Oðinn the Wise
Oðinn, called the All-Father (Allföðr), is the sovereign god and leader of the Aesir. He is god of war, wisdom, poetry, magic (seiðr), and death. He is known to wander the Nine Worlds in disguise, seeking knowledge and testing the virtue of mortals.
Sacred Story
Oðinn hung himself upon Yggdrasil, the World Tree, for nine nights and nine days, piercing himself with his own spear Gungnir to win the knowledge of the runes. He sacrificed one of his eyes at the Well of Mimir to gain wisdom and foresight (skaðasteinn—the harmful gift of sight).
ADF Devotion
In ADF practice, Oðinn is honored as the patron of skalds (poets), seekers of wisdom, and those who work magic. Blót to Oðinn should include offerings of mead or ale, poetry composed by the person making the offering, and intellectual effort—study, debate, and the pursuit of knowledge. His Day is often kept on Wednesday (Wednesdæg—Wodens Day).
Correspondences
- Colors: Deep blue, burgundy, black
- Animals: Ravens (Huginn and Muninn), horses, wolves
- Trees: Ash (Yggdrasil is an ash tree)
- Symbols: Runestaves, the gallows, spears
Ritual Practice
Blót to Oðinn (Solo Practice) — A concise daily practice ritual for solo practitioners.
Blót to Oðinn: Complete ADF High Days Ritual — A complete 18-step ADF Core Order of Ritual for group celebrations and high days.