Short, informal ritual

Short, informal rituals are useful for everyday use, especially when a Heathen only has a few minutes in the day to make offerings. They are appropriate for all kinds of prayers: protection, healing, safe travel, passing an exam, career success, or simply for expressing gratitude.

Step 1. Petition the gatekeeper (in this example, the god Heimdall) and burn incense as an offering while saying:

“O Heimdall, Guardian of Bifrost, God Who Sees and Hears All, and Son of Nine Mothers, I give you this incense in thanks.”

Step 2. Petition the hearth deity (in this example, the goddess Frigg) and burn incense as an offering while saying:

“O Frigg, Queen of the Great Hall, Lady of the Hearth, and Seer of the Wyrd, I give you this incense in thanks.”

Step 3. Petition the main deity to be honored in the ritual (in this example, Thor) and give your offering (in this case, water) while saying:

“O Thor, God Who Brings the Thunder, Wielder of the Mighty Mjölnir, and Sower of Fertile Fields, thank you for your protection and blessings. I give you this water as an offering.”

Step 4. Make closing statements by saying:

“O gods, thank you for receiving my prayers. May they be made manifest in this world.”

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Long, formal ritual

A Heathen may choose to conduct a formal ritual at any time for any reason. Many Heathens reserve them for holidays, life events like births, marriages, and funerals, and other serious occasions.

Step 1. Petition the gatekeeper (in this example, Heimdall) by saying:

“Hail to you, Heimdall. Hail to you, Guardian of Bifrost, God Who Sees and Hears All, the Son of Nine Mothers. You stand upon the axis of the world and warn us against our enemies. I welcome you first, O Watcher, and through you may I meet with the holy gods in sacred space.”

Step 2. Give a small offering to Heimdall while saying:

“O Heimdall, Wise Counselor of the Gods, yours is the threshold of our doors, from which we look out upon the world beyond. I thank you for your justice, your vigilance, and your protection. To you, I gladly give this offering of [item you are offering], that it may honor and please you.”

Step 3 Petition the hearth deity (in this example, Frigg) by saying:

“Hail to you, Frigg. Hail to you, Queen of the Great Hall, Gentle Mother of the Hearth, and Seer of the Fates of Men. Your hearth fire burns with everlasting light and warmth, guiding us to well-being. I welcome you, O Healer, and through you may my sacrifices reach the table of the eternal gods.”

Step 4. Petition the main deity to be honored in the ritual (in this example, Thor) by saying:

“Hail to you, Thor. Hail to you, God Who Brings the Thunder, Wielder of the Mighty Mjölnir, and Sower of Fertile Fields. I approach you on this day to give thanks to you, for all which you do for me, for all of my prayers you have answered.”

Step 5. Make your offerings while saying:

“To you, O Thor, I gladly give this offering of [item you are offering], that it may honor and please you.”

Step 6. Give a smaller offering to Frigg, as thanks, while saying:

“O Frigg, Goddess Who Wards the Home, your fire burns bright within my hearth. I thank you for your gracious presence and your protection. To you, I gladly give this offering of [item you are offering], that it may honor and please you.”

Step 7. Make closing statements by saying:

“O gods, thank you for receiving my prayers, which have now ended. May they be made manifest in this world, and may you continue to look favorably upon me today and every day.”