History, the Norns, and the Nutritive Past

"So, if the ancient Germanic languages didn't really have the three tenses, then the three Norns are probably not simplistically Past, Present and Future. If not, then what are their meanings? And are they a trinity of equals? Not really. The key to the Norns is the figure of Urth, first of the Norns. It is her name given to the Well that nurtures the World Tree; it is her name mentioned over and over in the mythology; it is her name that is cognate with that weird concept of Wyrd." Read the full article by Dawn Work-MaKinne at MatriFocus.

Charming of the Plough and Disting

Detail of the Gefion Fountain (1908) by Anders Bundgaard, Copenhagen. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

"For many pagans, this is the time of year where they honor and celebrate Imbolc one of the eight sabbats that comprise the Wheel of the Year. For those of us in the Northern Tradition however, we have our only celebrations known as holy tides (from the Old Norse hátíðir) that we may currently be celebrating instead: Charming of the Plough or Disting." Read the full article at Pantheon.

The Ancestor Effect: Thinking about our roots boosts intelligence and confidence

"We all know that giving thanks is something we 'should' be doing. But recently a clinical study reported that thinking positively about our family roots boosts emotional confidence and even intelligence." Read the full article by Ryan Hurd at The Dream Tribe. Hail the holy ancestors!