Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth

Also known as: Apple Feast, Feast of Immortal Youth. A modern Heathen observance honoring Iðunn, keeper of the golden apples of immortality without which the Aesir would grow old and die. Placed in mid-March as spring approaches — the time when renewal is most palpable. The Prose Edda (Skáldskaparmál ch. 56) recounts how Loki's treachery delivered Iðunn and her apples to the giant Þjazi, causing the gods to wither — until her rescue restored them. Iðunn represents not eternal youth in the vain sense, but the principle of renewal: that which must be constantly tended or it is lost.

Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth is a Norse festival. A modern Heathen observance honoring Iðunn, keeper of the golden apples of immortality without which the Aesir would grow old and die. Placed in mid-March as spring approaches — the time when renewal is most palpable. The Prose Edda (Skáldskaparmál ch. 56) recounts how Loki's treachery delivered Iðunn and her apples to the giant Þjazi, causing the gods to wither — until her rescue restored them. I

Here is how to celebrate Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth: - Apple Offering: Slice an apple crosswise to reveal the star-shaped core. Place it on your altar with honey and mead. Say: 'Hail Iðunn, keeper of the apples. You who renew the gods — renew me. May what has withered in me grow green again.' Modern adaptation: Eat an apple mindfully. With each bite, name something in your life that needs renewal — health, creativity, hope, a relationship.

The spiritual theme of Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth: Renewal must be tended — the apples must be guarded, or even the gods grow old. Reflection prompts: What in your life has been withering from neglect that needs Iðunn's renewal? Who or what renews you — and are you protecting that source?

The deities honored at Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth are: Iðunn, Bragi. A modern Heathen observance honoring Iðunn, keeper of the golden apples of immortality without which the Aesir would grow old and die. Placed in mid-March as spring approaches — the time when renewal

To prepare for Iðunn's Feast -- Renewal of Youth: Modern preparation: Eat an apple mindfully. With each bite, name something in your life that needs renewal — health, creativity, hope, a relationship.