Now, I don't work with Odin, but I haven't seen learning runes for spellwork as a requirement by those who do. If you are unsure how to go about working with him, be sure to read the lore he is a part of, what/who is associated with him, and look into Asatru (As faith). From what I know, he is associated with runes, Seidhr (Freyja taught him and Loki has gotten on his case for it as it was traditionally female inclined), sacrifice, wisdom, poetry (though the one I think is most associated with poetry is Bragi), and other things. I can't really tell you about his personality other than what is from lore because he feels very closed off from me. He and I never really clicked, but I've felt his presence.
After you get a good idea about his associations, referenced lore, and personality, you would go about honoring him in various ways depending on what you feel is most right.
I am currently reading the book Teutonic Religion, it has been very informative about things I did not even consider. Much more on things I barely understood. I would suggest giving it a read, if it is possible for you. I have it as a pdf file, I am sure you can find it that way as well.
Odin is Commonly believed to also be Hermes, who is also Thoth, Mercury, Quetzalcoatl, and a few others. His teachings are vast, but from what I've read, he is very difficult (if not impossible) to personally contact.
That really only applies if you have a soft polytheistic belief. Most Heathens I know are hard polytheists. It also depends on whether or not you "click" with Odin as to whether or not you can personally contact him. I don't, but I know others that do.
You work with Odin by always seeking to better yourself. Either by becoming healthier, gaining wisdom and insight, strengthening your social status, etc. Odin's association with wisdom is only part of a greater scheme of bettering one's self.
How you connect with him on a spiritual level, is by performing a blot or faining in his honor. You can find information on how to do a blot with a quick search on this site, I personally have written guidelines on it under the name, CleverName.
A faining is a votive offering, as opposed to the sacrificial nature of blots.
Let's not forget, Odhinn is the god of war and battle. Probably not the best path for any pacifists, haha. But in all truth, Odhinn is very much a warrior's deity.
I find odin to be *the changeable* he blurs into his surroundings so to speak. I do find contacting him directly is difficult, he seems to be everywhere and everything. One sees in Odin what one needs to see in him, he is many things to many people.
i do not find learning all 5 rune sets to be necessary, but at least 1, perhaps at least the elder futhark.
Well said Clev! I find devoting thyself unto thyself to be one of the greatest, ongoing ordeals of those who work with odin.
It's always nice to leave offerings.. Mead and red meat I feel are great offerings.The All - Father does appreciate wisdom,he's is after all all-knowing( I mean He gave His eye for it,that's hard core) become educated, like you are doing here... Another important part is respect,these Gods are war gods,it's probably not smart to go about like a goober trying to be cool by not being true to them.If your going to worship Him be sincere and true to Him,no false stuff,that'll get you nowhere.... Good luck on your travel, it's a wonderful path?...
