THE SEED
As previously mentioned, the religio-magic of Seax-Wica is grounded in orthopraxy, meaning the correct performance of sacred rites. Through faithful practice, the Initiate begins to develop a deep spiritual vision, nourished by ritual experience and direct contact with the mysteries. On this path, The Tree, the liturgical and foundational book of Seax-Wica, serves as a guide for practitioners.
In this context, every Gesith is considered a Wica, a word meaning “Wise One,” commonly translated as Witch. From the outset, the Gesith assumes the role of priest or priestess, serving the gods and facilitating the communion with the sacred through their spiritual practice.
However, many pagan sympathizers find it challenging to commit to the discipline and dedication required for the priesthood or Wiccan practice within a traditional system. To address this, since 2012, various ways have been explored and tested to integrate Theows (sympathizers) into the Saxon Tradition. This effort led to the establishment of the Seax-Wica Peru Witan on August 18, 2017, where a system was formalized for Saxon believers, known as Seax-Treóws, allowing anyone who feels a calling towards the Saxon Gods to join our community.
Devotions of the Seax Tradition
Written by:
Seax Gesith Rasgæl Hræfenwulf – High Priest
Seax Gesith Eostre Æfer – High Priestess
Meomerswiell Seax Coven
Seax Gesith Thrakenn – Priest
Æfenrima Wyrtún Seax Coven
Seax Gesith Freyjoy – Priest
Folkwang Seax Grove
The following devotions are prayers inspired by the sacred rites written in The Tree—the liturgical book of the Seax Tradition. These devotions are meant to be recited by Seax-Treóws to strengthen their connection with the Saxon Gods. Likewise, Ceorls and Gesiths may perform these prayers in solitude, at any time of the day and with the frequency their heart dictates.
However, if a Theow wishes to be formally recognized as part of the Seax Tradition and become a Seax-Treów, they must commit to a consistent devotional practice and strive to improve themselves both personally and spiritually.
Devotions of the Seax Tradition
Elements of the Devotional Altar
The figures on the altar should represent the God Woden and the Goddess Frig. These can be a pair of portraits, printed images, wood carvings, or any durable material that speaks to your reverence.
A white candle.
A Devotional Book, called The Seed, which should be handwritten to fully connect with its power during recitations.
– For certain devotions, you may also need:
– A bowl and a plate.
– Additional candles.
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Structure of the Devotions
Step 1 – Drawing the Circle.
Step 2 – Greetings to the Four Quarters.
Step 3 – Invitation to the Gods.
Step 4 – Welcoming the Gods.
Step 5 – Farewell.
Intermediate Step A – Sabbath/Symbel Devotion.
Intermediate Step B – Gratitude for the Food.
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Details of the Steps
Step 1
Trace the circle with your index and middle fingers, symbolizing the sacred space that now connects the heavens and the earth.
Step 2
Play a wind instrument or whistle at each cardinal point to invite the winds of the world.
Step 3
Devotee: “Woden and Frig, I humbly invite you to witness this devotion in your honor.”
Light the central white candle, which will guide your words and focus your intent.
Step 4
Devotee: “Welcome, mighty Woden; welcome, gracious Frig. In this sacred moment, I offer you my love, my life, my peace, and my truth. May you share these gifts with all who speak your sacred names and in those through whom you manifest. Guide me to act in wisdom, fairness, and with a clear heart. So it is.”
Devotee: “Wherever I walk, I feel the presence of the gods. In all that I do, they walk beside me. They dwell within me, and I in them, always. Evil finds no place here, for purity surrounds me and fills me. I fight for goodness, and for goodness, I live. Love fills all things, and so it shall be, forever.”
Step 5
Devotee: “I bid you farewell in perfect love and perfect trust. Love is the law, love is the bond.”
Extinguish the white candle with a single clap, sealing the devotion.
Frequency and Timing
Steps 1 through 5 can be performed at any time of the day, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. However, these devotions should be performed at least once every lunar cycle (every 28 days), ensuring a continual connection with the divine.
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Intermediate Step A – Sabbath Devotion
This devotion should be performed at each celebration of the Seax Tradition’s Sabbaths/Symbels, recited after Step 4. Afterward, proceed to Intermediate Step B, and conclude with Step 5.
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1- Sabbath/Symbel of Haligæfen/Samhain
(HN – November 1 / HS – May 1)
Devotee: “Today marks the end of the season of the Summer-Goddess, and the beginning of the months of the Winter-God. It is a time of celebration, to bring strength and joy. We honor those who have journeyed to the realms of the Mighty Ones, and may they return briefly to celebrate with us.”
Serve food and drink in your cup and plate, and place an additional cup and plate for the departed. Let this offering sit as you reflect or remember those who have passed to Dreün. After Step 5, offer the food to someone in need as an act of devotion.
2- Sabbath/Symbel of Winter Solstice
(HN – December 21 / HS – June 21)
Place two additional candles on the altar.
Devotee: “The sun is on its course, through the long and dark winter months. Thus, I offer this prayer.”
Light the two additional candles.
Devotee: “One light to guide the sun through the winter, another to bring it back. My thoughts and memories are with Woden, as he watches over me and guides me. May these flames burn until the time of Ewemeolc.”
After Step 5, extinguish each candle with a clap.
3- Sabbath/Symbel of Ewemeolc/Imbolc
(HN – February 1 / HS – August 1)
Devotee: “Today, Woden reaches the zenith of his journey. I offer my heart and light these torches in celebration. So shall the journey continue toward Sumoræfen, as he is renewed in strength and deeply in love with my Lady Frig.”
Light two additional candles as used in the Winter Solstice.
After Step 5, extinguish each candle with a clap.
4- Sabbath/Symbel of Spring Equinox
(HN – March 21 / HS – September 21)
Place two seeds at the altar.
Devotee: “Welcome, beautiful Spring! It is time to be born and plant seeds. Since ancient times, we have celebrated this moment together, symbolizing the honoring of the gods through this act of sowing. This is a joyful time. This is a time for planting. So it shall be.”
Plant the seeds in a pot or garden, as an offering to the earth.
5- Sabbath/Symbel of Sumoræfen/Beltane
(HN – May 1 / HS – November 1)
Place one additional candle at the altar.
Devotee: “Tonight, we mark the end of the dark season, and now we light the fires of Sumoræfen, to revitalize our Lord after his journey. Welcome, Woden; welcome, Life.”
Light the candle.
Devotee: “Our Lady Frig begins to don her mantle of spring. I offer her my love and devotion. The word is Love, and we joyfully speak it, act it, and feel it; for we are Love. So it shall be.”
Afterward, extinguish the candle with a clap.
6- Sabbath/Symbel of Summer Solstice
(HN – June 21 / HS – December 21)
Place an additional candle at the altar.
Devotee: “Now, the Summer Sun is high, and the living continue their journey. I thank you for the richness and blessings of life, for the spark that unites me with you. Help me live with love and trust, feeling the joy of loving you and each other. So it shall be.”
Let the additional candle burn until it is consumed.
7- Sabbath/Symbel of Hlafmaesse/Lughnassadh
(HN – August 1 / HS – February 1)
Devotee: “Summer is the season of growth and care. It is my time to reflect on what must remain and what must be let go. Lady Frig, guide my decisions and grant me wisdom. Help me to love and honor others, to have respect and knowledge, which true love and peace bring. Woden and Frig, I am wholly yours. So it shall be.”
Reflect on your life, deciding what to keep and what to release. Afterward, give away anything you no longer need as an offering to someone in need.
8- Sabbath/Symbel of Autumn Equinox
(HN – September 21 / HS – March 21)
Devotee: “Now that the season of abundance has come to an end, I know that my Lady Frig is always with me, protecting me alongside my Lord Woden. By Woden and Frig, who bring peace, joy, and love to the world. So it shall be.”
Meditate for a few minutes, contemplating the blessings of life. Afterward, bow before the altar and proceed with Intermediate Step B and Step 5.
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Intermediate Step B – Gratitude for the Food
Place one hand on your plate and the other on your drink.
Devotee: “I give thanks to Woden and Frig for this food and drink. Without them, I would have nothing.”
This prayer can be performed before any meal—breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a shared feast. When celebrating the Sabbats, feel free to offer wine, beer, or another beverage to the gods, along with bread or cakes. In everyday meals, the offering can be of any food or drink of your choice.
2 Comments
By Mark Joseph
Hi, Is it imperative to rite this devotion to a seperate book, called The Seed?
Or can i keep one book, called The Tree, to write all the Rites and devotions in it? Thank you
By Juan Manuel Espinoza Guzmán
Greetings,
Thank you for your question! The beauty of Seax-Wica lies in its flexibility and its encouragement for practitioners to shape their path in a way that feels authentic to them.
The idea of “The Tree” as the primary personal manuscript is central to the tradition. This book is meant to hold your rites, personal reflections, and experiences, serving as a living document of your spiritual journey.
As for “The Seed,” it is not a requirement to maintain a separate book. If it feels more natural or convenient for you, you can absolutely include devotions, such as the one you mentioned, within your Tree. The most important aspect is that these writings resonate with you and that they reflect your commitment to the gods and your path in Seax-Wica.
However, some practitioners do choose to keep a separate book, like “The Seed,” for specific types of content—such as devotions, prayers, or daily reflections. This can help maintain a sense of structure and focus. But again, this is entirely a personal choice and not a mandate of the tradition.
Raymond Buckland often emphasized that Seax-Wica was designed to be accessible and adaptable, without rigid rules. Whether you write your devotions in a separate book or within your Tree, what matters most is the intention and dedication behind your practice.
Bright blessings,
Juan Espinoza