From Greece to France to the UK, from Florida to California, our Temple is growing and developing. We hope you will consider joining our great, momentous Temple and becoming part of the restoration and ascendancy of natural religion. The deadline to join the Catechetical Program to become a new member is Monday, September 9. If you miss this opportunity, you will have to wait until next year.

The Gods are eternal and deathless beings just as we are.

Photo: Baldr and Hel
by Felora

Not to be confused with Blue-Vervain (an American plant) Vervain is native to Europe and is associated with the Blacksmith and especially Weland the Smith. In OE Vervain was referred to as îsenhearde or Iron-hard and was added to water used to quench iron swords, as it was believed it harden the blade. In Germany the plant valerian was also used in sword quenching and was known as Wielandswurz ‘Wayland’s herb’.

Blessed Wynterfylleth everyone 🙏🏻

Establishing the sacred space for the blot by circumambulating the barrow 9 times carrying fire and ringing a bell for Lord Ing.

Found in Denmark by Karen Merete Ishøy Pedersen. Seems to be another example of an odinic mask.

If this view was consistent among Germanic culture then it would provide interesting insight into the symbolism behind the famous hammer amulet found in Skåne, Sweden.
In Pagan traditions around the world it is common for a single thing/animal/phenomenon in nature to have multiple associations with different deities. An example of this would be that bears are not only connected with Thor, but also Othin. Winds, storms, and thunder are primarily associated with Thor but Othin also is associated with these things. In this case the raven is no different.
The crows of ravens could be associated with the dispelling of evil spirits by means of Othin or Thor himself. Their presence or noise being an omen that the righteous hand of the Gods are near.

Here is the hammer relevant to the post above. From Skåne, Sweden.

Offerings were made at the roots of an oak tree on this Thursday with the caws of crows showing the Gods were near. Happy thanksgiving to all.
Hail to our brave and honorable ancestors!

Another stanza from the Edda which connects the stag with ascension to Valhalla;
“So Sigurth rose o'er Gjuki's sons As the leek grows green above the grass, Or the stag o'er all the beasts doth stand, Or as glow-red gold above silver gray.”
~Guðrunarkviða hin forna 2, Bellows
ᛉ
“Svá var Sigurðr of sonum Gjúka
sem væri grænn laukr ór grasi vaxinn
eða hjörtr hábeinn of hvössum dýrum
eða gull glóðrautt af gráu silfri.”
Painting by Charles Ernest Butler, 1909. ⴲ

Death itself is terrified of Yggr.

“Freyr is the most renowned of the Æsir; he rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call on him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men.”
- Gylfaginning XXIV

Artwork by:
Howard David Johnson

Good Yule to all. I had a rather late celebration because of time constraints. My equipment for worship has also been limited as a result of my recent move across the country. Just remember that you can worship and keep our Holy Tides with the bare minimum.
I gave three cans of beer and a scented candle this year for Yule.
Even if what you have is less than this the Gods accept all offerings with a pious heart with love.
May the Gods bless you all.

Hail to the Yule Father

2025 Germanic Pagan Religious Calendar Now Available!

Orthodox Temple of Natural Religion is proud to present our Germanic lunar calendar. Our calendar contains precisely reckoned lunar months that adhere to ancient Germanic customs and precise modern astronomy, and it contains dates of the holytides, exact days and times of quarter and cross-quarter days, unique Temple Seasonal Celebrations, brief description of each month's religious activity, and information on how to use the calendar. It is also features handsome typography and beautiful pictures. This calendar is ideal for beginning Germanic pagans seeking to take their worship to the next level by adhering to the Germanic religious calendar, for advanced Germanic pagans seeking accurate historical dates, or for Temple Germanics who consider the elements and powers of the eight seasons and observe the Temple's Seasonal Celebrates on the lunar phases corresponding to their nearest quarter and cross-quarter days. The calendar's lunar days and seasonal dates also make it able to be used and cherished by any heathen or neo-pagan.

Get them quickly from our Etsy store while supplies last: https://otnr.etsy.com/listing/1857616237/2025-germanic-pagan-religious-calendar

Goat-Drawn God of Glaring Light,
Banish all trolls of baneful blight,
Fare forward towards the holy fight,
Wield Thy flashing Maul with might,
Shoot shimmering bolts at thursar far from sight.
O Red-Bearded Bowman, Mother Earth’s Delight,
Free us from our own ignorance, Thunderwright,
Strong Thunor, steer us to have righteous sight,
Kindly heed this boon and keep us in healthy sprights.

Old weather lore is a personal love of mine, especially for interpreting the natural world and the influence upon it by the Gods and spirits.

Here are some monthly thunder omens as detailed by Olaus Magnus in Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus:

In January thunders mean higher winds than usual and a taller growth of the earth's crops.

In February, that death will come to a great many, particularly to those who live luxuriously.

In March, that strong winds are ready to burst out, that there will be a fruitful season, and noisy legal disputes.

In April, that rain will fall, which will be good for the crops, and the fields will wear a cheerful face all the year long.

In May they signify everything adverse: a dearth of crops and every commodity frighteningly expensive.

In June they forecast a more plentiful fertility, but sickness is much to be feared.

In July too an abundant supply of corn, but ruin for peas, beans, and fruit.

In August, that men shall live together at peace, yet there will be terrifying illness.

In September, that a fruitful season is at hand, together with wars, civil discord, and carnage.

In October any thunder is reckoned to be ominous, showing that tempests are threatening on land and sea.

In November, though they happen in very infrequent years, they promise fruitfulness in the coming year.

In December thunders are a sign of general plenty and that men shall live agreeably together.