Farm Charms for Freya
by Geordie Ingerson
For a Lime Tree
The Lime tree, or Linden tree, is Freya’s tree, with its graceful fluttering leaves. Anyone who has seen a Lime tree dancing in the wind will agree. The leaves are brewed into a tea to reduce nervous tension. If you have a Lime tree, hang colourful ribbons on it to honour Freya, and bless it with this prayer:
Vanadis, Golden Lady,
Dancer on the spring earth,
Maiden who brings joy to the heart,
I consecrate this Lime with love,
Its leaves shall laugh and sing your praises,
And you ever shall be honoured here.
Blessing the Flower Garden
Flowers are all Freya’s (except for ones that are specific to certain gods or goddesses, and even then they will probably admit that Freya is friends with their special plant too). The flower garden plays an important role in the life of anyone who must create their own religious rituals alone or with a few friends. Monasteries of old had flower gardens so that they could have altar decorations throughout as much of the year as possible, and this is still important for the lone Vanic practitioner.
Lady
of spring snowdrops,
Lady of summer cowslips,
Bless my acre of beauty
With your perfect golden touch,
Bless the offerings to come
That all might enjoy, and you as well.
To
Protect the Henhouse
One tale I’ve heard, which may be a rumour but if so it is a lovely one, is that the Pleiades were once seen as Freya’s hens. To guard a henhouse, paint seven spots on it like the Pleiades, and then say:
Vanadis, my feathered ones keep
Safe from stoat and marten’s teeth,
Safe from fox and feral dog,
Bedded safe in nests to sleep.
For
a House Cat
What would a home be without the housecat curled up by the hearth, or on a comfortable lap? Beyond this, cats are a good way to get rid of the mice that are a constant problem in country houses. All cats, of course, are beloved by Freya, whose chariot is pulled by cats.
Bless my furred friend, O Vanadis,
Bless the silent paws that pursue,
Bless the quick teeth that hunt,
Bless the sweet purr at the end of the day,
Bless thou the finest cat in the world.