Theos-Talk Archives (September 1996 Message tt00006)

The following is Sveinn's letter and my reply to him:

>Brenda,
>
> After a healthy walk in the wodland and a discusssion with a
> fellow-student about our group study program, I turned my
> attention to the computer in order to write to you.
>
> Then I saw your new e-mail.
>
> Interesting deductions you are making.
>
> Can you please type for me the first three Stanzas of your
> English version.
>
> Hi Sveinn:
>
> > Heidi men call me when their homes I visit,
> > A far-seeing witch, wise in talismans,
> > Caster of spells, cunning in magic,
> > To wicked women welcome always.
> >
> > Arm-rings and necklaces, Odin, you gave me
> > To learn my lore, to learn my magic:
> > Wider and wider through all worlds I see.
> >
> > Outside I sat by myself when you came,
> > Terror of the Gods, and gazed in my eyes.
> > What do you ask of me? Why tempt me?
> > Odin, I know where your eye is concealed,
> > Hidden away in the Well of Mimir:
> > Mimir each morning his mead drinks
> > From Valfather's Pledge.
>
> Well would you know more?
>
> If you do so, then I can see if you are dealing with exoteric or
> esoteric text.
>
> Can you also tell me: How do you understand the sentence "At
> Ithervale the Aesire meet"?

I don't know of any place called Ithervale. I do know that Aesir
are the inhabitants of Asgard, the home of the Gods. Ummmm.
Let's see As most be singular or one God, correct?

> Is there an introduction or an explanation for each Stanza, with
> the English text..?

No, I only have an English and Icelandic version of the text, no
commentary.

> I had in mind to reply to you in theos-talk and also to your
> direct e-mail.
>
> Discussing this matter in theos-talk, does not disturb my control
> of introducing some Stanzas of Voluspa in our IRC channel
> #Theosophy on the DALnet.
>
> But I understand and thank you for your concern in the matter, as
> this subject matter is difficult to deal with.
>
> In the "Old times" there were Visdom Schools in "The North".
> Voluspa was at that time among the texts for teachers and
> students, and men learned the text by heart. Interpretation was
> then given on each Stanza, but the Stanzas were written by
> uttermost brevity.
>
> Brenda; should we not move our discussions to the theos-talk
> list? Your comments on the text open new thought and should be
> read by others. There may be some students interested in the
> discussions. You could put our letters, your letter and this
> letter to the list and others could contribute to the subject.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Sveinn Freyr

I hope that this is in agreement with your wishes and, of course,
I am waiting for your next reply.

Thanks,