Odin is a multifaceted and complex god who has inspired groups the world over in numerous ways. The son of Bestla and Borr, Odin is a god of frenzy, a god of wisdom, a god of seiðr, a god of war and ecstasy, a god who pushes boundaries in so many ways and challenges devotees to push themselves to greater heights.
He is also a god known to travel and take on many guises. What better figure to talk about as we near the end of October? Odin almost has more names than we can count, and so many more that have potentially been lost to time; GrÃmnir is perhaps one of his most famous, bringing to mind that image of a masked figure, hooded and wandering. But here’s some more – Hangi, Hárbarðr, Angan Friggjar, Draugadróttinn, Eylúðr, Vófuðr, Yggr, Svipall, Váfuðr and dozens beyond that. Odin wanders among humankind, travelling in search of wisdom and insight in an endless pursuit of knowledge and truth. Like Loki, he is not above an element of trickery, twisting ‘fate’ to manipulate events in his favour or otherwise use words to confound and run circles around people. Quick witted, and powerful, Odin is a figure of intense fascination to heathens and pagans alike. He is a god of immeasurable depth, and intrigue.
A god of death, a god of defying death, a god of the line between life and death, and moving beyond constraints. A god of trickery and gifts, and insight and wisdom - Odin fits into the modern idea of Halloween readily and offers an option to those looking for a deity to offer to at this time of year.
So, how do you see Odin? Do you worship him predominantly? Do you do a ritual or offering in honour of Odin at this time of year?