Goddess of The Day: Gefn

Walpurgisnacht (Germany)

Themes: Sun; Winter; Spring; Protection; Health; Love; Divination; Magic; Fertility; Foresight; Growth

Symbols:  All Green or Growing Things

About Gefn:  A Goddess whose name means simply "giver", Gefn was regarded by the Norse-Germanic people as a frolic-some, fertile figure and seeress who embodied the earth's greenery. Gefn brings this abundance to us today: abundant well-being, abundant companionship, and abundant Goddess-centred magic!

To Do Today:  This holiday originated with a German saint (Saint Walburga), who had curative powers and taught people how to banish curses.  For our purposes, Gefn stands in, offering to heal the curse of a broken heart by filling our lives with love and hope-filled foresight.  If someone has completely overlooked or trashed your feelings recently, ask Gefn for help in words that you find comfortable.  She's waiting and willing to apply a spiritual salve to that wound.

Also try the German custom of ringing bells and banging pots to frighten away any malicious or prankish magic (or the people who make it) before your spring activities really start to rock n' roll.  Make this as playful as possible to encourage Gefn's participation.  Burning rosemary and juniper likewise cleanses the area, and if you can get either of these fresh, Gefn's presence lies within.  The burning releases her energy.

By Patricia Telesco ~ From "365 Goddess" and GrannyMoon's Morning Feast Archives