Yggdrasil (Old Norse: "Horse of Odin" or "Terrible Pole") is the cosmic World Tree of Norse mythology – a mighty ash tree whose roots and branches connect the nine worlds: from Asgard (the realm of the gods) through Midgard (the human world) down to Niflheim (the underworld). An eagle sits in its branches, the dragon NÃðhöggr gnaws at its roots, and a squirrel (Ratatöskr) runs up and down the trunk.
Odin hung himself on Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to gain the secret of the runes. The World Tree symbolizes the connection of all worlds and times, the flow of life force through all levels of existence.
Incense at the Yggdrasil altar: Ash wood, oak bark, juniper berries, juniper branches, and mugwort – plants of the Nordic incense tradition that honor the connection to the World Ash.
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