Mainwhile reading one of many books by Silver Ravenwolf, I came across an important point. The author of To Ride a Silver Broomstick and The Magical Household, among other titles, discusses “Daily Devotions” as a method of connecting with the Gods, which resemble prayers in nature. And as causality would have it, things seemed to align as if by design.
Throughout this year, after reflecting on several situations relating to the training of Ceorls, I reached the conclusion with Seax Gesith Nimrod (Rasgæl Hræfenwulf), and later agreed upon with Seax Gesith Tracken, that not everyone is prepared, ready, or willing to take the oath to become a Seax Gesith. This, however, should not be a reason for a sincere believer in Woden and Frig to have to wait until a Sabbat or Esbat for “someone else” to perform a ritual for them—that is, for “someone else to pray on their behalf.” Yes, you read that correctly: “a sincere believer” is not exclusively a Seax Gesith. Claiming otherwise would be like saying that one must be a priest to be Catholic, a Lama to be Buddhist, or born in Egypt to follow Kemetism.
If you are reading these lines, it’s likely that you are a Theow (a friend of Seax Wica). You may have joined us at various Sabbats and Esbats, perhaps not every one, and maybe you haven’t completed a full turn of the Wheel. Or you might be one of those homebound pagans who lights a candle, burns some incense, opens a book (perhaps by Raymond Buckland), and follows the words as best as they resonate with you. But in either case, you have practiced enough for a sincere interest to arise within you to take a personal step forward and consider becoming a Seax Treow (a professed Saxon pagan).
At this point, you may think that being South American without a drop of Anglo-Saxon blood somehow disqualifies you. However, as we have often explained, this is not a matter of lineage but of emotional affinity. The collective mind knows no physical boundaries or skin color.
So, if you are a believer in the Saxon pantheon’s Gods and, for any reason, do not wish to prepare to become a Seax Gesith, or are unable to attend all Grove meetings or Sabbats, this ritual guide will be a blessing to you. Now, why focus on the Gods of the Anglo-Saxon pantheon? For several reasons: firstly, they are the Gods we are culturally most connected with (in my modest opinion). These magnificent deities feel, work, and suffer as though they were human, despite their divinity. Additionally, these rituals are based on and inspired by the writings of Raymond Buckland, the Faeder of Seax Wica. Therefore, if you follow these rites and we come to know of your personal and spiritual progress, you will be recognized as a Seax Treow (Saxon pagan).
Whether daily, weekly, or monthly (lunar months), these devotions should be conducted according to your spiritual needs. However, to avoid scattered prayers, invocations, odes, etc., it is ideal for us pagans devoted to Woden and Frig through Seax Wica to unify criteria. Through the repetition of the same words, with intent and faith, power is concentrated (as with mantras, litanies, etc.). Devotions can be performed whenever the devotee feels the need to be heard by the Gods.
Thus, on August 18, 2017, Seax Gesith Nimrod (Rasgæl Hræfenwulf), Seax Gesith Thrakenn, Seax Gesith Aubrey (Eostre Æfer), and I met in a Witan to outline a devotion that would serve anyone who professes or identifies as a follower of the Saxon Gods and as a friend of Seax Wica. These rites, as mentioned, are based on the works of Raymond Buckland, the Faeder of Seax Wica, written with his blessing. The rites may appear brief but are profound in meaning.
In the following comments:
- Necessary elements for the rite
- The Devotional Rite
- Eight Devotional Rites, each with its corresponding Sabbat (Eight Sabbats)
- Blessing of Food (adapted from the Sabbat)
