Yggdrasil

In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil I (World Tree) is an immense tree that is central in Norse cosmology, in connection to which the nine worlds exist.  It is an immense ash tree that is central and considered very holy.  It is a myth and portrays the perceived meaning of something rather than merely describing the thing’s physical characteristics.  (For some, Yggdrasil wasn’t thought of as existing in a single physical location, but rather dwell within the invisible heart of anything and everything.)

Several creatures live within Yggdrasil, including a dragon, a eagle, a squirrel and four stags.  On the bough was the eagle and on the roots was the dragon, who represented light and dark in perpetual conflict.  The nimble squirrel Ratatoskr was the mischief-maker.  The tree drips dew, sweet and fruitful, and the bees make honey of it.

Yggdrasil was the tree of life.  Its branches and roots stretched out over all of the nine worlds. Bifrost, a rainbow, was the bridge that connected Asgard to Midgard.  The tree passed from the depths of the underworld and the Norns through the world of men and into the sky, overshadowing the halls of Valhalla. 

               On the third and bottommost layer were Helheim (land of death), Muspelheim (land of fire) and Niflheim (land of ice). 

               On the second layer were Midgard (land of humans), Jotunheim (land of giants) and Svartalfheim (land of dark elves). 

               On the first layer were the worlds Asgard (Aesir Gods and Valhalla), Vanaheim (Vanir Gods) and Alfheim (land of light elves).

Yggdrasil’s roots penetrate deep into the spiritual and its branches spread out over the whole world.  It gives life to itself; it gives life to the unborn. Yggdrasil symbolized the battle between light and dark. It was the subject of constant decay and renewal.  The winds whirl round it as it croons and groans.  Yggdrasil always was and is and will be.  Yggdrasil will give shelter and care to two humans, during the great battle Ragnarok, at the end of the era.  They will be the only surviving humans and they will then re-people the new world in the new time. 

 

 

Practice:  Stand up with arms outstretched and legs apart. Take deep breaths to still your mind and close your eyes.  In your mind´s eye, follow in your body the paths that represent the Nine Worlds of Yggdrasil:

"Below you, Helheim, the inner reality that receives all there was and is the foundation to all there is within you. Niflheim comes right above Helheim, representing the realm of primal ice and that which holds you back.  Alongside ice, Muspelheim, the world of primal fire, creating all that there is or ever was.

Upon your heart you feel the beat of Midgard, the living Earth and physical plane we are born to serve and protect, the physical reality that gives form to all there was, is and will be.

Your right arm stretches out upward to reach for Jotunheim, the astral realms where beings of great wisdom and size reside.  While your right hand reaches for Alfheim and you feel Freyr pour energy from above.

Your left arm reaches downward for Svartalfheim, representing the dark elves, the matchless skill of dwarves and the powers of the hidden Earth.  While your left hand stretches for Vanaheim, the realm of peace and plenty, and the gentle breezes from around.

And above you, lies Asgard, the enclosure of the Gods we worship and hope one day to be one with in the Halls of Everlastingness.  Feel the power of the nine worlds energize your whole being and then return to everyday reality, to Midgard of your dreams, insights and deeds."

All Nine Worlds are in harmony within and without, for a moment you were Yggdrasil, the World Tree along with your body recreated anew.

 

Earth Day

Joyful joyful we adore our Earth in all its wonderment
Simple gifts of nature that all join into a paradise
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world
Now we must resolve to protect her
Show her our love throughout all time
With our gentle hand and touch
We make our home a newborn world

 

Alfheim

Asgard

Dwarf

Helheim

Jotunheim

Midgard

Muspellheim

Niflheim

Svartalheim

Vanaheim

Yggdrasil