Yggdrasil: The Connection of Everything 

"We're meant to live on the middle, we're meant to live in Midgard" is really well said.

One of my favorite parts of this faith is that even though pagan mythology obviously isn’t realistic literally to a modern person, it can still be interpreted in a way that totally makes sense. Yggdrasil probably isn’t a literal giant tree made up of different dimensions where everything and everyone lives, but life as a whole is definitely like a big family tree, a tree on which everything and everyone has their place and through which we are all connected. The world probably isn’t actually going to end with a bunch of gods and monsters and undead warriors fighting and killing each other, but I do think the world as we know it will end with a lot of strife and fighting among people who once trusted each other with their lives. Although the world probably isn’t going to actually end in a ceaseless Fimbulwinter, climate change may still eventually make life extremely hard. A great fire giant probably isn’t actually going to incinerate the word with a giant fire sword, but in about 5.4 billion years the sun will expand into a red giant and incinerate the Earth and the other inner planets of our solar system, but scientists believe planets like Neptune and Pluto may actually be able to support life, thus the life cycle could begin anew elsewhere in our solar system. The sun and moon probably aren’t actually going to be eaten by giant wolves, but the “new” red sun will be even warmer and brighter than the “old” sun, just like the mythology says. And although there will probably be no trace left of the old gods, new ones will surely rise and be worshipped by whoever inhabits the new worlds. Metaphor is even more beautiful than literal interpretation, and when I realized it all actually makes sense, I felt right with the world and my soul was at peace. Whenever I think about this, it just feels so beautiful; it all makes sense.

I dedicated myself to the study of the Havamal at a NYE party with a Norse Pagan sister in 2017. We drank and then she told stories from the mythos. We drank from the horn. I was transformed. Upon discovering my family came to the US from Denmark and Sweden, that was it. I knew, not just because of ancestry just inspired by it, that Norse Paganism is my path. I've since found only a.couple of RU-vid channels that are enriching, satisfying and teach me things. Your channel is one of them. I am so grateful you are here. Skol!

Ask and Embla (first man and woman) were created from trees in the lore, and if you think about it, we are all born from the seeds of our ancestors, just like trees. And so we are branches of our ancestors, literally: that is our natural identity. People who experience ayahuasca visions say that, while they're in that state, the organic life of trees and animals looks and feels similar.

Sorry that im constantly leaving comments lol, this randomly reminded me of when my mom told me when i was little a kid was punching a tree, i started hugging it asking if it was okay 😂

Yggdrasil COULD be the massive web of dark matter that holds the universe together!

This video is very strong, your ideas and your insight are all very wise and thought out. Thank you for an amazing time, and a bold hearty hail!

This is great, I think a modern approach to understanding Yggdrasil is appropriate. Very open to more discussions on Yggdrasil and the cosmos.

"from fire and ice was born Ymir" Ok, but like, earth was a ball of magma, until frozen water fell on it inside meteors, and the rains that followed seem to be what made earth's crust solidify while also creating an atmosphere to then allow life to develop on it, so it's actually a good representation of what had to happen for our planet to exist and for life to exist on it...

I have a very old Mesquite tree in my yard that speaks to me. I have had a deep love for it since I bought this land 23 years ago! My hubby has always wanted to remove it because it is in the way of his plans for a driveway in our yard! I stand my ground and tell him to work around that tree, because I will die before it will! It stands taller than any Mosquito tree I have ever seen, and so big around I can not wrap my arms all the way around it when I hug it! It is my protection from tornadoes and it guards this land from evil intentions! I protect it and it protects me! Much love to all!

Of course the universe is a tree or tree like, the branching pattern which is also found in our lungs/ circulatory system is a highly efficient mechanism to transfer energy.

I know it sounds weird but my family has always had a respect for cemeteries. We would stop at old cemeteries on road trips and look at the stones, read their names and wonder who they where in life. I guess i just never i had the idea that cemeteries were a place to hunt ghosts or mess around, so it kind of shocked me when you mentioned it. It always struck me as place that connected the past and the present, or the living and the dead. A scared place that we will all end up one day, something that connects us.

When I went to the Grand Canyon, the only thing I could say was “Oh Sh!t”. Usually loquacious, I was stunned into silence and I felt it, The Force, that overwhelming feeling of connectedness to everything in the universe. Your idea about Yggdrasil really resonates with me. I have literally felt exactly what you’re describing. Blessed be!

Definitely agreed that blending the stories and mythos with science is the best place to be.

That cemetery is beautiful, all that moss, the giant moss covered tree, the taller tombstones, it looks like a scene from a video game, no cemeteries look like that where I live.

I really think checking out shamanism would benefit you. Shamans often use such trees to ascend to the upper world or descend into the lower world “subconscious” and gain wisdom. If you view Yggdrasil as a shamanic construct for reaching other layers of reality and altered states of consciousness, I think it makes a lot of sense. Love your stuff btw.

I really loved the end of the video!! 💛

I’ve felt the connection and you said it exactly. Like a tree. Thanks brother

Very nicely said. Well done.

I want to see the look on people's faces when they walked past while filming that last clip. :D "Who's that crazy ginger hugging a tree?" I remember seeing a documentary on Siberian/Amur tigers over ten years ago. The "host" of the show was traveling with the locals of the Russian far east, and as they had to take sap from a tree, they bowed before the tree and thanked it. It has always stuck with me, as something so devoid from the Abrahamic religions - respect for, and gratitude towards nature.

I love your videos they have helped me on my journey.

I love understanding what you're talking about with the idea of tapping into another existence, almost as if melting into the universe and experiencing a connection with existence itself rather than what we determine to be reality. It's a beautiful feeling that I wish everyone could have an experience of.

I must say. I have decided to start your videos over from the beginning and watch all of them. You are wise sir. I imagine you’re a great conversationalist. Keep it up. You have my support and the support of the gods. HAIL!

Thank you for this info.

Awesome video thank you sir

Beautiful interpretation, and one that I hold as true as well. "And you will come to find that we are all one mind."

There is much truth and magic in what you say, may the source of all things bless you kinsman. Respect

I am listening as I am tearing a Boston butt I smoked yesterday and listening to you speak on the connection on all living things. I must say you are completely right. That feeling is unmatched to any feeling of euphoria that I have ever experienced. And in my prior Christian experience I never felt anything that could compare which is what I love about Pagan worship

I love your channel

Hi Jacob!☺️ Thank you, Skal!

I think you made a very personal yet educational video that I resonate with but also learned from. When I was doing my homework on the realms I thought of it the same way. There's some science behind any believe. I also believe that the milky way has something to do and is connected in an energy and spiritual way to other worlds in our solar system. Great video!

Theres a tree that stuck out to me at my uncle and grandparents grave. I just started following Paganism. I've felt a connection with that tree. I'll have to visit it again soon.

I came from Budhism too! I like how you explained everything and I found myself thinking the names before you said them from memory lol.

I've found from my occult research and astral travel that yes the 9 worlds are real but they exist in our minds and in another universe separated from our material world also the squirrel story is one of the funniest of the myths

I am really looking forward to that hall

Jacob, This has been one of the hardest concepts for me to rationalize in my mind and it seems you have done a great job in helping me do so. I am a big fan of the universe and cannot believe that the world is flat. I believe that the description of the beginning of time including Yggdrasil, the Midgard serpent, and the dwarves holding up each corner of the cosmic vault give a description that leads people to believe the world as we know it is flat. Modern science has disproven this theory once held and I know there must be an answer that science cannot dispute. A balance between religious, scientific, and historic truth is where I believe the literal truth resides. I was raised into a Christian household and because of this I formed a Christian lens. This lens has been fractured since I became an adult and I am currently on my own journey to discover what god/gods I have an emotional and spiritual connection to. The various forms of "Paganism" (which I understand is a derogatory term given to them by Christians) is a stop on my journey to enlightenment. I am giving this a diligent look currently in the hope that I can eventually find a home with the true god or gods wherever or whoever they are. I will never tell another that their gods do not exist because I am only human, how can I possibly know which gods are the true gods. Perhaps all gods are the true gods who simply demonstrated themselves to different cultures in different ways. I Suppose that i am currently classified as an "Open Agnostic" but I hope in due time my path will become clear. Thank you for what you do!

I was a photographer in Lexington for a time and did many newborn, maternity, wedding, etc photos at the cemetary. I always got there early and asked the spirits for their blessing.

This is exactly the kind of thing that brought me to this faith, and Druidism beforehand. I've always had a feeling that there is a world tree. I've felt that connection where if you focus on it, you can start to forget yourself and be one with it all.

Thank you so much for this video. Your enthusiasm is wonderful and you do your best not only to explain what the names and levels are in Norse myth and belief, you also are living it here and now in this century where humanity seems to have lost its connection to self and to others. The longhouse or hall is not just a symbol of life in a clan. Everyone is related. All are responsible to themselves and each other. That is something the current political systems of the world in the 21st century lacks. So I appreciate your welcome to a flagon of ale in your longhouse. Skoal!

As someone who has spent years dedicated to Śākta/Śaiva Tantra with close connections to Tibetan Buddhism, and who also really digs Heathenry for the earthy ancestral spirituality, I appreciate your view on the subject of Yggdrasil. Buddhist philosophy on emptiness reminds me of Ginnungagap

i live in upstate ny...i have 2 huge oak trees in my yard...and a maple...trees have a fantastic network to interact with each other...every living thing is interconnected...i intend to learn how to blend my 'soul' with theirs...

Hello Jacob, what cemetery is the tree in? I too have an affinity with the Tree of Life, etc. And I had lived in Lexington way back when. With my travels this summer I may like to stop and visit the tree. Thanks, for your amazing information videos.

New Subscriber here and I have much to learn.

If you want to explore another nexus I’d recommend checking out Morehead State University’s Eagle Lake at the back of campus. At the heart of the Daniel Boone forest and literally on the Sheltowee trace. I currently live in Lexington (went to UK for music before Covid hit and I decided to not go back) but I went to MSU for undergrad. That lake feels like a portal or nexus between the worlds, a direct line to this energy you’re talking about. I’ve connected to it often, and it’s always been exhilarating!

I absolutely adore the idea that wormholes could be the bifrost!

So I went through some spiritualities and at one point I even considered myself Wiccan and now I'm Christian but a few months ago I had this "dream" where I happened upon a tree and the branches literally connected to other parts of the world and other people came from those other countries and we all met in the middle by the trunk. Also, I didn't know about Yggdrasil from Norse mythology until I started this book 2 days ago. Now I'm trying to learn everything about it.

The large tree behind you is very loud, noticed it before you said something. lol

.. ( taking a seat ) , to learn. 👍

the intro poem could be about yggdrasil..it could be also about the quantum nature of particle phsyics. it's amazing how words play out their dance over thousands of years, not in a paragraph. ;)

I've always viewed yggdrasil as the interconnecting energy of the universe through it we can connect to God's and all the beings of the universe . I hope the gods will allow me a feast in your hall one day brother SKAL

I totally agree with you. Now this tree has been used by all religions... so metaphor or not, there is something magical and true about it.

“There’s no way he’s at the same lexington cemetery I was at a few months ago..” :o

The pronunciation of “Yggdrasil” is “Igg-draw-zil” or “igg-draw-cil” I don’t know where you got your pronunciation but that it the way I’ve been taught. Love your videos and have been a pagan for years now and I love your energy and wisdom. Skäl my friend.

There is a great old oak in my front yard I can't imagine what it has seen and lived though

Yes! We can be pagan and love science! Hail!

Hello on the last day of the Solstace standstill, I hope you are all enjoying your celebrations. I am writing to you from the Ancient Scottish city of Dunkeld where the tree you seek brushes its arils against the windows of our home. As i am sure you are aware our Scots Gaelic alphabet is a tree based alphabet and its Proto Celtic origins need no explanation here suffice to say they are old enough for Indian laments and Scottish laments to have a commonality, and for the biblical Abraham of Ur to share his origins with the sacred tree of our culture and the very same name Ur the Yew. This tree was so important in our culture that it begins our alphabet and ends it.

3:45 "NASA unvails images of what it seems to be a squirrel-like comet that travels around the solar system periodically. Apparently, this commet could in theory transport somehow some bytes of information by an unknown mechanism"

I feel much like other religions, all stories that are told are not 100% true word for word. I believe the stories in our faith have truth in them and we may not find out to what extent until we leave this world. But every story has a message and lessons for us to guide ourselves and others . I recently found your channel and have been binging videos while I work in my shop. I appreciate all you do in a time it takes to research all this. Thank you

Yggdrasil, the tree of life, is within us. It’s the shushumna. The spine. The chakras. All the way up to the crown from the root. It’s the journey of spiritual evolution to super consciousness

Mycelium from fungus, mushrooms are like a neuron network and communicate. Paul Stammers goes in depth on this.

You are doing a great thing, because in a lot of European cultures cemetery is a place to come and reconnect. Even if you follow the myths, it still would be a different place in Europe than in Us

I also covered Yggdrasil in some of my videos, and have found it fascinating that others are doing the same. My reasons for doing so were not just by chance, but from a past life hypnosis session where I saw myself as a white elf with purple eyes. It made no sense to me, so I began digging for more information and found purple eyes to be the most rare eye color in this existence. I had never heard of it before. Perhaps looking into Mudfossil University would give more credence to the lands of Midgard being the flesh of giants. Obviously, this event of the creation of the world would have taken place so very long ago, it would appear to us as a myth, but the science is catching up to the truth of all things. Mt Sumeru is said to be at the north pole, and is an iron mountain from the remains of a very large and ancient tree, which is why all compasses point north. It is said that this tree is at the center of our world, and our world is not a globe as we have been taught. There are potentially more lands beyond the ice wall, or Arctic Circle, and one can sail through the Summer Gates that open in the wall in Antarctica during summer. There is also a park in India dedicated to Mt Sumeru that people can visit. Science and spirituality will unite again soon and we shall know some of these lost truths.

Yggdrasil is the very essence of the Divine in the universe... This is the revelation I reached from this.

Interesting I also had / have a strong interest in Buddhism particularly Zen. What Buddhism interested you and what was it that made you move towards and onto Norse paganism?

You talk about being a Buddhist and meditating and feeling the energy. Do you still meditate? I feel that same energy when I meditate and feel that meditation is such an important part of understanding ourselves and the world around us. When I pray I do it in form of meditation because I feel closes to the gods then. The wisdom that I gain when I meditate I feel is a direct connection to Oden, Thor, and Boldr, the 3 gods that I look so highly to.

I think of Yggdrasil as consciousness, with the human manifestation of this being the brain. Microglia (Ratatoskr) travel around the nervous system “looking” for trouble and communicating what they find to other types of glial cells and neurons. That’s how the scientific part of my mind frames it.

The earth is a place where life springs from the balance between fire and ice.

I'm from Kentucky to lol not to far from Lexington

💖

Asguard Mountain North Pole, ARC TIC , Asgard mountain range, ANT ARC TICA

Yggdrasil really is a massive tree... It's in the etheric realm which is why you cannot see it, but it's roots reach above the clouds... I've seen it in a vision. It was more of a Memory that I unlocked.

I'm not Norse or pagan (but you are familiar with my belief), but it is a certain kind of idea that has stayed in my memory (because it is a tree). What it has been to me, is not completely of the outer-seen world, but of the mind and the inner world. The sky branches and underground roots of the spindle tree is a strong symbol to be of the mind, which consists of conscious (above) and unconscious (below underground) aspects. The location of the tree at the spindle also speaks of centrality, and of the mind taken as a whole (not just your ego-self). It is very interesting, because the terrible serpent is below in the dark and eagle is above in the light, and communication between them happens through a squirrel traveling up and down the trunk. And surprise surprise, the inner places of my own imagination order themselves around and along the trunk and roots of a tree also. Though not an Ash. (not that I don't like Ashes).

Glad I have stumbled across your channel! Was previously into Buddhism myself, but have started to feel a strong urge to explore the Norse practices. It’s cool how much you can really take from Buddhism. I’m a half caste myself, Filipino and European.. It feels authentic to draw from both sides.. but, I wonder what your views may be on Heritage and blood and soil, Folkish and universalist views? But regardless, awesome insights and thank you!

That tree is fed by the dead it roots feed upon the spirits of the Lost they reach out with the mighty branches with the ambition to live once more

I have a tree in my back yard that is as big if not bigger of that tree, and I to also call it Yggdrasil.

Nine Realms of Norse Mythology(Viking Mythology): 1.ASGARD 2.VANAHEIM 3.MIDGARD 4.JOTUNHEIM(Realm of Frost Giants) 5.MUSPELLHEIM(Realm of Fire Giants Like Surtr,King of Fire Giants). 6.HELHEIM(Realm Kingdome of Hel(Daughter of Loki). 7.NIFLHEIM(Another Realm Kingdom Hel(Daughter of Loki). 8.ALFHEIM(Realm of Light Elves) 9.SVARTALFHEIM(Realm of Dark Elves) 10.NIDAVILLR(Realm of Dawrves Like Ivaldi And Sons of IValdi And Family of Ivaldi.)

I believe that Yggdrasil represents a _psychological_ map of the _inner_ cosmos. That it can more or less be represented literally in the mind, as all objects in the mind works as metaphors for emotions, the subconscious, and mythical entities. Sigmund Freud imagined the *ego* as the stem in the middle, the roots as the *id,* and the branches as the *superego.* The nine worlds are different Freudian complex. All those other beings with the "squirrel", the "serpent dragon", the "eagle" and so on -- these are interpretations for other types of processes communicating messages on the fringe of the unknowable. Somehow, the branches in the top also communicates directly with the roots at the bottom. These are represented as the entanglement of the external cosmos (the real world), which are mysterious. Sort of our _root-biology_ (represented as part of the id) can be directly intertwined with the _branch-collective psyche_ (represented as the superego) with other souls.

Is it just me that sees a face in the giant tree in the background? Look at the big tree where the branch with all the green connects to the actual tree..

Is that the cemetery that holds Daniel Boone?

Branches and Roots. All is connected. There is NO separation.

The world of dwarves is Svartalfheim, Svart (black) alf (elf) heim (home), I'm just trying to help with the pronunciation. Or it is Nidavellir, but black/dark elves and dwarves are frequently conflated, they could even be the same thing ("dwarf" is the name of the mythical creature or spirit, it has nothing to do with being short, and the condition of dwarfism was named after these beings, despite the fact that they weren't necessarily short).

I turned Saturn into a massive Yggdrasil Orchid Complex. Growing food for 100 billion people acrost the galaxy within Saturn's sky, playing Stelaris

Do you know the Stargate tv series? It's scifi, but they use Egyptian and Noorse mythologie in it. And I love it.

I think because of the age of our religion the people who observed the universe then could only attempt to put the vastness of the universe into terms that was relevant for them at the time. And although maybe the universe isn't specifically a tree as we know it, like you pointed out in your picture, maybe it resembles a tree so much that it is still fundamentally Yggdrasil. I think modern science take a very macro approach in a sense that they look very very closely at the most intricate parts of the universe that it's difficult to see what the whole thing makes up in the wider picture. Skal.

Lexington WA?

At fist i thought you were a Norwegian speaking American very well. You look totally Norwegian, that earthbound,connected, honest solid man. Jotunheimen means the home of the Jotner. The Jontun(Jotner) are potraited as giants, but they also are nature beings, of the earth and the mountains. I'm Norwegian, and I'll tell you for sure...no Norwegian ever discuss Tor and Odin and Valhalla....ever. paganism may exist in Norway, i don't know, but even in school this old beliefs not included more than a footnote in ancient history. As a Norwegian i always spend my life close to the nature. Renting a farm house...giving offerings to te barn nisse (gnome-small people? Small packages with sugar,salt,pepper,dryed mushroom,silver, wool, Tea, coffee,herbs, I put this under the barn,on top of a huge stoneblock....covered so no animals would touch it Next summer they'll all gone... No mice could take them small packages..no mouse droppings. So i made a new batch last summer...will check again this summer... I know I'm not the A4 human being...I'm nothing but square. I do not see or hear them, but i know they're there. I lived in Gausdal, north west of Lillehammer, near by Biørstierne Bjørnson lived, a farmer by the river down i in the wallet,was suddenly told by a voice in his head to go outside and into the stable. So he did....3 three feet tall beings clothed in blue garments with pointy hats met him. He wasn't scared. But i do not remember if he got any messages. By the riverbank i for the first time gave offerings to the nature people.

From Ailm to Ur this is the tree you seek it is a common resident in graveyards, in Alba/ Scotland our oldest example is a tree many thousands of years old this is the tree of life of death the tree of knowledge of everything, the umbilical to join us all. Its modern day range extends around the globe from the US in the West to Japan in the East and from Southern Scandinavia in the North to the Mediterranian in the South. The tree exists in three forms male, female and under stress a third Hamaphroditic form, on one grow the biblical fruit that is red, on the other grow the Golden apples of the Hesperides and on the third grow both. It is sacred to all who have slept in its shade.

Question for you, if one wanted to form relationships, and speak to the gods, lets say it nature. Would speaking the words aloud be the way? As apposed to speaking within your consciousness. Or would that be a personal choice? In other words do u think it would be possible, that they could hear you through your mind

Yggdrasil is the true Vrill. Our life force, with realms, as our DNA is life force with realms!🤔😲 Also, Pagans used to incinerate their dead relatives down to ash, and bury said ashes underneath a “family tree,” Yggdrasil was the first, and oldest of these sacred giant Trees 🌳. The energy from the ashes runs through the roots of the tree, up the trunk, to the leaves, and back down through the soil. An eternal ring-from the rain falling onto her leaves, (leaf, leif, LIFE,) full of energy and Vrill, and runs through this cycle (hopefully) forever ♾.

Read about the bock saga, you will understand more about the ’livsträdet’

🙂👍

Hvergilmir is the spring. Silent H :)

Look like a nervous system too...... All connected

I find it funny that all religions have one thing in common the tree

We live in the belly of the Beast, GARMR

Tree is an anagram of Etre …..To Be !!!!!

Ok but why is yggdrasil the path in aot?

Ginnungagap Niffelheim Muspelheim ild is Draber Faber Ymir Jotun Skaber Aser :)

Your 'just stories' are more real then you know...

In**