Othala
This is my ancestor power song which evolved out of my practice of calling on my dead using a rune galdr. Galdr is the practice of raising power with the voice, and Othala is a rune connected to ancestors and ancestral inheritance. Usually before I galdr my ancestor song I start by tapping on the ground or on a rock with a staff or stick to get the attention of the dead. I learned the practice of tapping on a rock from a Dagara Ancestor Worker and it is really quick and effective. I have a rock that has the rune Othala painted on it using my blood, so as I knock I am sending vibrations out to all of my dead from all of my assorted bloodlines to bear witness and aid me. For me the physicality and raw primal power of blood, stone, wood, sound and movement pull me out of modern, analytical 21st century head space and take me back down to my roots, the earth, my ancestors and the connection that exists there. We meet on a cellular level that can only be accessed by letting go of the realm of the mind and opening the floodgates of emotion, heart and spirit.
Othala, Othala.
My roots, my bones, my flesh, my skin,
My ancestors, my soul within,
My ancient kin I call to you,
To the gates I call you through.
Othala, Othala.
