Working with Loki, Correspondences and Mabon Tarot Ritual for Creativity
NEW! The Lokean Path Tarot Spread
Happy Wednesday, friends! It may be Odin’s day but today’s newsletter article is all about the Norse trickster god Loki.
Loki Correspondences
In Norse myth, few figures capture the imagination as much as Loki. There is a reason for why so many of the Old Norse stories are about him. While historically not worshipped in the same manner as other Norse deities, his veneration is growing very rapidly among Pagans. Hence, modern practitioners have developed many correspondences for this complex figure. Let's explore the elements associated with Loki in contemporary practice.
Crystals: Harnessing Loki's Energy
For those seeking to connect with Loki's essence, these crystals resonate with his energy:
Fire Opal: Reflecting Loki's fiery nature
Labradorite: Mirroring his shape-shifting abilities
Obsidian: Embodying his darker aspects
Smoky Quartz: Grounding his chaotic energy
Fool’s Gold: Pretends to be something it’s not, resonating with Loki’s shapeshifting
Additionally, most red stones because of the colour red being associated with Loki: carnelian, red jasper and garnet, for instance.
Herbs: Nature's Link to the Trickster
Herbalists and practitioners often associate these plants with Loki:
Alder
Mullein
Mistletoe (Moreso for those who put credence in the account about Balder being slain by mistletoe)
Sweet Flag Iris (Acorus calamus)
These herbs can be used in rituals, offerings, or simply to create a connection to Loki's energy.
Celestial Correspondences
Mercury: Echoing his trickster and communication aspects
Mars: Resonating with his fiery nature and his role at Ragnarök
Sirius: Known as ‘Loki's torch’ (Lokabrenna) in Norse folklore
Elements and Colours
Loki is primarily associated with the element of Fire, reflecting his passionate and transformative nature. His colors are typically red, orange, and black, embodying his fiery spirit and complex character. Green, in terms of chlorophyl and the greening power he inherited from his mother Laufi (leaf). Personally, I tend to see this neon green fire as his primary colour signature.
Animal Allies
Some of the animals commonly associated with Loki:
Fox
Snake
Spider
Fly
Flea
Each represents different aspects of his cunning and adaptability.
When to Call Upon Loki
While there's no historical consensus, modern practitioners often work with Loki on:
Saturdays (though this is debated)
Tuesdays (in some contemporary practices)
Remember, as with any of the Dark Deities (male and female), approaching Loki is not for the faint of heart. His energy is unpredictable, and many practitioners advise caution and respect when working with him.
Whether you're drawn to Loki's transformative power or simply curious about Norse mythology, these correspondences offer a starting point for exploration. As with all spiritual practices, personal experience and intuition should be your ultimate guides.
Loki Mabon Tarot Ritual for Creativity
Mabon falls on Sunday 22 September in 2024. You may wish to try the Lokean Tarot Ritual for Creative Inspiration below if you feel a connection or pull to work with Loki. This ritual is especially great for breaking through stagnancy and any creative blocks. (WARNING! As a side effect, you may feel your sexual energy rising and becoming stronger too.)
Materials needed:
Tarot deck
Orange, red, or gold candle
Incense (dragon's blood recommended)
Offering of mead, vodka, or hard cider (using non-alcoholic beverages is fine but Loki and Odin both like their drink)
Autumn leaves, acorns, rowan berries or other seasonal items
Journal and pen
Ritual steps:
Create a sacred space by cleansing, consecrating and blessing the items, arranging them on your altar. (Cast a circle if that is part of your practice.)
Light the candle and incense. Say:
"Hail Loki, Trickster God of Fire and Change,
On this day of balance, I call on your creative spark.
Ignite my imagination as the wheel of the year turns."Take three deep breaths to center yourself.
Shuffle your tarot deck while focusing on opening yourself to Loki's creative energy. When ready, draw three cards and lay them in a triangle formation:
Card 1 (Left): What creative blocks need to be released?
Card 2 (Right): What new inspiration is Loki offering?
Card 3 (Top): How can I best channel this creative energy?
Spend time reflecting on the cards' meanings. Journal any insights.
Hold up the cup with the drink offering and say:
"Loki, shape-shifter and silver-tongue,
I offer this libation in gratitude for your inspiration.
May your fiery spirit spark new ideas within me."Take a sip and leave the rest on the altar.
Sit in meditation, visualising Loki's fire energy flowing into you and stoking your creative fire.
When ready, extinguish the candle. The ritual is complete.
In the coming days, pay attention to unexpected ideas or inspirations—these may be gifts from Loki.
Remember to adapt this ritual as you see fit to align with your personal practice and relationship with Loki. The key is to open yourself to his transformative, creative energy at this time of change and balance.
Full Moon Blessings (PS. It’s not too late to work with the Pisces Super Moon Eclipse Tarot Spread)
Loki! I remember an occasion giving him a nod in a heathen ritual I was attending and a waste paper basket immediately caught fire. No-one could work out how!
I think Tiger has a little Loki in him 😼