I apologize for not being able to create a title that could completely summarize my question.
Basically, I’m a fairly new and inexperienced heathen who has only had experiences with Loki. Quite a handful of experiences with Loki, but nonetheless, only Loki. I have been thinking of branching out and trying to honour/build up a relationship with other deities as well as Loki, but then my mind concocted a doubt. Due to Loki not having a very good standing relationship with the Aesir and Vanir, and me being one who honours him, would it be unlikely that I could gain a decent relationship with any other Norse deities?
I am far from an expert on Norse deities but while Loki is a bit of a loner there are so many different stories about him working with and against other Norse deities that I would not automaticllay rule out the possibility of working with others. At the very least you might be able to work with his children.
Having only my own experiences with the Norse and not any formal training I would say you would be okay.
As the Eddas and the Lore suggest Loki has been both a bane and a boon to the Aesir. He is Odin's drinking buddy, Thor's often traveling companion and is often seen by followers of the Norse to be a catalyst for change.
Yes, some of the gods and goddesses have issues with him. Eventually they tied him to a rock with the intestines of his son and placed a great snake above his head to drip venom on him, save for what his devoted wife catches in a bowl. He is a participant in Ragnarok, so this confinement is temporary.
I do not think you would have great issue in forming a bond with other Gods/Goddesses and working with Loki. He is of the Aesir. Now, the Asatru (those who follow the Aesir) may not agree with me on this, as they find Loki and any who do not reside in Asgard as not being of the Asatru. There are many who work with the different gods and goddesses and cross the lines of who is god and good and who is not. I find that the line is fluid. Though not all of them are 'gods' (some are classified as giants, some as other things) I do not see why one could not work with them all in some way. They are all far more 'advanced' than mere humans and should be given respect at the very least (my opinion).
You may find that some gods and goddesses are willing to work with you given your only experience is with Loki. However, you may also find that some will work with you, so long as you do not bring him into the work as well. (From personal experience, there are days that Loki is the worst thing to bring up when working with Frigg and other days when it isn't an issue.)
I personally do not give an offering of drink to Odin without giving one to Loki as well. when I make offerings to the Aesir, I make them to all who are told of in the Sagas and Eddas as being of the gods of Asgard.
Nord, that was a lot of useful information, thanks! Though in my recent research I’ve found that (for the most part, and it is still debatable) Loki is considered Rokkr, I find your statement to be a reasonable way to look at it. I’ll really be thinking about that idea of yours in future.
Also, thank you so much for reminding me about Odin and Loki’s drinking buddy relationship. I had read about that a long while ago, but I’ve forgotten it since. This is really convenient, because I have found myself thinking about honouring Odin as of late. Remembering the good part of Loki and Odin’s relationship really helps me out, thanks!
Sometimes, working with Norse deities is simply about being upfront and asking. If you're wanting to broaden your horizones, so to speak, simply ask the deities you are about to honor or attempt working with whether Loki will be an issue or not. I find that most of them are blunt about their feelings one way or another. In my own experiences, so long as I keep my relationship or dealings with Loki out of my relationships and dealings with certain other deities - everyone is happy and life is fine. You'll have to find that line, if there is one, as you go.
Loki is considered to be one of the Rokkr deities, but he still also belongs to the Aesir as Nord suggested. He has much history with the Aesir and, in my opinion, holds some of the same respect. He has had many positive interactions with the Aesir, along with negative ones, so it's not all bad.
Of course, I'm biased. And your answer probably will vary depending on which kind of Heathen you stumble upon. I'd just ask the Gods themselves.
