Initiation into the Northern Tradition
What is Initiation?
The word initiation (Latin initiātio) means “the performance of sacred rites” or “dedication.” The roots in (“into”) and ire (“to go”) also convey the meaning of entering into something. Initiation has long been an ancient custom marking a person’s entrance into a tradition or a new stage of life.
Magical initiation is one of the most ancient practices known to humanity. Although it differs significantly from ordinary rites of passage, its essence remains similar: it is the introduction of a person into a tradition and their connection to it. Yet the initiation of a mage carries a deeper meaning.
The initiation of a mage is a way of entering into an agreement with certain Forces. It includes several important aspects.
First, initiation is a conscious act, reflecting a deliberate decision to step onto the path of magic and continue moving in that direction, making one’s life and essence inseparably connected with magic. A turning point occurs—life before and life after.
Second, such an act is also a test for the newly emerging mage. Much in the mage’s future life will depend on power of will, the ability to concentrate, the capacity to make decisions, and the ability to act in reality. It is a form of trial that must be passed with dignity, without expecting free gifts—there will be none. Everything must be achieved through one’s own effort and mastery.
Third, magical initiation disciplines the human mind. After initiation, magic ceases to be merely a hobby, a pastime, or a simple method of achieving personal goals.
Fourth, magical initiation teaches a person how to influence their own consciousness, freeing it from outdated beliefs and introducing changes into the Buddhic body. It also opens the possibility of discovering an effective path from ordinary social thinking to the thinking of a mage.
Magical initiation into the Northern Tradition is a ritual of introduction—a ritual that brings a person into the current of the tradition. This current transforms the individual, and from that moment forward, movement through life and magical development proceeds through the relationship between human and god.
Being presented to the pagan gods—here, the Scandinavian gods—is always an act of their will, not merely the will of the person. The initiations conducted within our school occur through an established channel, yet this does not mean that this channel is the only one.
Sometimes a person opens a book, looks at the first rune—Fehu—and suddenly realizes that the channel is already open. The gods begin to guide that person through the entire Futhark—from Fehu to Dagaz and again back to Fehu. In such a case, a formal presentation to the gods is unnecessary, because the introduction has already occurred—they are already with you.
At times, the connection arises spontaneously. A person may purchase a runic set, take any rune in their hands, and suddenly feel: “This is mine. It has always been with me.” The attunement to the channel occurs automatically.
If you study the runes through books and genuinely feel their presence, you may be certain that the forces of the Scandinavian pantheon see you, and no additional introduction is required. However, if you feel the need, you may perform the ritual independently.
The true goal of a mage is the accumulation and preservation of knowledge and the cultivation of power.
The Ritual of Initiation
After completing the entire Futhark, passing through Dagaz, and returning once again to the renewed Fehu, go into nature—preferably into a secluded forest—and, ideally, remain there throughout the night.
Light a fire, offer gifts to the forces of nature, and mentally establish a connection with Odin and the Scandinavian gods. They will send you a sign of their presence and their blessing.
It is very rare for the gods to reject someone. Usually this occurs only when a person grossly violates obligations they have taken upon themselves—for example, when they treat the information sent by the gods with disregard, listening only when it is convenient and ignoring it otherwise.
The gods do not appreciate such behavior. Their channels into this world are not strongly established, and every person willing to work with these channels is valuable—but only on the gods’ terms.
The gods of the Northern pantheon are gods of action, not of endless reasoning.
For example, the modern form of Christianity has distorted human consciousness to such a degree that a person may address God whenever they wish yet still ignore their own promises and obligations. With the pagan gods—especially the gods of the Northern pantheon—this is absolutely unacceptable.
If a person says, “I will do this,” and does not do it, it is considered oath-breaking. If a person promises offerings and does not bring them, it is oath-breaking.
Therefore, promises made to the gods must always be fulfilled. If you declare that you will perform a certain act in exchange for knowledge, you must do so. The gods will remember.
Initiation into the gods is always deeply individual. If you feel the desire to connect to this current, simply set the intention: mentally address Odin and ask for guidance and signs along the path. There has never been a case where the gods refused such a request.
What Does Runic Initiation Give?
Does initiation provide additional advantages when working with the runes? Yes, it does.
Experience shows that those who attempt to study the deeper levels of runic work—such as the second course—without undergoing initiation usually receive little or no practical effect. It causes no harm, but the results cannot be compared with those experienced by those who have passed through initiation.
The first step on the path of magic is liberation from illusions about oneself and about the surrounding world.
This, and much more, is explored by students of the Menshikova School through the Mysteries. Magical initiation is usually conducted through the channel established by the Master. Yet each person must conclude their own agreement with the Forces, because each individual has their own destiny, responsibilities, and obligations.
Is the essence of runic initiation simply a connection to the channel? Or is it also a kind of “oath of loyalty” to the Northern gods? I wish to study the runes primarily as a tool for transforming my own consciousness. At present, however, I am not certain that the gods of the Northern pantheon are truly mine. I would like to understand the essence of the ritual in advance so as not to disappoint anyone.
Everything depends on intention.
The deeper a person immerses themselves in a pantheon, the greater the power they receive—but the greater the obligations as well.
If there is no intention for deep involvement, you must simply understand that the runes will work in accordance with the level of connection established. No one will judge you for this. Just remember not to demand more from the runes than they have agreed to give.
At the warrior level, the situation is simple: there are warriors bound by oath, and there are free warriors, whose obligations are different.