Following a number of questions about the mini-module I thought I would provide some background information for those of you who are interested in the Rite but are not sure how you would use it in your own work.
The Rite uses the symbol of Mjolnir, the Hammer of Thor. The symbol itself is very old and has many myths and legends associated with it – largely involving the God Thor beating giants up with it and using it to bless rites of passage (birth, marriage, death, rebirth). Thor was seen as the protector of Midgard and Asgard (the realms of men and of the Gods) and his Hammer was the weapon he used to do this. Mjolnir is the symbol of boundary protection, keeping order and chaos apart and protecting those who pass from one state of being to another (and from one world to another). The Hammer of Thor Rite is a means to invoke the power of the Mjolnir.
Space protection
As the keeper of boundaries, Mjolnir can be used to guard and protect your home, healing space, temple, or working area. The Rite works by invoking the Power of the Hammer, and then placing it in the four cardinal points, above and, and below you. Because the Hammer is used for rites of passage as well as for guarding against negativity and chaotic forces (in the myths, personified as giants), it forms a barrier which will allow the correct energies to pass through it; this is why I believe it is important to establish a personal connection with the Hammer, as it should be acting in harmony with your intention and purpose.
The Hammer Rite can be used to set up a specific working space with the Hammers then departing at the end of the work, or it can be used to establish a permanent boundary protection (which will still need to be re-inforced regularly). The mini-module provides three versions of the Hammer of Thor Rite so you can decide which one is most appropriate for your own working space.
Personal protection
The Hammer of Thor symbol was often worn as an amulet, particularly so in Christian times, perhaps indicating that it was worn to assert religious identity as well as to provide protection. You can wear a Hammer of Thor amulet (being mindful of its religious connotations as described below), but you can also take your own Hammer with you while journeying through the Worlds – wielding it as Thor himself would have done. The module includes a sound recording that will take you on a journey to connect with the energy of the Hammer of Thor at a personal level – making your performance of the Rite more effective, and also meaning that you can use your own ‘personal hammer’ when you need to.
Balancing
The Hammer is a symbol of balance: maintaining the balance between order and chaos; symbolising good judgement; and channelling the energy of the powerful but chaotic Thurisaz rune. The Hammer of Thor Rite includes aspects which are variants of the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, another space protection ritual which is also used as a daily practice for balancing and cleansing the individual and building a personal connection with spirit. The Hammer of Thor Rite can be used in a similar way, balancing your energy and connecting you to your higher self or the deities of the Germanic pantheons. The module includes a discussion of, and instructions for, the long version of the Rite (created by Edred Thorsson), as well as a shorter variant focusing on balancing and connection with spirit (rather than any specific deity).
Religious symbol
The Hammer of Thor has been adopted as one of the primary symbols for the Germanic neo-pagan faiths (e.g. Asatru, Heathenry, Odinism, Theodism) and is commonly worn by individuals following one of these religious paths. The Hammer of Thor mini-module is suitable for people working with the runes and Germanic methods of healing and energy work as well as for those working with the symbol for religious purposes. I myself work with Norse, Anglo-Saxon and Germanic deities, but not exclusively. When working with the Hammer of Thor it is important to recognise that it is considered a religious symbol by many people and to treat it with respect – if nothing else, you will need to understand the myths and legends associated with it if you are to connect with it in any meaningful way. The module includes a discussion of key myths associated with the Hammer, as well as its historical and modern uses as a religious symbol.
