On October 4th, or September 21st by the old calendar, Russians and Slavics honor the Day of Svarog, the celestial blacksmith and guardian of fire. He is revered as a powerful Slavic deity, often considered the son of Rod, the great creator. Scholars associate his name with the ancient Slavic word svara, meaning “dispute” or “chastisement,” though some also trace its origins to the Indo-Aryan term svarga, signifying “heaven” or “the heavens.”

Interestingly, the sole mention of Svarog as a king comes from The Tale of Bygone Years, which chronicles the events of 6622 (1114 AD). It is said: “After the great flood and the division of languages, reign began with Mestra, a descendant of Ham, followed by Jeremiah, and then Feosta, whom the Egyptians named Svarog.”

Feosta: The King Who Forged Fire and Law

During Feosta’s reign in Egypt, legend tells that tongs fell from the heavens, granting Egyptians the power to forge weapons, thus ending their reliance on clubs and stones. This divine gift inspired Feosta, or Svarog, to implement laws—chief among them, that women should be bound in marriage to one man and live with virtue. Any transgression against this decree was met with the harshest punishment: death by fire. It was for this reason that the Egyptians bestowed upon him the title of Svarog, “the one who punishes with fire.”

Prior to these laws, women had the freedom to consort with whomever they pleased. After giving birth, they would choose a favored man and say, “This is your child,” to which he would celebrate and claim the child as his own. Feosta put an end to such practices, declaring that each man should have only one wife, and vice versa. Those who defied this law were cast into the fiery furnace—a fate reserved for those who dared to violate the sacred bonds of marriage.

Dazhbog: Upholding the Father’s Commandments

Following Svarog’s reign, his son, Dazhbog, ensured that the laws of his father were not only upheld in the Slavic lands but also in Egypt. Upon hearing of a certain wealthy Egyptian woman and a man who sought an affair with her, Dazhbog set out to catch them in the act, determined not to break his father’s laws. The guilty pair was found, and their punishment was swift. The man was executed, and the woman, shamed across the land of Egypt.

Thus, The Tale of Bygone Years presents Svarog as more than a ruler—he was a just and firm king, whose reign brought order through his strict, yet fair, laws. His legacy was one of both fire and justice.

The Star of Svarog – The Radiant Symbol of Rus

In the beginning, there was only silence and void. From this void emerged Rod the Great, marking the dawn of all creation. From him came his first son, Svarog, born from a spark, a living flame, radiant and celestial. And Rod spoke: “Create and bring forth the world.” Svarog then stepped onto the barren earth, lifeless beneath his feet. With his enchanted hammer, he struck the sacred stone Alatyr, and from the sparks arose the first gods—the Svarozhichs.

With immeasurable love, Svarog crafted the new world, protecting it like a father would his child. His mighty sons moved mountains and set rivers free, their waters flowing with the vibrancy of life. Svarog, alongside his beautiful and radiant wife Lada, guardian of the Great Rod, taught humanity wisdom, kindness, and the skills of creation. Yet the most important lesson of all was love, for without love, there would be no world—neither this one nor the heavens, nor even Svarog himself. For love, bestowed by the Great Rod, is the essence of life.

The Commandments of Svarog: The Path of Love and Virtue

As the creator and protector of the universe, Svarog also crafted the Blue Svarga, the celestial home of the gods, where the souls of ancestors watched over their descendants, their eyes shining like stars. His will instructed mortals to live with goodness and to purify their souls. He gifted his children, humanity, with sacred laws to live by in the world of Yav. These thirty-three commandments governed the existence of all three realms: Prav, Yav, and Nav.

The foremost commandment of the Great Heavenly Father was love and respect for one another—love for parents, spouses, and children. Through love, people bring forth goodness in the name of their earthly and celestial kin. Svarog also instructed men and women to remain faithful to their spouses, for fidelity shields them from the deceitful temptations of demonic forces. His commandments emphasized purity, both of body and soul, the observance of spiritual fasts, and the avoidance of vulgar speech.

Honor and Wisdom in Every Strand

In his wisdom, Svarog forbade the cutting of hair, even when it turned grey, for hair was believed to contain the wisdom of a life well-lived, a connection to the divine. It was not for humans to take pride in their strength or intelligence, for these gifts were meant to protect the weak, a noble responsibility that required humility and pure intent.

No Blood on the Altar

The commandments also forbade the offering of blood sacrifices on the altars of the gods, as blood represented death, and death had no place upon the sacred altars of life. What was unknown or mysterious was not to be feared or forgotten. The faithful seeker would receive wisdom and uncover the unknown, for all knowledge came from the gods.

33 Commands

1. Honor Your Family: A son should respect his Mother and Father, and a husband and wife must live in harmony.

2. Faithfulness is Sacred: A man shall be devoted to one wife alone, for without this, there is no salvation.

3. Seek Truth, Avoid Falsehood: Shun deceit, follow the path of truth, and honor both your earthly kin and the Heavenly Rod.

4. Honor Sacred Days: Hold the third, seventh, and ninth days of the week in reverence. Celebrate the Great Festivals. Let all people fast on the third and seventh days. Working on the ninth day will bring no gain, whether in talent or fate. The seventh day is granted for rest—to people, animals, and fish. Visit one another, support each other, and sing songs to the gods in joy.

5. Observe the Great Fast: From the burning of Marena to the wedding of Dzhiva, protect yourself from deceit, keep your belly from overindulgence, your hands from thievery, and your mouth from slander.

6. Revere the Egg: In honor of the egg of Koshchei, which our Dazhbog shattered, causing the Great Flood.

7. Remember the Passion Week: As our Dazhbog grieved from crucifixion until his salvation as the Swan-Dzhiva, so must you grieve in humility. Do not partake in intoxicating drink, nor speak harsh words.

8. Celebrate the Days of Kupala: Recall Perun’s victory over the Skiper-beast, and how he granted freedom to his sisters, cleansing them in the waters of Iriy.

9. Honor Perun’s Day: Remember Perun’s wooing of Diva on the fifth day, his triumph over Niy, and his defeat of the god Veles. Celebrate his wedding with reverence.

10. Praise the Mother Lada and the Heavenly Rod: Honor the protectors of the Great Race and the descendants of the Heavenly Rod.

11. After the Harvest: Reflect on Zlatogorka and observe the Day of the Wise Volkhv, son of Indra, the Bright Falcon.

12. Honor the Day of Makosh, the Radiant Mother: Celebrate the Great Heavenly Mother, the Holy Mother of God.

13. Celebrate Tarch Dazhbog: Recall his wedding with joy and reverence.

14. Revere the Great Inglya and Your Gods: They are the messengers of the One Rod.

15. Respect the Aged, Protect the Young: Seek wisdom, for your ancestors left it as your inheritance.

16. Live in Peace with Other Tribes: Help those who ask for your aid.

17. Defend Your Home and Faith: Give your life to protect your family, your faith, and your sacred land.

18. Do Not Force Your Faith on Others: Remember that the choice of faith is a personal one, and belongs to every free individual.

19. Celebrate Pashet: Remember the 15-year migration from Daariya to Rassenia, and how in the 16th summer, our ancestors praised the Heavenly Rod for saving them from the Great Flood.

20. Live in Harmony with Nature: Do not destroy it, for it is the foundation of your life and all living beings.

21. Avoid Blood Sacrifices: Do not offer blood on the Alatyr stone, as the gods are angered by the spilling of innocent blood.

22. Defend Your Sacred Sites: Use all your strength to protect the sacred temples and help all travelers and priests who guard the ancient mysteries and the Wise Word of the gods.

23. Eat Clean Food: Avoid meat with blood, for consuming it will make you as wild beasts, and sickness will take root within you. Nourish yourself with pure food from your fields, forests, and gardens, and you will gain strength and be free from illness and suffering.

24. Do Not Cut Your Hair: Let your hair, even when grey, remain untouched, for it holds divine wisdom. Cutting it may cost you your health.

25. Raise Your Children in Virtue: Teach your sons and daughters to live righteously, to value hard work, respect youth, and honor the elderly. Illuminate their lives with faith and the wisdom of their ancestors.

26. Do Not Boast of Your Strength: Do not seek glory or fear from the weak, but earn your honor and strength by battling the enemy.

27. Do Not Speak Falsely: Guard your lips from slander against your neighbor.

28. Do Good Deeds: Perform acts of kindness in the name of the Heavenly Rod, your great ancestors, and your sacred land.

29. Treat Others as You Wish to Be Treated: Every action will be measured by its own merit.

30. Tithe Wisely: Offer one-tenth of your wealth to the One God, and one-hundredth to your leader and his warriors, so they may protect your land.

31. Do Not Reject the Unknown: Seek to understand what is unknown and explain the unexplained, for the gods assist those who strive for wisdom.

32. Respect Life, but Defend Your Land: Do not take life, for it is not yours to give, but do not spare the lives of enemies who threaten you and your land, for they act against the will of the gods.

33. Do Not Accept Rewards for Divine Deeds: Any good done with the help of the gods should not be rewarded, or the divine gift will be lost, and no one will say that you have done good.

Practical Application of Svarog’s Commandments:

The ancient wisdom passed down through Svarog’s commandments provides a timeless guide to living a harmonious, balanced life. These principles can be applied in several practical ways today:

1. Respect for Family and Community: Building strong familial and communal bonds is essential. Treating family members with love, honor, and loyalty fosters unity. In our modern context, this can be translated into nurturing healthy relationships, effective communication, and mutual support in both personal and professional settings.

2. Faithfulness and Integrity: Being true to one’s commitments—whether in marriage, friendships, or work—ensures a foundation of trust. Remaining faithful to promises and maintaining honesty strengthens personal and business relationships, creating a dependable reputation.

3. Observing Rest and Rituals: While modern life can be fast-paced, it is vital to incorporate periods of rest and reflection. Observing regular days of rest (like Svarog’s command to respect the seventh day) helps avoid burnout and encourages rejuvenation. This also includes celebrating important personal milestones and holidays that foster a connection with tradition, family, and community.

4. Harmony with Nature: The command to live in balance with nature is more relevant than ever. Sustainable living practices—such as reducing waste, conserving resources, and protecting the environment—align with this ancient wisdom. By adopting eco-friendly habits, we honor our role as stewards of the earth.

5. Charity and Helping Others: Tithing and helping those in need is a core value in Svarog’s teachings. This can be practiced by volunteering, donating to causes that matter, and assisting others in our communities, ensuring that society grows through mutual aid.

6. Pursuit of Knowledge: The emphasis on seeking understanding and wisdom is a call for lifelong learning. In modern terms, this could mean continuously educating oneself, being open to new ideas, and embracing change with an inquisitive spirit, in both professional and personal endeavors.

Conclusion:

The teachings of Svarog offer a holistic guide to living a righteous, fulfilling life. They advocate for personal integrity, respect for others, harmony with nature, and the pursuit of knowledge. While these commandments stem from ancient Slavic tradition, their essence transcends time and culture, providing a framework for ethical living that remains relevant today. By integrating these principles into our modern lives, we create stronger relationships, communities, and a more balanced existence in harmony with the natural world.