God Rod is the Creator God of the Slavic pantheon and worldview. He stands above all gods, people, animals, spirits and other creatures and worlds. All the rules are contained in Him; from Him they came and turned into the laws of the Universe. He created our Motherland, which included the Three Main Worlds, they are united by a single World Tree, which stands on the sacred stone of Alatyr. And we are all part of the Family.
But Rod did not realize his ideas alone - with him there were also Women in Birth - the female incarnations of the Creator Goddesses, feminine principles, continuers of childbirth. The cult of the Rozhanits called for fertility, a bountiful harvest on Mother Raw Earth, and was important for the continuation of the birth of the Slavs.
God Rod in the pantheon of Slavic Gods
When there is no order in life, then the table is empty.
The Slavs thought so, therefore order is the main way of life. God Rod, a Slavic God, created the Universe and worlds with great love from the components of Chaos-Udgard. The Slavic world that the Rod created is called the Motherland. All this happened before the beginning of time, but the people keep in their memory the history of the creation of all things. Slavic mythology has answers to important questions: “Where did the Progenitor and Creator Rod itself come from?”, “Where did all the Slavic Gods and Goddesses come from,” “How was the Motherland formed and how did our ancestors begin to be?”
That's what the myths say.
Find out more about God Rod:
Books from the publishing house "Northern Fairy Tale" - not a single book is complete without God the Creator.
Once upon a time, everything that existed consisted of Chaos-Udgard - a disordered Something. Time, events, matter, space - everything was mixed into one.
Rod, God the Creator, was sent to such a place in order to create order there and form something specific out of Chaos. Rod realized himself inside the Universal Egg, which was located in the middle of Chaos-Udgard, clots of great power.
...There was emptiness outside, neither non-existent nor existing, nothing, nothing... there was neither death nor that which lives forever. This single creature, Chaos-Udgard, breathed only its own essence, hidden first in the Darkness, then in the Void.
Then Rod divided one clot into two layers. Thus began the interaction between Light and Darkness, Black and White appeared, and the day was divided into day and night. Without such division there will be no collision, nothing will move, there will be no development and growth.
Where did the Slavic Gods come from? This is what you can find in the books of the knowledgeable Olga Boyanova.
The family began its order with great love, a new world began to take shape. Therefore, He, as God the creator, has such qualities and prefers such activities as: creating, inventing, embodying ideas, plans, looking for solutions, ways. Rod really likes all this. Our ancestors used to say: “Everyone’s own business is nice, but someone else’s always seems boring.”
In order for order to be maintained and the management of the created Worlds to continue properly, Rod created his main assistants - dark and light Gods, made of black and white particles of Chaos. Each of them must fulfill its task and support its part of the Universe. Rod endowed each God and Goddess in their own way with all the qualities that are necessary to perform the main tasks.
For example, Lada and Svarog became the supreme light gods - they are spouses. From the dark gods came the Destroyer Gods. Their role is no less important than that of the creative supreme couple. The Dark Gods must destroy what has already become obsolete, is not needed, should not exist. This approach is extremely important when something new must replace the old.
Until God Rod divided the world into Three Main Worlds - Reality, Nav and Rule, disputes between the dark and the light flared up and did not subside. The World of Reveal was inhabited by people and elemental Gods, and small spirits that helped man. The light gods remained in Prav, and the dark ones in Navi. There are no direct paths between Navya and Pravya, so the confrontation subsided and a balance was formed.
But meeting in the obvious World, the parties still continued their disputes and even reached wars and battles. It was then that Rod created another main assistant, who would be included in all the Three Worlds, would be able to possess the abilities of a powerful Magician and negotiator, to reconcile everyone and find solutions acceptable to the entire Universe. Therefore, Veles appeared - the God of ancient Magic, Wisdom and the Three Worlds. Only he has many options for how to solve this or that matter, only he has inputs and outputs throughout the three worlds.
Look here at the Genealogy of the Slavic Gods.
Picture of the world of the Slavs
The spherical shape of the temple reflected the world that appeared in the form of the Golden Egg. This is an unprecedented look at the creation of the universe, unparalleled in other cultures. All three levels of existence occupied their share, located one above the other.
Gradually, with the transformation of ideas about the world and the expansion of knowledge, the ideas of the Slavic peoples were supplemented by the image of the Tree, which was the god Rod. Currents of vital energies flowed through him, like sap through the veins of trees. He united the past, present and future.
The Slavic god Rod was responsible for the harmony of all things and compliance with the universal rules of order. It intertwined ideas about the good and fair creative principle, which keeps the secret of the emergence of a life spark. Only he knew the true destination of every living creature.
Legends and myths about the Slavic God Rod
There were nine heavens around the Earth, each with its own purpose. The Sun and stars lived in one Sky, the Moon lived in another, and the other Sky was for clouds, clouds and winds. In the Seventh Heaven there was a transparent bottom of the World Ocean, from where the Abyss of Heaven would fall if one of the gods opened this “firmament”. It is believed that in this Ocean all reserves of water, rain, and sources can never run out.
All Worlds and heavens are connected by the World Tree, like an ancient oak, with its strong branches. If you move along the World Tree, you can get to any of these worlds.
The tree stands on the Alatyr stone, firmly anchored on it with its roots. The Alatyr stone is located in Svetly Iria (or Vyria, Buyan Island). The ancestors of all animals, fish, and birds live on the island. That's why they are all called "seniors". For example, “elder wolf”, “elder eagle” or “elder deer” and so on. The ancestors of the Slavs previously believed that in the fall birds fly not to the south, but to Buyan Island in order to winter over the severe cold.
The souls of those animals that were killed by hunters, according to Slavic beliefs, ended up in Iriy, where they held accountable for their existence in Yavi before the “elders”. The animals will tell everything: how the hunters treat them, whether they thank animals, birds and fish for giving their lives for people, whether they harm living beings. After such meetings, the “elders” released animals, birds and fish back to the earth so that food for people and other animals would not dry up on it. When a person turns out to be very guilty before Nature, then there will be trouble - all the game and fish may leave and will not return.
Here is an example of a description of the World Tree that stands on Buyan Island:
...there is a copper pillar, and a horse is tied to it, there are pure stars on its sides, a moon is shining on its tail, and a red sun in its forehead.
The horse was understood as the existing Universe, which is tied to the Tree, its axis.
Nightingales, Bird Gamayun, Alkonost, Sirin, Stratim, Firebird and Duck nest in the crown of the Tree. Bees are found in the trunk of the Tree, ermine is found at its roots, and the fruits of the Tree are the seeds of all plants on Earth.
According to the beliefs of the Slavs, if they dance around a birch, oak or other sacred tree during the holidays, then they pay their respect to the World Tree, from the seeds of which those festive and round dance trees grew.
There used to be protected forests where only plants grew whose fruits were edible and medicinal; they were protected by people and used only for holidays, rituals and healing. According to legends, spirits were found in sacred trees to help people in everything. It was also possible to get to different worlds through sacred trees. And all this, down to the smallest detail, was planned by God the Rod, the Progenitor and Creator.
Slavic places of worship and location of idols
The Slavs' ideas about the world were seen in the clear geometry of the temples. The chosen location had to be at the highest point in the area. Early places of worship were an unfenced place on top of a hill or in the middle of a natural, rounded clearing.
Idols were installed in the center in order of seniority and importance. The most central place could be occupied by an altar stone. A prerequisite was the presence of a source of fire. Since the god Rod was one of the leaders, his position in this type of temple was in front of the altar stone.
Closer to the VIII-X centuries AD. e. Slavic holy places acquired an original structure. Its geometry could differ slightly among different nationalities, but the following was considered mandatory:
- the shape of a circle as a symbol of the structure of the world in the shape of an egg;
- a channel with running water along the border of the internal space;
- vaulted entrance arch with low crossbar;
- one or more altars for offerings;
- fencing made of willow, aspen, birch branches;
- an open altar in which a fire was lit;
- clear orientation to the cardinal directions.
In the circle of idols, the Russian god is facing the eastern direction. The rising rays of the sun were the first to illuminate his statue. The main material for carving the image was wood. However, closer to the Urals, preference was given to stone.
Amulet - a symbol of the God of the Family
The sign of the Creator of the Family is called “Rod”. The sign is used in two ways - one that “spins” with salt, in the direction of the Sun - personifies male power. And the other sign “circling” is the counter-salt, against the course of the Sun, personifying feminine power. The World Tree amulet is associated with the sign of Rod, as well as Alatyr, used by the Slavs as symbols of the God of Rod. The Rod symbol is suitable for women, men, and children. The patronage of the Family and His power help to establish close ties with the family. For those who wish to continue their family line, the sign will give the necessary strength.
The World Tree symbol was used in house carvings and traditional embroideries.
Suitable for anyone who wants to strengthen their family ties, as well as who wants more children.
The Alatyr amulet helps children not to get sick, young people to get stronger and gain intelligence, and adults to live happily. Girls can receive happiness in love, spouses can receive protection from unkind people or eyes.
What amulets are there that give protection to the God of the Family?
To know
The meaning of gender symbolism
The amulet of the Slavs had several functions:
- establish relationships with loved ones, strengthen connections between generations;
- protected the family from enemies, evil spirits and troubles;
- help cope with a serious illness;
- attract good luck and prosperity.
The amulet of the god Rod was very significant for the Slavs - it warded off misfortunes from the owner of the amulet, made life easier, and protected from enemies and diseases. But everyone who becomes the owner of a talisman with the symbol of the Family is obliged to behave in the most dignified manner towards their family and friends. If the rule is not followed, all the power of the amulet will turn towards the owner and destroy it.
Manifestation of God Rod for the Slavs
The Slavs believed that God Rod the Progenitor created all living things and ordered the Worlds, and then retired from business and began to rest. But even though the Rod has stopped creating new things on a large scale, it still, no, no, will come up with something beautiful, useful, and necessary. The ancestors of the Slavs understood that they could turn to Rod for support, help or advice at any hour and day. Therefore, they used His sign and attributes in order to unite their thoughts and souls with Him. All our ancestors are present in this Supreme God, therefore God Rod is our main deity.
How to activate and charge talismans
Each amulet needs preliminary cleansing and activation - otherwise it will be just a useless trinket. It doesn’t matter whether it was bought somewhere or made with your own hands - the main thing is to remove harmful energy from it and charge it with the power of water, earth, air and fire.
According to ancient custom, this ritual is performed alone, without calling anyone for help, away from prying eyes. The item must be imbued with all the elements:
- First you need to go out into the field or into the nearest forest and bury the talisman with the symbol of the Family in the ground, and dig it up 3 days later.
- After soiling, rinse the amulet in cool water from a stream or river.
- lay it out to bask in the sun's rays, ideally laying it on the grass for additional replenishment with the energy of the Earth and Air (so that the wind blows on it).
If the day is cloudy or there is no opportunity to be closer to nature, the energy of the sun is replaced with fire from a lit candle, forest soil with a flower pot or ordinary table salt, spring water with tap water, and the wind will blow well even with ventilation.
It is better to carry out the cleansing procedure more often so that the amulet works well, giving its owner protection from difficulties and adversity.
God Rod in the northern tradition of fortune telling
The Reza of God Rod consists of the northern system of fortune telling and magic “Slavic Reza Rod”. The cut has the same image and outline as the symbol (amulet) - Rod.
Cut number – 1
Fortune telling . Questioning God . Reza Roda, who appears in the layout, speaks of many opportunities that have opened up for the Questioner. Advice from God of the Family - it is important to work on yourself, your inner state. Rod consoles himself with the fact that even if what was planned and for which efforts were made does not happen, it will still happen sooner or later.
In the section “Slavic Rezes of Rod”: knowledge about how, where and why God Rod is found in the northern magical tradition, magic and fortune-telling.
Location of idols in a sacred place
Occupying a leading position in the pantheon, God Pod was the only one who was strictly geographically oriented. The remaining figures were arranged according to hierarchy relative to the figure of the All-Father. Thus, the attitude of our ancestors to their ancestor was consolidated.
The Slavic god Rod, located in the center, could be surrounded on both sides by his sons - Belobog and Chernobog. Next were the female deities who patronized the family. Behind them came the gods of crafts and military affairs. If the temple included idols depicting the Ancestors, they closed the circle. Thus, the face of the Family always looked at the Ancestors of the community.
Sacrificial gifts to the deity
According to the research of ethnographers, the god Rod did not accept blood sacrifices. They brought him fragrant resin and gifts from agricultural activities. Each member of the community engaged in a craft brought symbols of their occupation.
Being in the middle of the temple, the Slavic god Rod was the first to accept all the gifts that were brought to the sacred land. In the works of the Soviet ethnographer-culturologist V.P. Rybnikov, the Russian god Rod appears as a wise teacher. That is why his most important requirement was repentance and awareness of the right path in life.
Who did Rod patronize?
God patronized everyone who ensures the extension of the genealogy and the strengthening of the community. He is not responsible for crafts or economic activities. But he carefully watches over those who reserve the right to instruct and guide a family or community.
He extends his patronage to protectors and patrons of the family, wise keepers of knowledge and educators. The Slavic god Rod is vigilant so that descendants do not forget the instructions of their ancestors. Through his efforts, our forefathers pass on their wisdom and guide people along the path of life.
How did our ancestors worship the All-Father?
The Russian god Rod did not need noisy departures. He is one of those who constantly monitors humanity. Relying on available surviving sources, they brought him the demand and pronounced ritual words. All the action took place at dawn or at dusk.
The difference in the territorial features of the area imposed its own adjustments.
As an idol, the god Rod was exhibited in the highest and most clearly visible part of the temple. Passing through the entrance with a low crossbar, a person bent down, bowing to his ancestor. The Slavic god Rod granted intercession and support to the bearers of his sign - the Busla palace. Thus, by performing daily deeds that strengthened the community, each member paid tribute to the Family. Show in full
Children are born
The first god Rod created his sons Belobog and Chernobog. Following them, he called upon Svarog, who helped complete the plan he had begun. Then it was the turn of all the other Slavic gods. Having distributed spheres of influence between them, he gained a foothold in Prav, leaving other spheres to his offspring.
In his idea, the Slavic god Rod embodied the first Slavs who became the Ancestors. He conveyed to them knowledge and understanding of universal laws. Henceforth, the Family exerted its influence on the destinies of subsequent generations through the Ancestors.
How to wear a talisman?
The main rule of wearing an amulet is a pure heart and good thoughts. If the owner of the amulet cherishes insidious plans or wants to harm someone, then all the power of the sign will turn against him. Our ancestors completely trusted the person who wore the symbol of the Family. After all, such an acquaintance could not be planning evil.
Wooden amulet
Otherwise, the amulet is universal. The only caveat concerns children. For them, it does not have all the protective functions. Since kids have not yet decided on their own purpose in the world, the sign does not give them support in achieving their goals. However, it has a protective effect and protects against the evil eye and evil thoughts.
For women, a wooden pendant would be a suitable option, and for men, a silver ring. Another condition of the amulet is double-sided execution. Regardless of whether it is made in the form of a pendant or a ring, on the reverse side it is necessary to depict the opposite direction of movement of the rays. Only in this case is the amulet endowed with the power described above. The exception is tattoos. However, before taking such a step with permanently applying a symbol to the body, you should carefully consider the relevance of its action throughout life.
The Orthodox Church does not approve of the depiction of the symbol of the Family, due to the pagan roots of its origin.
The mark should not be placed on weapons or military equipment. At best, the amulet will remain useless, and at worst, it will have the opposite effect.
In no case is it permissible to throw away or spoil the amulet, otherwise it won’t take long to bring trouble to the whole family. The amulet is carefully stored and passed on from generation to generation.
