Handmaidens of Freya
The Handmaidens of Freya are considered by many a cult of the mainstream worship of Freya. There is emphasis on new moon rituals and there seems to be a progression of signs, rituals and acts that a Handmaiden takes. It is notable that some progress quickly through these milestones while others who have been around for years have yet to achieve the final milestone referred to simply as "The Pilgrimage". The progression is as follows:
Rite of Initiation: When a woman presents herself to the High Priestess and requests to be part of the community she must first go through the Rite of Initiation. According to a relatively recent eyewitness account, this takes place during a new moon phase at night and involves prayers and the presentation of the candidate. The High Priestess then calls the candidate forward and prays over the candidate, embracing the woman and whispering words into the ear of the candidate that only she can hear. When complete, the now Initiate reportedly looks euphoric as if she has seen or heard something that has brought her immeasurable joy.
Freya's Kiss: This quite literally marks a Handmaiden as one chosen by Freya herself. Upon awakening from a night's slumber, the mark is found and appears as two small marks on the initiate's body, usually along major blood vessels including the wrist, neck and inner thigh. This Kiss is an indication that the initiate has fulfilled the spiritual progression needed to continue on the path towards the Handmaiden's ultimate goal of spreading the faith to places that Freya is not commonly revered. This usually means a Pilgrimage to The Continent.
Mark of Devotion: Bestowed by Selvianne du Veyres herself. The ritual takes place during a new moon and involves a branding in between the Handmaiden's shoulder blades. The branding is that of a enclosed fist around a dagger dripping with blood. The closed hand signifies surrender to the goddess. The dagger - sacrifice. And the blood? Life, freely given in love.
The Pilgrimage: This is the final ritual before a Handmaiden is sent forth into the world, first to Hindersfjall and, ultimately, to The Continent. The ritual is done on a new moon night and involves prayers, chanting and then a vigil alone with the High Priestess herself. The Handmaiden then leaves before dawn without saying farewell to the others in a symbolic gesture of standing on her own and taking the faith to those who know not the love of Freya.
Notable Members
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