A Norse Pagan celebration honoring abundance and the gifts of the land

Purpose:
Freyfaxi (early August) is traditionally tied to the first harvest and the honoring of Freyr, a deity of fertility, prosperity, and peace. Historically linked to Icelandic festivals involving a sacred horse, today it can be celebrated by anyone who wishes to give thanks for the year’s first fruits — in body, spirit, or creative work.

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Preparation

Choose a space that feels open and welcoming — indoors, outdoors, or virtually connected with others.
Gather:

• Seasonal foods or symbolic “first fruits” (grain, bread, apples, berries, vegetables)
• A drink offering (mead, cider, juice, or water)
• A candle or small fire for symbolic light
• Optional: horse imagery, woven grain doll, or other Freyr symbols

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Opening

Light the candle or fire and speak:

“I kindle this flame in honor of the turning season,
When the first harvest blesses the hands and heart.
Freyr, Lord of the fruitful earth,
I welcome you to this place of thanks.”

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Invocation

“Freyr, Giver of peace and plenty,
You who ride in golden light,
Whose gift is growth in field, flock, and heart—
Be honored here.
May your blessings be shared with all,
Without boundary or measure.”

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Offering

• Hold up the food and drink offerings.
• Say: “From the gifts of the earth, I give back.
  What I have gathered, I now share.
  May this offering honor you, Freyr,
  And may abundance flow to all who hunger or thirst.”

Pour the drink to the earth or a vessel. Break bread or share food in a spirit of gratitude.

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Gratitude and Reflection

Speak aloud your thanks — for harvests of the land, of work, of creativity, of friendship. If with others, invite each person to share. If alone, speak from the heart.

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Closing

“Freyr, golden and generous,
I thank you for your presence and your gifts.
May we honor your bounty in how we live and share.
Go if you must, stay if you will.
The flame within us carries your light.”

Extinguish the candle or fire.

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Adaptation Notes

• All foods and drinks can be replaced with items meaningful to the participant’s culture or diet.
• This rite may be celebrated solo, with a small group, or in community gatherings.
• Offerings can be physical, verbal, or symbolic (poems, songs, acts of kindness).

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Sidebar – Reflection for Freyfaxi

Harvest is More Than Food
In this rite, “first fruits” can mean anything new you have brought into the world:

• A creative project completed
• A personal milestone reached
• A new friendship formed
• An act of service or kindness given

Ask yourself:

• What have I “harvested” since the year began?
• Who helped me grow along the way?
• How can I share my abundance with others — in my community, in spirit, or in deed?