Odin’s Day: A Gateway to Wisdom, Madness, and Divine Connection

Let’s talk about Odin, shall we? As someone with Viking ancestry, Odin isn’t just a mythological figure to me—he’s a deeply rooted archetype, a guiding presence, and a part of my spiritual lineage. You could say he runs in my blood.

In Norse tradition, Wednesday is Odin’s Day (Wōdnesdæg), a day dedicated to the All-Father himself. Odin, or Wodan, is known as the Lord of Shamans, the seeker of wisdom, and, let’s face it, the leader of those touched by divine madness. That last bit always makes me chuckle because, let’s be honest, aren’t we all just a little mad when we open ourselves to the divine?

Odin is the archetype of the spiritual seeker—the one who sacrifices, endures, and journeys to realms unknown to bring back knowledge and healing. He hung himself on the World Tree, Yggdrasil, for nine days and nights, offering himself as a sacrifice to himself, just to bring back the runes—the sacred symbols of wisdom. That’s not just dedication; that’s the shamanic path in its purest form.

Odin and My Ceremonial Practices

In both entheogenic and non-entheogenic ceremonies, Odin holds a central place on our altar. Whether it’s through sacred plant medicine or other spiritual practices, Odin is there as a guiding presence. His energy reminds us to embrace the ecstasy, the madness, and the wisdom that comes from surrendering to the divine.

Picture this: a candle-lit altar adorned with symbols of the Norse tradition—perhaps a raven figurine for Huginn and Muninn, Odin’s thought and memory, or a simple offering of mead or herbs. At the center, Odin stands, a reminder of the balance between wisdom and sacrifice, chaos and clarity.

For me, invoking Odin during these ceremonies isn’t just symbolic. It’s an ancestral connection, a way of honoring the bloodlines that carried this wisdom through persecution and hardship. And let me tell you, when you sit with this energy in a sacred space, you feel it—a surge of strength, insight, and grounding. Odin brings the assurance that we’re walking the path with courage, no matter how wild or uncertain it may seem.

Odin’s Connection to Entheogenic Church

Odin’s archetype aligns seamlessly with the principles of Entheogenic Church. Think about it:

• Direct Divine Connection: Odin sought wisdom directly through his sacrifices and shamanic journeys. Similarly, Entheogenic Church emphasizes direct experiences of the divine, whether through entheogens, meditation, or prayer.

• The Ecstasy and Madness of Awakening: Odin’s name, derived from wōd, speaks to divine frenzy, inspiration, and visionary states. These are the very states we access through ceremonial practices—breaking through the ego to encounter raw spiritual truth.

• Sacrifice for Growth: Odin gave his eye for wisdom, just as we give parts of ourselves—our ego, our attachments—to connect with the divine.

Odin teaches us that healing and growth aren’t comfortable. They demand sacrifice, but they also offer profound insight. Whether we’re integrating lessons from an entheogenic journey or exploring non-psychedelic spiritual practices, Odin’s presence reminds us of the balance between the struggle and the reward.

Odin, Shamanic Ananda, and ACIM

In my experience, Odin’s teachings also complement other spiritual frameworks. Take A Course in Miracles (ACIM), for example. On the surface, Odin and ACIM might seem worlds apart, but dig deeper, and you’ll find parallels:

• Sacrifice for Awakening: Just as Odin sacrificed himself for the runes, ACIM invites us to sacrifice illusions and ego-driven perceptions for true vision.

• Divine Madness: ACIM calls the ego’s world “madness,” and Odin’s path reflects this—showing that what appears chaotic to the world is often divine order in disguise.

• Vision Beyond Illusion: Odin’s gaining of mystical sight mirrors ACIM’s call to see with the “eyes of Christ,” perceiving the truth beyond the veil of illusion.

Why Odin Matters Today

Odin isn’t just a figure of the past. He’s a reminder that the shamanic path is alive and well, pulsing in the ceremonies and teachings we embrace today. Whether we’re drinking from the cup of entheogens or meditating in silence, Odin’s presence is there, guiding us to step into our roles as seekers, healers, and creators.

So, on Odin’s Day (Wednesday), I invite you to reflect on his energy. What are you willing to sacrifice for your spiritual growth? How can you embrace the divine madness, the ecstatic wisdom, and the courage to walk your path with purpose?

Odin is here to remind us that the journey is never easy, but it’s always worth it. And as someone who carries his spirit on my altar and in my blood, I can tell you—it’s a journey that connects us to the deepest parts of who we are and what we’re here to do.

Skål to Odin, the All-Father, the Lord of Shamans, and the guide of those who dare to see beyond the veil.