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Freya, of the Vanir branch of deities, is the Norse Goddess of love and of war. In addition to her association with sexuality and marriage corresponding with Aphrodite and Venus, she is also known as a seer and the Queen of the Valkyries. The Valkyries were spirit women who would fly over the battlefield on horses choosing the bravest of warriors` souls to bring back Valhalla to spend eternity with Odin. Freya as Queen of the Valkyries chose half of the warriors to join her at her hall. She is also a Goddess of magic and divination She is often depicted either riding a boar, or driving a chariot driven by two cats. Freya owned the precious Brisinga-men`s necklace, which she acquired by trading four nights of her love to the the dwarves who owned it. The necklace was sought after in several tales, just as was Aphrodities famous girdle. This necklace is believed by some to embody her power over the material world; an emblem of the earth-goddess since the earliest times. It is said that her shed tears turned to amber or gold. She also had in her possession a cloak of feathers which allowed her to change into a falcon and travel between the worlds. As the embodiment of the holy life force, she was the one who brought magic to the Aesir, a later branch of Gods. Friday is named for Freya. Fridays magical correspondence is love and beauty. She is seen here driving her chariot with her two cats and casting flowers as a blessing from her hand, the snow is receding and love eminates from the great Viking Goddess. My thanks to Nordic beauty Carrie for posing for this work. 11"x17" acrylic and Berol Prismacolor pencils on Illustration board. By Mickie Mueller
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