Saturday, November 8 at 3:00 PM, the blót kindred Gungnir held its Álfablót at a place that was new to many of us, just outside Falköping, Sweden. The location was Ekornavallen, a very ancient burial site where many of our forebears rest in various types of graves used throughout the ages. Blót officiant was Angelica Jarfr Schwoebel, and assistant officiant was Lena Hildebrand Svensson.
The site we gathered at has been in use for over 4,000 years, that is the span of time between the oldest and youngest graves. Many standing stones can be found there, and what most catches the eye is the large passage grave located a bit uphill. It is dated to somewhere between 3300–3000 BCE. It is believed that an entire family may rest within the grave, which is commonly called Girommen. It is truly a place worth visiting and taking the time to explore.
Many members of the blót kindred, as well as outsiders, had heeded the call and came to the site. Some had driven quite far to share this moment with all of us. In the circle stood 20 people. Two adults and one child stood outside the circle. So together with both Blót officiants and participants, we were 25 people who honored both the powers and, above all, our forebears and friends who are no longer in the physical world. After the customary rituals of the blót, there were many emotional sharings. It is both painful and beautiful to stand there in the circle and take part in others’ love and longing for friends, parents, grandparents, or others who are close to one’s heart. But together we give each other strength and the power to continue walking in the life we have.
After the ceremony followed an initiation into Ásatrú, where we welcomed a new member of faith. The ceremony was led by Lena Hildebrand Svensson, who read the text, accompanied by Uwe Pötter drumming softly in the background. A beautiful moment that truly moves the heart of anyone taking the step into our community.
However, one thing still remained for the blót kindred to do: to swear in some of our provisional members who had followed us for just over a year. In total, there were three new members joining our blót kindred. Welcome Björn, Gere, and Jesper into the fellowship that is the foundation of all blót kindreds. A great moment for both those sworn in and for the rest of us with new brothers.
By now, dusk had truly settled, and we tidied up after ourselves, as should always be done. With combined effort, all items were carried down to the cars and loaded up. One question remained, where should we eat after this rather chilly afternoon? The choice fell on a pizzeria in Falköping, where about fifteen hungry people stormed in. It took a little while before everyone decided what to eat. We had the whole pizzeria to ourselves, which was good since there wasn’t much space. The food arrived fairly quickly, and laughter and serious conversations mingled in the air around us. When everyone felt satisfied and full, the afternoon was concluded, and people made their way home through the night’s darkness.
A big thank you to everyone who came and took part in this year’s Álfablót.
Hail NAS/NAC, Hail Gungnir, Hail the kinsmen and kinswomen who joined us.
/ Uwe Pötter
