The Nine Affirmations 

The Nine Affirmations, or the 9a, are similar to the Nine Noble Virtues, or NNV, offered by Edred Thorsson, and later by Fjallabok.

1. Affirmation of Adoration

Something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved; a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection.

I hold dear, one night of the year, sacrèd,
Herring partake and be blessed for the year,
Gift so small, hard work I welcome ever.
Eat them well, and for the others Nothing.
   -The Lay Of Holde, st. 13

2. Affirmation of Assurance

Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.

Tyr nurtures Fenrir, for he is the only one with the
courage to feed the fell wolf...
In binding Fenrir, Tyr lost his right hand to the                Wolf’s jaws.
   -Aesir Saga notes

3. Affirmation of Honesty

Truthfulness. Telling or disposed to tell the truth.

Frigg answered the question in honesty, that she did
not ask to mistletoe to offer protection to Baldr because she felt it was to young.
   -Aesir Saga notes

4. Affirmation of Good Will

Compassion and abstinence of woe. Sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.

Odhinn shall speak then, all shall hear him say:
“this night shall be used, for new thought for counsel;
each one who can, each by the morrow,
find some solution, for the Aesir’s weal.”
   -The Prophecy of Nanna st. 17

5. Affirmation of Abstenance

Self-Command. Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires.

the more they ask her, the less she shall speak,
all words will flow in vain, words will be as silence.
   - The Prophecy of Nanna st. 11 lines 3-4

6. Affirmation of Abdication

Absence of Covetousness. Lack of having/showing a strong desire for especially material possessions or an inordinate desire often for another’s possessions.

When Odin returns to Asgard, Tyr recognizes the
power of his father and he accedes to him.
   -Aesir Saga notes 

7. Affirmation of Action

Strong industrious, positive action, characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort.

Flax gave I to the man, and seeds, my gift,
Forever welcome are the workers here.
Treat them well, and for the lazy Nothing.
   -The Lay Of Holde, st. 9 lines 2-3, st. 5 line 4

8. Affirmation of Acceptance

Given to generous and cordial reception of guests; promising or suggesting generous and cordial welcome, or offering a pleasant or sustaining environment.

Mock not the traveler met On the road,
Nor maliciously laugh at the guest:
Scoff not at guests nor to the gate chase them,
But relieve the lonely and wretched...
   -Havamal, Auden trans.

9. Affirmation of Balance

Balancing the Aesic and the Vanic in ones everyday life to achieve a higher state of awareness, and keeping both the Aesir and the Vanir alive within one on equal footing.

He [Kvasir] merrily journeyed throughout all the
Worlds offering his knowledge to all who would
accept it, for his knowledge knew no bounds.
   -Aesir Saga notes

Glossary

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