Working with Norse God Thor to Connect with Yourself

To kickstart our Thorsdays where we talk about a Norse God or Goddess every last Thursday of the month, we thought we'd start with Thor himself, whom we named this series after.

Thor (from Old Norse Þórr) is one of the first gods you might think of in Norse Paganism. In Norse mythology, he is thought to have red hair and a red beard, and wields a hammer named Mjölnir. He is the god of lightning, thunder, storms, sacred groves and trees. Due to his sexual appetite and his aptitude for impregnating women, Thor is also associated with fertility. He is also associated with strength and protection.

Ways to Work with Thor in your Spiritual Practices

Turn to Thor when you need strength, or perhaps when you need to solve a legal matter. He is a powerful protection diety. Every Thursday - or whenever you feel

the need to - do a prosperity ritual through prayer or words of affirmation, alter offerings - or, just sit in nature or in a quiet space and focus on Thor and what it is you need some help with. The gods may not give you anything immediately, and you should think of ways to repay them with offerings or doing something kind in return, but they will show signs to point you in the right direction when you truly need it.

Values

You could incorporate some of Thor's values into your own life. For example, Thor was said to believe in being honourable, loyal, and brave. He was also kind and of a friendly nature.

On your altar

• Crystals such as Lapis Lazuli

• Ornaments of goats or a hammer

• Incense such as Cinnamon, Musk, Nutmeg or Sage

• Offerings like mead or other alcohol

A rune associated with Thor

The rune Thurisaz is associated with the God Thor. Thurisaz symbolises giants, brutal force, unexpected change, and of course, Thor himself.

Interpretation: Defense, energy, willpower, conflict, chaos, regeneration.

In a positive rune interpretation: Thurisaz will give you protection, luck and success in life, but it can also mean an indication that an important decision is coming that should be well thought over, as it has the potential to change the course of your life. Thurisaz also hints at seeking advice on your decision in order to reflect on the different possibilities, especially if you are stubborn in your approach to things.

In a reversed rune interpretation: If the rune is reversed, this can be a negative meaning. You could be too over confident or stubborn, so this rune comes as a warning to be careful with the decision you're currently making. Depending on the other runes in the reading and the exact placement, this rune is a sign you may have already rejected well-intentioned advice or perhaps refused to follow it. Be careful and reflect on this.

Words of Affirmation

If you're into spellwork and words of affirmation, perhaps this poem will help. Taken from The Book of Norse Magic by Cerridwen Greenleaf, a poem of affirmation you could do to increase your own personal power and help to ground you more is as follows:

God of light,

God of night,

Bring your power.

Bring it forth in this midnight hour.

With this hammer, I invoke

Thor's power - lightning and thunder.

While you may not have a Mjölnir hammer at hand, you can still envision it. You don't need expensive items on your altar or to practice spirituality with. Just use whatever fits best with your daily lifestyle. Some may say he only likes to work with certain people or those who wear the colour red, but if you feel a calling to this particular deity, there is no harm in honouring him and working together.

Thor is, typically, a warrior god. He's hardy, sturdy, and stoic. But he's also kind, friendly, and faithful to friends and the bonds he creates with those who work with him. He will show you the importance of connection, always being there for someone when help is needed, and being faithful.

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