We don’t much remember that Freyr, the Norse god of harvest, also had the unique property that women couldn’t be harmed near him. Not because he would attack those who wanted them harm, but because it was like a magic shield was put on them. Weapons would literally break on impact with women’s skin if he was around.
Gerd is the only jotun woman romantically involved with the gods who is consistently depicted as big, and often fat. That’s because in the story about Freyr falling in love with her he especially admires her “big, white arms”. It also makes sense that a god of harvest and plenty would love a woman embodying that. Freyr, his sister Freya and their father Njord (who also married a jotun btw) are all gods of fertility in each their own way, so I like to depict them as overweight too, though not as big as Gerd.
I also like depicting Freyr as something of a classic romantic hero because of how hopelessly and dramatically he falls in love with Gerd. He longs for her and cries when he thinks he can’t be with her, and gets depressed because he has to wait a whole week to meet her in person. Also, the reason why he doesn’t have a sword is because he gave it to Gerd as a present.
And Gerd is a tough lady. Freyr’s servant threaten her with death (without Freyr knowing) and she doesn’t give a shit. He had to threatened her with bad luck for the rest of her life before she agreed to meet Freyr.
Her father is the sea jotun Ægir which is why I tend to give her a sea inspired look.
These are ways I personally honor Freyr and my personal associations with offerings. If you have something negative to say keep it to yourself, these are personal and work for me.
Take care of yourself mentally and emotionally. He’s a fertile nature god, whatever negative thoughts you have about yourself will grow but so will the good. Practice self love, please.
Drink floral teas or teas made from herbs/flowers you’ve harvested or grown yourself.
Buy your honey and beeswax from local bee keepers or farms.
Support local and small business.
If time/money permits it try to get some produce from your local farmers market.
Volunteer at your local LGBTQ+ center or shelter.
Make him a hearty stew or meal.
Go for a walk at the botanical cards, green house, or even your local flower shops.
Gather seeds, nuts, wheat, and antlers you find in nature and leave them as an offering to him.
Be thankful for the harvest and the food you have.
Get a house plant or grow a little herb garden in your kitchen!
Or grow a garden outside!
Light incense or candles that smell of jasmine, pine, patchouli, honey, or really anything that makes you feel safe and calm.
You can use crystals like moss agate, rose quartz, ruby zoisite, unakite, peridot, or hematite in your practice or day to day life.
Include Algiz, Ingwaz, or Fehu in your altar or worship.
Plant a tree.
Collect coins or start a change jar for extra savings.
Bake him bread or share some with your loved ones.
Leave out sugar water for bees or a hummingbird feeder.
Plant bee friendly flowers like lavender, geranium, beebalm, catmint, foxgloves, pansies, and more!
Listening to calming and soft music.
Decorate your home(or wear) tree, deer, or bee related items!
fair--y backup 