Devotional Ritual for Njord
This ritual is a little different. It’s not meant to be done regularly; in fact, depending where you live, it can take some preparation. The purpose of this ritual is to serve as a devotional rite honoring the God Njord, by taking His image (be it a carving, a statue, a laminated picture) to the ocean. As early as the writings of Tacitus, the use of processions honoring Vanic Gods has been attested to in lore (Nerthus ritual, Germania, chapter 40). So for this ritual, the idea is to carry your statue or image of Njord to the ocean where it can be anointed with seawater.
This is a very open-ended ritual. It can be as simple or elaborate as you wish. Choose the music that you will play in the car with Njord in mind. Dress in colors that you associate with Him. Prepare food or offerings that can be given to Him on the beach. Display the God-image proudly in your car (which admittedly can take some doing). Begin by offering the following prayer:
Father Njord,
Warlord of the Vanir,
Hostage of Peace,
Diplomat,
Sea-farer
Master of Ships
Lord of the boat-yard.
I hail You.
Father of Freya,
Father of Frey,
Husband of Nerthus,
Husband of Skadhi,
Peaceloving Master of Noatun
May this offering be pleasing to You,
Oh my Lord.
Proceed onward to the ocean. Once there, take the image of Njord to the shoreline and allow the water to flow over it – holding on carefully so it isn’t gifted to the sea itself! Then set out the offerings and spend as much time as you wish in communion with Njord. Make sure the offerings are organic and biodegradable so that they can be left on the beach by the water’s edge. Best of all, make it something the seagulls will enjoy.
Return home, displaying Njord’s image mindfully and prayerfully and once home, return it to its altar knowing that the ritual has ended.