I've had quite a few people ask me 'why Heimdallr?' My easy answer is Loki told me so. But that really isn't an answer, is it? Yes- I turned to Heimdallr at Loki's firm insistence. But there are other reasons I have learned for which it would be useful to add Heimdallr to anyone's devotional practice.
Obviously, Heimdallr is a guardian. I feel Him to be the best for defense and it isn't just me. Even Freya Aswynn, in her book Leaves of Yggdrasil, mentions that for sheer protection Heimdallr is the best God to call upon. Many consider Thor to be so, He is wonderful also, but do note He ranges out and maintains a balance between man and the elements. Heimdallr's primary function is defense. Remember, if you have two good defenders but need one near the heart and the other to range out you would keep the biggest and most furious at home. That one is your last defense, your ace in the hole. That's Heimdallr.
There is also the bridge symbolism. Yes- He monitors the primary gateway to Asgard. He'll bump you right out if you don't have rights to access. This symbolism, however, means much more. He can aide in bridging between people, communities, and worlds. If you can get Him to agree, He is an excellent God when it comes to blessing a wedding or a birth.
Runes. I'm always amazed at how many people only consider Odin for runic knowledge. Odin gave an enormous sacrifice to obtain the runes. However, in the lore it is Heimdallr who gives that runic knowledge to man, not Odin. I have sat at both Odin's and Heimdallr's side learning of runes. Both are highly effective teachers. A year ago Odin stepped back and now it is Heimdallr who guides me in this path.
For me at least, He usually teaches experientially. He'll send me out to go 'catch' a rune, He'll have me change my form to become a rune and from there shift to another so I can feel and begin to understand their associations. He's taught me how to put the runes inside of me and keep them organized so I can pull them out as needed. Not as often, but frequently, He'll quiz. 'Name seven runes that can be associated with ____.' He'll coach me into devising binds, some for myself. I'll draw them on and in vision He's put His hand over them- I can feel the bind sink in. Later in the mirror I will see the drawing is gone- I don't know how He makes sharpie disappear in a few hours but He does. So- want to know about runes? He is an excellent teacher.
Sorcery, Heimdallr is known for this. You'll have to ask Him though.
All this said, Heimdallr will not teach until you have proven your worth. He won't teach if He doesn't think you are giving 110%. He won't teach if He doesn't find in you what He feels to be an appropriate level of honor and respect. He will be gracious though- that is His outward guise but don't be fooled. If one is serious about working with Heimdallr then you almost want to see Him stern, demanding. He only demands what He thinks you can give. The higher the demands/expectations then more He sees in you and the more you will be blessed.
Obviously, Heimdallr is a guardian. I feel Him to be the best for defense and it isn't just me. Even Freya Aswynn, in her book Leaves of Yggdrasil, mentions that for sheer protection Heimdallr is the best God to call upon. Many consider Thor to be so, He is wonderful also, but do note He ranges out and maintains a balance between man and the elements. Heimdallr's primary function is defense. Remember, if you have two good defenders but need one near the heart and the other to range out you would keep the biggest and most furious at home. That one is your last defense, your ace in the hole. That's Heimdallr.
There is also the bridge symbolism. Yes- He monitors the primary gateway to Asgard. He'll bump you right out if you don't have rights to access. This symbolism, however, means much more. He can aide in bridging between people, communities, and worlds. If you can get Him to agree, He is an excellent God when it comes to blessing a wedding or a birth.
Runes. I'm always amazed at how many people only consider Odin for runic knowledge. Odin gave an enormous sacrifice to obtain the runes. However, in the lore it is Heimdallr who gives that runic knowledge to man, not Odin. I have sat at both Odin's and Heimdallr's side learning of runes. Both are highly effective teachers. A year ago Odin stepped back and now it is Heimdallr who guides me in this path.
For me at least, He usually teaches experientially. He'll send me out to go 'catch' a rune, He'll have me change my form to become a rune and from there shift to another so I can feel and begin to understand their associations. He's taught me how to put the runes inside of me and keep them organized so I can pull them out as needed. Not as often, but frequently, He'll quiz. 'Name seven runes that can be associated with ____.' He'll coach me into devising binds, some for myself. I'll draw them on and in vision He's put His hand over them- I can feel the bind sink in. Later in the mirror I will see the drawing is gone- I don't know how He makes sharpie disappear in a few hours but He does. So- want to know about runes? He is an excellent teacher.
Sorcery, Heimdallr is known for this. You'll have to ask Him though.
All this said, Heimdallr will not teach until you have proven your worth. He won't teach if He doesn't think you are giving 110%. He won't teach if He doesn't find in you what He feels to be an appropriate level of honor and respect. He will be gracious though- that is His outward guise but don't be fooled. If one is serious about working with Heimdallr then you almost want to see Him stern, demanding. He only demands what He thinks you can give. The higher the demands/expectations then more He sees in you and the more you will be blessed.