The below is an old blogpost of mine from around Dec 2013. By way of an update - two feet is perhaps an overestimation of the wingspan of the Huginn that I had tattooed onto my shoulder. At least 18 inches, though.
Despite having a distinctly Jungian opinion of gods, I can't ignore the fact that I feel a very strong draw to Odin. He appeals to me on so many levels, it is unreal. However, being the kind of guy who doesn't particularly want a spearshaft projecting from my perineum, I'd rather not put myself in the position of being dedicated/beholden to him.
Despite this, and despite not really being much of a 'viking'*, I'd still quite like to 'show my appreciation' for want of a better term, in some way. I already have a raven tattoo of some two feet or so in wingspan on my shoulder, but I'm looking for something else.
It will be an acknowledgement of both Odin and Loki, as I feel the two go together and would somehow feel wrong in recognising one in such a fashion without, at least, a tip of the hat to the other. Strangely, though, despite Loki's reputation, it is his blood brother that I am more wary of, by far.
I am trying to think of something I can offer that will sate the need I have to do something like this and yet won't paint a bloody great target on my gonads, if you'll pardon my French. Until I think of something I'm happy with, I'll keep things as they are. Whatever happens, I will continue to recognise and 'honour' all the gods and goddesses.
There are other gods I feel something of a connection to, also - yes. Skadi, Bragi and Freyja to name a few. I know I don't yet see gods as distinct beings, which might be a stumbling block for some people. But even as aspects of my own consciousness or Jungian archetypes, I can see no reason why I can't feel a 'draw' to them, similar in some ways to how a theist might. I also fear that allying myself to an Odinesque aspect of my own consciousness could be detrimental in a similar way to how aligning to such a god could. I have a very healthy respect for the power of the human mind, and I have a young family for which I am responsible.
And, besides, I never said I was concretely certain in my atheism. ;)
* At the very least, I am not very Viking minded. Not at all aggressive. More of a hippy, really. Though being tall with long hair and beard does tend to cause others to bring up the Viking label without any impetus from me.
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