Monday, December 30, 2013

Frijjo Birkijoniz: Symbols and Icons

Frijjoz Besamo
     The birch besom (PGmc besamo) is the first and, to my mind at least, the most important symbol of Frijjo Birkijoniz.  It is representative of corrective discipline (like the scourge associated with Perchten and Krampus in folklore), of ritual purification (as in the scourge associated with sauna and sweat bath culture), and of rulership over the domestic sphere.  In the case of my own practice, I use the besamo in place of the traditional evergreen tine to redden with the blot offering, as a demonstration of the primacy of of FB as the matron and instructor of siduz.
     I consider the besamo to be a physical embodiment of the goddess on the same level as her graven icon.  It is the shorthand symbol of my faith in the same way that a cross, hammer, star of David etc. might be used.  I even have a pendant version.


Distaff and Spinning Wheel
     The distaff and the spinning wheel are also important symbols of Frijjo Birkijoniz, along with the thread she spins.  These items are common symbols of "domestic" goddesses.  In the case of FB they are representative of her role in creating the substance of wurdiz (wyrd).

Keys
     Keys represent FB's role as the guardian of home and stead.  Antique skeleton keys are among her favorite offerings.

Birch Trees
     Birch trees and the Berkano runestave are manifestations of FB.

Siduhelmaz
     The siduhelmaz is the symbol of siduz, after the form of the helm of awe.  As the tutelary deity of siduz, this symbol also belongs to FB.  Here it is in an awesomely stylized form.



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