Grief as an Offering
One of the goddesses I’ve been getting to know of late is Hela, the Norse Goddess of death. She rules over Helheim which is the Norse realm of the Dead which the Valkyries did not take to Valhalla to fight at Ragnarok.
She is different than other Dark Goddess archetypes. She is quiet, somewhat reserved, and gentle. She isn’t so much the bringer of death, as the relief afterwards. She is who will reunite you with your clan, your kindred and your ancestors after your long journey and your last breath.
I had never considered that Grief could be an offering until tonight. When I realized that of course, of course she would take grief. No one else wants grief, Hel does. Give Her your grief, and your pain, and your fight to the last breath. She will take it gently from you.
Working through Grief is messy. Most of the feelings and thoughts don’t make a lot of sense, and we keep it so closely. But eventually, we must let it go, and now we have someone who wants it. Once you are done with it, once it has done everything it needs to do for you, give your Grief away. And to someone who sees the beauty in being able to let it go.
I had my first encounter with Hel like this, and seeing similar experiences from other people makes me very glad she’s done so much good work.
Hel is an absolute treasure. I’m so glad you also had this type of experience with her. She is Comforter, Grief Counselor, Quiet Companion, and just a presence that lets you know you’re not alone.
Honestly… Hel transformed my relationship with Death and also Life. She made me less afraid to talk about it with my father when he was terminally ill. And more willing to understand my grief so I could eventually hand it gently over to such a dedicated caretaker.
If I’m ever able to let go, I’ve made a note to offer it to her! <3
@a-is-for-alice-in-neverland
Perhaps offering it can be a start to letting go? Whenever you are feeling the sting of grief, you could try saying:
“Hel, Comforter in grief, I offer my pain to you so that I may protect the love that is here. I know you will keep it well just as you keep those whom I love.”
Thank you so much for sharing this offering prayer, @thespiralpath. I have been going through a depressive episode and on top of that, one of my cats died a few days ago. I stumbled over this post at just the right time. I recited this and offered my grief to Hel, and within hours, a huge portion of my sadness had finally lifted. It was such a shock to realize how much better I felt, and I am so grateful.
Grief is such a mixed complexity of emotion. I hope you continue to find healing and love that takes the place of the feelings around loss.
I’ve found Hel is wonderful with that. She has such a gentle hand with grief. I’m so glad that reaching out to her is helping.
Blessings and Healing to you, dear.
There is something else Hel is good for:
She gives you permission to grieve.
Sometimes it can be hard to grieve. Sometimes grief is frowned upon (especialy for cis men).
Sometimes you don’t realize how much you are grieving.
Sometimes you don’t want to show your grief to anyone living.
But you can always show it to Her.
