Ever wonder why it’s called Wednesday or Woden’s Day? This intriguing name has its roots in ancient mythology, specifically tracing back to the Germanic god Woden; later also a Norse God of the same name who we now call Odin, who is associated with wisdom and war. As the all-father of the Norse pantheon, Odin represents more than just the deity of battles; he embodies the quest for knowledge, often depicted as a seeker of truth who sacrificed an eye for wisdom. Many cultures have their own interpretations of the midweek day, reflecting their unique histories and traditions.
For instance, in Latin-based languages, the name for Wednesday typically derives from Mercury, the Roman messenger god, which highlights a different aspect of this day. In various languages, the name for Wednesday often relates to different deities or mythological figures, showcasing the rich tapestry of human beliefs that contribute to our modern understanding of the calendar. Understanding these connections can deepen our appreciation for this seemingly simple day of the week, illuminating how our language and cultural heritage shape our daily lives, reminding us that even the way we segment time is steeped in centuries of tradition and storytelling that bind us to our ancestors.
Most folks float through the week without much thought to the names of the days, often rushing from one task to another as the hours blend into a blur. But for those of us who walk a spiritual path rooted in ancient wisdom and personal connection, there’s meaning and magic even in something as ordinary as a calendar. Each day holds a unique energy, infused with the essence of our ancestors’ traditions; it offers a chance to reflect on our intentions and express gratitude for the journey. By embracing the significance behind these seemingly mundane markers of time, we deepen our awareness, cultivating a profound relationship with both the cycles of nature and the rhythm of our lives. As we pause to honor the individual days, we unlock the potential for transformation, allowing our spirits to soar within the mundane.
Take Wednesday, for example. It’s not just the middle of the week—it’s Woden’s Day. Named after Odin, the Norse Allfather, this day hums with the power of knowledge, communication, and transformation. Traditionally regarded as a pivotal turning point in the weekly cycle, Wednesday invites us to reflect on our progress and reassess our goals. This day serves as a reminder that we are halfway through our week’s journey, allowing us the opportunity to reevaluate our intentions and make necessary adjustments. In many cultures, Wednesday is dedicated to self-improvement and learning, encouraging individuals to seek out wisdom and insight that can enhance their lives. As we embrace the essence of Woden’s Day, let us harness its spirit of growth and enlightenment, fostering connections with others and nurturing our personal evolution.
🖤 Odin: My Patron and a Voice Within 🖤
For me, Odin was the very first male deity who truly resonated with my spirit—not from a book, not from a ritual, but from something older… something bone-deep. He came to me like a half-remembered dream or a story whispered on the wind, echoing through time. I heard him in the rustle of trees, in the quiet corners of my mind during long journaling sessions, in those questions that kept me awake at night.
It was like a tale being passed down—not one of comfort, but of adventure, sacrifice, and relentless questing. Odin didn’t just speak to me in the light; he came with shadows too. Even in the less flattering myths—the ones where he deceives, disrupts, or manipulates—I still felt the pull. He whispered truths I didn’t want to hear but needed to. He invited me into discomfort, because that’s where real growth lives.
He made me question… everything.
He first called to me when I identified as a Pagan Deist—and for a long time, that path felt right. I believed in deities as distant creators, cosmic architects who had long since stepped back from our daily lives. They set things in motion and watched from afar, silent and unbothered as we stumbled along trying to make sense of the world. That detachment brought me a strange kind of peace—until it didn’t.
Because Odin didn’t stay distant.
He didn’t stay silent.
He showed up—again and again—in synchronicities, in meditation, in the way words would fall into place when I wrote, or how I’d open a book to the exact sentence I needed. He became more than a myth or symbol. He became a presence—a guide, a mirror, and at times, even a taskmaster.
And it was Odin who led me to Jord—his first wife, goddess of the living earth. Through him, I found her, and through both of them, I uncovered a deeper connection to my Ancestors and the path that had been quietly laid out before me all along. They opened a door to something ancient—older than doctrine, older than any book—something woven into my blood.
Together, Odin and Jord taught me to look upward and root downward. To seek knowledge, yes—but also to stand firm in who I am, where I come from, and what I carry.
He became a Patron—a sacred masculine guide who walks beside me, whispers within me, and challenges me to seek more, dig deeper, and never settle for surface-level truth. When I sit in stillness, writing or meditating, it’s often his voice I hear—that low, ancient, knowing presence that dares me to be bold with my thoughts, honest with my truth, and relentless in my pursuit of wisdom.
Odin is a god who craves knowledge—sometimes too much. His hunger for understanding drives him to make enormous sacrifices. He does not shy away from pain or darkness if it means uncovering deeper truths. That intensity? That strange, stratifying connection? I feel it deeply. We are aligned in that craving for knowing.
🌳 The World Tree and the Price of Wisdom 🌳
One of the most powerful tales of Odin is not one of war or power—but of sacrifice in the name of learning.
To gain the sacred knowledge of the runes—symbols of power, language, and fate—Odin sought wisdom not through comfort, but through pain and surrender. He hung himself from the branches of Yggdrasil, the great World Tree, pierced by his own spear. This act was not simply a test of will; it was an embodiment of his commitment to obtaining profound insights that lay beyond the veil of the ordinary.
For nine days and nine nights, he dangled there, alone, without food or drink, teetering on the precipice between life and death. No one helped him. No one saved him. The world below continued its course, oblivious to the sacrifice of the Allfather. And yet, in that liminal space, he received the runes—gifts from the void, from the well of all things. These glyphs were not merely shapes but vessels of ancient wisdom, each holding secrets to the fabric of existence, the flow of time, and the nature of reality itself.
This act wasn’t just self-punishment; it was an expression of his unwavering devotion. It marked the culmination of his search for knowledge, where the harshness of reality met the divine essence of understanding. It was the ultimate magical rite: death of the ego, sacrifice of comfort, and surrender to the unknown in exchange for truth. This truth transcended ordinary knowledge; it was an awakening to a higher plane of existence, revealing to Odin the interconnectedness of all things and the power of the runes to shape fate and destiny.
In this journey through suffering, he transformed pain into enlightenment and despair into divine revelation. Every moment spent hanging there was a testament to the lengths one must go to in order to grasp the deeper mysteries of the universe. It illustrated the concept that true knowledge often comes at a great cost, urging seekers of wisdom to embrace their own trials as a necessary part of the quest for deeper understanding. Thus, from the depths of sacrifice, Odin emerged, not just as a god of war and death, but as the custodian of the sacred runes, imparting their wisdom to humanity.
This story has always gripped me. It’s a reminder that the most powerful wisdom doesn’t come easily. It demands something of us—our illusions, our comfort, sometimes even our tears. It calls us to confront our fears and face truths we might prefer to ignore, pushing us beyond the boundaries of our familiar lives. Yet, in this challenging process, what is gained is beyond measure. The insights we uncover can transform our perspectives, instilling a deeper sense of purpose and resilience. With every lesson learned and every moment of vulnerability embraced, we grow into richer, more compassionate versions of ourselves, capable of navigating life’s complexities with grace and understanding.
Because the quest for wisdom isn’t just an intellectual journey—it’s a deeply spiritual experience that encompasses the essence of our very being. When Odin hung from Yggdrasil, pierced and alone, he wasn’t simply trying to know more—he was striving to become more, delving into the depths of his own soul and the universe around him. What he sought was divine in nature: the runes, not just letters or markings, but sacred symbols brimming with mystery, power, and ancestral depth. These runes held the secrets of existence, serving as a bridge between the mortal realm and the divine, embodying truths that transcended time and space. In this profound state of sacrifice and enlightenment, Odin discovered that wisdom is not merely the accumulation of knowledge, but a transformative journey that intertwines the mind, spirit, and the vast cosmos, ultimately leading to personal evolution and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
The runes are the foundation of language and writing, yes—but they are also so much more. They teach and touch on a higher level of consciousness, reaching beyond the physical realm into the worlds in-between, where time and space intertwine and intersect. When we engage with them, we are not merely observing symbols; we are stepping into that same liminal space Odin entered, a sacred territory where knowledge and wisdom converge. As we delve deeper into the meaning of these ancient glyphs, we are reaching toward fate, our ancestors, and the divine, all at once, forging connections that transcend the mundane. This interaction invites us to experience a profound sense of nostalgia and belonging, as if the echoes of past generations whisper secrets meant for our ears, guiding us on a journey that is both personal and universal. Engaging with the runes becomes a ritual, a sacred dance that aligns our spirit with the very fabric of existence, illuminating our path as we navigate the mysteries of life.
For those of us who use divination in our practices, the runes are not just tools—they are sacred messengers imbued with the energy of ancient wisdom. Each symbol holds layers of meaning, both earthly and otherworldly, echoing the voices of our ancestors and the mysteries of the cosmos. They speak in riddles and in truths, acting as a bridge between the seen and the unseen. They guide, warn, reveal, and initiate, offering insights that resonate deeply within our beings. To work with them is to engage in something ancient and profound—a dialogue between soul and spirit, between seeker and source. In this communion, we uncover hidden aspects of ourselves and the universe, facilitating a transformative journey that can illuminate our path and deepen our understanding of existence itself. As we immerse ourselves in the practice of rune reading, we invite a sense of reverence and wonder, acknowledging the role of fate and free will in the intricate tapestry of our lives.
📚 A God for the Seekers 📚
Odin is a god for the readers, writers, philosophers, witches, and wanderers. He governs:
- Magic and the runes
- Poetry and storytelling
- Death and rebirth
- War and victory
- Prophecy and shapeshifting
- And above all—the endless pursuit of knowledge
He’s not always gentle. He can be harsh, even ruthless in how he challenges us, pushing us to confront our limitations and embrace the discomfort that leads to growth. But his lessons are pure gold—refined by fire, pulled from the depths of the soul, serving as both a mirror and a compass for our journey. Many seek him, recognizing that he isn’t just a father for some; no, he is the All Father in all that it stands for, embodying a wealth of wisdom, strength, and understanding that transcends the conventional roles we attribute to parenthood. His profound insights resonate deeply, compelling us to explore the intricacies of our own existence while navigating the trials of life with a renewed sense of purpose and courage.
🌬 Wednesdays: A Day of Insight and Intuition 🌬
Astrologically ruled by Mercury, Wednesday is a day of communication, thought, and hidden truths—mirroring Odin’s gifts. It’s the perfect time to engage in meaningful conversations, explore ideas that spark your curiosity, and delve into the mysteries of the mind. Whether you’re seeking to express yourself more clearly or understand the deeper messages behind the words of others, this day offers an opportunity to enhance your intellectual pursuits. Embrace the energy of Mercury to uncover new insights, make important decisions, or simply enjoy the art of conversation with friends and colleagues.
To honor yourself and the day ” Wednesday “:
- Write with purpose and depth, ensuring that each word chosen contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative or argument, creating a more immersive experience for the reader while exploring complex ideas and emotional resonance.
- Pull runes or perform divination to gain insight into your current situation and understand the potential outcomes of your choices, allowing you to make more informed decisions and navigate your path with greater clarity and purpose.
- Seek ancestral wisdom by exploring the teachings and practices handed down through generations, understanding the cultural significance behind them, and applying that knowledge to contemporary challenges in your life.
- Call upon Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s ravens, who represent Thought and Memory. These mystical birds soar through the nine realms, gathering knowledge and wisdom, bringing vital insight from the world to their master. They serve as reminders of the significance of reflection and understanding in one’s journey.
- Meditate, channel, or simply think more mindfully for a few minutes each day to enhance your focus, reduce stress, and cultivate a deeper awareness of your thoughts and emotions.
If you feel called to explore your mind, your path, your purpose—Wednesday is your door.
🌍 Odin and Jord: Sky Meets Soil 🌍
While Odin stretches skyward, my Matron is Jord—the earth goddess, and Odin’s first wife. Together, they brought Thor into the world, but their bond is rarely spoken of in modern mythos.
You can find more on Jord here:
More on Odin here:
Jord is grounding. Steady. Primal. She is the quiet strength beneath my feet—the hum of the land, the breath of the soil, the pulse beneath the stones. She reminds me to root before I reach. To pause. To be still. To let the earth rise up and meet me, filling every part of my being with presence.
With her, I remember to breathe—not just for oxygen, but for connection. To feel the rise and fall of my chest like waves against the shore. In that breath, I find not only myself, but the sacred rhythm of the world around me—the trees swaying in their own kind of prayer, the rivers carving stories into the land, the wind carrying memories not yet forgotten. In that stillness, there is power.
But as grounding as she is, Jord is also wild and free—untamed in spirit, bound to no one and nothing for long. She is the fertile soil and the shifting mountain, the nurturing mother and the fierce protector of her own autonomy. That wild freedom is part of what made her and Odin so compelling—and why, in the end, they could not remain together as a couple.
Yet even in their parting, they were never truly separate. Their love did not end—it simply changed. It became something quieter, enduring, rooted in mutual respect and the deep threads of fate that still tie them together. They both moved on to other loves, other lives, but their connection—like the land and the sky—never yielded.
Where Odin whispers truths from the vast unknown, Jord speaks in the language of roots and stone. She doesn’t shout. She doesn’t demand. She reminds. That we are all part of something larger. That the divine isn’t only above us—it is beneath us, within us, and all around. Through her, I’ve learned to honor the interconnectedness of all things. To feel the rhythm of existence not as something separate, but as something that beats with my heart.
Together, they are the perfect balance of sky and soil, breath and bone, knowing and being. This intricate relationship reveals profound layers of meaning that extend beyond mere myth; to know about their connection brings about a deeper understanding of Odin and his journey through life after her departure.
She, like the world tree, was not just a source of wisdom but an embodiment of a quest for knowledge, understanding, and love that reverberated throughout the cosmos. Their union symbolizes a cosmic equilibrium that allowed each of them to flourish in their pursuits. Without the foundation of their relationship, it is my belief that Odin might not have persevered in his unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
This connection compelled him to seek out answers, push the boundaries of perception, and establish a deeper bond with all living things and the realms beyond. Her presence ignited a fire within him, one that drove him to explore the depths of existence and the nature of reality itself. In her absence, he was left with the echoes of that profound love, a reminder of what he had lost, which fueled his desire to understand the world intimately.
Thus, their relationship serves as a testament to the intertwined nature of love and knowledge, suggesting that true understanding can only emerge from a deep emotional bond. Odin’s quest transformed into a pilgrimage, one where every step he took was a reflection of both his yearning for her and his pursuit of all-encompassing wisdom.
🔮 Final Thoughts: You Are a Seeker, Too 🔮
If you’ve ever felt the pull to know more, to understand yourself or the world in a deeper way, you’ve felt Odin’s touch. The experience of seeking knowledge and wisdom often leads us on mysterious paths, illuminating truths we never knew existed. If you’ve ever sat in stillness and felt something stir—a presence, a knowing—you’re not alone. The gods still speak in ways that resonate through our hearts and minds, guiding us as we navigate the complexities of life. The trees still whisper of him and of their love for him through Jord, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all beings and the lessons nature imparts.
Odin, with his boundless wisdom and multifaceted nature, encourages us to explore the depths of our souls while also confronting the realities of the world around us. The runes still carry stories for those who dare to read them, revealing insight and direction for those who seek to understand the mysteries of existence. Each mark, each symbol, holds ancient power, inviting us to delve into our own narratives and the legacies left for us to discover.
This Woden’s Day, I honor both my Patron and my Matron, and the balance they bring into my life. In a world often swayed by chaos, this balance becomes a stabilizing force that nurtures our spirits. I offer you this reminder: Your journey, your questions, and your voice are sacred. They weave a tapestry of experiences and revelations that contribute to the rich narrative of your life. Keep seeking. Keep listening. Embrace the whispers of the universe, trust in your intuition, and allow the divine to guide you on your path. Remember, your quest for understanding is not just yours alone; it resonates through the ages, connecting you with all who have sought truth before you.
Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B
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