Praise the Gods

  • The Allure of Shadows: A Journey Within

    I am the one you fear because you do not understand,

    But look deep within and see all that I am.

    I am a shape-shifter challenging you to change;

    giving you strength you didn’t have before entering my domain.

    I am your constant shadow, hidden and unknown;

    calling you from the deep when you refuse to go alone.

    I am a phantom queen, alluring darkness where few travel,

    wrapping you in black wings before your life unravels.

    I am the one who stripped you naked, of all you thought to bring,

    tools that cannot protect you from my bitter underworld sting.

    I am the one who flung you out

    upon that mist-filled path

    before you crawled in confusion

    through the barren and parched strath.

    I am a warrior queen calling you for battle,

    sparking fury pulses within you and making your bones rattle.

    I am a river goddess but not the one holding you down;

    soon you will realize, it was me who let you drown.

    -Raysdottir 08/16/2014

  • Surrendering to Change: Wisdom of the Crow Woman

    Crow woman, your remind me

    that I am powerless against:

    old age, destruction, and death.

    And you teach me

    the freedom in:

    letting go, surrender, and acceptance.

    Thank you

    -Raysdottir 04/25/2021

  • The Melodious Praise for Thor: A Poetic Tribute

    Behold the Thunderer of the sky

    On the crests of the clouds,

    And the choralists of the sky lauding him.

    Come down with acclaim

    From the sky above,

    harp and lyre of song

    Sounding to him.

    Thor, refuge of my love,

    Why should I not raise your fame!

    Spirits and heroes melodious

    sing to you.

    Son of Jord

    Of exceeding beauty,

    Joy were it to me to be in the fields

    of your riches.

    O Thor, my protector,

    O Thor, who blesses and heals,

    By day and night

    I praise you.

    -Raysdottir 12/24/2021 adapted from “The lightener of the stars” #16 Carmina Gadelica

  • An Ode to the Ancient Ones: Reflections and Prayers

    O, Ancient Ones

    In my deeds,

    In my words,

    In my wishes,

    In my reason,

    And in the fulfilling of my desires,

    In my sleep,

    In my repose,

    In my thoughts,

    In my heart and soul always,

    May the mother Danu,

    And the Silver Branch dwell.

    Oh! In my heart and soul always,

    May the mother Danu,

    And the Silver Branch dwell.

    -Raysdottir, adapted from Carmina Gadelica #8 A Prayer

  • Lugus: Sovereignty and Healing Through Prayer

    Lugus, Lugus, Lugus

    Light, wisdom, sovereignty

    Warrior, craftsmen, king.

    You are my rock, my fortress.

    For your names sake lead and guide me.

    Take me out of the net that is hidden for me.,

    for you are my Shining One.

    Let your face shine upon me and heal me.

    Lugus, hear my prayer.

    -Raysdottir adapted from Psalm 31

  • Taranis: The Voice of Thunder and Nature’s Fury

    Ascribe to Taranis, O you mortals

    Ascribe to Taranis, glory and strength.

    The voice of the thunderer is over the land,

    the striker roars.

    Taranis over the land.

    The voice of the thunderer is powerful,

    the voice of the thunderer is full of power.

    The voice of the sky father breaks the pines;

    Taranis breaks the pines

    and makes the oaks shake and rattle.

    The voice of the striker flashes forth flames of fire.

    The voice of Taranis shakes the wilderness.

    The voice of Taranis causes the oaks to whirl

    and stripes the forest bare.

    Taranis above the dark swirling clouds.

    -Raysdottir adapted from Psalm 29

  • The Illuminated Darkness: A Journey Through Creation

    Blessed is the Great Void,

    which causes everything to come into existence.

    Blessed is the Great Darkness,

    from where everything is born.

    Blessed is the Primal Scream,

    which caused creation.

    Blessed is our Mother,

    who is both destroyer and creator.

    Blessed is the Illuminated Darkness,

    where all life begins.

    Blessed is the One,

    who is continuously dissolving all things

    so all things can be reborn.

    -Raysdottir 06.15.2019

  • Relating Ancient Gods to Today’s Life Challenges

    For a long time I struggled to connect with pagan gods. Part of the problem for me was reconciling the difference between ancient times and modern times. How could I relate to an agriculture god when I’m not a farmer? Why would I give thanks to an Earth Mother for her abundance of food, when as an American, I have never known hunger? How could I offer a blood sacrifice to a deity when this might be illegal or my care for animals might cause me significant distress even if I attempted it? How do I connect to a war god when I have never been through military training or engaged in combat?

    In modern times, perhaps I can offer thanks for the abundance of foods available to me. Maybe I could donate my blood or plasma at a local bank rather than attempting to slaughter animals in my apartment. If I wanted to offer water to some deity, it might be more meaningful to collect it from a local creek or lake rather than getting water from my faucet in my kitchen. Maybe I could take the time to make and bake bread as an offering rather than buying it at the store.

    I’m sure you understand my point. To me it’s not about the offering as much as the intention. What am I willing to go through to get it and then receive no benefit from it? The more it costs me in time and effort, the more meaningful to me.

    -Raysdottir

  • Thor: Guardian Against Fear and Misfortune

    Those who dwell in the shelter of the thunder God and abide in the shadow of the hammer God, say to Thor: my refuge, my stronghold, my protector on whom I trust! It is he who will slay Jotnar and kill the Midgard serpent who seeks to destroy you. He shall keep you safe and by the might of his hammer you will find refuge. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the devourers that lurk in the day, nor the plague that prowls in the dark nor the serpent that lays waste at noon.

    His faithfulness is hammer and might. Upon you no misfortune shall remain, nor sickness remain in your dwelling. For he watches over you and will keep you safe.

    You shall put your trust in me and I will protect you, for you know my name. When I call, you answer me. You are with me Thor; you comfort me and give me peace.

    -adapted from Psalm 91

    -Raysdottir

  • Nightly Prayer to Thor for Protection

    O come bless Thor all you who honor him, all who turn to him, all who rely upon him. Lift up your hands to the sky and bless Thor throughout the night. May Thor protect me, he who is protector of Midgard. Protect us Thor, while we are awake and safe guard us while we sleep, that you may keep watching over us and we may rest in peace.

    Favor this dwelling Thor with your presence. Far from it expel all Jotnar and all other unkindly beings. Keep us in peace and may your blessing remain upon us. May you grant us a peaceful night.

    Thor, hear my prayer.

    -Raysdottir