Freyja — Love, Magic, and Sejd

Freyja was the goddess of love and fertility, but also the master of seige , the art of magic. She had power over relationships, family happiness, and individual destiny, and her blessing was especially sought among young people about to marry or couples wishing for children.

According to the sagas, Freyja traveled on a chariot drawn by cats , and she could influence both hearts and destinies. She was also the ruler of Folkvang , where her great hall Sessrúmnir stood – a place as majestic as Valhalla. In Sessrúmnir ended up those warriors who had fallen in battle but who Freyja had chosen , often those who were especially brave or had shown cunning and loyalty. Half of the fallen warriors from Midgard ended up with Freyja, the other half in Odin's Valhalla.

Freyja's influence permeated festivals, sacrifices, and personal ceremonies . Völvars and seers asked her for guidance in matters of love, family, and the future, and her blessing could influence both hearts and destinies in life and after death.

Rites and runes

Freyja's rites could include seige ceremonies, sacrifices, song and dance , and runes were carved for love, magic and protection :

• ᛘ (maðr) – “human, community, bond” , symbolizes relationships and togetherness between people.
• ᛦ (yr) – “transition, life and death, mysticism” , used in sajd and magic to influence fate and protect the family.

Stories tell of völvas carving runes on wooden figures or jewelry , which were then worn during ceremonies to bless marriages, new births, or journeys. Freyja's offerings could be flowers, jewelry, or honey , symbols of love and fertility.