Introduction
Freya, a goddess of Norse mythology renowned for her captivating beauty, is far more than a symbol of love and desire. Embodying both allure and fierce independence, she possessed a legendary necklace, Brísingamen, and even shed tears of pure gold. These tales reveal her complex nature: a goddess who appreciates beauty and craftsmanship, loves deeply, and possesses a hidden strength that rivals her renowned charms.
SECTION 1: WHO IS FREYA?
The Norse goddess Freya is synonymous with beauty and allure. Yet, her legendary status rests on far more than an enchanting appearance. Her association with cats, feathers, and her coveted necklace Brísingamen hint at a potent magic and fierce spirit residing within. In the tales woven around her, beauty becomes a source of power, a tool for transformation, and a reflection of the hidden depths within this complex goddess.Symbols & Associations
Cats & Chariot
While the exact nature of her chariot remains shrouded in the mists of time, the enduring image of Freya riding with her cats is a powerful one. Cats, with their enigmatic nature and silent tread, were creatures of both domestic life and the untamed wilderness. They embody a protective spirit, loyal yet fiercely independent. This imagery, supported by a passage in the Prose Edda (specifically Gylfaginning) describing Freya driving her cats, suggests Freya's own duality, that of a powerful goddess moving effortlessly between realms, guided by creatures aligned with both the familiar and the mystical.
Falcons & Feathers
Freya's association with falcons and feathers hints at her connection to Norse magic (seiðr) and her ability to transcend limitations. A key example is her possession of the legendary feather cloak, Valshamr, a symbol of her mastery over shapeshifting or perhaps broader magical powers. In Norse mythology, birds of prey like falcons and eagles were symbols of power, sharp eyesight, and dominion over the skies. This reflects Freya's fierce spirit and her capacity to see beyond the surface, discerning hidden truths or even glimpses of the future. Flight itself symbolizes the power to defy earthly restrictions – a fitting metaphor for a goddess who refused to be constrained, embracing her desires and carving her own path. This association with flight and transformation is echoed in the Poetic Edda's Þrymskviða, when the feather-dress allows Loki to travel between the realms, seeking to retrieve Thor's stolen hammer: “Then Loki flew, and the feather-dress whirred, till he left behind him the home of the giants, and reached at last the realm of the gods” (English Translation by Henry Adams Bellows, [1936], at sacred-texts.com).
Gold
Freya's association with gold extends beyond simple material wealth and physical beauty. In Norse mythology, gold symbolized power, influence, and enduring value. This precious metal adorns many deities, hinting at their divine status and command over forces beyond the ordinary. For Freya, gold could signify her ability to attract and command what she desires– be that exquisite treasures or the unyielding respect of others. Her legendary necklace, Brisingamen, showcases her appreciation for exquisite craftsmanship, while her tears of gold remind us that even figures associated with opulence and external beauty possess internal depths. Gold can symbolize Freya's emotional resilience and the enduring worth of the feminine spirit, capable of both tenderness and immense strength.
Beyond the legends and myths, Freya invites us to question our understanding of beauty, power, and the multifaceted nature of desire. As the world awakens after winter and blossoms with renewed life, how might the spirit of Freya inspire us to embrace hidden potential, channel hidden strength, and celebrate the ever-evolving cycle of the feminine spirit?
SECTION 2: FREYA'S CONNECTION TO MODERN LIFE
Caption: Freya (1890) by James Doyle Penrose. Public Domain. A late 19th-century interpretation of the Norse goddess, highlighting her allure and feminine power.
Freya's legendary beauty masks her true power: strength of spirit and unapologetic self-possession. While historical myths often focus on Freya's desirability, a modern perspective reveals her as a figure of feminine power. Her sensuality isn't about being an object of desire, but about owning her own wants and needs. This spirit shines through in late 19th-century depictions like James Doyle Penrose's Freya (1890).
As an ancient Babylonian hymn to Ishtar declares, "Ishtar, the heart of heaven and earth, desires fiercely." While separated by culture and time, Ishtar and Freya share a fierce independence and embrace of their own desires. This connection underscores Freya's multifaceted nature. Her desires aren't frivolous, but stem from a deep well of self-awareness and a refusal to be confined by societal expectations. She embodies a sensuality that is both powerful and self-assured.
Sensuality & Embodiment
Freya's unapologetic joy in pleasure and ownership of her desires are timeless inspirations. Her refusal to be shamed for her sensuality is inherently empowering. By celebrating her embodiment, Freya invites us to reclaim our own – not for the approval of others, but as an act of self-affirmation.
Seeking the Unknown, Magic Within
Freya's association with Norse magic, known as seiðr, speaks to a power beyond the physical. Seiðr, with its trance-like states and focus on prophecy, suggests an embrace of intuition and hidden knowledge. In a world with strict social structures, such practices offered a path to power often associated with the feminine. Modern interpretations cast seiðr as a way to connect with one's inner wisdom and unseen forces. Through Freya, we're reminded that true power lies not in external control, but in aligning with deeper truths within ourselves and the natural world.
SECTION 3: CANDLE INSPIRATION FOR FREYA
Immerse yourself in a ritual of the senses with the intoxicating fragrance of pure Lily of the Valley. Verdant notes mingle with a subtle, seductive sweetness, creating a scent that lingers on the air – a captivating echo of Freya's enduring allure. Infused into a creamy blend of natural coconut and soy wax, this candle features a crackling wooden wick that adds a touch of ancient warmth, reminiscent of a sacred hearth.
Ritual & Reflection
Embrace this delicate, yet intoxicating, fragrance as a catalyst for self-reflection. Just as Freya's renowned beauty exists alongside her potent spirit, allow the Lily of the Valley to guide you towards your own inner power.
Housed in a sleek amber glass jar with a matte black lid, this candle itself embodies a touch of Freya's duality. The warm amber glass hints at inner strength, while the matte black lid reflects an air of sophisticated mystery. The label's artwork featuring Freya and her feline companions completes the experience, a reminder of the goddess's connection to both beauty and fierce independence.
Embrace the multifaceted spirit of Freya within you. Let the intoxicating scent of Lily of the Valley awaken a sense of your own power, a connection to your desires, and a trust in the magic that lies within. Experience your Freya candle as a ritual – a celebration of all that you are and all that you are becoming.
