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Introduction
Loki & Sigyn, Counting the Blessings
The fourth day of Yule is celebrating the Blessings of the year. This day we honor Loki and Sigyn, the Lord of Misrule and his Loyal Queen. We will have a Silly Feast with everyone is animal disguise, wearing the animal that has attributes they wish to strengthen in the coming year. We will set up the Yule Tree and make “Wish Ornaments” to decorate the branches. At the feast we’ll reminisce all the cherished and joyful moments of the past year.
LOKI AND SIGYN
In Norse mythology, Loki is a cunning trickster who had the ability to change his shape and sex, and Sigyn is his wife. Before Loki, Sigyn was a deity of victories and devotion. On this day we honor the Lord of Misrule and his loyal queen. Loki turned the world upside down and brings laughter and adaptability. Sigyn balances Loki’s chaos and offers victory over small battles.
HONORING LOKI AND SIGYN
This was a time when social rules were turned upside down, gifts were exchanged, and disguises were worn. Hold a Silly Feast with friends and family where everyone dresses in animal-themed disguises. At the feast exchange gifts and pick two people to be the Lord of Misrule and the Loyal Queen.
During the day, make an animal mask that represents an attribute you would like to have more of in the coming year. If not a mask, make an ornament representation of the animal to hang on the Yule Tree. Here are some examples of animals and their attributes:
- Bear: Some associate bear with Thor, strength, power, might, connection to the earth
- Wolf: Sacred to Odin and Loki, family, fierceness, loyalty, working together
- Fox: Sacred to Loki (according to many modern worshippers), cunning, trickster, problem-solving
- Mink: Playfulness, adaptability, quick thinking
- Seal: Mysteries of the waters, joy, feminine magic, and shapeshifting (selkies)
- Boar: Sacred to Freyja and Freyr, war, power, wealth
- Horse: Cooperation, travel, adventure, support
- Rabbit: Caution, fertility, swiftness, abundance
- Cat: Sacred to Freyja, independence, silence, beauty, ferocity
- Snake/Dragon: Secret knowledge, underworld mysteries, transformation
- Deer: Freyr as sacrificial king, authority, defense, self-sacrifice
- Raven: Odin’s messengers, magic, and communication, devours the dead and unneeded
- Falcon: Sacred to Freyja and Frigg, spiritual messenger, travel, perception
- Goat: Sacred to Thor, hearty, persistent, ambitious, lusty
Yule Tree
In preparation for the Silly Feast, set up the Yule Tree. It’s not customary to wait until today to get your tree, but today’s the day to put it out. Yule trees go way back in Pagan tradition, and generally were outdoor live trees that were decorated with hanging candles. The Yule tree lights and ornaments originally symbolized the sun, moon, and stars as they looked on the Tree of Life.
In modern times we use strings of lights instead of candles. If you want to use candles, please use fake candles on the tree. Safety first. As you place baubles and ornaments on the tree think about the things this year you are thankful for. Adorn the Yule Tree with each blessed item. This is a fun activity to do with others so you can each express your cherished moments from the year.
Counting the Blessings
A direct activity is making “Wish Ornaments” and placing them on the Yule Tree. Wish Ornaments are homemade ornaments with the symbols of hope, dreams, and success on them, emblazed with the spoken wish. They can also be written on paper folded up and set among the tree’s boughs or rolled up in ribbon tied to a branch. Salt dough is the easiest method for homemade ornaments.
For those who want a recipe: Our Favorite Salt Dough Recipe for Ornaments, Handprints, and Crafting (wholefully.com)
