Happy Yggdrasil Day

Today is Yggdrasil Day. But what exactly is this holiday? For those that may not know, Yggdrasil is also known as the World Tree. The Tree is well known as it holds the Nine Worlds. While we don’t have an exact description on how they are situated around the Tree, we know at least Asgard (the realm of the gods) resides in the top branches, Midgard (realm of humankind) resides on the trunk, and Hel (one of the underworlds) resides in the roots. The main consensus is that the Tree resembles a giant Ash Tree but others have stated that it could be an Oak Tree or Yew Tree instead.

With all the sources that we have available, we can easily see just how important the Nordic worldview on Yggdrasil had been felt by just looking at the numerous earthly trees that the Vikings treated and planted as representations of the great World Tree. One such tree can be found near the Temple of Uppsala in Sweden.

Another thing to note is that farmsteads were often designed around the World Tree, making sure that the farmstead is like a miniature reproduction of the sacred cosmos.

Animals that resides in the Tree

Probably the two that are most well known are Nidhogg and Ratatoskr. Nidhogg is the giant dragon that gnaws at the Tree’s roots and is said to be the one to bring about the Tree’s downfall-leading to Ragnorak. The squirrel, Ratatoskr, is the creature that likes to spread mischievous lies back and forth from Nidhogg and an unnamed eagle who is perched on the top branches. Lastly, there are 4 stags that graze on the Tree’s leaves named: Dainn, Dvalinn, Duneyrr, and Durathror.

Importance of the tree and the Runes

Contrary to what some people might think, the runes were not invented. Rather, from what we know from the Hávamál, Odin had discovered the runes when he Jung himself upside down (some people attribute The Fool as the basis of the picture) in order to learn wisdom. For nine days and nights he hung there as the Tree blew furiously in the wind. Just as he was at the inch of his life, he found the runes, grabbed them and thus earned his life and wisdom.

The rune, Eihwaz, pronounced as eye•wahz, is the rune that represents the Tree, as it symbolizes the yew, whose wood is strong and yet extremely flexible. Hence, why some people believe that the Tree is a Yew Tree. This rune is also associated with Odin himself, pushing the belief that the Tree is a Yew Tree even more for some people. However, do note, it doesn’t matter what the Tree is, just the importance of it is.

Eihwaz

This rune symbolizes the world column, so to speak to the link between the world of the living and the world of the dead. To go more in depth, the vertical line represents the trunk, whilst the two hooks symbolizes the connection to the respective worlds. Eihwaz gives the power to exchange and travel between these two worlds.

This rune is also a very powerful protective rune to use for spell work. So, if you are wanting to have protection on your travels, home, or whatever it may be, invoking this rune can be a great asset for you.

How you can celebrate Yggdrasil Day in Modern Times

Yggdrasil Day lands on either April 22nd (the day I honor it) or on the last Friday of April. This day also coincides with Arbor Day so it’s perfect if you’re a closeted which/Pagan and you need to keep this day hidden from family . Some activities you can do are:

🧘Mediate in a quiet woodland area or by a tree that you enjoy its company. You can also practice any crafty spells you might want to do outside if you have the privacy.

:evergreen_tree: You could plant a tree in honor of the day

🫂A simple tree hug is also another way to honor the day

:fist: 🏽Tree knocking can help you recognize the divinity of the tree, which is also said to bring good luck. Just make sure it’s a gentle knock.

:put_litter_in_its_place: Picking up any trash that you see is an excellent way to honor the day.

🗣Lastly, you could just sit and talk to a tree. Express your thankfulness that it helps produce a home for creatures, shade for people and animals alike, and produces oxygen for the world.

References

Pics are from Google

Runes

Yggdrasil

Eihwaz Rune

Honoring Yggdrasil Day