Circle of Frith: A Devotional to Frigg and Her Handmaidens

by Maire Durkan

Lady and protector of the home, wise counselor who foresees the fates of gods and humans, patroness of work and craft, wife of Odin. . . the old Scandinavian goddess Frigg is a deep and multifaceted goddess who wields power on many levels. Her maidens are goddesses in their own right, keeping ancient lore and healing skill, and bringing love, wisdom, and protection to those who call on them, Rev. Maire Durkan, a Godwoman in the Troth and a witch in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel tradition, explores the nature of this powerful goddess. The old myths and stories of Frigg and her ladies are complemented with poems and rituals in their honor.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2021

Reviews

[Galina Krasskova · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's always good to see devotionals for our Gods. This one is ok -- and it's the first I've read for Frigga. It offers a competent exploration of Her roles in the lore. There is a nice section on Frigga's Handmaidens -- I would have liked that to be longer. I really liked the questions given at the end of each chapter for contemplation. I can see where, with diligent personal work, prayer, journaling, etc. these could lead to a significant deepening of one's self-knowledge and devotional relationship to the All Mother. That may have actually been my favorite part. The bibliography needed a bit more work - there were lacunae. For those just coming into a devotion to Frigga, this could be a useful devotional text.

[JHM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best devotionals I've read, and it's the only one I'm aware of which is devoted to Frigg. Durkan nicely balances her personal experience with Frigg and Her handmaidens with references to lore, being clear about which is which. She shares descriptions of Frigg's attributes and areas of attention, prayers, rituals, and visualizations, and provides prayers to each of the Handmaidens. Her tone is that of a friend sharing her deep relationship with the goddess and offering suggestions about how the reader could do the same.

As the title indicates, Durkan emphasizes Frigg's role as a weaver and nurturer of frith -- the relationship of mutual honor, loyalty, respect, and support between people -- something which I had not thought much about previously, but will make more of a priority now. She also addresses Frigg's roles as house-keeper and holder of keys, mother, CEO of Asgard, friend, and Odin's wife.

This is a book that will reward revisiting, and there are many, many passages which could be used as the basis for meditation.

I would recommend Circle of Frith to anyone on a Northern Tradition path who wants to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the Queen of Asgard, whether or not they want to develop a personal devotional relationship with Her. For those who do wish such a relationship, this is a goldmine.

[Gythia Greyhawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with friends as part of a Heathen book club immediately after its release, and I have reread it since. Rev. Maire Durkan's writing style is enjoyable and falls comfortably between narrative and informative. The book is well cited, yet as a devotional, it has a significant amount of personal practice. Durkan does an excellent job of identifying her own gnosis while encouraging the reader to explore their impressions even if they differ. The book paints a functional devotional practice of working with Frigg. There is also new insight into several lesser-known Norse goddesses.

The poems are moving, the book offers thought-provoking questions, and homework to build your own practice. The book finishes with several good rituals. The rituals are well-conceived from a functional facilitation standpoint. After performing several of them, I can say they are moving to participate in.

[Kriselda Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide to working with Frigga

Marie Durkan has put together an excellent guide to the complex goddess, Frigga, and the 12 Handmaidens who help her with her tasks. Durkan goes over each aspect of Frigga thoroughly. Where there is supporting information for her points, she provides it, and if something is based on her experience and practices, she identifies that as well. She also offers a profile, prayer and list of correspondences for each of her Handmaids. I highly recommend this book.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and practical

I enjoyed the practical rituals, prayers, and other types of information included in this book, and it was an excellent read.