Personal Blessing (Hammer Sign)

If this is performed at sunrise, the Prayer to Delling may be offered, if at sunset, the Prayer to Billing may be offered.

This may be performed at any time as a personal blessing.

The following illustrations show the proper way to perform the Skertru Personal Blessing:

This is done with an open hand, as opposed to a fist, the symbolism in that action is obvious.

Starting at 1, which is symbollic of Oðinn bringing consciousness to mankind, near the crown of the head, move hand down to 2, touching the center of the chest. This action symbolises the action of Holde sinking into the void, see The Lay of Creation, and sprouting the Yggdrasil as stated in Vanir Saga, this also symbolises our union with Midgard and Holde ever binding us to the Tree of Life.

From this point move hand to the left shoulder 3 and touch the left shoulder. This action is symbollic of Njorth and Nerthus rising from their mothers home, see Vanir Saga, and following Aegir to Vanaheim, see The Lay of Creation; it is also an affirmation of the Vanir in our lives.

From this point move hand to the right shoulder 4, touching the right shoulder. This action is symbollic of the Vanir that were exchanged in the War between the Aesir and the Vanir, it is also symbollic of balancing the Aesism in our lives with Vanism. Both 3 and 4 together make a balance between the Aesir/Vanir, Aesic/Vanic, and the Hugr and Minni.

From this point move hand to center of forehead, bringing the ends of the fingers together, touch center of forehead and let fingers relax. The final step is symbollic of being open to the gods and goddesses in our daily lives.

Glossary

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