The Norse Gods: Behold the Light
From the time I was young, I was fascinated with mythology. Any and all cultures caught my attention, but especially Norse mythology. The more I studied Norse mythology, the more amazed I was at its depth and profound philosophies. They had a rich and dynamic pantheon, one featuring gods and goddesses powerful and eager to live their lives to the fullest. Stories of the Aesir, the race of gods and the Jotun, or Frost Giants, filled my imagination. There’s a sense of reality to these tales, a cold wind that reflects the truth of the human condition.
What follows is by no means a complete list of the Norse gods, but these are some of the most fascinating to me.
Odin: The Wise
The ruler of the Aesir was Odin. Odin was unlike most kings of other pantheons. His thirst for knowledge and his willingness to sacrifice anything for that goal made him unique. He gave one of his eyes in return for wisdom. A one-eyed god is an interesting theme and is also used in the story of Thoth. Thoth sacrificed his eye for Horus and was rewarded with great gifts of knowledge and invented writing. Such was the case with Odin, and his search for the truth never ended.
My take on Odin is that his unquenchable thirst for knowledge was a symbol of the fact that at one time, oral tradition was the only way of passing along information from one generation to another.
Odin became despondent with the fact that there was no way to pass along history in a reliable manner. Mankind had to start over with every generation, keeping humans from moving forward, losing what generations before had accomplished. We are nothing more than an accumulation of our knowledge and everything that evolves in the present is dependent upon the lessons of the past, but to what avail if the past is lost.
His depression became anguish and Odin decided to sacrifice himself upon Yggdrasil, the tree of the cosmos. This remarkable myth culminates with Odin hanging himself upside down over the well of Urd, one of the Norns, they being knowers of the past, present, and future. He then caused himself to be pierced with a spear, and for nine days and nights, he hung in agony. By his order, no water was to be given and no food offered.
At the end of his long ordeal and with death approaching, he saw a gleaming within the water below him. He reached down, grasped the shining objects, and pulled them out with a mighty roar. These were the runes, the alphabet that would allow the sharing of history, thoughts, laws, and more importantly, the tales that made the Norsewhat they were. Being a god, he recovered, but his sacrifice is a model for mortals to never stop learning, or seeking the truth.
Odin rode an 8-legged horse named Sleipnir, an animal mount typical for a shaman, due to its having 8 legs. He wielded his famous spear, Gungnir, that never missed its mark. He was accompanied by two wolves, but also Hugin and Munin, ravens who were able to bring him any knowledge he needed from anyplace in the cosmos. The raven’s names mean thought and memory. Within these names resides one of the great truths of understanding metaphysics, a hint for all those with an unquenchable need to learn.
Odin often wandered amongst mortals to learn of their lot in life, bearded, wearing a broad brimmed hat pulled low over his eyes, and a wearing a cloak.
As any traveler could be a god in disguise, it was considered a good idea to treat everyone hospitably and to open one’s home to strangers. How interesting that the idea of kindness to strangers would be so ingrained in such a fiercely martial culture.
Thor: The Strong
Without a doubt, the most popular of the Norse gods is Thor. When I think of Thor, I don’t imagine a handsome fellow with long, blonde hair and a fetching smile. To me, Thor is always grouchy, easily angered, massive, with a bristling red beard and frizzy hair to match. He eats immense amounts of food and drinks anyone in the universe under the table. Thor can be easily fooled and in some myths, is the butt of a joke or two. As the god of thunder and lightning, Thor is unpredictable and brutally violent at times.
Thor wore a girdle which helped him maintain his immense strength. He also wore metal gloves that allowed him to wield his hammer, Mjollnir, without injury.
This hammer was a weapon of unbelievable devastation and when thrown, always returned to his hand. Interestingly enough, the hammer was also a sign of protection and a magical implement used in sacred rituals and rites. Thor traveled in a cart pulled by two goats. No ordinary creatures, they could be eaten daily. By placing their bones in their skins and holding Mjollnir over the bundle, they were revived and ready for another day’s journey.
There’s no doubt that the Norse enjoyed a good fight, at least philosophically, and Thor was the epitome of that mindset. He was a favorite god of the common people, as his demeanor was anything but elitist. Easily offended, lacking judgment at times and quick to retaliate, the God of Thunder was a dangerous but incredibly popular deity, as he is to this day. Thor’s hammer is still worn by many as an amulet, not only for protection but as a symbol of the mighty glory and the power of the old ways.
Uncompromising and intolerant of those who abuse others, Thor was a worthy patron. As an indulgent lover of food and drink, he was the very embodiment of celebrations. As a guardian of the cosmos, he was the power of justice to abusers of the weak. His continued popularity is a testament to Thor’s appeal as a deity for the common people, and I doubt he’ll ever lose his following.
Loki: The Magician
There are two kinds of people: those who can feel compassion for Loki and those who can’t. Loki is one of the most formidable tricksters and troublemakers in all world mythology. Half Aesir and half Jotun, Loki is a perennial outsider, yet still a part of the family. He’s the antagonist in many of the most interesting Norse myths. Without him, the stories of the Aesir would be bland, to say the least. Although he adds excitement and humor, there’s no doubt that he makes lots of trouble. I started reading Norse mythology at an early age and Loki reminded me of a friend of mine, as well as myself on some occasions. Mischief is something all youngsters understand.
It always seemed to me that Loki couldn’t help himself. He was brilliant and could outthink almost anyone around him. He hung out with Thor, who wasn’t always the brightest lamp in the hall and took advantage of that fact. One story features Thor’s hammer being stolen and Loki dressing Thor up in women’s clothing, in a plan to get the hammer back. It’s quite a tale.
Many myths represent Loki as being relatively civil and even helpful, but the main emphasis is on his troublemaking and even the disastrous effects that he brings into play that eventually lead to his eternal punishment.
Loki is self-centered and malicious. Yet, he can be a friend and powerful ally in a tough spot. He can taunt, intimidate, connive, cheat, boasts and create situations that bring about horrible consequences, and still is a comrade for several excursions with Thor and Odin. In fact, Odin’s miraculous, 8-legged horse’s mother was Loki. Yes, Loki had taken the form of a mare, well, it’s a long story.
Loki’s consort, Angrboda, was a Frost Giant and bore him 3 children, all of them worth mentioning. The best known of Loki’s offspring was Fenrir, the wolf destined to play a part in the death of Odin at the end of times, Ragnarok. Jormungandr, the second of Loki’s sons was an enormous, venomous serpent encircling the earth, or Midgard, by gripping its tail in his mouth. Releasing his tail would signal the onset of Ragnarok. Loki’s daughter Hel, was half alive and half corpse. Hel ruled Niflheim, the world of those who died a peaceful death and uneventful existence. Going to Hel meant dying and going to a boring afterlife.
A shape-shifter and magician, Loki exemplifies the dilemma of all magicians. Just because I can do it, should I? Magic is a journey many cannot navigate wisely.
For those of you who work with Tarot, think of The Fool in connection with Loki. Give it time.
Loki is credited with orchestrating the death of Balder the Beautiful. Eventually, Loki was hunted down and chained to a rock beneath the jaws of his son, the great serpent. The snake’s venom dripped on Loki, causing unbearable pain. Loki’s wife, Sigyn, held a bowl over Loki’s face, catching the venom, but every now and then she had to empty it, and the dripping poison reached Loki, causing screams of agony, thus shaking the foundations of the cosmos, causing earthquakes to tear the earth apart and volcanoes to erupt.
Although enigmatic and troublesome, there’s something likable about Loki. Perhaps it’s the fact that there’s a little Loki in most of us and he gives us a good example of why it’s desirable to keep that side under control, as much as possible.
Tyr: The Selfless
The story of Tyr and Fenrir is one of the most compelling myths I know. Tyr was a god of war, often associated with Mars, but his story is unlike anything attributed to that Roman war god.
It was foretold by the Norns that Fenrir, the son of Loki and a massive wolf, would swallow Odin at the end of time, Ragnarok. In an attempt to forestall this from happening, it was decided that Fenrir, also known as the Fenris Wolf, should be restrained, but how and by whom? Several chains were fashioned by the dwarves, the great magical metallurgists, to no avail. Eventually, a magical chain was made of six impossible substances that might conceivably hold the giant wolf. This thin chain was known as Gleipnir and was made from the sound of a cat’s footstep, a woman’s beard, the roots of a mountain, the nerves and calm demeanor of a bear, the breath of a fish, and the spittle of a bird.
Fenrir, wanting to ensure his freedom, demanded that he’d only submit to the chain if someone put their hand in his mouth, with the understanding that if he was actually constrained, the hand would be bitten off. Tyr immediately offered his hand, knowing that he’d lose it. His sacrifice was a tribute to a sense of duty and was hailed as the aspiration of all warriors and members of society at large. The good of the many over the needs of the individual was thus proclaimed as the epitome of bravery and selflessness.
Fenrir couldn’t break the chain and Tyr lost his hand. Undaunted, Tyr want on to fight in battles, one handed, and lost none of his prowess.
One of the names he was known by was, “Wolf Leavings.” Although there have been many theories put forth as to the meaning of this epithet, I find it quite lovely and simple. His hand, eaten by the wolf, would have been excreted eventually, the wolf’s leavings. Such a term is both humbling and laced with ironic humor. It’s indicative of the nature of all great sacrifices, and the sense of play that made the Norse gods amongst the most interesting of the world’s great pantheons.
Until next time, I wish you all peace and love.
About the author:
Of Egyptian heritage, Mo has been a student of the mysteries for over fifty years and has been a professional consultant for over thirty. His intensive studies have encompassed Tarot, Vedic Astrology, I-Ching, Hermetic Qabalism, Runes and numerous other spiritual systems. Mo’s lifelong quest into all things metaphysical has provided him with a powerful intuition and accurate tools with which he has guided thousands of clients worldwide. Mo specializes in providing clarity and helping the seeker in making solid decisions or forging new paths in life. He’s well known for his sound relationship counseling and has a reputation for providing gentle guidance without sugar coating the hard issues. A Master of his art, he believes in empowering his clients, not encouraging codependency.
About the Author
The Law of One: The Ra Material and the Idea That All Is One
The idea that nothing is truly separate appears, in various forms, in many spiritual traditions. In the Law of One, that vision takes a more concrete form by maintaining that everything that exists is part of a single consciousness, and life can be understood as a learning process for recognizing that unity.
This teaching comes from the Ra Material, a set of channeled texts that for decades has fueled conversations about consciousness, channeling, and the purpose of life.
In this article, we explore what the Law of One is, where it comes from, what the Ra Material teaches, and why it continues to spark so much interest today.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Law of One
- Where the Law of One Comes From: The Contact With Ra
- What the Ra Material Teaches
- Free Will as a Fundamental Law
- The Books of the Law of One
- Why the Law of One Remains Relevant Today
What Is the Law of One
To understand the Law of One, it is best to begin with its central statement, as simple to express as it is difficult to assimilate: everything that exists is, at its core, one single thing. The stars, people, animals, even the thoughts now crossing your mind would be expressions of the same infinite consciousness. The separation we perceive—you on one side, me on the other—would be real only on the surface.
From this perspective, what you call “I” is not separate from the rest: you would be a part of that broader whole, one of the many ways in which that consciousness expresses itself. The idea is not new: different spiritual traditions, from East and West, have intuited that underlying unity for centuries. What the Law of One contributes is its own language and an orderly framework for thinking about it.
Where the Law of One Comes From: The Contact With Ra
The Ra Material did not emerge as a book written by an author, but from a series of channeling sessions carried out in the United States in the early 1980s. Behind them was a small research group dedicated to studying this type of phenomenon, and it was that group that made the contact possible.
Three people formed that group. Carla Rueckert was the channel: the person through whom, in a trance state, what identified itself as Ra expressed itself. Don Elkins asked the questions, and Jim McCarty recorded every word; between 1981 and 1984, they carried out 106 sessions.
Ra did not present itself as an individual, but as a sixth-density social memory complex: something similar to a collective consciousness that would have evolved far beyond physical form.
Throughout the 106 channeling sessions, spiritual, philosophical, and cosmological questions were addressed: from reincarnation and the evolution of consciousness to the nature of time, ancient civilizations, and the existence of non-human intelligences. Over the years, that exchange gave shape to a system of ideas now known as the Law of One.
The Ra Material—with its channeled origin, its protagonists, and its teachings—is one of the examples that appear in Channeling: A Bridge to the Beyond, available on Gaia. In the episode Free Will & Off-World Allies, it is presented alongside other experiences of contact and channeling linked to intelligences from other worlds.
What the Ra Material Teaches
Beyond its central statement—that all is one—the Ra Material develops an entire vision of how reality works and how consciousness evolves. It is not possible to summarize it entirely in a few lines, but there are three ideas that return again and again and support much of the rest. Knowing them helps explain why this material sparks so much interest.
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The Densities of Consciousness
Consciousness, according to this material, would not evolve all at once, but little by little, like someone climbing a staircase step by step. Each step is a different level—what Ra calls a density—and it is not a physical place, but a broader and subtler state of consciousness than the previous one. In total, seven densities are described.
In the first would be minerals and the elements; in the second, plants and animals, which already move and grow toward a certain consciousness. The third is ours: that of human beings, marked by self-awareness and the capacity to choose. Higher up would come the fourth density, linked to love and compassion; the fifth, to wisdom; and the sixth, where love and wisdom would unite, and from which Ra said it spoke; the seventh would be the return to the single consciousness from which everything began.
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Service to Others and Service to Self
If the third density is that of choice, what exactly is being chosen? In the Ra Material, that choice does not refer to an isolated decision, but to the deep orientation from which a consciousness lives, acts, and relates to others.
That orientation can move toward service to others or toward service to self. The first path begins with cooperation, compassion, and the recognition that others are also part of oneself. The second is based on separation, control, and the pursuit of personal power above the whole.
The difference is not only in what a person does, but in the intention that supports their actions. For the Ra Material, every everyday choice reinforces an internal direction: opening to unity or shutting oneself away in separation. That is why this theme is so important within the Law of One: it defines how a consciousness uses its freedom.
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The Evolution of the Soul Through Many Lives
In the Ra Material, a single life is not enough to travel that entire path. The soul would return again and again, through many existences, to gradually learn what it needs at each stage.
Each experience, especially the difficult ones, would function as a kind of learning material: situations that your soul would use to grow and define where it wants to move forward. From this perspective, reincarnation is neither a punishment nor a reward, but a patient process of maturation. And once the lessons of a density have been learned, consciousness would be ready to make the leap to the next one.
Free Will as a Fundamental Law
If one had to choose a principle that runs through the entire Ra Material, it would be free will. In this vision, the freedom of each being is the most valuable thing that exists: each consciousness needs to choose, experience, understand, and move forward from its own process. It is not only about being able to decide, but about learning through what those decisions reveal.
From there, it becomes clear why Ra answered only the questions it was asked: imposing a truth, however certain it might be, would have been a way of overriding that freedom. The same would apply to any more advanced intelligence. According to the Ra Material, a guide can point to a possibility or open a question, but should not intervene without invitation or reveal what a consciousness is not yet ready to integrate.
Free will also connects with another idea that may seem like its opposite: destiny. In this vision, both coexist. Your soul would have chosen certain themes to explore before being born, but the way of traveling that path would still depend on you. Destiny would be the hallway; free will, the way you decide to walk through it.
The Books of the Law of One
Those 106 sessions were transcribed almost word for word and published in book form, gathered in five volumes that preserve the original question-and-answer format.
One particular feature of these texts is that their transcriptions can be found free of charge on the internet: the group that received them wanted them to be freely available to anyone.
That said, they are not books to read all at once. They are demanding texts, closer to study material than to light reading. To enter into them, it is best to do so with patience: stopping, going back, and accepting that some answers may feel abstract at first.
Why the Law of One Remains Relevant Today
Few channeled texts have left such a visible mark on contemporary spirituality. Concepts such as the “densities,” the transition from third to fourth density, or the difference between “service to others” and “service to self” were born in the Ra Material and today circulate far beyond its books.
But its influence is not explained only by its terms. The Law of One offers a broad spiritual map, capable of organizing questions that many of today’s spiritual searches still leave open: why we are here, how consciousness evolves, what meaning difficult experiences have, what role our decisions play, and how far that thing we call “I” extends.
There is also something very current in its way of approaching spiritual knowledge. The Ra Material does not demand obedience or ask you to accept everything without questioning it; it proposes taking what resonates and leaving the rest. For an era in which many people distrust closed truths, but continue searching for meaning, that freedom is an important part of its appeal.
Deep down, its relevance has to do with the question it has sustained from the beginning: what changes when you start looking at life as part of a single consciousness? From there, every bond, every choice, and every experience takes on another meaning. Rather than closing the mystery, the Law of One invites us to look at it more deeply.
