Freya’s Flame
A Daily Devotional for a Better World
I have disclosed before in this blog that I have a pretty significant devotional relationship to the goddess Freya. At the start of the pandemic, it became clear to me that as the ruler of Folkvangr, Freya’s chief concern is to protect the people and hold up the flame of humanity in a time of gathering darkness. Freya is first and foremost a goddess of passion and love, which is as much about thirst for life and for connection and creation as it is about sex. Freya shines brightly, and asks that we all do the same.
This is a time where people are fighting for what’s right. This is a time where people are trying to uphold light against the darkness. This is a time where we are going to decide what life will be like for the foreseeable future — will we live in fear and division, or will we come together in love and truth? People are marching in the streets. People are preparing to vote in elections. People are speaking up against racism and hate. People are donating to front-line organizations that are trying to meet the needs of the downtrodden. People are volunteering time and energy. None of that should stop.
As a priestess and witch, what I know is the realm of spirit. What I know is that an act of ritual magic can make a difference. The Universe bends to the will of the witch, as much because of audacity as magic. What you create magically resonates, and that vibration can change things. And when those who do magic act in concert, the vibration goes stronger.
I also know that in this time of unrest when all our routines and relationships seem to be in upheaval, having a daily meditative and devotional practice has been invaluable to me. Daily practice provides you with a sense of spiritual praxis, an understanding of where you are in the Universe, that is invaluable when the whole world seems upside down. In talking to some of my friends outside the Craft, it’s been interesting to me how many of them use food, alcohol and exercise as their ways to stabilize and feel grounded. We are in a pandemic and to some extent, whatever gets you through is good. And there’s nothing wrong with food, alcohol or exercise. But I’m grateful for my Craft and the tools it gives me.
The following bit of candle magic can serve as a daily devotional, and performed daily can build a wave of positive energy that supports our collective humanity. I’ll be doing it daily for at least the next couple months. If you are feeling like our society may be coming apart at the seams, literally light a candle against the darkness. Every. Single. Day.
Freya’s Flame
Use a candle — any size will do, but if you are going to make this a daily practice, I would suggest a small candle that will burn through in a couple hours. Using a pin or a knife or some other pointy object, inscribe the rune “Fehu” (see graphic below) on the side of the candle. Anoint the candle with oil or with your own saliva by placing the liquid on your index finger and starting at the bottom of the candle, drawing your finger to the top of the candle, covering the rune you have marked into the wax with your anointing. When you reach the top of the candle, draw your finger back down to the bottom of the candle. Place it in a safe holder to burn in a place where you can keep an eye on it as it burns and when you light it recite the following:
This is the light of Truth
This is the flame of Knowledge
This is the glow of Compassion
This is the burning need for Justice
I set this light against the darkness
I burn this flame as a beacon
That these things may come unto us
Dwell within us
Shine forth from us
And multiply within the world today
So mote it be.
