July For Loki - Tumblr Posts
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 9 • Common mistakes about Loki
Countless. So here are just a few I've heard myself.
•He's evil, "the Norse Satan" (as if Satan was originally evil himself, but that's another story). False. No deity is good or evil, but I guess it's easier to separate rather than consider the whole of reality.
•He's the bad boy of Ásgarðr, rebel without a cause, always messing around. False. He definitely knows how to create Chaos, and enjoys it from time to time, but he mostly loves to travel the Nine Worlds and take good care of his family and his people.
•He's dangerous to "work with". May be true, it wholly depends on your attitude - but isn't that so for any spirit/entity/deity?
•He will destroy your life. False. He will destroy what needs to be burnt, only to let what really matters grow free. That may include a huge part of the false truths you built around and for yourself. but would you rather live in constant denial of who you are?
•He will lie to you. Absolutely false. He will tear you apart with the hardest truths you never had the courage to face, he'll guide you and show you how to deal with them, and you'll be finally free.
•His devotees are dangerous people. Well. If I may say so myself. Just joking! Us lokeans generally tend to be respectful and inclusive people. You can always find the occasional arsehole, as everywher; but maybe because most of us experienced hard times in our lives, we tend to be compassionate towards others. Of course, Loki also teaches us not to take bullshit from anyone, so if you consider growing tired of your unfairness being a bad person, then yes, a lokean would probably very bad for you.
Art: Loki is scheming the murder of Baldr by joan789 on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 10 • Offerings – historical and UPG
Only historical offering that I know of is from Telemark, Norway, where people used to throw the skin from boiled milk into the hearth fire as a sacrifice to Lokje (source: Dagulf Loptson, Playing with Fire).
In my personal experience, Loki enjoys lots of different offerings on his altar, and not only that!
Friendly reminder: of course this post is not meant to be all-comprehensive, nor valid for every devotee! The best way to find out what he likes from you, is giving him offers yourself and listen.
UPG appreciated offerings from my practice: lava rocks; sulphur; obsidian, carnelian, fire opal/agate and dark/firey crystals in general; dandelions; Fox/Snake/Hawk/Spider-related "things" (jewels, bones, fur, skin, feathers…); horns/antlers; cinnamon; coffee; whiskey; rhum; candles; tobacco; sweets; chili pepper; smoked salmon; raw meat; phallic shaped stuff (anything does); red, orange, black, green things; music.
There are many other ways to make offerings to him though, in everyday life!
Easy example, don't kill spiders/flies/critters around our home, free them. Consider making a donation (or some volunteering) to a local animal shelter housing animals related to him. Help those in need, especially children and women. Help people having a hard time, even by "just" acknowledging their feelings and listening to them. Always be true to yourself, the best and possibly most difficult offering you can give Loki.
Pic by fistina-marina
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 13 • What modern cultural issues are closest to Loki’s heart?
Many.
Loki has a big heart. It burns with love for the oppressed, and with rage towards the oppressors. If you're a victim of injustice, whatever form of injustice, you can trust him for help. He's very protective of his devotees, and he understands the burden of being an outcast; an innocent blamed for something they didn't do; someone cruelly punished for following their own nature. He understands. And he stands with us. He fights by our side for our chains to be shattered, he does so from the beginning of time itself.
There are many things that just don't work in our society. Hate and discrimination still go strong. So if you're among the hated, know that you will always find comfort in him. Maybe you're part of the LGBTQ+ community and you struggle with people around you; maybe your skin, or your accent, or your life choices are different from your judging neighbours'; maybe you're a woman fighting for her body; maybe you're a man who doesn't wanna be like the society taught you to be; maybe you're a frightened child, hiding in a corner, calling for their Dad. Well. He's there. Call him by his name, and he will comfort you. And his love will heal the bruises of the hate. And his flame will burn the haters' hearts. Call him. We should all call him to teach us how to set ourselves free and help us destroy this sick nightmare that's dying around us, before it drags us down in its own grave.
Art: Loki by Run1and1hide
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 14 • Has worship of Loki changed in modern times?
Most likely! To my knowledge, we have no info about ancient worship of Loki. But is it likely that a god ever so present in myths and lore didn't have a cult of his own? No. Is this lack of info an indication of Loki being considered evil in ancient times too, and therefore not worshiped? No. There are no traces of cults dedicated to good ol’ Heimdallr either, just to make an example: would anyone suppose he wasn’t held in great consideration and venerated? No. So it’s fair to assume, given also the numerous surviving examples of Loki’s name still being used in folk sayings, that he was respected and worshiped like all the other gods and goddesses. No surviving traces of his cult, no info about how his devotees used to worship him (offerings, prayers…), basically nothing at all besides a few stories in the myths. How do you even start to work with such a deity, you might wonder? Here comes the interesting part: by listening directly to him, and to your innermost feelings. It may sound difficult, and could be a bit disorienting at first, since we’re so used to finding all kinds of info on “how to” relate with a deity, but Loki won’t buy any of that shit. One of the first lessons he taught me, and I know I’m not the only one, was: “read the myths, look beyond the words, learn their true meaning, then come with me and I’ll show you”. So, if you’re wondering how to start relating to Loki, listen to him. Follow your senses. Ask questions to those who already know him if you want, but always think with your own brain, follow your heart, and do what YOU feel is right. That’s, in my experience and opinion, the best way to worship Loki.
Pic from freepik
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 15 • Any mundane practices that are associated with this deity?
In my experience, Loki is a very multidimensional god, so there are a number of things we can do that please him. He’s not one to ask for huge, solemn rituals to celebrate him - though he doesn’t despise one, mind you: but that’s not the only nor main way to honor him. For example, he’s associated with a number of animals, both from the lore and from modern paganism sources. Fly, Spider, Vulture, Hawk, Fox, Salmon, Wolf (UPG?), Snake, and the list could go on, but it gives you the idea: in our everyday life, we can help “his” animals, or better yet animals in general since he seems to love them all. How? By not killing the critters in our house, for a start, but rather set them free outside. Then, according to our possibilities, we can either make a donation to, or volunteer in, an animal shelter. Loki is a god that stands up in defense of the victims of all kinds, so to honor him we can try and do the same by defending someone who’s being victimized, or again, we can donate to/volunteer in associations and such helping those in need. Along with Sigyn, they’re both very protective of children, so consider doing the same, the way you prefer. Then, of course, there are the Dead. Loki is very much a Death god in my practice, so taking care of the Dead can be a great way to homage him. Basically, since he’s usually ever so present in the lives of his devotees, whatever you do can be a way to honor him, as long as the intent is there. Experiment, do what you feel, listen to him and find your ways, that will always be my advice.
Art: Witch by Erlyenda
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 16 • How do you think this deity represents the values of their pantheon and cultural origins?
In the surviving myths, Loki plays the Trickster: smart, intelligent, funny, full of tricks (resources), not following any rule. Crossing all boundaries, breaking all rules, the Trickster is the one who destroys what is old and stagnant. Of course he is also a jokester and a prankster, given the right circumstances, but I wouldn't recommend taking him lightly. Tricksters are common around the world: just to mention a couple of Loki's colleagues, we find Anansi the Spider, Br'er Rabbit and Leuk Rabbit in West Africa (and therefore in the Caribbean due to the slave trade), Hermes in Greece, Coyote and Raven among Native American and First Nations mythologies… they have very much in common, though of course each has their own specific character. They're not one and the same, no more than two people with the same interests are one singular person. So, what does a Trickster like Loki tell about the cultures celebrating him? That these people knew the importance of Change, and knew Chaos is often needed to bring it forward. It is necessary to accept Chaos in our lives along with Order, in a difficult yet essential balance, the infinite cycle of Life, Death and Rebirth. Not only that: in his adventures, Loki often displays useful virtues, such as intelligence, shrewdness, diplomacy… these bring amazing gifts to the Æsir, and often get him out of trouble (or into trouble, but nevermind). I assume these qualities were considered as important as physical strength, and it’s no surprise. Loki, as most Tricksters, is also very well versed in seiðr and magic in general. This may be a bit controversial since in the infamous Lokasenna the practice seiðr is brought up basically as an insult, but let’s not stop at the surface. The great goddess Freyja is a mistress of witchcraft and seiðr, and is said to have taught it, or at least some of it, to none less than Óðinn. We know Loki masters the art, since he can shapeshift into basically anything he wants. It would be logical to assume seiðr, witchcraft, and whatever kind of magic, were probably not only accepted, but held in great consideration among Nordic people, since great two beloved divinities like Freyja and Óðinn practiced them. So, even though being well versed in magic is part of the Trickster's job, I'd dare to say this knowledge was probably very much respected in Loki too. So, does this answer today’s prompt? No. I found this question rather dull myself, so a rather dull answer seemed appropriate.
Art: Loki by Bubaben on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 17 • How does this deity relate to other gods and other pantheons?
As a multi-pantheon pagan, honoring deities from Nordic and Celtic tradition, I can say they go along well - in my case, at least. Same for Loki and other deities from the Nordic pantheon, at least the ones I happened to celebrate outside his own family. I know some had different experiences, but that's so personal I think there's no other way to find out than try.
One thing I'll say, though. Each of us that is called to serve the deities, is called to do so in different ways. From some of us, one specific deity could claim a special kind of devotion. That's my case with Loki - obviously. He never asked me to celebrate him and him alone, but in my case he can be pretty exacting in terms of time and energy - which is lovely of course, feeling him present and near! Even so, I manage to dedicate some time to my other deities too, whenever I feel called to do so, and it's never been a problem. On the contrary, Loki is curious by nature, and often encourages us to explore beyond what we know.
Art: It's a Shapeshifter Thing by slysilver42 on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 18 • How does Loki stand in terms of gender and sexuality? (Historical and/or UPG)
“A heart ate Loki,-- | in the embers it lay,
And half-cooked found he | the woman's heart;--
With child from the woman | Lopt soon was,
And thence among men | came the monsters all.”*
{{*Hyndluljóð (The Poem of Hyndla), Poetic Edda}}
Loki is famous for being a shapeshifter, and shifting through genders is one of his abilities for sure. In the myths he is usually described as male, and a very handsome one too, but there are a few exceptions. In Þrymskviða (“The Lay of Thrym”), Thor and Loki pretend to be Freyja and her handmaiden to get Mjölnir back from Jötunn king Thrym. Thor is in disguise and keeps his pronouns, but for Loki the text uses female pronouns when in disguise, which suggests a slightly deeper transformation on his (her) behalf. Another famous example you might be familiar with: in Gylfaginning (“The Beguiling of Gylfi”), Loki turns himself into a mare to lure the stallion Svaðilfœri away from his work. They run away together, and when Loki returns to Ásgarðr he is pregnant with Sleipnir, the eight-legged horse destined to become Óðinn’s steed. Speaking of Óðinn, it’s good ol’ Grímnir himself to reveal, in the Lokasenna, that Loki spent 8 years in a cave as a milkmaid tending cows, and there gave birth to a number of children while in female form. Curiously enough, Loki reminds Óðinn that he spent quite some time among men “in witch’s guise” as well. So you see, even the mighty Óðinn is not strictly male, according to such myths. What does it tell us? That these two are blood brothers for a reason, just for a start. Then, it gives us lots of food for thought.
Last but not least, the one that for me is among the most fascinating episodes in all of Norse mythology. In the above mentioned Hyndluljóð, Loki eats the heart of a woman and then gives birth to monstrous children. As the story goes, an evil woman (a “witch”) had been burnt (three times?) by the Æsir. Is she Gullveig? Is Gullveig Angrboða? Not the place to discuss this. What matters here is, her heart survived, half-burnt. Loki finds it and eats it - but why? Is it a metaphor of the crematory Fire? Maybe there is a deeper reason in the fact that the heart was considered the home of the principle of life and of the soul itself, so by eating the woman’s heart Loki was probably able to absorb her female magic and wisdom… So much so that he then gives birth to children, monstrous ones of course - much like their siblings born from him and Angrboða. Or maybe, just maybe, such monstrous children are a metaphor for magical powers and actions that were believed to be evil as the tales were being written down later in time? Who knows… who knows…
In my personal experience, Loki remains mainly male. I call him Faðir (father), and refer to him with male pronouns, but as you can see using female or neutral ones is not wrong at all.
I’m sorry there’s not enough space here to discuss these themes in a more elaborate ways, there would be plenty to say, but I hope I gave you some interesting hints to think about.
Art: The God of Mischief by NickRoblesArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 19 • What quality or qualities of Loki do you most admire? What quality or qualities of him do you find the most troubling?
I deeply admire Loki - otherwise he wouldn’t be my patron god, I assume. His quick thinking, his creativeness, his being a smart Áss… but not only that, of course. He’s wise, not “only” cunning, and compassionate and loving, which are all qualities I wish were mine too. Though probably not many will agree on this, I think he’s also very courageous - and enduring: try passing some centuries underground tied to a rock with a venomous snake spitting on you, then you can come and tell me about endurance and patience. As I wrote in one of my previous posts, he’s also very well versed in magical arts, and a powerful shaman, very good at working with Animal Spirits and the Spirits of the Dead, which is something I look at with the deepest admiration. I have a hard time thinking of something troubling about him, because the first feeling that he makes me feel when I think about him is love, but if I have to choose one I’d say his being sometimes impulsive, acting mainly following the heart without thinking too much of the consequences. It’s not a bad thing in itself, especially if you’re acting in defense of someone you love, but it can lead to bigger troubles, and some of his myths imho show this rather well. It’s definitely something I can relate to, though, so… yeah, in fact I think nothing really troubles me about Loki.
Art: Loki finds Gullveig's Heart by John Bauer
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 20 • Art that reminds you of Loki
Very tough choice, as there is a lot of excellent art that reminds me of Loki, both dedicated to him or not. Among all the spectacular pieces out there, I chose this picture called Ginger Trickster by erebus-odora on DeviantArt for a particular reason. It’s the closest portrait of Loki as he appeared to me the first time he showed his face (at least that I can remember of), between 2011 and 2012. I was perfectly aware that it was him, though he chose Tom Hiddleston’s face. Yeah, yeah, silly fangirl projecting pagan fantasies on an actor, right? Wrong. Because when you’re in the presence of a deity, you can FEEL their energy, no matter what face they choose. Btw, later on I discovered, talking with other people too, that Loki does enjoy Tom’s portrayal of his MCU version, so I guess it’s no wonder that he chose a similar aspect to show up to me that night. And he had flowing red/cinnamon hair, bright yet dark green eyes, lips with scars from the accident with the Dwarves, just like this picture. So, of course my heart skips a beat everytime I see this wonderful piece of art. And I know there’s lots of prejudice, lots of people thinking that lokeans enjoying MCU Loki along with being devoted to the god Loki are just fakes, wannabes or whatever; this post is especially dedicated to them and to the people who were victims of such prejudice. If my experience is worth anything, and I hope it is (otherwise I don’t know why I’m writing this stuff out here), that’s just not true. Some people may daydream of having spiritual experiences when they’re just not, projecting their own fantasies into those unreal experiences, yes. But just because a deity shows up in a modern or even fancy aspect, it doesn’t mean the experience is faux. Each of us is the only one that knows which deity is talking to them, deep down inside we can feel it. And no one can tell others what is right or what is wrong, or how a deity should manifest or not. So, the moral of this post is, nevermind the bollocks. Which, incidentally, is a great lesson Loki loves to teach to his devotees.
Art: Ginger Trickster by erebus-odora on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 21 • Music that makes you think of this deity
Bulletproof Heart by My Chemical Romance will never fail to make me think about him (and Sigyn, too). Check the lyrics and you might get a clue of the reason why. Plus, it’s so catchy I just can picture him rocking to this!
Gravity don't mean too much to me,
I'm who I've got to be,
These pigs are after me, after you,
Run away like it was yesterday
And we could run away,
If we could run away,
Run away from here!
I got a bulletproof heart,
You got a hollow point smile,
We and your run away scars
Got a photograph dream on the getaway mile.
Let's blow a hole in this town,
And do our talking with the laser beam,
Coming out of this place
In a bullet's embrace,
Then we'll do it again!
How can they say, Jenny, could you come back home?
'Cause everybody knows you don't
Ever wanna come back,
Let me be the one to save you!
Gravity don't mean too much to me,
I'm who I've got to be,
These pigs are after me, after you,
Run away like it was yesterday
When we could run away,
When we could run away, run away from here.
I'm shooting out of this room
Because I sure don't like the company,
You stop your preaching right there
'Cause I really don't care,
And I'll do it again.
So get me outta my head,
'Cause it's getting quite cramped, you know,
Coming ready or not,
When the motor gets hot
We can do it again!
The papers say, Johnny, won't you come back home?
'Cause everybody knows you don't
Wanna give yourself up,
Tell the truth and God will save you…
Gravity don't mean too much to me,
I'm who I've got to be,
These pigs are after me, after you,
Run away like it was yesterday
When we could run away,
When we could run away, run away from here.
And though I know how much you hate this,
Are you gonna be the one to save us
From the black and hopeless feeling,
Will you meet 'em when the end comes reeling?
Hold your heart into this darkness,
Will it ever be the light to shine you out,
Or fail and leave you stranded,
Or are you gonna be the one left standing?
You're gonna be the one left standing…
You're gonna be the one left standing…
Gravity don't mean too much to me,
Is this our destiny?
This world is after me, after you,
Run away like it was yesterday,
And we could run away, run away, run away,
Run away from here…
Yeah, away from here…
Away from here…
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 22 • A quote, a poem, or piece of writing that you think Loki resonates strongly with
“There’s an old Earth saying… a phrase of great power and wisdom, and consolation to the soul in times of need… ALLONS-Y!”
Ok, where are my Whovians? Reveal yourselves!
Well, I’ve managed to write down serious stuff for most previous posts of this July for Loki, but today I wanted to lighten up a bit. Anyone familiar with Doctor Who and Loki will see how the Tenth Doctor channels major lokean energy - I mean, of course, it’s David Tennant playing him... Those not familiar with the character may wonder what the Helheimr I’m talking about, but read the above quote again and you’ll see it doesn’t really need context to be understood and put in relation to Loki. It’s perfect for him and it kinda sums up his approach to many matters, and something he seems to repeat to many of us time and time again: allons-y! Let’s go! Move your Áss!
Pic by BBC
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 23 • Your own composition – a piece of writing about or for Loki
Loki, my beloved Faðir.
You called me your Dóttir, and I hope to live by the name.
Loki, always the outcast.
Loki, always the wrong one.
Loki, always the beaten one.
And yet, you shine bright still.
You experienced pain, fetters and venom.
And yet, you shine to show us the way.
Show me your way, Faðir.
Teach it to me.
Imprisoned yet unfettered one,
show all of us how to be free,
and help us.
Help us see the light, Harbinger of Fire.
Help us make the cave we’re trapped in collapse.
Help us destroy what needs to be destroyed.
Guide us through Ragnarok and beyond.
Written November 30, 2021. I still feel this very much in my heart.
Art: Chaos Incarnate by OFools on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 24 • A time when Loki has helped you
Last Winter, I fell ill. I came to a point when the illness really began to take its toll on my mind more than my body. It was driving me insane, making me think thoughts that I knew weren’t mine, but still worked their way through my brain. It felt like having the most unpleasant voice whispering in my ear day and night. I was weak from the illness, and such thoughts were slowly but successfully eroding my mind. Then came a night, when the most amazing orange, firey, lava-like light embraced me and exploded all around me, destroying or at least chasing away whatever evil was causing me all that suffering. I instantly knew it was Loki, though I was too weak to call upon him. He just came to my aid in a most desperate time, like a loving father would do for his daughter. That night, I finally slept soundly. Next morning, my healing really began to speed up. I have confused memories of those days, of course, but that moment is one I’ll never forget. What amazed me the most was how he intervened without a word of prayer on my behalf - my mind was too crushed to even think about that, and why would I bother my god with prayers when I’m ill, after all? Nonsense, I’m strong enough to face it on my own, there’s no need to disturb the gods for such silly things. That’s what I kept telling myself, not able to see the damage that illness was causing to my own mind - or maybe it was the illness that made me think so? Who knows. Anyway, that’s a striking time when Loki helped me.
Art by Schaudwen
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 25 • A time when this deity has refused to help
I don’t usually ask Loki for help, as my previous post demonstrates. I pray for his guidance, instead. I ask him to show me the way, to inspire me, to enlighten me, and thus far he’s never denied me his blessing. Which doesn’t mean I ask him silly things, of course, but in my experience he’s not one to refuse to guide those who need his help. His help may lead to difficult steps, for sure, and he often encourages us to face our worst fears - and our inner selves, which can be even more frightening. But he’s there for us, rest assured.
Art: Loki the Shifter by samflegal on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 26 • How has your relationship with this deity changed over time?
It hasn’t really changed, it’s just grown deeper, and does so time after time. I’ve always felt him as a godly father, and this feeling gets stronger as my practice continues. Of course I was a bit anxious about approaching him at first too, mind you. He’s a god, ffs, and as arrogant as I may appear out here I have my insecurities too. He’s been nothing but reassuring through the years, though, so if I have to think about a change in our relationship I might say it’s grown more relaxed on my behalf.
Art: Deceiver of the Gods by Muirin007 on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 27 • Worst misconception about Loki that you have encountered
Too many to count! xD
What troubles me the most is probably the superficiality with which some describe him, reducing him to either a merely evil entity, or to the court jester of Ásgarðr. Yes, he can be mischievous; yes, he can be a bad guy; yes, he can be a jokester; but he has MANY faces, and some of those to me are more prominent than those he’s most (in)famous for. He's fun, he's loving, he's wise, he's a warrior in many ways… There's a lot to discover about Loki, and I wish people would stop misjudging him - or maybe not. Maybe that’s the way it should be, after all. Maybe some are destined to stay on the surface of things, without ever going deeper.
Art: The Unlucky Family by Hellanim on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 28 • Something you wish you knew about this deity but don’t currently
Not something that involves him directly: I hope I get to know his children Narfi and Váli better, in time. I’ve had a couple of distant contacts in the past, but I felt they were kinda shy, more afraid than I was, though curious and kinda surprised by the “visit”. Their story is indescribably painful and sad, so it’s no wonder they tend to hide a bit.
“Now Loki was taken truceless, and was brought with them into a certain cave. Thereupon they took three flat stones, and set them on edge and drilled a hole in each stone. Then were taken Loki's sons, Váli and Nari or Narfi; the Æsir changed Váli into the form of a wolf, and he tore asunder Narfi his brother. And the Æsir took his entrails and bound Loki with them over the three stones: one stands under his shoulders, the second under his loins, the third under his boughs; and those bonds were turned to iron. Then Skaði took a venomous serpent and fastened it up over him, so that the venom should drip from the serpent into his face. But Sigyn, his wife, stands near him and holds a basin under the venom-drops; and when the basin is full, she goes and pours out the venom, but in the meantime the venom drips into his face. Then he writhes against it with such force that all the earth trembles: ye call that ‘earthquakes’. There he lies in bonds till the Weird of the Gods." {{Gylfaginning, from The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson, transl. by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur}}
My heart longs to celebrate these forgotten children as they deserve. As the rightful gods they are.
Art: The Bedtime Tale by Hellanim on DeviantArt
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 29 • Any interesting or unusual UPG to share?
Neon Goats.
So many strange things happen when you deal with Loki, that I had to ask my good friend Sigyn if she, as an external observer, could name an unusual thing I told her about my experiences with Loki. Being the godsdamn genius she is, she came up with the brightest (literally) hint: neon Goats!
The Helheimr does that mean, you ask?
Well, it’s a vision I had last Winter, on a feverish night. I found myself in a place that vaguely resembled Iceland, only everything was neon. And there were all kinds of neon Goats all over the place. All kind of Goats: domestic Goats, Alpine Ibexes, Chamois… name a Goat, or an animal resembling a Goat, and it most likely was there. As I woke from this psychedelic dream, I remember thinking about Loki, and smiling because I felt him near. Via neon Goats.
Makes sense, uh?
Well, in fact he’s tied (pun intended) to Goats, according to the myths, so it might not be a random association, but I’ve never heard of neon Goats (nor neon animals in general) associated with him. Therefore, I agree with Sigyn: this must definitely be my most unusual UPG.
To honor this vision, after I found a Chamoix skull in a thrift market, I decorated it with neon acrylic paints. Not a particularly excellent work, since I’m not a pro of course, but I had good fun painting it according to the colors of my vision. It’s been sitting on Loki’s altar since, and he seems to enjoy this funny gift too.
July for Loki using 30 Days of Deity Devotion prompts, Day 30 • Any suggestions for others just starting to learn about Loki?
Don’t approach him lightly. But if you feel drawn to him, or if you sense he’s calling you, follow your instinct.
Nevermind what you’ve been told about him, or what you read about him: make your own experiences with him.
Be respectful, but have no fear. He’s a god, not evil nor cruel. Respect him, and he’ll show you the Nine Worlds and beyond.
Read the myths, read the books, but try to remember this: the deities are ALIVE, right here, right now. Does it really matter who they were eons ago? Does it matter who you were two decades ago? Yes, it can give people a hint, but the reality is far more complex than someone’s past. The deities are alive, just like you and me - well, not exactly in the same way, but you get the idea. Yes, I read the myths, I studied them, I know the stories since I was a little child, and you know what? I know for sure that Loki is FAR more than those myths. All deities are. Just like we are much more than a couple of episodes people remember us for. So guess what? If you want to know who Loki was, read the myths and study the history. But if you want to know who Loki IS, listen to him. I'll never grow tired of repeating this.
Listen.
To.
Him.
Oh, and a couple of witchy tips: don’t try to play him for a fool, and don’t approach him with the wrong attitude, or you’ll get burned.
Art: Loki by IrenHorrors on DeviantArt
