As mentioned in the essay The Differences Between Aesir and Vanir, there were distinct elements of the Vanir cultus that were not shared by the Aesir cultus, and vice versa.  It is important to know these things to understand our Gods better.  Some modern Vanic Pagans may also look at these things as traditions that are rightfully ours, and go about the process of re-claiming them for a Vanic-centered spirituality.  The problem is with any older traditions, they are based in the context of the needs of the people and their lifestyles at the time.  We have changed enough that it is impossible to do things exactly as they were once done.  With that said, we can still look at these things and think about how to modify them to work in today's world, or even the original spirit of what was done and how that would manifest itself today.

Here are some thoughts on traditions that can be updated for modern Vanic religion; most of these can be integrated into one's ritual format of choice.


THE WAIN
Both Frey and Nerthus were said to have wain processions in antiquity.  A wain could be built for a yearly ritual to carry the Gods to Their people.  One might consider having a public wain procession for Frey at Midsummer or Lammas, or a public wain procession for Nerthus at Imbolc or Ostara*.  One could even consider doing both, if one feels close to those two Deities among the Vanir.  If not ready or able to do a public ritual, the wain could also be pulled on the land to bless the area where you live, or one's household could have a private celebration with the wain.

One thing that was noted in the account of Nerthus' wain procession, and of the king who consulted Frey (as Lytir) as an oracle in His wain, was the presence of the Deity making the wain feel "heavy".  A private ritual could be had before the procession to invoke and perceive the presence of the Deity within the wain, and commune with the Deity and bless the wain prior to the rite.

*depending on when the end of winter and first signs of spring are in your area; in some places one may need to wait until even April/May for this


GROVES AND STONES
While there is nothing wrong with having a Hof - indeed, the accounts of Frey's priestess and several of His priests report His temple; Nerthus had a temple on an island - there is some merit to worshipping the Vanir outside, in nature (and indeed, one could do both). 

Those who wish to carry on the tradition of a sacred grove should find some site in their bio-region that, first of all, is legal to use (i.e. not someone's private property without permission), and where it feels right to worship the Vanir.  It would help if this site were on or near a body of water (see below).  The grove should be dedicated, and worship regularly performed there.  A relationship should also be built and maintained with the nature spirits of the area, and one should endeavour to regularly "check in" and keep the area clean and safe.  With a time, a pile of stones (re Freya's favourite Ottar) and/or a small stone circle (re the megaliths of Europe built during "the Vanic era") can be raised to further sanctify the area.

Within the grove, or at home, a mound or small hill could be chosen as a place to offer to the wights, and maybe even plant flowers for their enjoyment.  When needing guidance from spirits, one could sit on the mound overnight to commune with the spirits and receive visions from them.


OFFERINGS
While many Germanic Pagans prefer to utilize a drinking horn and there is nothing wrong with this, some may consider switching to a ceramic beaker-shaped vessel.  These were found all over northern Europe ca. 4000/3000 BCE.  The symbolism of the vessel is itself very Vanic - it is made from clay of the earth, put into a fire, and holds liquid (when full) and air (when empty).  When one is celebrating with the Vanir Gods, they may wish to have a metheglin (herbed mead) or a tea made of mildly ethenogenic herbs (e.g. mugwort) to relax their state of consciousness enough to be in the proper frame of mind before the Gods.

(Note: pregnant women should not ingest mugwort.)

The victims of Nerthus (per Tacitus as well as Germanic folklore) were sacrificed in a lake, and the sacral kings of Yngling blood were known to be drowned.  The bog bodies found during "the Vanic era" confirm this is the Vanic way of making a sacrifice.  Ergo, modern offerings in Vanic rituals could be done by making an offering into a body of water such as a creek, river, pond, or lake.  Great care must be taken that the offering does not disturb the ecosystem, so biodegradable offerings would be best.  One thing that could be done in place of flesh sacrifice is to make an effigy of dough - a human figure - and yourself or your household or group pass around the dough effigy and give it "life" with very strong feelings, such as gratitude and awe (usually), or fear (if one needs to appease Nerthus for the safety of the land).  The doughman could then be placed in water with the proper ritual, and break down naturally.


OATHING
Frey and Njord are connected with the oath ring, as is Ullr, and it seems that oathing upon a ring was a Vanic custom brought to Asgard.  An oath ring could be specially made and dedicated to Frey and Njord, so if one needs to oath, they can take it upon the ring in the name of these Gods, and see the cycle - the process begun by the oath - to completion.


DANCING
The priests of Frey mentioned in the account of Starkadr were said to make "effeminate gestures".  Some scholars believe this refers to dancing, because bells and clapping were also mentioned.  Many modern-day devotees of Frey and Freya feel strongly drawn to dance, and so there might be some time in a Vanic ritual dedicated to song and dance, to express our joy towards the Gods and entertain Them.  This could be augumented by wearing bells, which are mentioned in some folklore to scare away evil spirits, and attract the fae folk (who are Frey's charges).


SEXUAL SYMBOLISM
Frey is often depicted with an erect penis, and archaic images of Freya sometimes show nudity.  The few surviving myths of Freya are largely based in something sexual (the giants wanting Her for a bride; Her relationship with Her favourite Ottar; sleeping with the dwarves for Brisingamen; teaching Odin magic and being listed as a concubine; as Gefion sleeping with a king to win land).  The "Venus figures" found all over Europe during "the Vanic era" depict exaggerated breasts, and could probably represent Nerthus/Earth Mother.  Those modern-day Vanic devotees who feel comfortable doing so could honour the Vanir skyclad, or create or utilize images of the Gods, and ritual tools (e.g. the wand) which have sexual symbolism.  For those who are Wiccan, the Great Rite could be done in honour of Frey and Freya.  Sex magic (whether with partner or solitary) could be helpful as a regular practice in the life of a Vanic Pagan.


SEIDHR
For those who feel they are on a shamanic path - beyond having a normal and healthy relationship with the Gods, and being able to use magic - seidhr is a shamanic practice that is ours.  One does not become seidh-folk overnight, and will take years of figuring things out, and practicing them, but it is a worthy endeavour for contributing to the Vanic tradition.


PRIESTHOOD
As mentioned in The Differences Between article, Frey and Nerthus were said to have priests, and Freya's favourite performed priestly activities; in addition, the Thorsberg Chape finding (ca 200 CE) have runes that translate as "The servant of Ullr, well-renowned".  The only Aesir God definitively mentioned to have a godhi is Thor, who is (likely) half-Vanic.  It is apparent that priesthood was important to the Vanic cult and not so much to the Aesir cult (which might also account for modern Asatru attitudes that "we don't need clergy").  Those who feel called to service could look at either promoting the cultus of their individual patron, and being a "public resource" for those who want to know Them better; or modern-day clergy skills such as counseling, the legality behind various practices, etc.


RITES
Besides the wain processions, some distinctly Vanic rites that could be performed are:

-The Maypole ritual, symbolic of weaving Wyrd around the World Tree, with the May Queen and King representing Frey and Freya

-A modified Aecerbot for Nerthus at Imbolc or Ostara - whenever winter is thawing and spring is in the air.

-Making an offering to Njord at the sea for safe travel of self/others (or, metaphorically, a safe transition and inner peace during a difficult time in one's life); gold coins or alcohol would work.

-A ritual surrounding hunting, dedicated to Wuldor, Frey, or Herne.

-invoking Frey at a wedding

-The Alfablot in fall/early winter where the elves are offered to in order to protect the land and one's household

-leaving out offerings for the elves during Yule, and feasting with ham in Frey's honour


This is far from being a complete list of everything that can be done to revive the Vanir cultus, but it is a start, and hopefully will be of inspiration and help to strengthen the bonds between the Vanes and man during this troubled time.  May the Gods of the World ever be hailed.

© 2010 Nornoriel Vanyahildë.