Walking The Labyrinth:
A Devotion For Hela
by Elizabeth Vongvisith
Though it is nowhere found in the lore, some modern devotees of Hela attribute the labyrinth as one of Her symbols. This is a devotional exercise in honor of the Keeper of the Dead, representing a journey (real or symbolic) to Helheim, the land of the dead which is Her kingdom. You can do this devotional to symbolize a "death and rebirth" in your life, or simply to show reverence for Hela.
First, you will need to find a labyrinth near you, one which you can physically walk around in. Granted, this may be problematic if no such thing exists within a reasonable distance from your home. Also, many indoor labyrinths are within churches where some people may not feel comfortable, though usually no one will question your presence if you visit the labyrinth during regular hours. If you'd like to make an indoor one yourself, you can obtain a large dropcloth or tarp and paint a labyrinth big enough for you to walk around in comfortably (this method makes it portable as well). You may even consider making a permanent labyrinth on your property if you intend to do this exercise regularly.
If you can't make a suitable labyrinth and there isn't one close to where you live, I suggest finding a picture of any labyrinth, whether of the Minoan style or based on the medieval Chartres model, will work. (A labyrinth is not the same as a maze. Labyrinths have only one possible path; to leave the center, you simply retrace the way you took to get in.) Print or photocopy the image at a size large enough for you to trace with your finger and do this devotional as a sitting meditation instead.
Having found or made your labyrinth, choose an offering for Hela, the Keeper of the Dead. This could be anything, but it should have some connection to the purpose of your walk. If you aren't sure what to bring, I suggest red wine or dead, dried roses. Ideally, you'll leave your offering at the center of the labyrinth, but if this is not possible, choose a place where you can take it after the devotional is finished. If you maintain a permanent shrine or altar for Hela, you can leave your offering there afterwards.
Bring your offering with you to the labyrinth and stand at its opening. If you are using a picture, sit comfortably in a quiet place and place the image of the labyrinth before you. Say a prayer to Hela, in your own words or using the following:
Keeper of the Dead,
I approach You with reverence,
Mistress of Helheim.
I come to You with devotion,
Hela Half-Rotted,
I walk this path to draw nearer to You.
Hail Loki's daughter,
Lady of the land of the dead.
Step into the labyrinth and began to travel its circuits, or else trace with your finger the coils of the design. Don't be in a hurry; take your time. You may wish to repeat an appropriate chant or prayer over and over, or you may choose to walk in total silence. It is also worthwhile to meditate on the nature of death and your feelings about it, on Hela and the things She might have to teach you, or all of these.
When you reach the center of the labyrinth, stop. You have come to a place of stillness, the border of Helheim where the world of the living meets the world of the dead. Stand or sit quietly, centering yourself. Repeat your prayer or otherwise make a greeting to Hela, Keeper of the Dead, and wait for a response. It may not be verbal; it may simply be a feeling or a physical sensation, like a slight chill. She may even speak to you or otherwise make Her presence felt. Hela is implacable and her presence can be unnerving, but she is also very wise and capable of much compassion and kindness. She does not lie, and her counsel, though it may be difficult for you to hear, is always good.
When you feel it's appropriate to do so, make your offering to Her there, if possible, with any appropriate words of thanks. Then retrace your steps. If you were unable to make an offering in the labyrinth's center or you are using a picture, upon exiting, immediately go to whatever place you've picked out previously to leave the offering with your thanks.
The first time I did this devotional exercise, at a beautiful outdoor labyrinth in Woodland Park, Colorado, I was met halfway in by Garm, Hela's hound, who accompanied me to the center of the labyrinth. Walking inward seemed to take a very long time, as if I was indeed journeying to the land of the dead. When I arrived at the center, Hela was waiting for me. I spent what I thought was another long period talking to Her, then after giving Her my offering, I left. Coming out of the labyrinth, by contrast, seemed only to take a few minutes. Later, my friend told me that while she waited for me in a nearby parking lot, I was only absent for maybe ten minutes at most.
It is possible that you may experience something similar, which can be disorienting. Even if you don't, however, this exercise can have emotionally profound effects that may take some time to get used to. Don't be afraid, but don't do it frivolously, either. In the end, the spirit in which you undertake it is what really matters. Hela will accept your devotion if it is given with reverence, love and respect.
