For A Vanic Funeral
Death, in the ways of the Vanir and the reverence for the Earth, is not a terrible thing in and of itself. Death is loss, and is sorrowful and perhaps even devastating to those who are left behind, but it is not evil. All things turn in a circle, and part of being a Vanic practitioner is appreciation of that fact.
When someone dies, they should be buried with grave goods if at all possible — even if just a bottle of ale and a loaf of bread to see them on their way. This is a way of sending them to the ancestors better than empty-handed, showing those on the other side of the veil that we remember them and care for them, even as we care for this one who has passed on. Sprinkle grain or flower seeds on the grave, and say this prayer:
Ingvi Frey who walks the Hel Road every year,
Who willingly dies that we might live,
Walk with this beloved one down the road
As far as you may, and see him (her) through.
Mother Nerthus who wields the scythe,
We bow to your wisdom, although we weep for it,
And ask that you welcome him (her) into the Earth
Where he (she) can become one with your body.
Father Njord, as this beloved one
Sails off into the eternal sunset,
Fill his (her) sails with our love, our song,
Our very breath, that he (she) will not be alone.
And Freya, Lady of Love who once lost your beloved,
Help us to remember that dawn will come,
And spring, and new life, and happiness once again,
And all we need do is wait.
Hail to you. O mighty ones,
O dear ones, O beloved Gods,
Soothe us in our sorrow
And keep our hearts, like _____’s soul,
Close to you forever.
Excerpted from Ingvi's Blessing by Geordie Ingerson. Used with permission.