The Havamal is one of the most concise and straight forward pieces of literature left to us from the Teuton cultures. That itself isn’t saying much, especially with so many diverse translations available to the English speaking world. The majority of this poem offers advice and principals normal people would be wise to heed and understand. A sort of long form description of the Nine Noble Virtues which I have briefly discussed here; https://steemit.com/culture/@culturearise369/components-of-a-healthy-culture-the-nine-noble-virtues
This poem offers very prescient advice for a world which seems to embrace the victim mentality. At it’s core, these words are urging the reader to become the master of their own mind. This world is ours, we can’t ask others to change it for us, that work must be done ourselves. The Germanic peoples built cultures around principles that should resonate with many libertarian and anarchist thoughts in modern times.
For those who have began the cultivation of their own mind, for those who have awakened their Inner Fire, there is a portion of this poem that will offer keys to enter the Mystery Tradition of our Germanic ancestors. As I have mentioned previously, this tradition hasn’t been heavily travelled for centuries. It still holds truth and beauty for those with the ability and courage to explore though. In a world as materialistic as ours this different point of view should be helpful in expanding one’s perspective.
This is my attempt to bring out the core messages held within some passages of the Havamal and present them in a more contemporary fashion. Understanding these passages and why they are important is the first step. Integrating these lessons and ways of being into your everyday life is the goal.
Blessings be to all of ye
Who’ve come to explore this sacred Tree
May our time together be well spent
In Frith, in Love, in Merriment
Let us work together and reach our goals
As we grow Wise, Courageous, & Joyful
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Regius
Where the Havamal originates from
http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe04.htm
An easily accessible translation of the Icelandic Poem can be found here.
Havamal – The Words of the High One
1: Be aware of your surroundings and take note of how your environment could affect you. Don’t be a victim to circumstance.
2: It is better to be gracious & polite when in another’s domain than trying to enforce your will upon them.
3 & 4: Proper action by host and guest are described here. The host should address any physical needs of the guest first off. The guest must be polite if he would seek a 2nd welcome to this place in the future.
5: If one seeks wisdom or fame, he should have a sharp and trained mind. Men often seek to take advantage of those they think simple. If you are at a poker table and don’t know who the mark is, it could very likely be you…
6: This stanza is fairly obvious, even hundreds or thousands of years after it was written. The wise don’t need to boast of their intelligence. Silence and wisdom are good partners.
7: Another stanza of the poem describing the importance of observing your surroundings. Listen with your ears and see with your eyes to avoid acting the fool among friends or strangers.
8: Earning for one’s self is more rewarding by far than being given what you desire from another. When other’s are allowed to shape your own thoughts and opinions, you become a tool for their own will rather than the master of your own.
9: Happiness is the result in living your life such that your are deserving of praise and considered wise by your peers.
10: Though one may be poor or lost, a wise mind will always help them to find safety or shelter. Become wise before exploring far out into the world.
11: A direct warning against becoming drunk while in inappropriate places.
12: Another warning against becoming drunk in the wrong situation. The more one drinks, the less control over his mind does one possess.
13: A reference to one of the many adventures of Odin. His stealing of the Mead with the help of Gunnlod will be dealt with in detail later in this series.
14: Tis the best kind of drinking, when all return to their homes still wise the next day.
15: Every day of life is a blessing, meet your trials with bravery and joy though they be difficult or unpleasant.
16: It is better to live with courage and honor than to avoid difficulty and remain in physical comfort. Though your physical body may escape harm, your soul will be displeased.
17: Drinking will lead men to reveal their minds. Another caution against over indulging in alcohol.
18: Becoming wise and knowledgeable of the world is most helpful to one’s Self. Only you truly know what is in your own mind.
19: A rather self explanatory stanza. Don’t give into peer pressure if you aren’t comfortable participating.
20: The greedy man will consume to his own detriment. The vulgar man will be thought less of by those with self control. This stanza stresses the importance of controlling one’s mind and physical urges.
21: A foolish person will not understand when it is time to stop. This brings trouble to more situations than just the dinner table.
22: The wise do not constantly mock or ridicule situations or other people. Nobody is free of faults.
23: No good comes from worry.
24: Only a foolish man will call those his friends who to not treat him well. Ignoring other’s attitude towards yourself isn’t a wise choice.
25: You cannot count on support from those who are not true and honest friends.
26: You are not wise if your thoughts only make sense in your own mind.
27: Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
28: As much as offering wise answers, asking prudent questions is a sign of wisdom.
29: Loose lips sink ships.
30: Mockery and ridicule of another is unnecessary and not something the wise spend their time or energy on.
31: Snitches get stitches.
32: It is human nature to compete. Even among friends one must control their tongue lest discord be sown.
33: Another warning against gluttony.
34: Undetermined
35: A warning against wearing out one’s welcome as a guest.
36: A man is a master in his own home. Remember this and don’t despair if others have nicer possessions. Worrying about what others have prevents you from perfecting that which you do have.
37: Unknown
38: A Norse expression of the 2nd Amendment. Better to be armed without need than to be in need and without arms.
39: Don’t be stingy with wealth. Better to freely share with a friend that to hoard and risk losing it to an enemy.
40: A Gift for a Gift is the universal law. It matter not how extravagant or wealthy those involved are.
41: A Gift for a Gift is the universal law. Those friends who regularly think of each other and equally give and receive are best.
42: A Gift for a Gift is the universal law. Whether you give positive or negative, you’ll receive similar in turn.
43: Keep your friends and enemies separate.
44: For those friends who you fully trust, nurture and cultivate that relationship so it grows strong and profitable.
45: Don’t use others if you don’t plan on offering them an equal gift in return.
46: Don’t over share with one who won’t reciprocate. If you don’t know the mind of a person and they have no intention of sharing it with you, it is inappropriate to over share your own mind with them.
47: Positive interaction with other humans shouldn’t be taken for granted. This rings true today in the internet age as much as it did in the ancient times.
48: Nobility and bravery will nurture one’s soul which in turn creates a happy life.
49: Nobody takes a naked man seriously.
50: A life without Love is to be avoided. Love needs to be given as well as received.
51: The brightest flame burns quickest. Friendships take time to set roots.
52: One doesn’t need to be wealthy to be generous. Something may seem small to you, but to another it could be worth more than gold.
53: All men are created equal, all men are not equal in all ways. None have obtained all the wisdom this universe holds.
54: Wisdom is a key to a happy life.
55: While wisdom is a key to having a happy life, knowing too much can lead to strife and displeasure.
56: If one becomes so wise that they can observe fate and see outside of Time, happiness seldom follows.
57: By one’s speech and deeds are they known to others. Think of this before you speak or do.
58: The early bird gets the worm.
59: Industrious action is one of the Nine Noble Virtues for a reason.
60: Self Reliance is one of the Nine Noble Virtues for a reason.
61: Don’t internalize your worth as being tied to your possessions.
62: Being a stranger in a large crowd is not the most pleasant of circumstances.
63: The rule of three. Two people may keep a secret, but when three know it’s only a matter of time before all know.
64: Better to be prudent and measured than cocky and embarrassed.
65: Unsure
66: Take note of your circumstances, nothing is coincidence.
67: A guest will often be welcome if he leaves the host richer than when he arrives.
68: There is more to these four lines than meets the eye. Fire could possibly refer to Inner Fire (kundalini, Chi, etc.) and the Sun is Spirit. A life not stained with sin is obvious.
69: Nobody is completely wretched or incapable of joy. Find and cultivate happiness where you are able.
70: Life is holy. Though physical existence isn’t all we have, it should be cherished and used wisely so that our non-physical parts may flourish and grow.
71: Life is holy, even those with severe handicaps can offer something to their fellow man.
72: Memory and gratitude to those who have come before you is a valuable practice.
73: Remain vigilant
74: Things change, that is a constant in this life. Be prepared for change and accept what is.
75: Don’t be jealous or contemptuous of others.
76: Unlike wisdom, wealth is fickle and fleeting. Celebrate and share good wealth with those you love rather than hoard it for the sake of a game.
77: Your name is your most lasting legacy. Use your deeds and mind to bring honor to your name and that of your family.
78: Your body will die, as will all or ours. Those deeds that are noble and worthy are your only lasting legacy.
79: Unsure. The runes are always truthful, though we may not correctly understand their message?
80: Pride will grow even if for unworthy reasons, but wisdom must always be earned.
81: Praise is due after the deeds have been done, not before.
82 & 83: Unsure. Perhaps they are making the point that everything has it’s place?
84: Men and Women think and feel differently. This should be acknowledged and understood if one wishes to be wise.
85 – 88: The wise don’t trust completely, things have a way of going wrong in the most unexpected ways.
89: Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.
90: Falling in love is a wild and unpredictable ride.
91: When men think with their genitals, women beware.
92: Soft words and wealth (of all different kinds) are the best gifts to earn a woman’s love.
93: Love is very powerful, don’t find fault in others for how they express it.
94: Repeating the importance of not judging those acting in love, however incomprehensible their actions may be.
95: Nobody knows what’s in your mind unless you share it. Nobody knows your desires unless you state them.
96 - 102: Unsure. Perhaps a warning about foolhardily following the heart when the head knows it isn’t wise?
103: Even in one’s own home, mind your tongue and thought.
104 - 109: These stanza’s refer to another tale of Odin which will be discussed in detail another time.
110: No matter how wise or noble, the breaking of sacred oaths is shameful.
111: The sacred Wells of Yggdrasill are places to be silent and observant. Question with intelligence and heed the answers you receive.
139: When translated through the Mystery Tradition, Odin literally means The Spirit. The Higher Genius within each of us. To Odin was he offered, his self to his Self. This is the beginning of one’s journey into Yggdrasill if you can make the key work. When you voluntarily offer your life to your own personal Spirit and Soul the doors will open.
140: Once the knowledge is held, summon the courage to enter and Runes will be found.
141: These songs received from the non-physical world can still be sung.
142: Once your life is being used to fulfil the will of your Spirit, things begin to change. Then, I began to thrive. Wisdom comes to me and I grow healthy and strong. Words come, and lead to more words. Deeds come and lead to greater deeds. These words are as true today as they were when they were written.
143: Runes (secrets) you will find. Fateful secrets colored by Spirit and assembled by the mighty gods.
144: Some key figures who hold and relinquish these Runes are mentioned here.
145: A method for using the Runes is hinted at here. Whether connected or not, these clues are in line with how other systems practice magic.
146: Better to not pray, than to offer too much. When dealing with the non-physical realms this is an especially important concept.
147 – 165: These remaining stanza’s describe Rune Songs in mysterious fashion. The majority still remain a mystery to me, I hope to be able to share their meaning as I discover them myself.
Now have the words of the High One been spoken. Kind towards the kindred of Man, cursed towards the kindred of Yotun.
Hail to the Speaker, and to him who learns. Profit to those who hold them.