If we understand Nerthus to literally be the land, then we can understand the four classical elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) to express a different face of Nerthus - a different manifestation of Her in the world.  By honouring the elements, we can contemplate Her mysteries, and our connection to the land.  I have found this devotional meditation to be simple yet powerfully effective for connecting with Her, and share it with you in the hopes you may benefit similarly.

You will need a candle, an incense burner with a stick of incense, a bowl of water, and a stone from outside.  While you may wish to put these in the traditional places of correspondence (East/Air, South/Fire, etc), it is preferable that you place them in the areas corresponding to where these elements show up where you live.  As an example: in Southern California I have Water (ocean) to my West, Fire (desert) to my East, Air (Santa Ana winds) to my South, and Earth (redwood forest, mountain ranges) to my North.  If you wish, you may place an image of Nerthus (such as a statue) in the center, with the elemental objects surrounding Her.

Start with whichever element you associate with LEAST, and work clockwise from there.  In my case, it would be Fire.

For Fire, light the candle and say something like:

Hail Nerthus, who is Fire: feeling, passion and will,
hail creation and destruction.

Watch the candle burn, and think of what Fire means to you: the gift of light and warmth from the sun, flame that cooks food, heats homes, forges tools, but also destroys forests and makes ash to feed the soil for new growth.

For Air, light the incense and say something like:

Hail Nerthus, who is Air: thought and memory,
intellect and innovation.

Watch the smoke waft up from the incense, and think of what Air means to you: gentle breezes, hurricanes and tornadoes, the song of birds, flying kites, leaves stirring in the wind, the breath of life, words spoken.

For Water, place your fingers in the bowl of water and say something like:

Hail Nerthus, who is Water: the flow of intution,
the depths of deep emotion.

Feel the sensation of the water and think of what Water means to you: raindrops, ponds, lakes, creeks, rivers, and the ocean; floods, but also drinking and bathing.

For Earth, hold the stone and say something like:

Hail Nerthus, who is Earth: strength and stability,
the Land and home.

Let the stone ground you and be very mindful of the here and now, and where you are, then think of what Earth means to you: the soil, flora and fauna, mountains and trees, the growth of plants, the food we eat, and shelter.

When you are finished, thank Nerthus in your own words for the gift of life, and then snuff out the candle, let the incense burn out, and go about the rest of your day.


© 2010 Svartesól.