5 out of 5 stars (1,624) Sale Price $86.70 $ 86.70 $ 102.00 Original Price $102.00 . [22][23] Several of these contemporary pagan religions draw specifically on the original mediaeval religious beliefs and practices of Anglo-Saxon England as sources of inspiration, adopting such Anglo-Saxon deities as their own. Freyja, Cats and Angels, by Nils Blommer (1816-1853). After Baldr's death, the gods attempted to bring him back to life, but they were unsuccessful. Image credit: Henri Osti. He was often depicted as a fierce warrior and was said to have fought against giants, monsters, and other threats to the gods and mortals. He is also a trickster, the god of thieves, possibly responsible for Balder's death. Let's look at the Role of Prayer in Modern Paganism. Seir practitioners were of both sexes, with sorceresses being variously known as vlur, seikonur and vsendakona. Like many fearsome beings in Norse lore, Troll Wives are seldom described in detail. It was believed that if the gods lost access to the apples, they would begin to age and eventually die. It's more along the lines of "I honor you and respect you, so I'm giving you this stuff to show you how much I appreciate your intervention on my behalf." We wrote more about this in our blog on how to become Asatru. HodHod is a son of Odin. He was known for his keen senses and his ability to see and hear great distances. He was also associated with the concept of baugi, a term that refers to the balance between order and chaos in the universe. Her father was Njrd, the sea god. Sort of like weights, isn't it? Other less gory types of ritual are usually favoured instead these days like offering up valuables to bogs or wetlands as a sacrifice, or simply drinking mead (an ancient alcoholic drink made using honey). But what is this Old Norse religion, and what do its followers believe? Yes. She was associated with love, beauty, and fertility, and was often invoked by women seeking to conceive or to improve their fertility. Stockholm: Gjthstrm & Magnusson. "Pagan Gods and Goddesses." But a good basic structure that we like to follow is this one: That's as simple as it gets! Norwegians consider the Ynglings real historical figures, but in Sweden, the Ynglings have remained mythological. Published in 2019, it introduces some of the main elements of Norse Paganism, including the runes and the nine realms (or worlds) of Norse cosmology. Three high Blots are mentioned in Snorri Sturluson's Hiemskiringla as being the Pagans celebrated. You can certainly get by just by being a part of the community and learning some basics, but ultimately the "homework" is there to make you confident in building your own practices. Two things we always do during Heathen Holidays is Feasting and Sumble. He hung himself from Yggdrasil for nine days and nine nights while pierced by his own spear to learn their secret. Viking lore is replete with frightening or wicked witches. Some of the main paths of Norse Paganism are outlined below. It's a special kind of giving where the gift itself is made holy or sacred. She made all things in the world swear not to harm Baldr, with the exception of the mistletoe plant, which she considered too small and insignificant to pose a threat. For more on Feasting, see our blog on how you make a Heathen Feast. in SW Jamison, HC Melchert & B Vine (eds), Proceedings of the Twenty-First Annual UCLA Indo-European Conference, Los Angeles, October 30th and 31st, 2009. Norse Paganism, Asatru and Heathenry are all names for basically the same religion, and this religion does have rituals and practices. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. on the earth below, Contemporary Paganism, also referred to as Neo-Paganism, is an umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of new religious movements, particularly those influenced by the various pagan beliefs of premodern Europe. Some followers suggest the simplest way to get started with Norse Paganism is to simply allow yourself time to connect with the gods whether thats by meditating, or simply taking a walk in nature. He was also associated with the concept of oaths and was sometimes invoked when making promises or agreements. In addition to his role as a warrior and a god of death, Odin was also associated with poetry and song. Freyja is the Norse goddess of love, witchcraft, and war, among other things. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. She would also sometimes be described as sp-kona or sei-kona, meaning 'prophecy-woman' and 'magic-woman', respectively. It is simply the concept that one should take the time to do thingsincluding worship and offeringsin a way that is conducive to the demands and needs of the god or goddess in question. 7", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seir&oldid=1141591664, This page was last edited on 25 February 2023, at 20:54. According to Norse mythology, Thor was the son of Odin, the chief god, and the giantess Jord. 18th-century Icelandic manuscript showing Balder being Killed by Hod and Loki. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/gods-and-goddesses-in-norse-mythology-120007. In many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, it's not uncommon to make some sort of offering or sacrifice to the gods. Loki tricked Idun into leaving Asgard and then stole the apples, causing the gods to grow old and weak. The first question someone usually has after finding out about a religion is to find out how to do it. He was sometimes depicted as a phallic figure, and his hammer was seen as a symbol of fertility and masculine power. Will return after Ragnarok. He is typically accompanied by a pack of wolves, or two ravensHugin and Munin, or thought and memoryand rides on a magical eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Some of the most well-known Norse gods include: Odin, also known as Woden or Wotan, is a deity in Norse mythology and the chief god of the pantheon. There were also accounts of male practitioners, who were known as seimenn or seimaur in the singular. But feasts don't have to be hosted by a single person or family, it can be a communal feast with everyone contributing what they can. He is said to have acquired his wisdom and magical abilities through self-sacrifice and extreme acts of self-denial. Consort: ur. (2020, August 28). In the process, Fenrir bit off Tyr's hand, causing him to become known as the "one-handed god.". Although his father was the giant Frbauti, he was In Norse mythology, Andvari (Alberich) guards treasures, including Tarnkappe, a cape of invisibility, and gives Loki the magic ring of the Aesir, which is called Draupnir. The stick is used to strike a man three times on his left cheek to make him forget and three times on his right cheek to make him remember. Hon var bltgyja. Odin was a complex and multifaceted deity, revered for his wisdom, magic, and martial prowess. According to Norse mythology, Tyr was one of the sons of Odin, the chief god, and was known for his bravery and courage in battle. He was often depicted as a fierce warrior and was said to be the bravest of all the gods. In the Ynglinga Saga, Snorri Sturluson (1179 - 1241), a famous Icelandic historian, describes the arrival of the Norse gods to Scandinavia and how Freyr founded the Swedish Yngling dynasty at Gamla Uppsala, one of the most important, sacred ancient Viking and Pagan sites in Sweden. About Our Annuals . There tends to be some question about what, exactly, is the right offering to make to the gods or goddesses of one's tradition, and how we should honor them when making those offerings. However, it was prophesized that Baldr would eventually return to life and rule the world with his brother, Hodr, who had been tricked into killing him. Chances are good that someone is listening. Sometimes known as heathenry, Norse Paganism is based on the old Norse religion that was practised in Scandinavia before Christianity showed up. #norse #vikings #norway #life ****THIS VIDEO WILL STAY PUBLIC ON THE CHANNEL FOR JUST 12 HOURS, AFTER THAT MADE VISIBLE JUST FOR MEMBERS****If you are a st. Poseidon is the god of the sea, known as "earth-shaker.". Mark Ber Peterson: The Haunted South Hauntings, Urban Legends, History, Folklore and Southern Witchcraft. But it is clear that there is a broad range of witches. Let Us Knowso we can help. In addition to her role as a domestic and maternal figure, Frigg was also associated with the concept of fate and the cycle of life. Neil Gaimans Norse Mythology, meanwhile, reinterprets old tales in a lively way, making the whole subject feel much more accessible. He was revered for his vigilance and his role as a guardian and protector of the gods. Godsnorth From shop Godsnorth. 1987-2023 The Troth She presided over the sacrifice. Freya is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. Njord is a Vanir god of wind and sea. Harald Sund / Photographer's Choice / Getty Images He was said to stand guard at the entrance to Asgard, watching for any threats or dangers that might come to the gods. One passage referring to this is in theHavamal: I know a tenth spellIf I see witchesat play in the airI can cast this spellSo that they get lostSo they cant find their skinsSo they cant find their minds, If the Viking Age, witches used their iron rod as a means of traveling across levels of consciousness, it is easy to see how later Medieval Christians would say that witches flew through the air riding on brooms.. Idun, also known as Idunn or Iduna, was a Norse goddess who was associated with youth and rejuvenation. He is often depicted as a warrior god and is associated with the concept of justice and fair play. Many proponents rave about Ryan Smiths book The Way of Fire and Ice, which acts as a kind of handbook for developing personal practices and building a community around Norse Paganism. What is Scandinavian folk art, and where can you see it? In addition to these major deities, there were also many other gods, goddesses, and supernatural beings associated with the Norse pantheon, such as giants, dwarves, and monsters. She wore hairy calf-skin shoes on her feet, with long and strong-looking thongs to them, and great knobs of latten at the ends. Loki was known for his quick wit and his ability to outsmart others. Paganism (from classical Latin pgnus "rural", "rustic", later "civilian") is a term first used in the fourth century by early Christians for people in the Roman Empire who practiced polytheism, or ethnic religions other than Judaism.In the time of the Roman empire, individuals fell into the pagan class either because they were increasingly rural and provincial relative to the Christian . Partial List of the Norse Gods, Goddesses & Other Supernatural Beings: Their Lore, Powers & Influences . He is a wise man and magician, who learned the secrets of the runes by hanging himself on the tree Yggdrasil for nine nights. Original Handmade Design by The Old Crone Viking Aesir God Loki (Trickster) Pagan Prayer Beads, Devotional Beads, Ritual Beads 26 Inches in Length Loki, in Norse mythology, a cunning trickster who had the ability to change his shape and sex. She was also associated with the Vanir, a group of fertility deities, and was sometimes depicted with them. In pre-Christian Norse mythology, seir was associated with both the god inn, a deity who was simultaneously responsible for war, poetry and sorcery, and the goddess Freyja, a member of the Vanir who was believed to have taught the practice to the sir.[1]. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-gods-and-goddesses-2561985. Many people are first exposed to elements of Norse Paganism through TV shows and Hollywood movies. The role of Idun in Norse mythology was primarily that of a guardian and protector of the gods' youth and immortality. The Norse pantheon consisted of a large number of deities, many of whom were associated with specific aspects of life, such as war, agriculture, or the sea. Various scholars have debated the nature of seir, some of them have argued that it was shamanic in context, involving visionary journeys by its practitioners. For some time, another tribe of gods, the Vanir, shared this place with the Aesir. An "oath to the Gods" is not required. Freyja is sometimes called a witch in the Eddic poems and was much maligned for this by later Christians. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without theexpress written permission of AncientPages.com, Snorri Sturlason, Heimskringla or The Chrinicleof the Kings of Norway, Lotte Hedeager - Iron Age Myth and Materiality: An Archaeology of Scandinavia AD 400-1000, Johan Lindstrm - Sveriges Lnga Historia, Legendary Ynglings: Descendants Of The Norse Gods And Oldest Scandinavian King Dynasty, Runes Were Just As Advanced As Roman Alphabet Writing New Study, Ancient Burials Of Worlds First Horse Riders Found Near The Black Sea, Clevelands Prehistoric Sea Monster Had A Mouth Twice As Large As A Great White Shark, Mysterious Bronze Age Golden Tomb Unearthed In Armenia. Cernunnos is the horned god found in many traditions of modern Paganism and Wicca.He is an archetype found predominantly in Celtic regions, and symbolizes fertility and masculine energy. Ynglings claimed descent from the god Freyr. Thursday (Thor's Day) is named in his honor. If I stop giving gifts, or you stop giving gifts, then that trust dissolves and that relationship ceases to grow. In Old Norse, seir (sometimes anglicized as seidhr, seidh, seidr, seithr, seith, or seid) was a type of magic which was practised in Norse society during the Late Scandinavian Iron Age. However, the wolf was so strong that only Tyr was brave enough to approach him and place the chain around his neck. [19] Because seir was viewed as a feminine practice, any man who engaged in it (seimar)[20] was associated with a concept called ergi, the designation of a man in Norse society who was unmanly, feminine and possibly homosexual.[19]. [25] Author Jan Fries regards seir as a form of "shamanic trembling", which he relates to "seething", used as a shamanic technique, the idea being his own and developed through experimentation. He played a significant role in the pantheon of Norse gods and was often invoked in times of war or conflict. Nanna is the mother of Forseti. Sources can help verify facts, and prove the info. He was a beloved figure among the gods and mortals and was seen as a symbol of light and purity. Or there's a Seidmenn, which is a man who practiced this form of Norse magic. Some religious groups do require oaths, others do not. Divided between the sir and the Vanir, and sometimes including the jtnar (giants), the dividing line between these groups is less than clear. If you are joining a religious group, their own rules may have you do something like give an Oath to the Gods and to the group. In modern times, Idun has become a popular figure in Norse mythology and has been featured in various media, including literature, television, and film. She is often depicted as a loving and nurturing figure and is associated with domesticity and the hearth. For the Norse and Germanic societies, much like many other ancient cultures, the deities were a part of daily life, not merely something to be chatted with in times of need. Different types of deities seem to respond best to Different Kinds of Offerings. You could compare it to someone who practiced shamanism or witchcraft. He was sometimes depicted with a golden apple, which was seen as a symbol of fertility and rejuvenation. The Norns may once have guarded the fountain at the base of Yggdrasil. If all this sounds like something from Lord of the Rings, youre not a million miles off; author JRR Tolkein was actually inspired by Norse mythology and it informed his most famous book, The Lord of The Rings. When you first pick up a heavy weight, you might feel weak. For a lot of newcomers to Norse Paganism, things start with a casual interest in Norse mythology and then develop from there. In the first Book of Samuel, King Saul of Israel got in some trouble when he sought assistance from the witch and asked her to predict the future. This may explain why some followers embrace elements of Viking style. Print Collector / Getty Images / Getty Images. The differences between these two groups must have led to disputes and battles. Hon hafi hlsi sr glertlur, lambskinnskofra svartan hfi ok vi innan kattarskinn hvt. Symbel (sometimes rendered as Sumbel) is ritual drinking. It's a ritual for the community. He was a complex figure in Norse mythology and played a significant role in the pantheon of Norse gods. Here is a collection of some of the best known gods and goddesses of modern Paganism, as well as some tips on how to make offerings to them and interact with them. Bor - Son of Buri and father of Odin, Vili and Ve. His son Thor is the god of thunder, who wields the divine Hammer, Mjolnir. We believe our beloved dead are still with us and still care for us just as much as they did when they were alive. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Hod is the blind god of winter who kills his brother Balder and is in turn killed by his brother Vali. Does your tradition honor a god or goddess of healing magic?. In the book Iron Age Myth and Materiality: An Archaeology of Scandinavia AD 400-1000, Lotte Hedeager, Professor of Archaeology and Head of the Department of Archaeology, Conservation, and History at the University of Oslo, Norway, explains that the royal Yngling dynasty descended from the Vanir gods. Elli - Goddess of old age. The only thing most Heathens agree (and that's a pretty big deal because we rarely all agree on anything) that needs to happen is we need to start participating in the Gifting Cycle. Traditionally, the Feast would be the responsibility of the host. Major Gods and Goddesses in Norse Mythology. The legendary Ynglings remain a fascinating subject, and stories about these people are a mixture of myths, legends, and historical facts. Frigg was often depicted as a kind and nurturing figure, and was revered for her ability to provide comfort and support to those in need. In other versions, it is Loki who eventually rescues Idun and brings her back to Asgard. It seems likely that the type of divination of seir-practitioners was generally distinct, by dint of an altogether more metaphysical nature, from the day-to-day auguries performed by the seers (menn framsnir, menn forspir). In addition to her role as a goddess of love and fertility, Freya was also associated with war and death. The Valkyrie symbol: what is it, and what does it mean? Bear in mind that despite the reciprocal nature of our relationship with the divine, it's not a matter of "I'm offering you this stuff so you'll grant my wish." The worst of the evil witches were sometimes referred to as Troll Wives and were Jtnar rather than human. The gods of Norse paganism can be grouped into two main pantheons. You can find more information about the most commonly worshipped Gods in Heathenry here in our resources on Gods. He was sometimes responsible for causing problems for the gods and mortals, and he was known for causing trouble and playing pranks on his fellow deities. Frigg was a significant figure in Norse mythology and played a key role in the pantheon of Norse gods. In ancient times, they ruled as mighty kings in Sweden and Norway. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In some accounts she is Odin's wife, making her foremost among the Aesir goddesses. If you don't have a specific, written tradition, then how do you know which gods to call upon? Prayer can take the form of anything from the spontaneous to the elaborate. Information about man's need to connect with the Divine comes to us from China, India, and all over the globe. One possible example of seir in Norse mythology is the prophetic vision given to inn in the Vlusp by the vlva after whom the poem is named. [6], Now, when she came in the evening, accompanied by the man who had been sent to meet her, she was dressed in such wise that she had a blue mantle over her, with strings for the neck, and it was inlaid with gems quite down to the skirt. The primary deities in Wicca are the feminine and masculine aspects of the Divine.These are the Triple Goddess and the Horned God. Others may have a family connection to the Nordic countries and feel that they want to explore this spiritually, either instead of or as well as a trip to Northern Europe. In the Ynglinga saga (c.1225), written by Icelandic poet Snorri Sturluson, it is stated that seir had originally been a practice among the Vanir, but that Freyja, who was herself a member of the Vanir, had introduced it to the sir when she joined them.[16]. She was revered for her wisdom, nurturing nature, and her role as the queen of the gods. Pray when you need to, and say what you wish to say. (2021, September 9). Our travel guides are all researched on the ground by writers who know the areainside-outand speak the local lingo. The gods and goddesses of ancient Egypt were a complex group of beings and ideas. Vikidia currently has 4,260 articles. Many Norse Pagans believe that the dead go to another realm (such as Valhalla, where its said that half of those killed in combat would be taken to meet Odin). In theory you could try to worship all of them, but in practice most Heathens worship about 8 and only 3 or 4 with any regularity. Norse Pagans typically subscribe to an animistic worldview that is, a belief that all living things and phenomena have a spiritual essence. Balder is an Aesir god and a son of Odin and Frigg. So while you may have heard about dwarves, elves and gods such as Odin and Thor, there are many more layers of the religion to uncover. victory to cowards? According to Norse mythology, Freya was the daughter of the god Njord and the sister of Freyr, the god of fertility. A Viking who looked up to see a raven might see it as an omen from Odin, just as he might see a black cat as a sign that Freyja was watching.Witches, sorcerers, and wizards were taken seriously and respected in the Viking world. Asatru has a reputation for being a religion with homework. Despite her importance to the gods, Idun does not play a large role in many of the Norse myths and stories. The thing is, a lot of it isn't typically codified and standardized. No spam. Gill, N.S. How the English Days of the Week Got Their Names, M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota. The earliest roots of Norse Paganism are thought to date back to the Iron Age, or even the Bronze Age. One tell-tale sign of a witchs grave is an iron staff. Image credit: Skandinaviens ldre Historia. [3] However, it is not clear how this derivation relates to the practice of seir. Freya was a popular deity in Norse mythology and was revered for her beauty, fertility, and love. On her head she had a black hood of lambskin, lined with ermine. MimirMimir is the wise one and Odin's uncle. She was married to Bragi, the god of poetry and music, and was considered one of the most beautiful of the goddesses. Let's look atsome of the best-known Gods and Goddesses of the Norse Pantheon. Started in 1972, it is now the fastest-growing religion in Iceland, with well over 4000 members. And in 2019, the BBC reported that satr was one of Icelands fastest growing religions. According to Saxo Grammaticus, Hod (Hother) did it on his own; others blame Loki. NannaIn Norse mythology, Nanna is the daughter of Nef and Balder's wife. Image credit: Hugo Hamilton (18021871). It puts people in a space to talk openly, to share, and to really get to know one another in a space that is safe and supportive. [21] Though not seen as a respectable thing, it was not rare for men to be involved in seir magic. Strange Tale Of Mysterious Thousand-Year-Old Underground Network Of Caves And Encounters With Subterranean Dwellers, Unexplained Mystery Of The Glowing Woman Who Baffled Scientists, Most Detailed Geological Model Reveals Earths Past 100 Million Years, Ecological Improvement Of Freshwater Ecosystems Benefits Fish And People, Shiitake Mushrooms And Its Evolution A New Study, Scientists Use Satellites To Track Earth Greening Amid Climate Change, Augmented Reality Headset Enables Users To See Hidden Objects. Freya is a Vanir goddess of sex, fertility, war, and wealth, daughter of Njord. Gods and goddesses in Norse Paganism The gods of Norse paganism can be grouped into two main pantheons. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get the Routes North newsletter delivered once a month. This page has very few or no sources, you can help by adding those sources. https://www.learnreligions.com/pagan-gods-and-goddesses-2561985 (accessed March 4, 2023). He was known for his great strength and was often depicted as a powerful, muscular man with red hair and a beard. We dont take freebies or discounts, so you can always trust what you read on the site. Beyond those two main groups of gods and goddesses mentioned above, Norse pagans also believe in Jtunn (sometimes loosely translated as giants), as well as other non-human creatures such as elves and dwarves. Thor is a deity in Norse mythology and is best known as the god of thunder and lightning. He was the one who gave them the name. While some of us like to focus our practice on these spirits (usually calling themselves "Nordic Animists"), most people who are curious about our faith are curious specifically about our relationship to the Gods. This is a physical representation of our forging our connections and a sort of re-enactment of the sharing of mead between the Aesir and the Vanir at the conclusion of the war between them. The gods argue, make errors and have flawed personalities, just like us which explains why Norse mythology can be as compelling as a modern-day soap opera. Odin has a spear, Grungir, that never misses. Heimdall was a significant figure in Norse mythology and played a key role in the pantheon of Norse gods. Click the links to learn more about each Holiday. galdr). A common misconception is that Wiccans . A justification for this may be found in the Ynglinga saga, where Snorri opines that following the practice of seir rendered the practitioner weak and helpless. Delling - God of the dawn. In our article aboutAsgard The Ancient Powerful Kingdom Of The Norse Gods, we briefly discussed the relationship between two main groups of Norse gods. The homework isn't there to make you feel dumb. But many parts of Norse Paganism (such as elves, for example) remained ingrained in Scandinavian folklore. On Sale Now! However, it must be stated that these ancient human remains have not been adequately investigated, and scientists have not officially confirmed Ynglings were buried at Gamla Uppsala. The Christian Bible has an injunction against practicing witchcraft and divination, and that can probably be blamed on the Witch of Endor. He is also a protector of the gods and is associated with strength and bravery. It happened. As they are described in a number of other Scandinavian sagas, Saga of Erik the Red in particular, the practitioners connected with the spiritual realm through chanting and prayer. When Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia, between the 8th and 12th centuries, aspects of Norse Paganism began to disappear. He was said to have created the Norse alphabet, and he was often depicted with a harp or a lute. Learn Religions. ostre - Goddess of spring. Seir is interpreted differently by different groups and practitioners, but usually taken to indicate altered consciousness or even total loss of physical control. As related in the saga: En er hon kom um kveldit ok s mar, er mti henni var sendr, var hon sv bin, at hon hafi yfir sr tuglamttul bln, ok var settr steinum allt skaut ofan. Ok hon hafi staf hendi, ok var knappr. The first pantheon of Norse deities, sir, includes gods such as Odin, Thor and Baldr. If youve seen shows like Vikings, you might be forgiven for wondering if Norse Pagans still make sacrifices. It isn't giving something casually. The Ynglings are also mentioned in Saxo Germanicus,Beowulf, referredto as Scyling. Here are some of the Deities Honored by the Celts. Hod is a son of Odin. With such a broad range of human (and godly) realms under her dominion, Freyja is looked to for matters ranging from marriage to fortune-telling to the afterlife. It's not a payment for services rendered or a bribe. But if you keep going back to it, you'll eventually start to feel strong, and you'll seek out even heavier weights to lift. In some cases, we may choose to ask a deity for assistance in a magical working or in problem solving. Contemporary Paganism, also referred to as Neo-Paganism, is an umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of new religious movements, particularly those influenced by the various pagan beliefs of premodern Europe. Son of Odin and husband of Idun. One story tells of how Odin hung himself from the world tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights in order to gain the secrets of the runes. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Tyr was also associated with justice and fair play. Warrior, Monk, Shaman, and Druid. We believe that the Gifting Cycle doesn't just pertain to our relationship with other people, but to the spirits in the world around us and the Gods.