Behold the Light of the Goddesses: Norse
An icy north wind sweeps across a battlefield as tense, warring tribes anticipate the beginning of battle. A black cloud approaches, sparking ominous electricity, as thunder warns of impending danger. Thick, dark tendrils fall out of the clouds, revealing women riders in full combat armor on massive steeds. These riders rush to the warriors, who immediately fall upon each other in ferocious battle. The riders are the Valkyries, the daughters of Odin, and theirs is the world of war.
This sets the scene for a mythology that presents its goddesses in a way not common to most religions. The femininity of Norse goddesses is unquestionable, but so is their strength and determination, as well as the ability to fight. Other ancient religions also portrayed goddesses as being involved with warfare, battlefield strategy and hunting. For example, ancient Egypt had Sekhemet and Neith. Greece revered Artemis and Athena as powerful warriors.
In Norse mythology, however, strength, determination and battle abilities weren’t an exception for goddesses; they were the rule.
I’m honored to present a brief look at a few Norse goddesses. Norse myths hold a depth that always excites my imagination. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Frigg: Goddess of Foreknowledge
Frigg was the wife of Odin and the mother of Baldr the Beautiful. Baldr was a solar deity, kind and beloved in every way. His brother, Hodr, was blind and the two were devoted to each other. So deep was Frigg’s love for her son, that she devised a plan to keep him safe forever, impervious to anything that existed in the Universe. She sought and received a vow of compliance from everything, both living and inanimate, never to hurt her son. From the highest mountain peak, to the deepest depths of the seas, everything of the earth and sky gave an unbreakable promise to never injure Baldr, except for one plant. Frigg considered mistletoe to be completely harmless. As parasitic flora, it lives upon the boughs of other trees and as such, mistletoe was neither a plant of the earth, nor a product of the sky and was not bound by the oath taken by every other being, or thing, that existed. Loki, the trickster of Norse mythology, angry and jealous of the attention being put to this project, disguised himself as an old woman and approached Frigg, asking her for details regarding the promises given to her. Frigg told the old woman how she’d not worried about mistletoe and the wheels of tragedy were set in motion.
To celebrate Baldr’s magical protection, an event was planned in which the gods would take turns hurling stones, throwing spears, shooting arrows and doing whatever else they could to the immortal Baldr. Assault after assault was made by the boisterous deities. Baldr smiled calmly, totally unharmed as every missile simply fell at his feet or had no affect. The gods cheered and celebrated his power of invulnerability. Loki, still in the disguise of the old woman, approached the contest with Baldr’s blind brother, Hodr, whom was thrilled to be able to participate in the celebration. Loki had fashioned a dart of mistletoe, which he placed in Hodr’s hand and helped him aim. Everyone watching cheered Hodr. He threw the dart as hard as he could, expecting to hear the usual cheers, but to everyone’s horror, the dart went through Baldr’s body and he instantly fell dead. Loki was eventually discovered and punished for his treachery, but the real power of this myth is in the reality it reflects.
Although this myth is a fascinating take on the movement of the Sun upon the ecliptic during the cycle of the year, it also offers powerful commentary regarding a mother’s attempt to provide protection for her children and the inevitable truth, that no matter how careful one may be, the unexpected is always a part of life. Another interesting pattern in this myth is the disguising of Loki as an old woman. This motif is repeated in another Norse myth in which Thor engages in a series of competitions while in a magician’s realm. Thor is challenged to wrestle an elderly woman, toothless and decrepit in appearance. As Thor begins the bout, he’s amazed to find the woman to be remarkably strong, with a grip like iron. Laughing, she easily drops Thor to his knees and the contest is mercifully ended before the god is totally defeated. Thor is understandably humiliated, but eventually discovers that the woman is much more than she seems to be and is, in fact, Old Age itself. Not even the God of Thunder could overcome the power of Time. This tale of an old lady being more than she seems is repeated in tales like Hansel and Gretel and other stories that feature Wicked Witches disguised as helpless old ladies. The message is clear. Never underestimate anyone, for they may not be as they seem. The arrogance of assumptions based on the way people look is dangerous, to say the least.
Frigg is often considered to be a goddess with foreknowledge, seeing deeply into the future and able to discern the paths and destinies of both men and gods alike, not unlike the Norns (knowers of all destiny). It’s significant that with this ability, she was still unable to prevent the death of her son, Baldr. There’s a deep message behind this story, one that bears mulling over.
Freyja: Embodiment of Passion and Joy
Freya is often called the Norse Venus, or Goddess of Love. This description is a vast oversimplification. Freyja could be seen as the embodiment of passion, celebrations and joy. She was the happiness of a successful harvest and the fertility that brought new animal life to our planet. She was filled with desire and inspired it in others. She brought the joy of life into the hearts of even the most cynical. Her beauty was matched only by her strength and her skills in the magical arts, making her a deity to reckon with. In some cultures, Freyja would have been considered a sorceress. She was definitely a Shaman. Her ability to walk between worlds and affect the outcome of the future, made her a deity to be respected. Freyja wasn’t Aesir, like Frigg. The Aesir dealt with warfare and the affairs of the heavens. She was Vanir, the rulers of the Earth and fertility. As such, her realm focused on the more tangible aspects of life, including love and need.
A popular story about Freya has to do with her immense beauty. A Jotun (enemy of Aesir and Vanir) stole Thor’s hammer and demanded that Freya be delivered as his bride, or never see the hammer again. This problem was solved by dressing up a furious Thor to look somewhat like Freya and delivering him into the thief’s kingdom. I’ll bet you can figure out how the story turned out.
Freya ruled over an afterlife known as Folkvangr, meaning “warrior’s field” This was where she delivered half of the warriors slain in battle, the other half destined to spend eternity in Valhalla. No one seems certain as to what the actual criteria was that decided the destination of the souls of the fallen. I believe that some men were suited mainly for battle, having been born warriors, while others were called into war from other walks of life. This was a good and fair division, giving each of the fallen their best possible eternity. There’s benevolence in that idea, one that speaks to the respect of a culture for those who sacrifice their lives in war.
Idunn: Keeper of Eternal Life
Idunn was in charge of the Golden Apples that bestowed eternal life to the Gods. As was the case with Freya, she was abducted, this time through the treachery of Loki. To make a long story short, Idunn was abducted by a giant and then retrieved by Loki, under duress.
The main point of interest with Idunn is her affiliation with the fruit of eternity. She’s reminiscent of the Hesperides, the keepers of the Greek Golden Apples. The Priestess in Tarot is often shown with seed bearing fruits and flowers. The reality is that such fruits are the immortality of the species of flora involved, just as woman, the real goddesses, bear within them the immortality of mankind. This may bring to mind the fruit eaten by Eve in The Garden. I’ll leave it to the reader to ponder the importance of this train of thought.
Hel: Powerful and Intimidating
One of the most interesting of the Norse goddesses, Hel, was the daughter of Loki and the ruler of Niflheim, the land of the dead for those hadn’t died heroically. Half alive and half corpse, she was powerful and intimidating. At one time, “going to Hel” meant to die without heroic honor.
The Valkyries: Choosers of the Slain
Of all the female entities in Norse mythology, perhaps none are as indicative of powerful feminine energy as the Valkyries. The word Valkyrie means “chooser of the slain.”” These women were daughters of Odin, chief of the Aesir. They moved into the dreams of warriors, giving them visions of blood and carnage. These were warnings of unavoidable combat, omens of dark outcomes. Battles only began when the Valkyries rode to the battlefield. The Valkyries chose who won and who lost, usually at the direction of their father. Disobeying Odin’s direction did happen, with grave consequences. After a battle ended, the Valkyries transported those chosen to reside in Valhalla. There, the Valkyries waited upon the resurrected warriors in an eternity of feasting, drinking, fighting, dying and being resurrected. I can’t think of another mythological version of the afterlife like this one.
Richard Wagner’s Classic operatic series, Der Ring des Nibelungen, tells the story of Siegfried, an ancient hero of the Norse and Brunnhilde, the Valkyrie whom falls in love with him. Brunnhilde defies her father, Odin, by trying to save Siegfried’s father’s life. In a nutshell, she’s punished with mortality, betrays her beloved Siegfried, gets him killed and eventually throws herself on his funeral pyre, singing as she goes. It may not end happily, but wow what an ending. If it had be me, I’d have had her last note be Soprano C” thus ending the opera on a high note.
The Norse Gods have become fashionable again, due in part to the cinema, but the big screen renditions of these deities bear little resemblance to their bigger than life counterparts.
There’s a grandeur and majesty to the gods of the Norse, a sense of heroic dynamism that can fill we mere mortals with awe and never fails to entertain and excite the imagination.
I wish you all peace and love.
About the Author
What Are the Akashic Records and What Are They For?
The Akashic Records are energetic archives containing the complete history of every soul. Every thought, word, action, and intention leaves an imprint on this energetic field, sometimes called the Akashic Library. This universal repository preserves past lives, current experiences, and potential future paths, offering insights into the soul’s journey, life’s purpose, and karmic patterns.
What is most astonishing is that anyone can access the Records. Through focused intention, guided meditations, or prayer, you can connect with this source of universal wisdom to gain guidance, clarity, and a deeper understanding of your spiritual path. This article explores what the Akashic Records are, how to access them, the benefits of an Akashic reading, and steps to begin your journey of spiritual growth.
Table of Contents
- What Are Akashic Records?
- History and Origins of the Records
- What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
- What Kind of Questions Can Be Asked?
- Are There Any Dangers in Accessing the Records?
- Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
- How to Learn to Read the Akashic Records
- Benefits of Accessing the Records
- Closing Prayer and Integration
What Are Akashic Records?
The Akashic Records are a universal memory of existence, a non-physical, energetic space where every thought, word, action, and emotion is recorded. Sometimes referred to as the Akashic Library, this archive preserves the history of each soul, its past lives, current experiences, and potential futures. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the soul’s journey, linking all beings and levels of existence across time.
The term akasha (or akasa) comes from Sanskrit and means ether or astral light, considered the fifth element in many spiritual traditions. These subtle vibrations capture not only individual life experiences but also universal patterns, providing insight into karmic influences, personal growth, and the soul’s purpose.
For anyone accessing the Records for the first time, the experience can reveal hidden tendencies, unexplored potentials, or connections with loved ones who have passed. The Records are a living resource for spiritual growth, supporting clarity, healing, and understanding in all areas of life.
Accessible through meditation, focused intention, or the guidance of an experienced practitioner, the Akashic Records can provide wisdom about behavioral patterns, relationships, and challenges, serving as a practical tool for navigating your spiritual journey.
In the series Beyond Belief, Bill Foss explores the meaning and scope of the Akashic Records from both an experiential and conceptual perspective. In conversation with George Noory, he explains how this realm is understood and what it represents in the soul’s evolution.
History and Origins of the Records
The concept of the Akashic Records has roots in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. In the East, philosophies have long described akasha as the fundamental etheric fabric of existence, a subtle dimension where all experiences are remembered as vibrations or astral light.
In the West, Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical movement in the late 19th century, introduced the Akashic Records after her studies and experiences in Tibet. There, monks and mahatmas shared that the records exist in the akasha—a Sanskrit word meaning ether—and are the repository of universal knowledge. Blavatsky claimed she could access them through clairvoyance and psychic abilities, including astral projection, and she shared these insights as part of a broader philosophy of universal wisdom. Her teachings emphasized that human thoughts, words, and actions leave lasting impressions on this subtle field, influencing spiritual understanding and personal growth.
Rudolf Steiner, another influential metaphysician, expanded the Western understanding of the Records, describing them as a source of inspiration for human ideals and evolution. He proposed that the Akashic Records not only preserve past events but also reveal patterns that guide humanity toward harmony, justice, and spiritual development.
During the 20th century, Edgar Cayce, often called America’s “sleeping prophet,” popularized the Akashic Records through his psychic readings. Cayce described how individuals could access the Records of their past, present, and potential futures to facilitate healing, gain clarity about life’s purpose, and understand karmic patterns. He likened the Records to a Book of Life, connecting each person to a universal consciousness and to the broader flow of the soul’s journey.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Linda Howe further advanced the understanding and practice of accessing the Akashic Records. Through her teachings, books, and workshops, Howe developed practical methods for connecting with the Records, emphasizing personal empowerment, spiritual guidance, and insight into one’s spiritual path. Her work has helped make the Akashic Records accessible to a wide audience, bridging historical teachings with contemporary spiritual practice.
Contemporary thinkers such as Ervin Laszlo continue to explore the Akashic Records from both spiritual and scientific perspectives. His “Akashic Paradigm” considers consciousness itself as deeply connected to this universal memory field, bridging spirituality and science and offering a holistic view of existence.
What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
An Akashic reading is a sacred encounter where a trained reader accesses the akashic library to share insights and guidance. Unlike fortune-telling, these readings focus on understanding the soul’s journey, exploring past patterns, present challenges, and potential futures.
Key aspects of an Akashic Records reading include:
- Connection and Atmosphere: A quiet, focused environment allows both the seeker and reader to connect deeply with the Records.
- Guided Meditations and Intention: The reader may use guided meditations, prayer, or focused intention to attune to the subtle vibrations of the Records.
- Receiving Insights: Messages may come as intuitive impressions, symbols, images, emotions, or subtle sensations, offering clarity and direction.
- Exploring Themes: Common areas of exploration include the soul’s purpose, relationships with loved ones, karmic patterns, and personal growth along the spiritual path.
- Interpretation and Reflection: The reader helps the seeker understand and integrate the messages in ways that resonate with their life experiences.
Many seekers experience the reading as a fluid, interactive process rather than a strict step-by-step session. Each reading is unique, and the insights often help individuals:
- Gain clarity on life’s purpose
- Understand past lives and karmic influences
- Strengthen psychic abilities and intuition
- Receive guidance on relationships, career, or spiritual decisions
- Deepen self-awareness and personal spiritual growth
For those exploring the Akashic Records for the first time, the experience can be transformative, offering validation, reassurance, and a sense of connection to universal wisdom.
What Kind of Questions Can Be Asked?
Questions in an Akashic Records reading are most effective when they are open-ended and focused on personal insight, spiritual growth, and understanding the soul’s purpose. Instead of seeking simple yes or no answers, the goal is to explore guidance, clarity, and healing.
Common questions include:
- What is my life’s purpose in this incarnation?
- How can I align with my soul’s journey and fulfill my soul’s purpose?
- What lessons or patterns am I carrying from past lives?
- Are there karmic influences affecting my current experiences?
- How can I heal or strengthen relationships with loved ones?
- What guidance can I receive to develop my psychic abilities or intuition?
- How can I navigate challenges along my spiritual path?
- What do I need to release or transform for deeper spiritual growth?
- Are there messages from spirit guides or energies I should pay attention to?
- How can I prepare for major life changes or transitions for the first time?
These questions are intended to open a dialogue with the Records, allowing intuitive insights and guidance to emerge naturally. They help seekers gain a deeper understanding of their life, karmic influences, and the lessons their soul has chosen to explore.
Are There Any Dangers in Accessing the Records?
Accessing the Akashic Records is generally considered safe when approached with respect, intention, and openness. The Records are guided by universal wisdom and protected by benevolent beings, sometimes described as light beings or ascended masters, who ensure that the experience serves the seeker’s spiritual growth.
Key points about safety and guidance include:
- Pure Intention Matters: Approaching the Records with humility and sincere curiosity ensures the information received is aligned with the highest good.
- Guided Connection: Using prayers, guided meditations, or working with an experienced reader helps maintain a protected and focused space.
- No Harmful Energy: The Records are designed to offer insight, clarity, and healing rather than fear or harm.
- Support for First-Time Seekers: Those exploring the Records for the first time often find reassurance, calm, and a sense of connection to universal wisdom.
Rather than posing danger, accessing the Records can provide profound understanding of karmic patterns, personal challenges, and past lives. It fosters empowerment, helps release old attachments, and encourages alignment with one’s life’s purpose.
Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
Reading the Akashic Records is not limited to mystics, mediums, or those with innate psychic abilities. Anyone with curiosity, humility, and a sincere commitment to spiritual growth can learn to access this profound source of guidance.
Key insights about who can read the Records:
- No Special Talents Required: Success depends more on intention, practice, and respect than on innate abilities.
- Beginner-Friendly Access: Working with an experienced Akashic Records reader helps first-time seekers understand the process, interpret messages, and feel comfortable navigating the Records.
- Gradual Mastery: Over time, many individuals learn to open their own Records independently or accompany others during readings.
- Ethics and Responsibility: Workshops, courses, and training programs emphasize ethical principles and proper techniques, ensuring readings honor the privacy and integrity of the seeker.
Learning to read the Records becomes a spiritual path in itself, offering insight into the soul’s journey, helping align with life’s purpose, and encouraging personal transformation.
How to Learn to Read the Akashic Records
Learning to read the Akashic Records involves cultivating spiritual awareness, ethical intention, and consistent practice. Many practitioners begin by studying with experienced teachers such as Linda Howe, who provide guidance on opening and closing prayers, meditation techniques, and methods for interpreting the subtle impressions received from the Records. These teachings emphasize approaching the Records with humility, compassion, and a commitment to the seeker’s highest good.
In addition to formal instruction, numerous books, online courses, and webinars help seekers understand the energetic and vibrational nature of the akashic library. Regular practice through guided meditations, journaling, or mindful reflection strengthens intuition, sharpens psychic abilities, and deepens connection to the soul’s journey. Over time, this ongoing practice allows individuals to access their Records more easily, uncover karmic patterns, and gain insight into their life’s purpose and personal growth.
Benefits of Accessing the Records
Accessing the Akashic Records can provide profound insights and support for both personal and spiritual growth. By connecting with this universal archive, individuals gain clarity about their life’s purpose, uncover patterns from past lives, and better understand karmic influences affecting their present experiences. The Records also offer guidance for nurturing relationships with loved ones, developing psychic abilities, and strengthening intuition along the spiritual path.
Many seekers find that the Records enhance their spiritual journey, offering inspiration for guided meditations and practical strategies for daily life. Insights gained can help release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blockages, and align actions with the soul’s purpose. Whether approached for self-reflection, healing, or exploration of the akashic library, accessing the Records fosters a deeper connection to universal wisdom and encourages meaningful transformation over time.
Closing Prayer and Integration
Every Akashic Records session should conclude with a closing prayer, sealing the connection with gratitude and respect for the wisdom received. A simple example might be:
“I thank the keepers of the Records, my guides, and the universal field of wisdom for their presence and guidance. May these insights serve my highest good and the good of all.”
Integration of the insights is just as important as the session itself. Reflecting through journaling, meditation, or personal contemplation helps ground the guidance from the Records into daily life. Over time, consistent practice with the Akashic Records strengthens connection to the soul’s journey, deepens understanding of the soul’s purpose, and supports spiritual growth. Whether exploring past lives, gaining clarity about life’s purpose, or seeking guidance from loved ones, the Akashic Records become a trusted companion on the path of personal transformation.
