In one of my recent posts I discussed the basics of journeying. If you haven’t read it, you should before doing anything with this journey. This is not for newbies.

I should also place the caveat here that while I believe in the power of the human body to overcome a great deal on its own, I do not forego medical science. We wouldn’t have it if we were not to make use of it. I am more of a believer that healing comes in many forms and by combining those elements that resonate for you, the chances of true healing coming into play increase exponentially. They have done research on the power of prayer and it has been known to help.

Now to this particular journey…

I use a lot of imagery with each interaction. While I have my reasons for this it should by no means circumvent what you experience as you progress. Essentially, if they show up to you looking different than I describe, ignore my descriptions. There are those individuals that have a great deal of trouble picturing during a journey and I attempt to give them something to build with so that they do not miss out on the opportunity that this journey can offer them.

I will talk about Menglöð in another post. For now just know that she is the power-house of healing for the Nordic belief structure. Also, do not worry about pronunciations while journeying. The journey is about self-healing. Whenever it says (pause) you should take some time to truly immerse yourself in that part of the journey before moving on. The length of time is something only you can know thus I did not give specific increments. The return is rather short and seems abrupt, however, lengthen it as you need to. The journey back is not meant to be nearly as long and arduous as the path that you took as you began. That is part of the healing process.

One last thing, this journey is still in the rough stages. I may tweak it as time goes by. If you decide to try it out, feel free to change what you need and then let me know how it goes.

Journey to Lyfjaberg

Make yourselves comfortable. Close your eyes and allow the sounds that have bombarded you throughout the day to fade into the background. Take a deep breath and then exhale. Begin to root your feet more firmly into the ground as you take another deeper breath. Exhale and let your shoulders relax. Inhale again and allow the muscles in your face relax. As you exhale let those things that have overwhelmed you today shift to the back of your mind. There is time to deal with them later.

I want you to envision your personal altar. It can be the one you actively work on every day, it can be an internal altar, but it should be a space where you are comfortable beginning this journey. Picture it firmly in your mind. See yourself sitting before the space with all your familiar tools in front of you. In the center of the altar is your flame. Envision it lighting and brightening the space around you. Feel its warmth and comfort. Take the flame in your hands, don’t worry it won’t burn, and bring yourself to standing in front of the altar. Slowly turn around and see in front of you the entry to a tunnel. It is covered in stone. Walk toward the opening feel the temperature drop. Step into the tunnel allowing your flame to light the way. Smell the dark earth around you and feel the shift in the air as you walk. There is stone all around you with little tree roots hanging down and the smell of water in the earth. The tunnel is large and there is plenty of room. Walk forward until you begin to see the tunnel lighten. As you get closer you can see area open up. At the end of the tunnel look to your right and see a torch. Place your flame upon the torch and watch it flare to life.

Turn back to the area you have entered and look around. You have stepped into a large depression of earth much like a grotto. There are autumn leaves on the ground, bare trees all along the high walls of the grotto going up a good 100 feet in the air. Look to your left and see a small bubbling brook coming from a couple of stones. It creates a small pool that doesn’t seem to get any bigger. Walk towards it and dip your hands into the water. Bring it up to your face and douse yourself with the cold, clear liquid. As you look up you see a lovely woman standing across the stones from you. Her hair is a rich brown as are her eyes. Her skin is glowing peach in color and her smile is soft. She reaches her hand out to you and pulls you across the brook to her side. She is dressed in a rich teal gown with pearls woven in her hair. As you find your footing next to her you immediately know her name, Hlíf, and she represents help in life. She smiles at you and says it is time to begin your journey. She takes a vase and allows some of the water to fill it. She asks you to remove your shoes. After you leave them by the brook she then hands you the vase and requests that you take it to her sister. She then points to a trail that was not there before. You both begin to walk a slow incline around the perimeter of the grotto. The trail has obviously been used before but it is not paved. As you walk side by side she gently moves your hair from your face speaking words meant for you alone. Listen closely as she speaks. Those words fill you with hope as you make the journey upwards. Up and up you walk around and around the grotto.  (pause)

After a time, you reach another set of stones with water bubbling forth. Hlíf encourages you to once again scoop the water and douse your face with it. This water has a slightly fresher, cleaner scent than the one you first stood beside. As you stand back up you see in front of you another woman. Her hair is the color of warm honey and her eyes dance with green and gold. Her gown is a soft baby blue with threads of gold. She reaches across the water and guides you over until you are standing beside her. Her smile is gentle but strong and brings you comfort as you realize that she is Hlífþrasa, the bringer of help. You start to turn around to thank Hlíf for her assistance but her sister stops you. On the journey forward one never looks back. She reaches down to collect a vase at her feet and fills it with the water spilling forth and places it on the ground in front of you. You then hand her the vase from Hlíf that you had been carrying. Hlífþrasa thanks you and asks you to take the newly filled vase along the path to her sister. You begin, once more, to walk along the path that continues to wind upward. Around and around the grotto you walk with Hlífþrasa at your side. Her words of encouragement and guidance are for your ears only and they fill you with relief that you are no longer alone. Around and up your feet take you as you walk and talk. (pause)

You begin to feel the end of your time with Hlífþrasa is coming as you approach another small brook. Seeing the water you quickly walk forward to scoop it up and quench a thirst you didn´t know you had. You know the routine now. Scoop up the water to wash your face and drink deep. Look across the water and see Þjoðvarta standing there waiting. Long white hair gleams with flashing black eyes. Woven into her hair and silver gown are a multitude of lapiz lazuli. Across her breast is a leather strap that crosses from should to waist. Her smile is serene but her eyes are watchful. She holds out her hand and helps you to cross the brook. Your body begins to feel lighter and a sense of safety washes over you. From her back she unslings another vase and fills it with the water. Standing next to her and exchanging the vases you can feel how she has earned her name of Folk-Guardian. You once again begin the walk around the grotto. Up and up. Around and Around you go, crunching leaves under your feet and the slight breeze that had not reached you at the bottom of the grotto now cools your brow. Þjoðvarta has words of guidance for you alone and shares them with a quick wit while she carefully ensures that every step you make is a good one. Around and up you go sharing words and wisdom. (pause)

As you approach the next brook you can begin to see more green in the turf beneath your feet. Once again you drink deeply of the waters and wash your face taking note that this water was clearer and fresher than the other brooks you had drunk from previously. Standing on the other side of the stones is Björt, shining gold in both skin and gown. Her hair is the color of wheat at harvest time and she adorns it with only the simple blossoms of the first flowers. Her laughter is as refreshing as the waters. Eyes the color of lavender look back at you. She reaches for you and once you take her hand the world around you becomes brighter. The worries that have been clinging to you like shadows shrink in size. Once you exchange the vases Björt takes your hand and you begin to walk towards the crest of the grotto. Up and Up. Around and Around you go. Walking and talking as you slowly reach the top of the grotto. (pause)

Once the crest has been reached Björt smiles at you once more. Placing a kiss upon your brow she points to your right. Instead of the grotto you now see the trail continues around a hill. Where there was once a hole deep into the earth there is now a peak that rises. The waters are just ahead and you walk forward to partake once more.

Standing on just the other side is Blið. Raven haired with sea-foam eyes, her gown matches them. Her skin is as white as a lily´s petals but she is surprisingly sturdy. Instead of reaching across the waters for you, Blið requires that you reach forward to her. Carefully you cross the brook, each step becoming more sure. Once the vases are exchanged Blið, the lady of grace and serenity, lays her arm around your shoulders. You both begin the walk around and up the hill. The path is softer but still clearly traveled. The grass has replaced the autumn leaves and the breeze is dancing across the blades causing them to sway in harmony with your steps. Blið´s word for you are a buoy to your sense of self and help you to find the beauty that lies within. Upwards and around you walk sharing your words and stories. (pause)

The next stream appears and you approach it with a lighter heart. After drinking the waters your next escort appears, Bliðr. Her hair a soft gray, her eyes a warm deep indigo, Bliðr is gowned in a soft grey linen threaded through with silver and purple threads. The presence you feel from her is motherly and as you cross the water and reach her side her touch is sure and comforting. She hugs you tight and you breathe in the scent of lavender and clove. Upon giving her the vase, and receiving a new one from her, she places her arm around your waist and the next part of the journey begins. With Bliðr you unburden those heartaches and hurts. Each one she gently caresses away and she shares her words of compassion and wisdom. The walk with her seems to go by much quicker as your step lightens and your burdens ease. Upwards and around you walk. (pause)

As you reach the next waters you quench your thirst and wash your face. The journey has been long but you feel less and less tired as you move. Looking up you hear laughter that is as quick and bubbling as the brook you are standing near. Ahead of you is a woman with sun-kissed brown hair and bright green eyes. She wears a gown of soft cerulean blue and has woven forget-me-nots into her braids. She too, like Bliðr, seems older though youth still clings to her smile and eyes. The closer you come to her the more you want to laugh. The hurt melts away and in its place is joy. Joy for life, joy for love, joy for self. This is the gift Frið has for you. Arm in arm you begin your journey, a new vase in your hands, and the stories and words you exchange help to lighten your spirit in a way that you had not thought possible. Upwards and around you go onward. (pause)

Once more approaching the waters you perform the now habitual routine. Quench your thirst, wash your face, look across the way. Standing before you is a strong woman. Beautiful but matronly. Her hair is gold with streaks of silver. Her eyes are green with gold and grey flecks. Her gown is a deep golden brown with ocean blue trim. Her skin shines but it is clearly from the power she radiates for she is tanned from many hours spent outdoors gardening. She looks you over, her gaze penetrating within and without. Assessing you in all areas. When you reach her side she exchanges the vases and turns to walk down the path. You find yourself unburdening the troubles that are the most devastating. She nods and offers words of encouragement and wisdom. She does not give platitudes or false hope, but instead offers that which gives you the power you need to keep moving one step forward. Each moment spent with her opens up old wounds and allows the magic that flows within Aurboða to cleanse them and close them up for good. The journey with Gold-Giver lasts much longer than the others as the healing she offers is deeper and reaches down to the soul. Even so you continue upwards and onwards. (pause)

Looking forward you see the brook ahead. Sinking down to the waters you feel as if you are raw and open for the worlds to see but it is not a bad feeling. Drinking the waters and washing away the dust from the journey you look up to see a woman waiting. What makes this woman stand out is not her appearance. She has plain brown hair and soft brown eyes. She is not overwhelmingly beautiful but there is something about her that emanates a beauty unlike anything else. She is clearly strong as her muscles attest. She wears a sleeveless tunic dress in a simple grey with blue and green trim. Her stride is strong as you begin your walk and every so often she touches your hand, your shoulder, your hair as you exchange words along the way. Eír, the healer, is your companion and she looks for all the hidden ailments of body and spirit to find the best way to offer advise and comfort. Of all the companions you have had along the journey, Eír is the one that you can hide nothing from. Upwards and around you go. (pause)

Walking forward with Eír by your side you crest the hill. The breeze that has followed you up has now eased. What you see and hear takes your breath away. Standing beneath a huge tree are all of your companions from the beginning of the grotto. They are singing a harmony that once Eír joins them is a nine part harmony that has no equal. Each holds the vase that you gave them except for Hlíf. She smiles at you and reaches for the vase still within your arms. Each of the women spread out, never losing their song, until you are surrounded by them. The sole exception is a woman whose very presence glows so brightly that she easily dwarfs all around her. Clad in ocean blue shimmering with silver, gold, purple, and gold threads she stands before you with long auburn hair threaded with opals and sapphires. Her eyes are a pure royal blue. Necklaces of opals and sapphires drape her body in a sensual but not overwhelming way. When she smiles you see the power of the nine realms shine out at you.

Mengloð, Necklace-Clad, takes your hands and pulls you over to the tree where a pool of water waits. Your companions seamlessly surround you both as Mengloð carefully lowers you to your knees. You close your eyes against her brightness and tilt your head back taking in a breath to fill your lungs. The women step forward and begin to pour the waters from the vases over you, washing away the remaining ills and troubles…the waters flowing down into the pool carrying with them each and every hurt that brought you to this place. Mengloð strokes your hair and arms, her touch conducting her magic through every nerve and synapse of your body. With each touch your body and soul dries until you are new and whole again. You then open your eyes to gaze upon them again and regain your feet. It is now your turn to have words with Mengloð and hear as she shares with you what you most need. (pause)

While the hospitality of Mengloð and her ladies is wonderful It is now time to begin your journey home. Instead of the path you traversed to arrive she points to another path down the hill. Immediately upon stepping onto the trail you find that the way back is much faster. Rather than going around you are walking down a gentle slope that is not difficult at all. Carrying the words, stories, and lessons with you, each step is easier and easier. The path home is direct with few trials. (pause) When you reach the bottom of the hill you find yourself in front of the stone tunnel where you began your journey. To your left is the torch that bears your altar flame. It leaps into your hands and begins to glow brighter than before your journey began. Walk forward into the tunnel noticing that deep earth smell. Hear the water that seeps through the stones and listen to the whispers of the little tree roots. As you come out of the tunnel your altar is before you. Carefully place your flame back upon the altar and take a moment to reconnect to your space. Share the magic that was given you with all the tools that they may hold it for future use.

Breathe in and feel yourself rooting into the ground. Breathe out and feel yourself beginning to return. Breathe in and feel your muscles and nerves begin to respond to the world around you. Breathe out and feel the blood pump in your veins. Breathe in and hear the sounds of houses and streets begin to anchor you once more into the modern world. Breathe out and when you are ready open your eyes.