HeimdallThe WatchmanGuardian of BifrostLord of Himinbjorg
Relationship
The one who does not look away
Warning
He sees the approach before it arrives and does not negotiate
Resonance
Those who keep watch those at a threshold those who begin something
Symbols
HornBridgeSwordRainbowRam
Mythology Summary
Heimdall keeps watch at Himinbjorg, where the burning bridge Bifrost meets the sky: Gylfaginning 27 says he needs less sleep than a bird, sees a hundred leagues by night as well as by day, and hears grass grow and wool on sheep. He owns the Gjallarhorn, is called the whitest of the gods and golden-toothed, and Hyndluljod makes him the son of nine sisters. At Ragnarok he sounds the horn, and he and Loki kill each other (Gylfaginning 51).
Modern Practice
Heimdall opens a working: modern practice calls him first, at the threshold, to hold the edge of the rite while it runs, and closes with him when the horn's note is done. Watchfulness, vows and the start of any journey are his.