TEUTONIC MAGIC - Awaken Video

20: BEASTS
In Teutonic tradition, as among most people who live closely in tune with their own world, animals of
various kinds are known to have special elements to their beings which make them particularly
appropriate to the cults of certain gods, in certain magical workings, or as tutelary spirits. By knowing the
greatest beasts of the Teutonic world and the thoughts which our ancestors associated with them, you can
enhance your workings and your own understanding. Often animals will be seen in visions or dreams, and
these beings must be understood if you are to receive the wisdom being given you.
BEAR
The Teutonic people thought of the bear as the greatest of the beasts. It is frequently the fylgja of
someone who is exceedingly strong, both in body and in mind. Along with the wolf, it is a common
favorite of shape-changers and berserkers; one often finds Bjorn (bear) as a personal name. The bear is
thought of as being similar to a human in intelligence, aware of honor and fairness. Although it is a beast
of the utangardhs, it is not one of uncontrolled fury and destruction such as the wolf, but rather more
goodhumored and moderate. The name "Beowulf' literally means "beewol{" which is a kenning for bear,
and Beowulf is typical of bear-heroes in his strength and in that his strength is directed against monsters
rather than men. Bjorn was also a side-name of of Thorr,1 although the bear was never specifically made
holy to him.
BIRDS, lesser
The smaller birds, such as cuckoo, swallow, and titmouse, have the Vanic gifts of foresight and wisdom.
Sigurdh is told by the woodfowl where the sleeping Sigrdrifa lies and that Reginn plans to murder him.2
Folk beliefs still hold that the cries of the cuckoo can tell you the length of your life remaining and
whether good or ill will befall you.3 The robin is hallowed to Thorr; if you disturb its nest your house will
be struck by lightning.4 Shape-changers often take the forms of swallows.
The flight and actions of birds of all sorts can be omens.
The greater birds are more important to Teutonic magic and are spoken of individually.
BOAR
The boar is the greatest of the Vanic beasts, holy to Freyja and Freyr. According to legend, he taught
humans to plow by rooting up the earth with his tusks. He is also a fearsome warrior. The boar's head was
used on helmets, especially on those worn by the followers of the Vanic cult, to protect themselves in
battle and frighten their foes. One of these was named Hildisvini (Battle-swine), the name of Freyja's own
boar, and Davidson suggests that the story of Freyja disguising her lover Ottar as her mount really refers
to the use of a boar-mask in Vanic ritual.5 Served at table, a boar's head cannot be carved by someone
who is not of clean reputation and tried bravery.
CAT
The cat is sacred to Freyja. The cats who drew her chariot have been mentioned earlier. Treating these
creatures well will bring the goddess' blessing on one's love and marriage.
The cat is frequently the fylgja of women and strongly tied to seidhr-magic. For this reason, it has
been thought of as the familiar of witches down to this day. Although the cat and its place in magic are
usually feminine, there was one wizard, the Icelander Thorolf Skeggi, who had twenty black cats that
guarded him bravely when he was attacked. The cat is also seen as a sort of helpful home-sprite, servant
and family luck in one.6
CATTLE
The bull and the ox were frequently sacrificed to Freyr, Thon, and the disir or alfar. Like other animals of
great strength, these are very powerful fylgjur. War-chariots were drawn by oxen; the cow was also
honored, and the hallowed cow Sibilja was even led into battle.7 The cow would seem to be associated
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