BRATTLEBORO — Epsilon Spires, 190 Main St., presents "Freyja's Wisdom: Spirit Magic Ritual and Rune Divination," in partnership with In Situ Polyculture Commons, a new artist residency in Westminster. The performance will take place at Epsilon Spires on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 7 to 10 p.m.
Heiðsær (pronounced Hathe-sire)is a group of touring witches reviving the Old Norse vǫlur traveling seeress tradition. Their first Vermont event will be an immersive experience incorporating ritual, song, and divination as performance. "Freyja's Wisdom" is an opportunity to engage with the divine power of Freyja, Norse goddess of love, war, and magic, "as Heiðsær conjures her embodied insights for all those who seek her in this immersive ritual experience," say organizers.
Attendees will be able to step forth to ask questions and receive guidance from the heart of Viking mythology. "Enthralling and empowering, this event transcends the ordinary, inviting you to connect with the past in a truly extraordinary way. Whether already deeply familiar with Old Norse traditions, or simply passingly curious, Heiðsær's visit promises to be inspiring, enthralling and empowering."
In addition to the ritual performance, the visiting seeresses will make personal divinations and readings available, which may incorporate the traditional Fuþark runes, pendulums, or tarot cards. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the end of the event.
During the seiðr ritual performance, "the goddess Freyja has asked that an offering basket be placed at her feet, to receive any offerings people would like to give," says Lux Heljardóttir, the leader of the event. "Offerings are by no means required in order to speak with her during the event. Attendees may bring their own offerings, and some offerings will be made available for those who do not choose to bring any. Freyja requests specifically yellow flowers, or fruit."
Heljardóttir is a professional vǫlva, or seeress, from New York with over 20 years of experience. She will be joined by her three trained vǫlur: Melissa Óðsdóttir, Jade Njǫrunardóttir, and Lis Friggjardóttir.
The visiting group will be hosted at In Situ Polyculture's campus in Westminster. This marks the second collaborative event between the two Vermont nonprofits, in which visiting artists retreat or stay at In Situ and schedule a public performance or event at Epsilon Spires. The two organizations say they look forward to further collaboration and opportunities to uplift their unique missions.
Epsilon Spires is also partnering with Golden Rule Mead from Middlebury, who will be on-site on the evening of the event, offering their small-batch mead, including a special brew purpose-made for Heiðsær 's visit. "Freyja's Tears" was brewed with strawberry, linden and cowslip primrose, and may also be served with edible gold. Mead is a sacred victual to the Norse vǫlur tradition.
Seasonal treats from Burrow & Hearth bakery will also be on offer. Tickets can be reserved at epsilonspires.org. For any questions, contact Candace at hello@insitupolyculture.org.
This The Arts item was submitted to The Commons.