The Odinist Soul Complex

Introduction

When I was first asked to contribute to the study curriculum being developed by my sisters to
lend basis and organization to future seekers on the Odinic path, I was happy to be able to give
my input. Then my sister gave me my area of studyThe Soul Complex? What? No quick
answers or references came to mind. I was basically stumped. Through reading and processing
the materials I had available to me, I basically came to the conclusion that the soul complex is
about inter-dependency of the parts that make a whole and the need for balance.

The Christian belief system would have us believe that there are two facets of our beings,
physical and spiritual. Our Norse traditions have a much more involved and interactive system,
all areas being interwoven, none standing alone. Neglect one area others become shaky. Build
strength in one area strength is given to all. The physical aspects of ourselves cannot be
separated from the spiritual, thus the Soul Complex or Soul Matrix.

Before going into a discussion of the actual parts that make up the whole Soul Complex a
basic working knowledge of the Germanic concept of what the Ancient Greeks termed fate
may be helpful.

Orlg Wyrd The Norns

Orlg
The literal translation of Orlg is primal law or primal layers. Orlg is the basic law at the
center of all Do right, not wrong. Our people, as all peoples do, evolve and grow. If we look at
the Lay of Rig (Poetic Edda), we can see how the three classes evolved and grew from base
laborers (thralls) to learned men and women of knowledge (Jarls). As we learn and grow from
our trials and errors as a people, so do we do this as individuals, by making conscious decisions
to follow the first law of Orlg. Or, alternatively, we regress, choosing to stagnate or even
devolve.

Wyrd
By our actions to both better ourselves and follow Raidos tenet of right action or to wallow in
the mud of our un-evolved selves, we create energy. This energy becomes the threads the
tapestry of our lives is woven with. That energy is called Wyrd, and it is the culmination of all
the choices we make in our lives past, present, and future. So many times we say or hear But I
didnt mean to do wrong! Whether you meant to or not, you are accountable. Did you choose to
do right? Make no mistake, if you choose not to decide, that is a choice in and of itself! Your
Wyrd will reflect that choice as the tapestry of your life is woven. The principal of Gebo applies
here as in all things, you get what you give. Maybe not in the here and now, but sooner or later
the energy you put out will come back to you.

The Norns
In the Poetic Edda, The Lay of the Voluspa, stanza 18 the three aspects of fate (past, present,
future) are represented by three women called the Norns. In the Norse tradition the Norns are
depicted as three sisters of varying age, crone, mother, and maiden, who shape our peoples
lives.

Urd is the oldest of the three. She represents the past or that which is. She is closely associated
with the rune Hagalaz. The past is the framework that the present is built on. It is the beginning
of the pattern.

Next comes Verdandi. She shapes the present or that which is becoming. Keep in mind that
the material that she has to work with in the shaping of your life comes from the past and the
Wyrd that you have brought into being. Verdandi is tied to the rune Isa. Isa is the stasis which is
this exact moment. As the present is built upon the framework of the past, the present sets the
pattern for the future, creating the material the Norns use to shape the future.

Last, but not least, of the three sisters is Skuld, the youngest, who governs the future or that
which should be. She is closely associated with the rune Nauthiz, the rune of friction. All the
friction of the past and present tempers the future, and like steel, it can make be it brittle and
breakable or hard yet still bendable and strong.

Jointly, these 3 Norns are represented by the rune Perthro, which is the rune of fate, and the Well
of Wyrd. I think one of the most important things to remember is that these Norns have the
shaping of our lives, but that does not mean that our lives are predestined or predetermined. All
the materials that the Norns have to work with in that shaping we have ourselves brought in to
being, our personal Wyrd. Our fates are not in hands outside of our control. The Norns draw the
threads of our lives from the energy we put into the Well of Wyrd, by the deliberate choosing to
make our decisions within accordance with the First Law of Orlg or by walking blindly in our
basest natures and never evolving past thralldom. Wyrd is not set in stone; it is constantly
evolving and changing by our actions and responses. The Norns rule cause and effect. Without
cause there is no effect and vice versa.

The Components of the Soul

There are many differences of opinion regarding certain components of the soul complex. Rather
than go into all these differences I am simply going to insert an article that broadly discusses the
components. Bear in mind that depending on whom you talk to and your own personal beliefs,
these definitions may not be the same for everyone. For example, the definition of Hamingja in
the following article varies widely from some Odinists definition A guardian spirit or familial
over-soul passed down through a persons ancestors. By meditating and using critical thinking
you will have to decide for yourself what definition you put with what aspects.

The following article is reprinted as is shown in Branches Newsletter, Harvest/Fogmoon edition

2259, written by D. Meister AOR.
 The Odinist Soul

Delving Deep into the spirit and psyche of the mysterious soul is one of the most difficult and
time consuming journeys that one will ever embark on. The lighted realms of the spirit and the
dark and misty realms of the formative planes advance unique and challenging opportunities,
but, as for all things of worth, at a price: commitment, perseverance and, most severely, the
female and male, the light and dark, and the real and the unreal. The soul is, proverbially, hidden
behind the door of compiled aspects of the mind, body and spirit. The door is locked by the
illusion of subjective projection, opened only by will, discipline and introspection. As the soul
complex comes into balance, or is unified, the true soul the god self is revealed. Only from
this point may true ecstasy be experienced only from this point is the one initiated into the
mysteries of the All-mother and All-father.

The Odinist/Asatru concept of the self (lowercase (s)elf) has evolved through the experiences of
our Germanic forebears over the many thousands of years we have graced these planes, and of
course, with respect to the mysterious designs of wights and wyrd. Our lore, which has
developed from right/rite rhythm, an aspect of the rune Raido, reflects the structures of our
inherent innermost Folkish aspirations of achieving what only knowledge of the soul can bring
a very personal experience. Interestingly, a concept such as the soul complex all the various
parts and pieces of mind, body, and spirit as an almost purely unconscious
manifestation(unconscious in the sense of a pre-personality formative psyche), must nonetheless
be described, in the interest of fruitful discussion, in terms of general value. Such is the
limitation of a dead language.

However, as mentioned, our lore presents us with a complex of ideas that can be readily
understood in straightforward terms but generally leaving enough room for personal inflection
thus is the majesty of folklore.

In this day and age one is used to the concept of the soul as representing that undefined part of us
that we consider magical or divine (painted irrationally with the individuals personality)
that is seemingly independent from physical reality. Here, as in many other places, is where the
Odinist parts with conventional thinking.

Breath they had not, spirit they had not,
Character nor vital spark nor fresh complexions;
Breath gave Odin, Spirit gave Hoenir,
Vital spark gave Lodur, and fresh complexions.
~ Voluspa 18, translated by Carolyne Larrington
They had not ond, they had not odhr,
Neither La nor laeti nor good litr;
Odhinn gave ond, Hoenir gave odhr,
Lodhurr gave la and good litr.
~ Voluspa 18, translated by Edred Thorsson (Futhark)
A fundamental part of the re(awakening) of
Odins Theod is our emphasis on
internalization, or coming to terms with
reality on a personal involved level. This
usefulness of the scientific objective is an
external and singular authority by which all
positions are deemed right or wrong seems to
be ebbing. Indeed, the pagan intuitive
faculty of our tribal urges is (arguably) the
reason for the paradigm shift.

Trusting instinctively/ intuitively to the patterns in our lore, balance against the grounded
reasoning of the modern consciousness, we have been able to extricate nine traditional aspects of
the soul that have been found to recur etymologically and mythologically enough to be called
traditional/cultural. These nine aspects have then been (in the neo-Odinist/ Asatru expression)
formatted into a comprehensive system by pioneers of the living Odinist/Asatru community.

Enter The Odinist Soul, which will be discussed shortly. But first it will be illuminating to
present a couple translations of lore that is on topic. (See box above).
In the second translation la, laeti, and litr loosely mean appearance (la), movement (laeti),
and health (litr), or in other words, character, vital spark, and fresh complexion. In the
context of the Voluspa, and Germanic lore generally, the gift of la is the gift of our Northern
characteristics, laeti, the initial push of dynamism, while litr is health or fresh state. While
these three concepts are not featured in the nine concepts of the soul-complex (below), they
should be regarded in our meditations. Litr, especially, is representative of interesting
phenomena and will be discussed below.

Ond and odhr, however, are central factors to the complex. Ond meaning breath, life and odhr
meaning inspiration, spirit, are not lacking in esoteric interpretations. Additionally, the other
six concepts (that are compiled from other sources) are just as interesting and, no doubt, charged
with meaning. Continuing with the remaining concepts completes the complex: Hugr translates
to mind, minni to memory, hamingja to luck or power, fylgja to fetch (which is a contra-
sexual entity connected to each individual), hyde to hamr (the quasi-material formative
substance of the body), sal to soul and lyke to lich (the physical body). Consider the
relation between these these aspects in the diagram below.

HAMINGJA
Norse English
FYLGJA
Ond = Athem
ODHR Odhr = Wode
SOL SOL
Hugr = Hugh
Minni = Myne
HUGR OND MINNI Haminja = Luck
Fylgja = Fetch
LYKE
Sal = Soul
HYDE HYDE
Hamr = Hyde
Lyke = Lich

It is useful to represent the dynamic of such concepts as a schematic that is easy to digest.
However, in doing so, we are inevitably excluding the more subtle (but no less important)
relationships between the constituent parts. We suspect that, while the soul complex is accurate,
as presented above, the soul complex can only truly be understood (realized) at a very personal
level. In other words, it must be realized by the individual on their own terms.

A further description of the many soul aspects follows, but keep in mind that while we try to
represent the more traditional values of the soul-complex in our descriptions, we could not, in
good conscience, exclude our own personal revelations on the subject.

Ond/Athem is life the breath of Odin or substance of life. The true essence of ond, of
course, cannot be described in a dead language no more than color can be described to a blind
person. However, it may be suggested in a circumvented manner. Ond is placed in the center of
the soul-complex because ond is only realized through the balancing of all the other soul aspects.
One may argue that ond is the point of balance. This is the revelation of the initiate, where one
sees their path becoming their path. One gains a great deal of control over themselves at this
point, for to achieve this balance is to achieve personal mastery. In summation, perceiving ond is
perceiving the nature of consciousness of life. In this respect, ond is the animating principle of
life. Initially the individual may experience the ecstasy and ond state in phases coming and
going- but eventually, with work, it becomes permanent.

Odhr/Wode is the essence of inspiration. After ond is achieved odhr must then be brought into
the personal sphere, and then expanded. Odhr is really the synthesizing of the soul with the
multiverse. Again, this is a difficult state to describe. Odhr has a transcending saturating quality
that is present in all things (the essence of inspiration). In this sense, the soul is synthesized
with the multiverse as one expands their presence to include the multiverse. At this point,
mastery is achieved and one becomes the god-self or superhuman able to touch the multiverse.

Hugr/Hugh, the mind is the conscious will and intellect. It is the thoughtful determining and
analyzing part of the mind. While certainly both hemispheres of the brain contain this faculty, it
is more localized in the left brain hemisphere. The hugr is apt to the analytical function of the
psyche, this includes our ability to read and write, to add numbers, etc. This is a straight forward
presentation of this concept and in the interest of expedience, for the purposes of this paper, we
will not discuss the cosmological aspects of such a concept, or the gender of the concept for
that matter.

Minni/Myne, the memory, is the reflexive and recording faculty of the mind. Whereas hugr
would deal more with, say, the actual calculating of numbers, minni would deal with the special
and abstract questions like What is a number? or What is a fraction? This is a localized
function of the right brain hemisphere. Additionally, the minni, contains that part of the mind
that records and sorts (unconsciously) sensory information. Again, keep in mind that how we are
representing hugr and minni (mind and memory) is in a more exoteric interpretation without
contemplation on related esoteric values (such as collective unconscious/conscious) that,
indeed, do seem to filter through the hugr and minni. Such esoteric subjects are better
contemplated directly, not in digression, and are beyond the scope of this short paper.

Hamr/Hyde, shape or formative body, is the quasi-material form of the body. This quasi-
material mysterious substance wells from the chthonic realms. It is best understood as the
formative substance out of which physical things are molded. This is an interesting concept for
even though it may be said that the body (lyke)is formed from this substance, at some point the
physical body takes on its own definitive characteristics. The relation between hamr and lyke is
further complicated by the seeming fact that the hamr remains after the formation of the lyke,
retaining somewhat independent character.

Lyke/Lich is simply the physical body. Bodies are, of course, our vehicles allowing us to
participate here in Midgard. Our bodies not only reflect a specific ethnic history here in Midgard,
but spiritual identity as well.

Sal/Sol is the eternal part that is you the trans-lifetime(s) super personality that contains
but is beyond, the positions-forms-lives-times that you have experienced. It is the sol that
traverses the blessed realms of Helheim after the death of the lyke. Sol is the unique quality that
represents us to the multiverse and to all the multivariable entities.

Fylgja/Fetch is a semi-independent entity that interacts with the sol, and the many multivariable
realms. It manifests as a female spirit counter to a male (physical) personality, and vice versa for
the female (physical) personality. While the sol inhabits a lyke it is through the fylgja that the
soul transverses the nine realms. In this respect the fylgja represents the person in the multiverse
and likewise the multiverse can communicate with the individual through the fylgja. The fylgja
communicates subtly through suggestion, however in some cases, the fylgja can be heard
through a profound revelation or a compelling intuition. After the death of the lyke the sol
(re)joins with the fylgja. The fylgja (being a trans-dimensional entity in nature) then acts
something like a guide allowing the sol/ fylgja to navigate through the many planes. If the fylgja
is absent or disregarded, the sol can lose its bearings then spiral into an aimless loop, even into
insanity.

Hamingja/Luck or power is a little easier to come to terms with. We all have the ability to
affect our surroundings, and our surroundings certainly affect us. Hamingja, however, is our
power to affect change in our spheres (our trans-realm, trans-dimensional presence). An increase
in personal hamingja increases out control over our own wyrd, lessening the degree to which
happenstance or external events determine our course. This is not necessarily a conscious
phenomena, however one will know when hamingja is being increased. As the hamingja is
increased the individual will begin to notice that things or events are falling in line, that at just
the right moments books, people, ideas, etc. seem to manifest coincidentally and in concert with
the motives, thoughts, etc. of the person. More and more one will notice the right things coming
into ones grasp at the right time. This is also a sign of the yogas increasingly involved
presence, for this is a power that extends beyond the physical planes, shared by the fylgja, and
can actually be amplified by combined intentions and efforts with similarly right minded people
(or wights). Hamingja is built over many lifetimes and with ties to family, tribe, and folk. It
would be accurate to say that a family or folk have their own hamingja as well. However,
hamingja is a trans-dimensional power built by the right action of a person or people and can be
amplified or weakened. We have found that the more we come to realize this power the more we
can attract things (by conscious will) into our sphere. We create a sort of gravitational field, so to
speak.
Before closing, we would like to address some aspects of the soul-complex that were mentioned
at the beginning of this paper, namely the la (appearance), the laeti (movement), and the litr
(health). La and laeti are Norse terms that simply relate to the physical characteristics of the body
and are easily incorporated into the lyke (or lich). However, the litr, translating to health,
demands further attention.

It has long been known to science that the physical body (lyke) has an electromagnetic field in
fact all things have an electromagnetic field. Further, it has been known since time immemorial
that the body is surrounded by an ambient luminescent field (described in many traditions) of
one nature or another. Since the early mid-20th century, following a series of experiments
spanning over a twenty year period, it has been known that the electromagnetic field will show
subtle changes prior to a manifest change in body chemistry). These findings parallel nicely (if
scientifically) with the observable phenomena that sensitives sensitives throughout the
ages no less see as a persons color-light field.

It is the field phenomena that corresponds with the litr. To be clear, the field (electromagnetic or
otherwise) is not simply of local significance, i.e., not of the immediate surroundings and body.
Rather, a field is part of a seemingly infinite tapestry of energetic dynamic. The field may be the
strongest in a very localized sphere but the ripples of energy potentially expand infinitely.
Additionally, and to the point we are trying to make, our field receives energy from the
multiverse, thus the tapestry is woven field is contingent upon field and symmetry is
maintained. Because of this, the field (or litr) of the lyke will temporarily remain after the death
of the physical form. The reason for this is that the tapestry of energy dynamic, of possible
infinite scope, is apparently flexible to a certain degree, meaning that if a piece of the mechanism
is removed, the corresponding parts dont necessarily fall apart (or together) in a cascade effect
(at least this is how it appears in a relative sense. Many of us have experienced this effect as the
phenomena of residual haunting, not to be confused with an intellectual haunting (which includes
other factors not discussed here). It has been stated that such entities as a ghost or shade should
be equated with the sol (soul); we disagree. Whatever the history of the term sal or sol, it has
taken on a more significant value, namely it is you. The ghost or shade of the lyke is better
understood as a residual (permanent in some cases) effect of the litr.

Back to the interpretation of the litr as health, within the lore. The health of the lyke is reflected
in the litr, and vice versa. Something deep in our minnis tells us that the healers in ancient times
were more concerned with the state of the litr over the lyke. Moreover, we feel that as science
and spirit come together hopefully in the not too distant future, the litr will again be considered
and respected.

In closing we would like to say that the Odinist Soul-Complex is a subject for deep meditation
and personal realization. The masters of this discipline within the Odinist Nation are developing
as we speak. With the possible exception of a few individuals, Odinists across the globe have
much work, spiritual work, to do, not only in regaining the spiritual teachers of a mastered
discipline but of securing a future for our children in the genius that is Odinism. To this end we
suggest the Odinist Soul-Complex as a model by which one may teach Odin consciousness.
Please keep in mind that while the above concepts and complex may seem, to some, contrived,
they are not only based from recurring patterns of our very Folk-Soul but from our individual
experiences as well. While every aspect or interpretation was not discussed, which would
inevitably lead to a complex and subjective representation, the truth of the above, we feel, is
salient. Further, the unknown can seem complex, no less so for the inner workings, but what is
true is simple if defying explanation - and will be known with certainty as the obvious is
revealed to us.

Resources:
- The American Heritage College Dictionary, 3rd edition (1997)
- The Poetic Edda, by Carolyne Larrington (1996)
- Odinic Mythology, volumes 1 and 2, by the Circle of Ostara
- FUTHARK, A Handbook of Rune Magic, by Edred Thorsson (1984)
- A Book of Troth, Runa-Raven Yrmin edition, by Edred Thorsson (2003)
- The Nine Doors of Midgard, a Curriculum of Rune-Work, 3rd edition, by Edred Thorsson
(2003)

Study Questions

There is no right or wrong answer for the following questions, therefore no answer key. They are
meant to invite discussion and promote self-evaluation .

1. Why do you think Hagalaz is associated with Urd as the Norn associated with that which
is, Isa with Verdandi and that which is becoming, and Nauthiz with Skuld and that which
should be. Do you think these designations are correct? Why or why not?
2. Define Orlog and Wyrd in your own words.
3. What happens if one aspect of the soul complex is neglected and others expanded?
4. What is the difference between Hugr and Minni? Which one do you think is more
important and Why?
5. How do you define Hamingja? What do you think is meant by the term Hamingja
consciousness?