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Loki Channeling #1: The Trickster Unmasked

(Notes: This channeling session was fueled at three in the morning by a twinged elbow, lack of sleep, and inexplicable hyperactivity for both parties concerned. The channeler assumes no responsibility for the ramblings to follow and would like to inform the trickster that he still owes her a one-scoop from Marble Slab Creamery.)

I am the trickster, the jokester, the un-stagnator. The instigator of change. The Sly One. The Liesmith. The knocker-down of mortals and gods who have grown too big for their britches.

Others call me an insufferable pain in the ass. I kind of like that identifier.

But you can just call me Laufeyson. Loki Laufeyson.

I'm sure you know the stories. Friend and foe of the gods! The one who orchestrated pretty boy Baldur's murder! Obtainer and thief of Thor's hammer! Father to monsters! Is even--horror of horrors!--comfortable wearing ladies' clothing! (Which looks fantastic on me by the way. Not many men can say that. It's why I adore Eddie Izzard so much. And terrified of seeing Thor in a dress ever again.) I have even turned myself into a woman on more than one occasion. I have given birth, raised children, kept track of my human descendants. And I am not ashamed of any of it. ...But let's take a pass on the horse thing. At least for today.

Damn that Loki! He's always causing problems! And being so...sexually ambiguous!

You would be right, dear reader, assuming you are one of those uppity types running about nowadays who has no idea how important I am in the way of things, conveniently forgetting that I am to be afforded a good solid drink every time Odin gets one. If you're not, or if you're one of the Asatruar who actually Gets It, or just curious, well... then I assume again that you have not already skimmed past this in disgust. So now that we've weeded out those who attempt to shut out the Bad Things in life, let's get started.

Marvel Comics, while I adore their efforts to entertain everyone from wide-eyed young boys in need of a role model to middle-aged comics store owners, would have you believe that I am a whiny little git who makes bad choices in hats, forever challenging Thor because DADDY ISSUES (sob). Or maybe that's just the movie. I find it more amusing that the writers didn't bother getting my parents' names right. Marvel Laufey will be laughed from one side of Hel to the highest reaches of the World Tree for being stuck with a woman's name.

There seems to be many theories in the tales as to my origins. Was I always a mere frost giant? Or one of the Aesir? Ha! I am certainly not that stuffy, so that excludes the latter. My personal favorite is that the frost giant Farbauti courted the lovely Aesir maiden Laufey and she fell for him hard. How, I have no clue. Frost giants aren't known for being cuddly. More importantly, that would make me half and half. Far more fitting for me, I think.

The truth is really far more simple.

Loki's Fun Fact #1: The gods exist because there is a need for them.

It's just what it says on the cover. Humans had a need, so we came into being. It's far more personal than a supreme consciousness or a mysterious disembodied voice in the sky, isn't it? That same need even gave birth to me. How many times have you thought the following:

● I hate that jerk down the hall. He needs to get his comeuppance.

● Things are too boring around here. I need some excitement.

● I'm on top! Life is great! Nothing can possibly go wrong now!

● Hmph! I'm better than everyone else! I should get to make all the decisions!

This is my purpose. This is why I am so needed, perhaps today more than ever. It is the prime reason Baldur had to die. Not because of any personal agenda or vendetta. His life, without the threat of death, meant nothing. It was stagnant. So many things can turn stagnant. Mortals get big heads and try to pull a number on other mortals. They get too complacent for their own good. It's my job to shake things up, to enact change, for better or worse.

That jerk down the hall? Maybe he'll trip and fall right on his ass in front of everyone. A good laugh for all! Maybe he'll break his neck, and then won't you be regretting those words? As for a little excitement on a boring day, how about a surprise visit from an old friend. Or that lottery ticket you bought will be a winner. Oh, how about a quadruple car rolling followed by an explosion? Now that's excitement! Things can't possibly go wrong, you say? Why sure they can! Your car just broke down. Or maybe you'll get an audit from the IRS! Better than anyone else, you say? I'm sure those revolutionaries on your doorstep think otherwise.

All things change. Some come to an end. Others begin anew, in a fresh and exciting way. It is the random chaos in the world that makes it so enjoyable. That unpredictability, regardless of what your tarot cards may tell you.

So you may not be able to stand me. Maybe you even hate me and curse my name. Sticks and stones! I have a job and you're all going to be getting a visit from me at one point or another in your lives. Can't tell you when or where. I can't even tell you what particular prank I feel like pulling on you in that moment. I can't see the future myself. Never been able to.

But that just sort of adds to the excitement, doesn't it? I'm sure you mortals know better than anyone. It's why I like you all so much. It is your zeal for life, that welcoming of the unknown, and you embrace it fully because you know your lives are so bitterly short.

I think that gives all of us, regardless of pantheon, a little more hope for the future.

Or is that just heartburn?

So here is where we part. Or perhaps not? Who is to say? Maybe you'll want to take a walk with me sometime. As my children can tell you, it's a lot like being tossed along on a breeze or thrown about in a stormy ocean. I care for my children, of course I do. But it takes quite a bit of courage, and even more of going with the flow. Wherever that path may lead, should you choose to follow it, I can guarantee only one thing:

It will never, ever be dull.

#Asatru #Loki #Norse mythology #channeling #chaos path #paganism #trickster gods #Norse #heathen