Odin's Pole
This is an Odin pole that was raised on Cauldron Farm by the kindred in November of 2007. The pole is of ash wood and was carved by Bella Kaldera. The runic inscription was wood-burned by Raven Kaldera. The spear point was provided by Galina Krasskova, who led the pole-raising ritual. She also wrote the prayer that has been burned into the pole, which is as follows:
Warrior of warriors, be Thou hailed.
Lord of Hosts, Terror of Asgard’s foes,
Be Thou honored.
Destroyer, Ravager of Worlds, Cunning Chieftain,
Gifting God of Victory’s hand,
Be Thou praised.
Drighten, King and Ring Giver,
Pour Yourself out upon this land.
Come the unseen guest to every feast.
Come with unspoken blessings upon this hallowed hall,
Terror of the heart.
Progenitor of all, We praise you.
Binder of the breathcord,
Bestower of life,
All father, Master of madness and inspiration,
Ecstasy, bliss and devouring hunger:
Victory bringer and merciless Butcher,
Shaman, King, and Corpse,
Winner of the runes and Ordeal Master,
God of magic, battle and death,
Bestower of endless blessings,
Odin, Woden,
We hail You.
(Photo by Elizabeth Vongvisith)
Angrboda's Pole
Here is Angrboda's pole, which Iron Wood Kindred raised at Cauldron Farm on August 1, 2008. The pole stands about six feet tall. It came from an oak tree felled on the property, and the carving was commissioned from Bella Kaldera. There is red ochre on Angrboda's hair, and semi-precious stones and bits of shell were inlaid in the wolf's head that forms Her headdress. She holds a shard of obsidian in Her hand, and there are strings of beads and feathers attached to the pole. No poem or prayer was carved or burned into Angrboda's pole, but the (UPG) story of Angrboda's children was told at the pole-raising and invocations were made.
(Photo by Elizabeth Vongvisith)
Sigyn, Narvi and Vali's Pole
This pole, along with the one depicted below, was raised at Cauldron Farm on August 17, 2008 for Sigyn, Vali (middle) and Narvi (bottom). It was commissioned from and carved by Tannin Schwartzstein of Bones and Flowers in Worcester, MA, and was placed on the other side of Loki's pole so that He is surrounded by His two wives. Narvi's eyes are shown as closed to represent His death. Both this and the Loki pole were carved of cedar wood and finished in oil stain and linseed oil. Offerings of Kahlua and milk, nasturtiums, jewelry and small items were made to the Lady of Endurance and Her sons.
(Photo by Sunastria)
Loki's Pole
Loki's pole was likewise erected on August 17 at Cauldron Farm, and carved by Tannin Schwartzstein. True to Loki's troublesome reputation, we had to remove a large rock the exact size of the hole we were digging, only to find a second and immovable one just beneath it, so Loki's pole ended up with a large cairn to keep it steady. Both Odin's and Loki's poles now lean a little bit, possibly due to Their somewhat crooked natures. Loki's pole was further anointed with Snake Oil (which is very strongly scented) from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. Offerings of liquor and jewelry were made to Himself.
(Photo by Sunastria)