WUFFACYNN
Wyrd, Orlog and Stuff
What is Wyrd? What is Orlog? Are they relevant and how do they relate to us in todays world?
Wyrd is remarkably complex to explain, I will endeavour to look at both concepts in a basic no nonsense way and explain them in a similar vein.
Wyrd and Orlog are closely intertwined, Wyrd relates to the individual and the backdrop of surrounding influences and environment (the ebbs and flows of daily influence). Orlog is intertwined with wyrd, it is very personal and relates to the individuals standing in life, it embraces their potential but it does not predict their achievements.
In looking at Wyrd we must consider the Norns of Heathenry, Urdr, Verthandi, and Skuld, these are considered to be the three spinners and creators of the Wyrd of both men and Gods/Goddesses. The Norns are commonly depicted as spinners or weavers and as a result are often compared or aligned with the Fates of native Greek religion.
The traditional view of the Norns as spinners or weavers is not universal, although this is referenced to, there is also reference in the Voluspa of them carving on either pieces of wood or stone, unfortunately we are not advised of the detail of their carving. Within some disciplines of Heathenry, and indeed some new age Pagan practises Urdr, Verthandi, and Skuld, are said to translate as past, present, and future. This in reality is incorrect, whilst it may loosely be attributed that Urdr and Verthandi correspond to past and present, more correctly Urdr translates to all that has become or has been, and Verthandi as all that is becoming, there is a degree of variance as to the correct translation of Skuld. Rudolf Simek in his Dictionary of Northern Mythology advises that the literal translation from the Old Norse is “Blame”. On the other hand Cassells’ Dictionary of Norse Myth and Legend offers “Debt” or “Future?”. Various web sources and Authors add to the debate offering more alternatives. Perhaps it may be worth considering “That which SHOULD become”. I have emphasised the “should” in this offering as I believe it is worthy of comment. The word is “should” and not “will” or “would”, this is significant, “should” means exactly that and implies that the future is not cast in stone or iron, it is dependent on a myriad of influences, they will occur and come together (or colide) at a given moment. Situations and moments in time hold potential for outcomes in the same way that individuals hold potential within themselves to achieve great or dismal things, if potential alone gives rise to assumption the result is quite frequently disappointment. I am personally drawn to "Debt" as a translation, as every action we take has a consequence and this consequence equates to a debt of action.
Wyrd, that which flows through all of our lives, will influence, it can create or form the backdrop of environment, yet it is still our potential as to how we achieve within this framework. Some days the most basic of tasks can appear to equate to wading through treacle whereas the most monumental of tasks may be achieved as if trivial. The basic task is monumental when its achievement puts us at odds with the flow of wyrd, likewise the most monumental of tasks, if in line with the flow of wyrd can be achieved with ease. Wyrd also binds us, one to the other like a huge spiders web, it flows through all of us. Therefore our actions, although we may only see the personal cause and effect, will reverberate through the web and will always affect others. We may find this hard to grasp, but just think about it for a few minutes.
Orlog is seen by some as ones own personal fate or destiny, perhaps more correctly it should be seen as a mixture of this with ones own potential. Potential being the majority shareholder in this tryst. We have to be prepared to put in the work to achieve our potential, for not to interact and push to achieve we lay ourselves open to the most dismal of tomorrows. It would be foolish to seek a divination and be told of a lottery win only to sit back and wait for it to happen. We must by necessity get off our arses and buy the lottery ticket. We have to interact with our environment and those around us in order to go forward and achieve.
Although some claim great success at divining the future by Runic divination the correct use of Runic divination would not ask “will we win the war if we fight tomorrow?” but “Is tomorrow a good day to go to war?” With Wyrd as a favourable prevailing wind for our ventures this does not guarantee our success, we must be prepared to maximise our potential and give it our all – the battle will only be won if we fight, maximising not only our strength, but also our skills in strategy.
So thats a little about Wyrd and Orlog what about the stuff?
If we heed the above and accept Wyrd and Orlog how do we carry this forward? The answers are in the aforementioned. We must interact with our surrounding environment, and we must be aware of our potential and strive to achieve it.
Easier said than done I hear you say, possibly perhaps, but I would comment that most people are aware of themselves and their abilities. Obviously there are those who are deluded regarding themselves, either in a possitive or negative way, but such persons are in the minority.
If you require assistance in finding out about your potential, pathworking can help. Visit the sacred Well where the Three Ladies sit weaving and carving, crave their indulgance and ask of them assistance in revealing your wyrd to you. They will always answer you, be prepared though, the answer may not be straightforward, or even to your liking, and you may have to carry out some simple task through which your wyrd will be revealed. Do not expect the whole of your wyrd to be shown, you will only receive what is required for the present time.