Invocation for Courage

by Helga Nottvaengir

A simple ritual that can be performed before any difficult task to bolster your courage.

Fill a horn with mead or ale. Close your eyes and take a deep breath, feeling your connection to the earth below and the sky above. Let yourself feel the power and strength you receive from that connection. When you feel calm and sure, open your eyes and say the prayer below firmly aloud, tracing the named runes over the horn of ale after each line.

"Tyr, grant me the valor to sacrifice what is needed for victory." (Sowilo, for will and determination).

"Frigga, grant me the bravery to do what is right no matter who opposes me." (Tiwaz, for the pursuit of righteousness).

"Thorr, grant me the boldness to face my enemies head on." (Uruz for the strength of a charging aurochs).

"Freyja, grant me the strength to accept that which is and to choose my fights wisely." (Mannaz for the relationships that surround and define the problem,
and the duty you have to others).

"Odin, grant me the courage to confront myself and, with that self- knowledge, change if needed." (Kenaz for the light which reveals things hidden).

"Skadhi, grant me the confidence to accept the terms of my foes and end conflict when the time is right." (Dagaz, for the synergy created by the joining of opposites).

Feel the power of the runes and the might of the gods sink into the beverage, then take a long, deep draught of the ale. (Sipping is not really appropriate here.) Pour what liquid is left over the harrow or onto the ground with heartfelt gratitude and verbal thanks.

While visualizing yourself victorious over the situation that is causing you fear, draw a small Helm of Awe on your forehead or onto an object you will wear on your forehead (such as a headband or hat.)

Go forward into the fray with greater heart.

If you are in a situation where blessing or drinking a beverage would be difficult or inappropriate, you can also trace the runes over your heart and leave a sacrifice of a different kind, such as three drops of blood, a piece of precious metal or a lock of hair. Of course, in an emergency, a simple, murmured "Gods grant me courage" can sometimes be enough.