To Hel With Me

I recently had my first taste of a type of shamanism I had not experienced before. "Seidr" (pronounced "sigh-th") is a reconstruction of the Old Norse shamanic traditions, and, growing up in Minnesota, Norwegian influences were everywhere, forming a subtle texture to the wallpaper of my childhood, making me naturally drawn to things of Nordic origin.  I've always had a soft spot for the Norse gods -- enjoying the stories of Thor and the Midgard serpent as a child, identifying deeply with the purity of Baldr, and having personal connections with Odin, whether through talking with him first hand or seeing his ravens sent to watch over me on my Vision Quest.

I had been wanting to attend a Seidr "High Seat" ceremony for awhile, and situations finally conspired to allow me to do so. This ceremony is a mediumistic oracular ritual where human 'volvas' sit, literally, on a High Seat while seekers may come forward and sit on the floor before them to ask questions of the Norse dieties who speak through the volvas. 

As I sat with a friend awaiting the beginning of the ceremony, I mentioned to her that I was slightly, and unexpectedly, kind of anxious. She sort of chortled and said, "You know what that means. There must be something big you're going to get out of this."  I replied, with a grin, "I know. That's what I'm afraid of..."  She asked if I had a question for the Oracle and I replied, "Not that I know of." 

A pair of volvas ascended the High Seat where they sat side by side with veils covering their faces and their staffs of power in their hands.  The ceremony began when we started singing to them, the rhythm and melody guiding the priestesses to that place where they connect with the Divine. We knew when to cease our singing because each volva held an autumn leaf in her hand, and when their journey's destination was reached, they'd release the leaf to fall gently to the floor. 

This month, because it is the time of the year when the veil between the worlds is the thinnest, the deity speaking was the compassionate aspect of Hela, or Hel (Yes, it is she whom the Christian hell is named after), Norse goddess of the Underworld, the focus being on our beloved dead and on healing our ancestral lines. 

The first couple seekers were rather somber, as might be expected in interactions with any god or goddess of the Underworld, and I listened as almost every word spoken by Hela applied to my own path. However, since being at another crossroads myself and uncertain of my way, I decided rather than get informational run-off from others' questions, the direct approach was probably more appropriate. 

With a nod to and then returned from the woman who was leading the ceremony and monitoring the energies there of, I rise and move toward the volvas. "A seeker approaches," announces the leader as I take my seat on the pillow at their feet. 

It felt very "Delphic Oracle" to me, and I easily imagined myself in an earlier age as I looked up at the dark, hooded figures now focused on me, their faces shrouded in shadow. I was not the only one in the room to perceive a shift in the energy as I sat down. Not only did there seem to be a lightening of the previous somber mood and energy, but both volvas shifted in their seats, straightening up and relaxing their postures. 

There was no mechanical recording, so the following is from notes that someone wrote during the interaction.  I seem to recall things that weren't written down, but being in that numinous presence between the worlds at the time, where more than just words were exchanged, the majority of the experience dissolved almost instantly, like cotton candy, leaving nothing but the sweet taste behind.

Me:  I'm at a crossroads where much excites and scares me. I seek what information and wisdom you can give me as I begin my journey.

Hela:  (Laughing) I would not say you are a beginner. You are a brave man. Brave. (Extends hand) What you need is inside of you. You have more than you need.  The journey began long ago.  It is time.

Many times you have traveled, many times you seek.

Such joy.  There is a deep joy in you.

You are remembering a piece that has been lost of your lineage.  It is important that it is written down. That it is passed on to others.  You are an -- unconventional -- teacher.  A healer.  A man of honor.  You have done the work.  You have permission. There is much love for you.  You don't walk alone.  You will be welcomed wherever you wander. You go in kindness.

There is medicine for the earth in you.  The interweaving of lands.  Mixing the soils.  Nature is asking for your assistance.  There is a power to awaken what was dormant.

Step with care.  Don't get caught up in any specific way.  Listen -- you know how -- for which way is needed.  Do not be afraid to do this service.  It will come naturally.  However, sometimes guidance is helpful to distill.  Reconnect.  Do not get lost.

You can find joy in all things, but you do have a mission, and goals.  You have only been given those dreams you may accomplish.  Do not be afraid of your song.  All there is to do is show up.  Try.  It will happen.

You're creating a path.  This is easy for you.  Do not follow where others have gone.  Listen for what can be done.  Release that which can not.

There will always be crossroads.  You crossed the threshold long ago.  (Giggling) You already are that which scares you.  It is too late.  Rejoice in this.   

Trust. Trust it is within you already.  You are a force for good in this world.

We are pleased.  Do not despair.  We support you.  You do not walk alone.  With you goes great love. Always.

(Extends hand)... 

...You are blessed!

If I'd had doubts beforehand about my path and the direction I am headed, Hela quelled all those fears. I felt renewed empowerment and again trusted my own inner voice and guidance.  One of the woman who was a volva mentioned afterwards how much genuine affection they felt while Hela spoke to me.  

One thing that really popped out at me was the fact that at one point Hela had used the exact words "Medicine for the Earth."  This may not seem to have much significance until you realize that this is the name of a book, and of a 5-day course by Sandra Ingerman -- The woman I consider my personal shamanic teacher, who is the best I know of, and the most world-changing course I've ever taken which single-handedly transmogrified my perspective, and everything I believe, forever.  It is also a course I fully intend on teaching once I complete Sandra Ingerman's Two-Year Teacher Training that begins in April.

For now I'm still processing Hela's message. There is another High Seat I'm attending this coming weekend in which I'm looking forward to hear what the Norns (The Norse version of the Fates) have to say. We'll see if having such a 'Hel' of a good time is "Norn-al."  ;)