One of the most consistent parts of giving an offering, in any culture, in any form, is the honor and respect that is associated with it.
This “Magic Song” comes from Finland, and a hunter would offer this song before starting for the forest:
Back a suet cake,
A honeyed bannock,
With which I’ll make the Forest kind,
Will make the Backwoods well disposed
Upon my hunting days,
During the times I seek for game.
After making the offering:
Approve, O Forest, of my salt -
My dish of oats, O Tapio (the forest god)
Some would call this an offering, others a prayer. Still others call a focus an incantation, spell, or charm. For some the idea of a charm or incantation crosses over into a darker art, into a place that is better known through stories and folklore than any real-life experience.
There have been many persecuted in centuries gone by for their beliefs and expression. While there are certainly some who have caused harm to others, actions that justify punishment, there have been many herbalists and healers accused of crimes as well.
There are many ancient belief systems, and some have fragments of their teachings still in existence today. The ones I speak of focus on appreciating nature, and caring for the earth.
All around the world we have found throughout the centuries acts of sacrifice and offering.
Is there any place for such a thing in today’s world? Perhaps not in the sense of appeasing the guardians of the earth, or spirits unseen. There is room though to find honor for the world in which we live, and give thanks or gratitude in our thoughts, words or actions.
This article is available for reprint in its complete form as long as credits are included, including linking back to its original source at intuitivemeaning.com Original Finnish song obtained from Folklore, published for the Folk-lore Society in 1890..
Similar Blog & News Articles
Similar Wikipedia Articles
Similar Products
 |
The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries :: Amazon Are fairies real? Folklorists say they are fragments of ancient religious beliefs; occultists call them nature spirits; the peasant traditio |