sinew to sinew and vein to vein
Each one to their own again"

 

WARTS (ugh)

An old English spell for the removal of warts suggests that during the waning moon, touch each wart with a pea, then wrap each pea in a piece of paper. Bury this in moist ground and the warts will disappear as the peas decay.

 

CORD MAGICK

Tying knots into a cord or even on a piece of string can bind magical energies to your spell. Recite the following charm as you tie the knots.

By knot of one, the spell's begun.
By knot of two, it cometh true.
By knot of three, so mote it be.
By knot of four, it opens doors.
By knot of five, the spell's alive.
By knot of six, the spell is fixed.
By knot of seven, by stars of heaven.
By knot of eight, by stroke of fate.
By knot of nine, the thing is mine!

this is how you should tie the knots:

1--6--4--7--3--8--5--9--2

 

THE 70 X 7 SPELL

The 70 x 7 spell is a simple, yet powerful spell. Think of an area of your life that you would like to improve, and write this down as a positive statement. For example, if you would like to improve your health, write "I am healthy." Write this out 70 times for seven days straight. Leave this for seven days, then repeat it again.

 

THE ABRACADABRA SPELL

This spell was recorded by the Romans in the third century, but it most likely originated from the Aramaic words "Abhadda Kedabrah" which can be interpreted as "Disappear, O sickness, from this world."

The Gnostics used this wording as a magic formula to combat affliction, but in later years it was used specifically to treat fevers. This spell was said to work when the person with the fever said the whole word "abracadabra", then progressively left off one letter from the end of the word until no letters were left. As this was done, the fever was supposed to reduce. For the same result, sometimes this charm was written on a piece of parchment (in the manner illustrated below) and put on a cord around a feverish person's neck.

ABRACADABRA
ABRACADABR
ABRACADAB
ABRACADA
ABRACAD
ABRACA
ABRAC
ABRA
ABR
AB
A

Casting a Circle

When I cast a circle, I imagine pillars of light springing up, but anything would do...try a few things like rainbows and fire before you settle on something.

Walk to the North of your Space.

Walk clockwise, imagining your desired circle springing up out of the ground.

"I create thee, circle, so that you will be a gate between worlds.  This will conjure a place full of Perfect Love, Trust, Peace and Joy containing Great Power that I pour into thee.  May the Guardians of the North, the East, the South and the West aid me in this consecration.  In the name of the Lord and Lady, make it so!  So mote it be!"

By this time, I have walked three circles.  I am back at the North.  I reach down and touch the ground.

"As above, so below, this circle is sealed!"

 

 

 

To Break The Circle:

Walk counterclockwise from West.

"The circle is open, but never broken.   So mote it be!  We are the people, we are the power, and we are the change!   Merry meet and merry part until we merry meet again."

 

 

 

The significance of the Moon in Wicca

The moon presents to Wiccans a great source of power and inspiration, possibly the greatest of all for most.   For many it is the incarnation of the ultimate diety, or The Goddess.  To "draw down the moon" is to harness the power of this goddess, or of the Moon itself.  To do this (a fairly advanced practice), one stands with their feet apart, shoulder width, palms up or grasping their athame (double-edged knife used for spiritual workings, not cutting or harming), and throught meditiation and concentration, the power of the moon is drawn down into their body.  This power is often used when a witch wants to connect with his/her diety, or to gather strength for a working or a ritual.

The moon influences the tides of the earth, the tides of the body (menstruation), and the tides of psychic energy. The moon is said to be waxing (growing) between the time of the new moon and the full moon, and at this time there are powerful attracting energies at work.

Spells for fertility, romance, success, expansion and growth are appropriate at this time. It is a good time for new beginnings.

When the moon is in her waning (diminishing) period, from the full moon to the dark moon, it is a time for elimination, reduction, introspection and withdrawal. Spells to release things from your life are best done at this time of the lunar cycle. It is a time to break bad habits, for the peaceful ending of a relationship, or to close a business venture that isn't working.

When the moon is full, it is a time of powerful psychic energies and is useful for celebration, healing, divination and meditation.

New Moon Ritual

PREPARATION OF SPACE

With this broom, tool of our will, we do cleanse, purify and prepare our spaces. From these circles now we banish all fear, malice and misfortune, that these circles may be a fit meeting place for the Goddess and God and those attending here tonight.

As I do will, so mote it be.

CAST CIRCLE

Thrice about the circle is cast. Let nothing remain within save that which is in accord with our will and the intent of this rite. This is a place that is not a place, a time that is not a time, between the worlds and beyond. Let all be welcome who would share the blessings of this ritual.

So mote it be.

CALLING THE QUARTERS FOR THE NEW MOON

Darksome night and shining moon,
East, South, West and North;
Hearken to the Witches' Rune,
Here we come to call ye forth!
Earth and water, air and fire,
Wand and pentacle and sword,
Work ye unto our desire,
Hearken ye unto our word!
Cords and censer, and knife,
Powers of the Witch's blade,
Waken all ye into life,
Come ye as the magick is made!

Blessed Be !!!

GODDESS INVOCATION

White moon mother,
Come to us as love to lover.
In the moonlight shining bright,
We call to you by will and right.
Magic and wisdom, secrets you bear,
Honour we give you, knowledge to share.
Within this circle we have made a place,
Be here with us and show us grace.
Bright one, be welcome.

Blessed Be !!!

GOD INVOCATION

Horned hunter,
Come to us with joy and wonder.
You who offer death and return,
We call to you with hearts that burn.
Yours the law and yours the choosing,
And yours the wild hunt's grand career.
We welcome you freely, our guest and our master,
You teach us not to be trapped within fear.
Within this circle our hearts are open,
Be here with us Horned one, be welcome.

Blessed Be !!!

"Now is the time for weaving our wills. As the God and Goddess lend us their strength, we draw it into for our use. We cast our energies into the universe to create our destinies as we would have them be."

``Casting of spell``

CHANT

Feel the magick in the air
Done with love by those who care.

Feel the magick in the air
Done with love by those who care.

FEEL THE MAGICK IN THE AIR
DONE WITH LOVE BY THOSE WHO CARE.

AT THIS TIME PLEASE RELEASE YOUR ENERGY INTO THE UNIVERSE !!

At this time please use what ever is familiar to you to ground.

CELEBRATION OF THE SIMPLE FEAST

Hold up your drink:

"Lady Goddess,
Mother of us all
Bless this drink,
Filling it with your love.
In all the names of the Mother and the Father,
We bless this drink to our use."

Hold up your food:

"Father of the harvest and us all,
Bless this food,
Filling it with your love.
In all the names of the Mother and the Father,
We bless this food to our use."

THANK THE LADY AND LORD

Lord and Lady, we are blessed by your sharing this time with us, watching and guarding us, and guiding us here and in all things.

We came in love and we depart in love.

THANKING THE QUARTERS

North, West, South and East
Beings and powers of the visible and invisible,
Depart in peace!
You aid in our work, whisper in our mind,
And bless us from the Otherworlds,
And there is harmony between us.

Your blessings we take with us
As you take our love and thanks with you.

Blessings have been given
And blessings have been received
And may the peace of the Goddess and the God Remain in our hearts.  So Mote It Be

Life Purpose Spell

This is predominantly a fire spell, so it should either be conducted in front of a fire in the grate or outdoors near a bonfire. If neither are possible, you should sit in the south position, the realm of fire and inspiration.
Since you want to draw information to you, do this ritual during the waxing phase of the moon, on a Wednesday, since this is the day for communication. Decorate your alter with yellow flowers - yellow being the colour of creativity - and light five yellow candles - one on each direction, and one in the centre of your alter.

Turn to the east, and welcome the sylphs, the airy ones, into your circle. Ask for their guidance, protection and illumination, then light the candle.

Turn to the south and welcome the salamanders, the fiery ones, into your circle and ask for their guidance, protection and inspiration, then light the candle.

Turn to the west and welcome the undines, the watery ones, into your circle. Ask for their guidance, protection and emotional clarity, then light the candle.

Finally, turn to the north and welcome the gnomes, the earthy ones, into your circle. Ask for their guidance, protection and abundance, then light the candle.

Evoke the Elements & The Goddess

You should ask for the blessings and protection of the Goddess, and if you wish you could call her by a name that resonates best with you.

Allow the Goddess to stand beside you, and then permit her to lead you into a magnificent garden that is full of colour and vibration. Let this come alive within you.

Now look at the sky and call upon the sylphs of the air that provide you with the very breath of life. Without air we cannot live upon this planet. The sylphs bring you a gift of illumination that you dearly need to enhance your mind and your intellect. Receive this knowledge and give thanks for it.

Now turn around to see a great fire and call upon the salamanders. Fire is the source of our inspiration and courage. It warms our bodies and souls and fuels our gifts of creativity. The salamanders bear a gift of knowledge that you dearly need to help you to attune to your life's purpose. Receive this knowledge and give thanks for it.

Now you see a body of water. See the wind playing with the surface of the water and how, beneath the surface, it is teaming with life. See how important clear, clean water is for your own welfare. The water undines bear you a gift of knowledge that you dearly need for your heart-healing. Receive this knowledge and give thanks.

Finally, take your attention to the earth itself. See how it provides you with everything you could possibly wish for. The gnomes come to you with a gift of knowledge that you dearly need to enhance your physical health and welfare. Receive this knowledge and give thanks.

The sylph spirit takes you soaring into the realm of air. Feel its purity cleansing away any blockages within your mind. Pay homage to it and when you are done, say farewell to the sylph.

Now the salamander spirit takes you deep into its fiery realm. Allow the fire to burn away any disease you may be carrying in your body. Pay homage to it and when you are done, say farewell to the salamander.

The undine spirit is ready to take you far into its watery domain. Allow the crystal clear water to wash every part of your body, mind and soul. Pay homage to it and when you are done, say farewell to the undine.

Finally, the gnome spirit leads you into the depth of the earth kingdom. Feel the power of the earth providing you with all the strength and prowess that you need. Pay homage to it and then say farewell to the gnome.

The goddess appears again at your side. Pay homage to her power and wisdom. To help you with your concentration the Goddess hands you a piece of Amber to bring ancient knowledge to you, aventurine to enhance imagination and sodalite to help unite logic with the spirit.

Sit quietly for a few moments and breathe deeply. Allow any tension that you may still be harbouring to leave through your exhalations. Stare deep into the fire or flame of your candle, and allow it to take you far inside yourself. Recite the following mantra five times:

Spirit of the fire
Speak to me.
Show me my way
Through flame,
Show me my way
Through water,
Show me my way
Through earth,
Show me my way
Through air.
I draw to me
The vision of my path,
Which now manifests
In love and peace.

Allow your mind to quieten and receive. Do not be concerned if nothing happens straight away. Just allow the silence to do its work. You may find yourself remembering childhood dreams and ambitions, or your thoughts may drift towards something in the very back of your mind. Perhaps you will receive nothing except the sense of peace that comes from giving yourself time to really consider your life's path.
Take a piece of paper and write down anything that comes to you, and decorate it with runic and astrological symbols that appeal to you. Then write your mantra five times. Pass the piece of paper over the four elemental flames, calling in each devic entity to bless and protect it. Now lay it on your alter surrounded by the flowers. Place your crystals on it and any other image you feel is appropriate. Leave it there until the full moon.

On the full moon, light the five yellow candles and evoke the energies of the Goddess. Take your paper and offer it to the flames, saying the following mantra five times as the paper burns:

Light of the moon, shine your truth.
Show me my way, show me my path.
So mote it be.

Once you feel complete, scatter the ashes into the wind (preferably when it is blowing in a southerly direction) and allow the heavens to lead you towards your destiny. This may unfold in all sorts of unusual ways, so make a note in your grimoire of such things as synchronistic meetings, strange coincidences or powerful prophetic dreams. Once you are willing to find your true destiny, the angelic forces literally dance for joy.

 

 

MONEY SPELL

On a green candle write the names of the people taking part.

Light your candle. Focus on the energies being sent into it and transformed as they escape through the smoke and flames into power to do our bidding.

SAY:

"As the flame burns,
And the world turns,
The energy to do our bidding yearns.
Money comes to us we know,
All the spirits say it's so.
Lots of money we now claim.
As the energies we tame.
All our bills and needs now flee,
With harm to none,

So Mote It Be !!!"

 

 

TREES

 

ALDER
This tree was sacred to the Druids. The pith is easily pushed out of green shoots to make whistles. Several shoots bound together by cordage, can be trimmed to the desired length for producing the note you want and used to entice Air elementals. The old superstition of "whistling up the wind" began with this custom.

APPLE (Domestic)

Another sacred tree to the Druids. It is said that you may cut an apple into three pieces, then rub the cut side on warts, saying: "Out warts, into apple." Then bury the pieces and as the apple decays, the warts will disappear. Use apple cider in any old spells calling for blood or wine. Apple indicates choice, and is useful for love and healing magic.

ASH
A Druid sacred tree. Druid wands were often made of ash because of its straight grain. Ash wands are good for healing, general and solar magic. Put fresh ash leaves under your pillow to stimulate psychic dreams.

BIRCH
Known as Lady of the Woods, Paper Birch and White Birch. Carefully gather strips of the bark at the New Moon. With red ink, write on a birch strip: "Bring me true love." Burn this along with a love incense, saying "Goddess of love, God of desire, Bring to me sweet passion's fire." The specific name of a god/goddess may be added. Or cast the bark into a stream or other flowing water, saying: "Message of love, I set you free, to capture a love and return to me." ***Remember*** It is unwise to use this incantation and ritual directed toward a specific person as that would violate the rule. If a love is to come to you, it must be of that persons free will to do so.

BLACKTHORN
Blackthorn is a winter tree. Its white flowers are seen even before the leaves in the spring. It is black barked with vicious thorns and grows in dense thickets. The wood is used in the cudgel shillelagh and Blasting Stick. Its thorns are used to pierce waxen images. Blackthorn indicates strong action of fate or outside influences that must be obeyed.

BROOM
Also known as Scotch Broom or Irish Broom. It can be substituted for furze (gorse) at the Spring Equinox. The Irish called it the "Physician's power" because of its diuretic shoots. Sweep your outside ritual areas with it to purify and protect. Burning the blooms and shoots calms the wind. Be cautious if you plant Broom however, it will quickly multiply....

CEDAR
Also known as the Tree of Life, Arbor Vitae, Yellow Cedar. Ancient Celts on the mainland used cedar oil to preserve the heads of enemies taken in battle. To draw Earth energy and ground yourself, place the palms of your hands against the ends of the leaves.

ELDER
Also known as Ellhorn, Elderberry, Lady Elder. Sacred to the White Lady and Midsummer Solstice. The Druids used it to both bless and curse. Standing under an elder tree at Midsummer, like standing in a Fairy Ring of mushrooms, will help you see the "little people." Elder wands can be used to drive out evil spirits or thought forms. Music on panpipes or flutes of elder have the same power as the wand. Remember the words of the Rede. Elder is the Lady's Tree, burn it not or cursed ye be!

ELM
A slightly fibrous, tan-coloured wood with a slight sheen. Elm is often associated with Mother and Earth Goddesses, and was said to be the abode of faeries, explaining Kipling's injunction; "Ailim be the lady's tree; burn it not or cursed ye'll be". Elm wood is valued for it's resistance to splitting, and the inner bark was used for cordage and chair caning. Elm adds stability and grounding to a spell.

FIR
Fir is a very tall slender tree that grows in mountainous regions on the upper slopes. Fir cones respond to rain by closing and the sun by opening. Fir can see over great distance to the far horizon beyond and below. Fir indicates high views and long sights with clear vision of what is beyond and yet to come.

FIR (SILVER)
Also known as the Birth Tree. The needles are burned at childbirth to bless and protect the mother and baby.

FURZE
Also known as Gorse, Whin. Its golden flowers are associated with the Spring Equinox. Wood and blooms are burned for protection and preparation for conflict of any sort.

HAWTHORN
Also known as May Tree and White Thorn. Wands made of this wood are of great power. The blossoms are highly erotic to men. Hawthorn can be used for protection, love and marriage spells.

HAZEL
Wands made of this wood symbolize white magick and healing. Forked sticks are used to find water or buried treasure. If outside and in need of maigckal protection quickly draw a circle around yourself with a hazel branch. To enlist the aid of plant fairies, string hazelnuts on a cord and hang up in your house or ritual room. Magically, hazel wood is used to gain knowledge, wisdom and poetic inspiration.

HOLLY
A beautiful white wood with an almost invisible grain; looks very much like ivory. Holly is associated with the death and rebirth symbolism of winter in both Pagan and Christian lore and is important to the Winter Solstice. In Arthurian legend, Gawain (representing the Oak King of summer) fought the Green Knight, who was armed with a holly club to represent winter. It is one of the three timbers used in the construction of chariot wheel shafts. It was used in spear shafts also. The qualities of a spear shaft are balance and directness, as the spear must be hefted to be thrown the holly indicates directed balance and vigour to fight if the cause is just. Holly may be used in spells having to do with sleep or rest, and to ease the passage of death. A bag of leaves and berries carried by a man is said to increase his ability to attract women.

JUNIPER
Its berries were used with thyme in Druid and Grove incenses for visions. Juniper grown by the door discourages thieves. The mature berries can be strung and hung in the house to attract love.

MISTLETOE
Also known as Birdlime, All Heal and Golden Bough. It was the most sacred tree of the Druids, and ruled the Winter Solstice. The berries are poisonous! Bunches of mistletoe can be hung as an all-purpose protective herb. The berries are used in love incenses.

OAK
Oak has been considered sacred by just about every culture that has encountered the tree, but it was held in particular esteem by the Celts because of its size, longevity, and nutritious acorns. The oak was the "King of Trees" in a grove. Magick wands were made of its wood. Oak galls, known as Serpent Eggs, were used in magickal charms. Acorns gathered at night held the greatest fertility powers. The Druids and Priestesses listened to the rustling oak leaves and the wrens in the trees for divinatory messages. Burning oak leaves purifies the atmosphere. It can be used in spells for protection, strength, success and stability; the different varieties will lend their own special 'flavour' to the magic.

PINE
The Pine tree is an evergreen, its old title was "the sweetest of woods." It was known to the Druids as one of the seven chieftain trees of the Irish. Mix the dried needles with equal parts of juniper and cedar and burn to purify the home and ritual area. The cones and nuts can be carried as a fertility charm. A good magickal cleansing and stimulating bath is made by placing pine needles in a loose-woven bag and running bath water over it. To purify and sanctify an outdoor ritual area, brush the ground with a pine branch.

ROWAN
Also known as Mountain Ash, Witchwood and Sorb Apple has long known as an aid and protection against enchantment. Sticks of the Rowan were used to carve Runes on. Rowan spays and crosses were placed over cattle in pens and over homes for protection. Its lovely red berries feed the birds in winter. The berries have a tiny pentagram on them and are especially poisonous. The pentagram is the ancient symbol of protection. The Rowan tree indicates protection and control of the senses from enchantment and beguiling. The Rowan was sacred to the Druids and the Goddess Brigit. It is a very magical tree used for wands, rods, amulets and spells. A forked Rowan branch can help find water. Wands are for knowledge, locating metal and general divination.

WILLOW
Also known as White Willow, Tree of Enchantment and Witches' Asprin. Once of the seven sacred trees of the Irish, a Druid sacred Tree. The willow is a Moon tree sacred to the White Lady, Its groves were considered so magickal that priests, priestesses and all types of artisans sat among these trees to gain eloquence, inspiration, skills and prophecies. For a wish to be granted, ask permission of the willow, explaining your desire. Select a pliable shoot and tie a loose knot in it while expressing what you want. When the wish is fulfilled. return and untie the knot. Remember to thank the willow and leave a gift.

YEW
Also known as English Yew and European Yew. Another important tree to the Winter Solstice and the deities of death and rebirth. It is a beautifully smooth, gold-coloured wood with a wavy grain. The Irish used it to make dagger handles, bows and wine barrels. The wood or leaves were laid on graves as a reminder to the departed spirit that death was only a pause in life before rebirth. All parts of the tree are poisonous except the fleshy covering of the berry, and its medicinal uses include a recently discovered treatment for cancer. The yew may be the oldest-lived tree in the world. Ancient yews can be found in churchyards all over Britain, where they often pre-date even the oldest churches. There are some convincing arguments for it being the original 'World-tree' of Scandinavian mythology. The Yew may be used to enhance magical and psychic abilities, and to induce visions.

 

 

The Phases of the Moon

New Moon 

• Moon rises at dawn, sets at sunset; for full use of these energies stick to this time period.
• Moon is from exact new moon to 3 1/2 days after.
• Workings for:  Beauty, health, self-improvement, farms and gardens, job hunting, love and romance, networking, and creative ventures.

Crescent

• Moon rises at midmorning, sets after sunset; for full use of these energies stick to this time period.
• Moon is from 3 1/2 to 7 days after the new moon.
• Workings for:  Animals, business, change, emotions, matriarchal strength.

First Quarter

• Moon rises at noon, sets at midnight; for full use of these energies, stick between this time period.
• Moon is from 7 to 10 1/2 days after the new moon.
• Workings for:  Courage, elemental magicks, friends, luck, and motivation.

Gibbous

• Moon rises in mid-afternoon, sets around 3 A.M.; for full use of these energies, stick between this time period.
• Moon is between 10 1/2 to 14 days after the new moon.
• Workings:  Courage, patience, peace, and harmony.

Full Moon

• Moon rises at sunset, sets at dawn; for full use of these energies, stick with this time period.
• Moon is from 14 to 17 1/2 days after the new moon.
• Workings:  Artistic endeavors, beauty, health, fitness, change, decisions, children, competition, dreams, families, health, knowledge, legal undertakings, love, romance, money, motivation, protection, psychic power, self-improvement.

Disseminating

• Moon rises at mid-evening, sets at mid-morning; for full use of these energies, stick between this time frame.
• Moon is 3 1/2 to 7 days after the moon.
• Workings:  Addiction, decisions, divorce, emotions, stress, protection.

Last Quarter

• Moon rises at midnight and sets at noon; for full use of these energies, stick between this time frame.
• Moon is 7 to 10 1/2 days after the full moon.
• Workings:  Addictions, divorce, endings, health and healing (banishing), stress, protection, and ancestors.

Balsamic (Dark Moon)

• Moon rises at 3 A.M. and sets at mid-afternoon; for full use of these energies, stick between this time frame.
• Moon is 10 1/2 to 14 days after the full moon.
• Workings:  Addictions, change, divorce, enemies, justice, obstacles, quarrels, removal, separation, stopping stalkers and theft.

 

 

Nordic and Germanic Gods

AEGIR - A north Germanic sea-giant, husband of Ran. At a carousal for the Aesir (As), he had shining gold brought into the hall which was lit up as though by fire. It has been suggested that the gold represents the shimmering of tranquil seas without wind.

ALP - (Alb) Old Norse alfr. The original designation of the mythical Elben. In Germanic mythology, the Albs were unearthly beings, half god half dwarf. In later years, the Albs came to be known as demonic beings which caused sickness and nightmares.

AS - (pl. Aesir) In Norse mythology, the race of gods inhabiting Asgard were called the Aesir. The name comes from Old Norse ass = stake, beam, and this might suggest that the oldest representations of these gods were carved stakes. At the head of the Aesir was Odin, and they included Thor, Tyr, Balder, Heimdall, and the goddesses Frigg, Nanna, and Sif. The dividing line between the Aesir and the other race of Germanic gods, the Vanir, is not fixed.

BALDER - (Old Icelandic: Baldr; Modern Icelandic: Bladur) North Germanic god. He is the son of Odin and Frigg, and the benevolent opponent of the evil Loki, who induces Hödur to shoot a branch of mistletoe at him, thus killing him (mistletoe being the only thing that could harm him). The etymology of his name is not clear, and there are accordingly several different interpretations of his function; thur he is variously seen as a god of light and as a god of vegetation - that is, as a god who dies and is resurrected. Again, he has been seen as a hypostatis of the war god Odin, an interpretation depending on equation of his name with the Old Norse adjective baldr = courageous, bold.

BESTLA - The daughter of the giant Bolthorn, and the mother of the god Odin. Her name is interpreted as meaning "giver of bast", which would identify her as a goddess of the yew tree; alternatively as "tree-bark", a reading which would make Odin a god born from a tree.

BOR(R) - In Germanic myth the son of Bur, and father of the gods Odin, Vili and Ve. No cult of any kind was attached to him.

BRAGI - (Old Icelandic bragr = the most distinguished) North German god of the art of poetry. No cult seems to have been attached to his name; Idun is mentioned as his wife.

BUR(I) - A mythical primeval being in the religious system of the Germanic tribes. He was the first man and the progenitor of the gods. He came forth from a salty block of ice when the primeval cow Audhumla licked it. His son is Bor.

DISIR - (Old Norse; Old High German idisi) Collective appellation for certain goddesses of fertility and destiny in Germanic mythology. The disir sacrifice (disablot) performed in autumn, recalls the cults of vegetation gods and goddesses. These goddesses were also supposed to bo helpful as midwives, and in this function Freyja bears the name"dis of the Vanir" (Vanadis). Among the West Germans, the disir took over the role of goddesses of destiny and fate, as well as that of goddesses of battle. The Valkyries and Norns are described as disir.

ELBEN - (German plural form: also as Alben; Old Saxon alf (sing.); Old Norse álf, álfar) Nature spirits in Germanic mythology. The álfar were the objects of a cult, and this distinguishes them from the dwarves. They were seen as spirits of fertility and as protective spirits; often again their behavior suggests souls of the dead.

FAFNIR - ("gripper", "clasper") In Germanic mythology, a demonic being who killed his father and then, in dragon form, guarded the great golden treasure of the Nibelungs, until slain by Sigurd (Siegfried).

FENRIR - (Fenirisulfr = the wolf Fenrir) Lupine demon in Nordic mythology, the son of the god Loki and the female giant Angrboda. His siblings are the Midgard-snake and the Queen of the underworld Hel. When the Aesir (As) began to fear Fenrir they fettered him with the unbreakable cord Gleipnir; in the process, the god Tyr lost a hand which he had put into the monster's jaws in order to deceive it. When the world is being destroyed (Ragnarök) the wolf breaks free and kills Odin.

FJÖRGYN - A north Germanic goddess. In the Völuspa she appears as the mother of Thor. Nothing is known of any cult that may have surrounded her. The etymology of her name would suggest that she is a mountain or forest goddess, and she was probably revered as a goddess of fertility.

FJÖRGYNN - A god mentioned as being the father of Frigg. Nothing further is known about him, but it has been suggested that he may be a god of thunderstorms whose origins go back to pre-Germanic times.

FORNJOTR - A primeval giant in Germanic mythology, progenitor of the frost giants. One tradition makes him father of the giants Hler, Logi, and Kari, who ruls the sea, fire and the wind.

FORSETI - A Germanic god. It has been suggested that his name means "he who presides", but the exact meaning is a matter of dispute. He is the son of Balder, lives in the shining hall called Glitnir, and administers justice to men and gods.

FREYJA - (Old Norse = mistress, lady) North German goddess of love and fertility; one of her functions is to assist women in childbirth. Her attributes are the necklace called Brisingamen (brisa = to shine, glitter; possibly a solar symbol), a flacon cloak, and a chariot drawn by cats. She rides on a boar with golden bristles, Hildeswin. As a daughter of Njörd she belongs to the race of the Vanir; in due course, however she joins the Aesir (As) and becomes the wife of Od (variant of Odin). When she loses him she weeps golden tears for him. On occasion, she becomes indistinguishable from Frigg.

FREYR - (Old Norse = lord, master) North Germanic god of thriving crops and peaceful prosperity: the son of Njörd, brother of Freyja, and one of the Vanir. In a temple in Old Uppsala there was a statue of the god in his phallic aspect as god of fecundity. The Swedish royal dynasty of the Ynglinge regarded him as their progenitor. In myth he figures as the owner of the miraculous ship Skidbladnir and golden-bristled boar Gullinborsti. The esteem in which Freyr was held is evident from his epithets such as "patron of the gods" and "world god".

FRIGG - Germanic goddess, incorporating on the one hand gross sentuality (she is accused of adultery) and, on the other hand, the maternal principle. Her name is translated both as "she who is loved" and also as "spouse". She protects life and partakes in the wisdom of her husband Odin. If she had a specific cult nothing is known of it.

FULLA - ("fullness") Germanic goddess, attendant in retinue of Frigg.

FYLGIR - (or Fylgjur; Old Norse = female attendants) In Germanic belief, protective spirits attached to individuals. If they choose to appear, it is in the form of a woman or an animal. They were not the object of any sort of cult.

GARM - (Old Icelandic Garmr) Mythical dog which howls and barks before its cave at the onset of Ragnarök, the destruction of the world, and which fights with the god Tyr in the apocalyptic final battle.

GEFJON - Germanic goddess belonging to the Aesir (As). Her name seems to be connected with the root meaning "to give" (German geben), and she herself lives up to her name by functioning as a goddess of good fortune and prosperity.

GULLVEIG - A sorceress belonging to the Vanir race of gods in Old Norse mythology, though with pronounced demonic traits. It was through Gullveig that the lust for gold entered the world: a lust, to which even the Aesir (As) succumbed. The latter made three unsuccessful attempts to burn Gullveig.

HEIMDALL - (Old Icelandic Heimdallr) Germanic god who acts as watchman of heaven. His dwelling is called Himinbjörg ("heavenly mountain"). He is the son of nine giant maidens (held to be daughters of the Aesir (As)). The etymological derivation of the name is uncertain; at one time the meaning "the brightly shining one" was proposed which would make Heimdall a god of light or a sun god. As "watchman of the gods", Heimdall stands at the bridge Bifröst whence he announces the onset of Raganrök by blowing the gjallarhorn.

HEL - (Old Norse = hell) In Old Germanic mythology, the name of the realm of the dead and of its queen. Hel is the daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda; and as the sister of Fenrir and of the Midgard-snake, she has demonic character. Hel is entitled to claim dominion over all those who die in the land except those who die in battle. Even the gods must tred the "way of Hel" - like Balder after his early death.

HERMOD(U)R - A deified hero in the north Germanic myth of Balder. After the murder of Balder, he rides to Hel as a messenger of the gods, to ascertain whether there is ant possibility of Balder's return from the underworld. Hermod and the Danish king Heremod in the Beowulf saga are probably one and the same.

HLODYN - (Hlödin) Old Icelandic goddess of the earth and of fertility: one tradition makes her the mother of Thor, a role allotted in other traditions to Fjörgyn.

HÖD(U)R - North Germanic god, son of Odin. His name means "battle, struggle" but nothing about him suggests a war-like character. In the myth Hödur is blind; and he judges people not by their outward appearance but by their inner worth. Incited by the malicious Loki, he unwittingly slays his brother Balder.

HÖNIR - North Germanic god who had a hand in the origin of the human race, along with Odin and Lodur (Loki?): Odin gave the first men life, Lodur gave them language, sight and hearing, while Hönir gave them understanding and feelings. Hönir was reputed to be the fastest runner and the bast of hunters.

HYMIR - A Nordic giant living at the edge of heaven; he possesses a large beer vat. His female companion is the mother of the god Tyr. Tyr and Thor visit him to borrow the vat.

IDUN - (Old Icelandic idunn; (id) "she who renews, makes young") Germanic goddess, she who holds the life-giving fruit and the gift of everlasting youth. When the giant Thiassi abducts the goddess, the Aesir (As) begin to age in the absence of the golden apples. The gods send Loki to retrieve the goddess, and are rejuvenated when she is safely returned.

IRMIN - Old Germanic god, whom we can probably equate with the war god Tiwaz (Tyr). Originally, the name seems to have meant "divine", "holy", but it came to mean "strong", or "mighty".

IWALDI - In Germanic mythology, a dwarf skilled in forging and casting; father of the goddess Idun. He and his sons built Freyr's ship Skidbladnir and forged Odin's spear Gungnir.

JÖRD - (Old Icelandic = earth) North Germanic goddess. She is described as both the daughter and wife of Odin. Like Fjörgyn, she is supposed to be the mother of Thor.

JÖTUN - Germanic appellation for gigantic demonic beings possessed of enormous strength. They are the "early-born", those who were already present when the world came into being. As primeval beings they are wise, but they are also hostile to the gods. The giants live in Jötunheim or "giantland". One of the best known of them is Mimir. The dividing line between the Jötun and the Thursen is not clear.

KVASIR - In Nordic mythology, a being possessed of divine wisdom, the personification of a fermented drink. Kvasir is said to have originated from the spittle of the Aesir (As) and the Vanir, when they stopped fighting each other. After he was murdered, his blood was mixed with honey and became the mead of the skalds: whoever drinks of it becomes a poet.

LODUR(R) - A god mentioned in the Germanic creation myth. Together with Hönir and Odin, he played a part in the creation of man. The name has been explained as meaning "the blazing one", and he has been coupled with Loki.

LOKI - The artful dodger of the Germanic pantheon, and the sire of several agencies hostile to the gods - the wolf Fenrir, Hel and the Midgard-snake. In one of his manifestations, as a mare, Loki is said to have given birth to the stallion Sleipnir. He can, in fact, take on almost any shape he wishes. He causes the death of Balder and brings about the destruction of the world (Ragnarök). His consort is Sigyn.

MANI - In north Germanic tradition the moon or the moon god; the son of Mundilferi and brother of the sun (Sol). It is Mani who guides the moon vehicle through the heavens. When the world is being destroyed (Ragnarök), the moon is swallowed by a wolf.

MIDGARD-SNAKE - In Germanic mythology, an enormous demonic being, the progeny of Loki. It lies in the world-ocean which surrounds the disc-shaped earth. Its arch-enemy is Thor who tries in vain to fish it out of the water. At Ragnarök, Thor and the great snake kill each other.

MIMIR - In Norse mythology, the gigantic demon of a well, whose waters confer ultimate wisdom on those who drink of them. The god Odin pawned one of his eyes in order to be allowed to drink at the spring. A later version of the myth tells that Mimir falls victim to the struggle between the Aesir (As) and the Vanir; but Odin had the head of the decapitated monster preserved so that he can ask its advice from time to time.

NANNA - The wife of the Germanic god Balder, the mother of Forseti. When Balder is slain, she dies of grief. In Old Norse, the word is used as a poetic designation for a young woman.

NEHALENNIA - A Germanic goddess, evidence of whose cult has been found in the Low Countries. It is not clear what her name means: and it has been variously suggested that the references to her identify her as a goddess of fertility or as a goddess of the dead. Altars dedicated to her show her with fruit and a dog; often the bows of a ship appear which may show here in another light, as a tutelary goddess of seafarers.

NIDHÖGGR - ("Envy-dragon") A corpse-eating demon in Nordic mythology. He is a demon of the underworld who gnaws unceasingly at a root of the world-ash Yggdrasil, thus threatening the whole of creation.

NJÖRD - A Germanic god, descended from the Vanir but resident with the Aesir (As) until the end of the world. He rules over wind, sea, and fire. He is enormously rich, gives the peasants good harvests and helps the fishermen to land good catches: that is to say, he behaves as a god of fertility. In west Norway, Njörd was especially venerated as a god of the sea. His children are Freyr and Freyja.

NORNS - (Old Norse norn = she who whispers) In Germanic mythology, spae-wives who determine a person's fate on earth the moment he or she is born; like the Disir, they also play a part in the actual process of birth. To begin with, there seems to have been a plurality of Norns, but in the end they were reduced to a triad. They are named as Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld: the past, the present and the future, or what has been, what is and what will be. The Norns are closely related to the Valkyries.

NOTT - (Old Icelandic = night) In Nordic mythology, the daughter of a giant: she drives her chariot across the sky, and the leading stallion (Frost-mane) bedews the earth. Her son is Dag (= day).

ODIN - (Woden) Germanic god, described as the chief of the Aesir (As) the husband of Frigg. He is god of war, patron of heroes and "father of the dead" (Walvater). He is served by the Valkyries. Sacred to the god are the wolf and the raven; and two ravens, Hugin and Munin, whisper into his ear what they have seen on their flight through the world. Odin is the god of ecstasy, of magic (runic magic) and of the art of poetry; and to achieve wisdom he sacrificed one of his eyes. In saga and in popular belief he appears as a one-eyed warrior armed with a spear, or as a wanderer in a blue mantle with a floppy hat. Finally, he is also the leader of the "wild army" of peregrinating souls. One of his epithets is Grimnir ("the masked one") - this because of his fondness for changing his outward shape (e.g. into eagle or snake) and for disguises. Other specific epithets are Hangagud ("god of the hanged") and Bölverkr ("harm-bringer"). In Scandinavia and in England, the third day of the week is called after him (Wednesday). In the myth, Odin is swallowed by Fenrir at Ragnarök.

PUCK - In north Germany and Scandinavia a kind of goblin (the Norwegians call him Pukje); in English popular belief an evil spirit.

RAN - A sea-woman in Nordic mythology, the daughter of Aegir. She possesses a net with which she fishes up all those who have been drowned. Later, she acquired the status of a goddess of the dead ruling over her own necropolis.

RIND - (Rinda, Old Icelandic Rindr) A north Germanic goddess. She has been associated with the generative powers of growth and as an earth goddess. A liason between her and Odin produced Vali.

SIF - The wife of the Germanic god Thor. It has been suggested that her golden hair is a poetic image for waving fields of grain. It seems very probable that Sif played the part of a goddess of vegetation.

SIGYN - The wife of the Germanic god Loki. For his share in the murder of Balder, Loki is punished by having a poisonous snake suspended over his head, but his faithful wife collects the venom in a bowl as it drips down.

SKADI - In Germanic myth, the daughter of the giant Thiassi and wife of the god Njörd. Njörd and Skadi fall out with each other as to where they should live: Njörd would like to live by the sea, but Skadi prefers the mountains. Later, Skadi entered into a new marriage with Odin.

SOL - (Old Icelandic sol = sun) The daughter of Mundilferi, sister of Mani. Her car is drawn by two horses called Arvakr ("he who is early awake") and Alsvidr ("swiftest of all") across the sky.

SURT(R) - In Germanic mythology, an opponent of the gods at the time of Ragnarök. He rules over Muspelheim and possesses a glowing-hot sword with which he will set fire to the world at the end of time. In the last battle he slays Freyr.

THIASSI - (Thjazi) A giant in Nordic mythology, the father of Skadi. He was slain by Thor, and his eyes were thrown into the skies where they became stars.

THOR - (Old Saxon thunar) Germanic god of thunderstorms and of fertility, belonging to the race of the Aesir (As); the son of Odin and the divine personification of the earth (Jörd). He drives in a chariot drawn by two goats and possesses the throwing hammer Mjölnir. He is described as the strongest of all the gods whom he protects, along with the human race, against the giants. At Ragnarök, he slays the Midgard-snake, but is himself done in at the moment of victory. It was to Thor that men turned for happiness in marriage and for protection of herds and crops. His sacred tree was the oak.

THURSIR - In Germanic mythology, giant demonic beings with big ears and covered with rough hair. They can cause illnesses and rob men of their understanding. In myth, the Thursir were present at the beginning of the world: the world giant Ymir is the progenitor of all the Hrimthursir, the giants of frost and rime.

TROLL - (Old Norse = fiend) In Scandinavian folk belief, troll are demons who may be male or female, giants or dwarves. They are endowed with magic powers during the hours of darkness, and this is why they fear daylight.

TYR - (Tiwaz, Tiw) To begin with, a sky god of the early Germanic peoples, till he was ousted by Odin. He was not only god of war but also of justice and his spear was an emblem of judicial authority as well as being a weapon. At Ragnarök the god falls in battle with Garm.

ULL(R) - A north Germanic god, who is closely associated with the administration of justice (oaths were sworn over his ring) and he was invoked for protection in duels. He was reckoned to be a skilful archer and skier. On the one hand he has all the traits of a god of winter, but on the other he is connected with the forces of fertility. In myth, Ull is the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor.

UTGARD-LOKI - In Nordic mythology, a demonic giant to whom even the gods Loki and Thor succumb in competition. Thor tries in vain to overcome the giant's foster-mother (a personification of old age) in a wrestling bout and to lift his cat (the Midgard-snake) from the ground.

VALI - A Germanic god, the son of Odin and Rind. He was only one night old when he avenged the death of Balder by slaying the murderer Hödur.

VALKYRIES - (Old Norse valkyrja = "she who selects the dead") Supernatural female beings commissioned by Odin to intervene in battles and bring heroes doomed to die (Einherjer) up to Valhalla, "hall of the dead".

VANIR - A group of north Germanic gods, including Freyr, Freyja, and Njörd: all three of them being fertility deities. The struggle between the Aesir (As) and the Vanir, and the subsequent reconciliation between them, may reflect the opposition between two ways of life - that of the peasant and that of the warrior.

VIDAR - North Germanic god, the son of Odin and of the giantess Gridr. He is the god of vengeance, who slays the wolf Fenrir in retaliation for the death of Odin at Ragnarök. After Ragnaröok, Vidar and hos half-brother Vali are to rule over the rejuvenated world.

VILI and VE - In Nordic mythology, the sons of Bor, and the brothers of Odin. From the members of the primeval giant Ymir, slain by them, the three brothers fashion the earth and they use his blood to make the sea.

VÖR - (Vera) A Germanic goddess. She appears as goddess of contracts and her name is taken to mean "she who is cautious". Oaths and pledges are sacred to her, and she is also the guardian of marriage.

YMIR - A primeval giant in Germanic mythology, who arose from a poisonous mixture of ice and meltwater. He drew his nourishment from the milk of the primeval cow Audhumla. Ymir was slain by Odin, Vili, and Ve, and his body was used as raw material for the creation of the world.