Daily Angel Oracle Card: Skadi, from the Viking Oracle Card deck, by Stacey Demarco, artwork by Jimmy Manton

Skadi: “Know yourself. It is the most important of life’s work. Express your independence. Let authenticity be your guide. Compromise is part of every relationship, but when compromise pushes you to be someone you are not, a change should be made. There is an easier way to do things. Speak plainly.”

“The horizon
Brings me joy
There is so much to discover.
Unfettered by what is not mine,
I speak my truth, and
I am heard and heeded.
I sing along with my wolves
In harmony. I am myself.
I am Skdi.”

“Skadi is a Norse goddess best known in the mountainous parts of the region. Beautiful, strong, resourceful and independent, her name is linked to the words for ‘unknown’ and ‘darkness’ and may even be the source of the word ‘Scandinavia’ – a land dedicated to her. Skadi is a huntress, an archer, a keeper of wolves and, most of all, a lover of snow and of the highest mountains.

Her mythos tell us that once married – to a husband she demanded from the other gods as recompense for the death of her beloved father, Pjazi, Skadi tried to live in her new husband’s house. But her husband, Njoror, was a sea god and lived on an island crashing with waves and smelling of seaweed. The incessant sound of the ocean and screeching of sea birds was too much for Skadi, who was used to the soft silence of the snow and the howling of her wolves. When she spoke of missing her true home and her desire to be independent, she and Njoror agreed to try alternating homes every nine days. When dividing their time between Noatun and in Prymheimr did not work out, they decided to live apart, but stay married. Skadi then returned to her beloved mountains, where she hunted from her skis – which she and the god Ull invented!

The Norse asked Skadi for protection on winter journeys, for success in hunting and for survival in harsh times. When darkness was almost total in the Arctic winters, it ws she they often referred to. She favoured those who loved the snow and ice and who were honest, open and plain speaking. Her cult extended to the Sami Arctic region and the Arctic Circle, where people skied for survival, not just for fun.

Should Skadi step into your life with this card, she is reminding you that being honest, direct and respecting your own personal freedom is paramount. If you need courage to be who you really are, ask Skadi for assistance.*

~ By Stacey Demarco

Yesterday we contemplated the power of words, today we are being asked to stand in our power and use them. Communication, honesty, authenticity and truth. It is time to let the world know where you stand. Be clear about how you really feel, what you desire, your needs. Be honest about how you plan to move forward in the world.

Have you have been holding back? Afraid what others may think, or worried about hurting someone’s feelings? You must make sure that you are not compromising yourself or your values. You cannot live your life for another. You must do what feels right for you. Think carefully about what needs to be said. Be mindful of the words you choose. Avoid miscommunication at this time, give yourself time to think things through before you speak, do not make a hasty decision or say things you do not mean.

When your thoughts are in order and you feel ready, take a few deep breaths and intend that the outcome is for the Highest Good Of All involved.

And then say what you have to say.

Clear, direct, honest and true.

Namaste

Dee

~Archangel Oracle

*Viking Oracle Card deck, by Stacey Demarco, artwork by Jimmy Manton