A 'hammer hallowing' is used by most modern heathens to start a religious ceremony. It has several purposes, it marks and consecrates an area in which the ceremony will take place, and of course invokes one of the major heathen deities. Hammer hallowings are also used in times of threat or insecurity to inspire confidence. The ritual requires a ceremonial hammer, either an amulet or a large ritual one, which should be raised in the centre of the ceremonial space for the second verse.
The poem is written for a gathering held in the home but can be easily adjusted for another location, or for solitary use, but remember that there should only be four syllables in each line. To give a more Norse feel to the poem swap Thunder for Asa Thor, Earth for Jord and Bear for Bjorn.
Hail to Thunder
faithful folk friend,
wise world warder,
Earth's famous son.
Great god riding
the vast sky's vault,
battle proved Bear
bedecked with stars.
As we hold high
this holy hammer,
let wicked wrights
and evil etins,
flee in terror
from the fiery fierce
searing splendour
of your god-strength.
Beloved hallower
of hall and hearth,
grant us your gift
and bless this home.
Let us have joy,
firm in friendship,
strong in spirit,
and true in troth.