Praise the Gods

  • Navigating Pagan Identity Amid Political Conversations

    Today, I am going to do something a little bit different. Rather than adapting some poem or Psalm to pagan use, I am going to speak about my experience as being a pagan in the deep south. Before I begin, it should be noted that I do not share my ideas, beliefs or whatever with those who are not “of a like mind”.

    By now everyone should know about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. I have to say that I had never heard of him until his assassination. I had never heard of “turning point” until a coworker mentioned it. I don’t like politics…I think the folks in Washington are all liars, regardless of which party they belong to. They remind me of lawyers, they lie for a living. And that is counter opposite to a virtue I hold dear: truth. Furthermore, I am not Christian. With that said, I do not believe a person should be assassinated for being a right-wing political activist. Nobody deserves that.

    But today, a very conservative coworker was talking about him. I do not like to debate with people…everyone has a right to their own viewpoint. Besides, I prefer to talk about what we have in common. She mentioned something about Charlie Kirk saying “we” have to take this pagan nation back. (My coworker does not know I am pagan, btw.) I think to myself: “He was a Christian nationalist, advocated a Christian form of government…makes sense.” Then the coworker said, “He was talking about how pagans don’t care about their children”. I asked “What year is it? 2025?” She looked at me oddly and replied very slowly “yeah”. Then she said “You know, those pagans believe in Thor and Odin rather than the one true God?” I replied: “that’s interesting” as I looked down at the rune tattoo on my hand that reads: “Thor”.

    This conversation stirred something up within me. Charlie Kirk died advocating for what he believed.  I do not feel compelled to educate ill-informed people about the “truths of paganism”.  I do not feel compelled to debate with them about politics or religion.  I prefer to spend my time and energy on more productive matters.

    -Raysdottir

  • Silent creeper

    Spinning, weaving, binding

    With silken thread and gentle feet.

    Crawling, climbing, winding

    Building a fortress strong and neat.

    Waiting, resting, snatching

    Fly comes buzzing by.

    Shimmering, struggling, catching

    Patient trap has held it fast.

    -Raysdottir 09.08.2025

  • Dusk Singers: Nature’s Final Song

    Dusk singers are carefree living,

    food for cicada hawks,

    and nature’s last chance for song.

    -Raysdottir 09.05.2020

  • Songs of Longing: A Nature-Inspired Poem

    Melodies I weave, songs I sweetly sing;

    longing for your presence, to you I yearn to cling.

    in the shade of trees I delight to dwell,

    to grasp your mystery, captured by your spell.

    I glorify you with word and song, declaring with my heart: for you I long.

    When I can’t see you, I write your praises;

    and though I don’t know you, I long for your spaces.

    To the assembled birds and your branches speech;

    you allured to your wisdom that’s beyond our reach.

    The scope of your greatness and the marvel of your strength,

    are reflected in your bark and described at great length.

    They have painted you, but rarely as you are;

    they paint your colors and portray you from afar.

    They speak of you in poems and countless varied visions,

    while you remain throughout all their renditions.

    They try to portray you as one now young, then old,

    with leaves now green, then red and turning gold.

    Nothing is more precious among Earth’s good pleasures, than sitting against a tree, chief among forest treasures.

    -Raysdottir 06.15.2019 adapted from “Hymn of glory” from Siddur Sim Shalom

  • From Spring to Winter: Poetry of Transformation

    Spring is in the air and days go by,

    An oak has been born, reaching for the sky.

    Soon Summer is here at the height of his power,

    its a wonder to behold, full bloom of a flower.

    The leaves of brilliant colors, of gold and deep red,

    Will arrive in Autumn, followed by Winter’s dread.

    So it is with all, we are born and take a breath,

    But at the end of our season, all bow to Winter’s death.

    -Raysdottir 2012

  • Kindling the Fire

    I will kindle the fire this morning

    In the presence of the nature spirits,

    In the presence of the ancestors,

    In the presence of the Ancient Ones,

    Without malice, without jealousy, without envy,

    Without fear, without terror of anyone under the sun,

    But Dagda to shield me.

    Dagda, kindle within my heart

    A flame to build bright fire

    not dark disdain.

    To be brave, to speak openly and honestly,

    to envy not and to honor my oaths.

    To the land, sea, and sky

    As it was in the beginning,

    is now and shall ever be.

    -Raysdottir 9.2.2025 adapted from Carmina Gadelica #82

  • Understanding Worship: Self vs. Divine

    In shadows deep, through trials we tread,

    With pain and agony, our spirits led.

    For every faith, a burden we bear,

    In the name of the divine, we lay ourselves bare.

    But in our worship, who do we serve?

    Our gods or ourselves, what do we preserve?

    Are selfish cravings the driving force,

    Or aspirations to honor, set on a course?

    How can we glimpse the divine’s embrace,

    When we know not the hearts in this sacred space?

    My yearning to understand, a flame burning bright,

    Yet often I falter, lost in the night.

    In the quest for the truth, may we find our way,

    Through compassion and kindness, let love have its say.

    For in knowing each other, we glimpse the divine,

    In the tapestry woven, our spirits entwine.

    -Raysdottir 8.30.2025

  • Blessings from the Three Kindreds

    Come I this day to the Well,

    Come I this day to the Fire,

    Come I this day to the Tree;

    Come I this day with the Ancestors,

    Come I this day with the Nature Spirits,

    Come I with the Shining Ones.

    Ancestors, Nature Spirits, and Shining Ones,

    From the crown of my head

    To the soles of my feet;

    Come I with my reputation,

    Come I with my integrity,

    Come I to the Three Kindreds,

    Three Kindreds, give me your blessings.

    -Raysdottir 08.30.2025 adapted from Carmina Gadelica #27 Come I this day

  • Finding Strength in Thor: A Divine Protector

    I praise you Thor, my strength. Thor is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God, my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield and the hammer of my protection.

    In my distress I called to Thor; to the strongest of Gods, I cried for help. From his home he heard my voice and my cry reached his ears.

    Then the sky flashed forth fire and the Earth trembled and shook at the sound of the Thunderer. He rode on the clouds and he came swiftly on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering around him; his canopy thick, dark with water. Thor thundered across the sky and the wheels of his chariot uttered his voice.

    He threw his hammer and scattered Jotnar; he flashed forth lightning and routed them. He reached down and took me. He drew me out of the mighty waters and delivered me from Jotnar. Thor is my strength and support.

    -Raysdottir adapted from Psalm 18 02/22/2025

  • Thunor: The Thunderer’s Call to Midgard

    The Mighty One, Thunor, the thunderer, has spoken and summoned Midgard as a witness.  Out of Asgard, the perfection of strength.  Thunor has thundered, may he not keep silent. Flashes of fire are before him and he rides on the darkening clouds.  He summoned Jotnar to devour them, he summoned the forces of chaos to destroy them.

    Give to Thunor an offering of thanksgiving and speak your oath to the Thunderer. Then he will say, “Call upon me on the day of trouble and I will heal you.”

    -Raysdottir 07/28/2025 adapted from Psalm 50