The Blót kindred gathered for the customary Victory Blót on April 12th. The location was new to most of us—a burial field with a history stretching back at least 4,500 years. Yours truly and Ulfva Hvidegaard served as assistant officiant. We gathered beforehand at an elevated spot overlooking the field, and after preparing the site, we were ready to meet our participants. At the parking area, we had Susanne Rutfält guiding visitors on where to go. As people gradually arrived at the site, they were warmly welcomed. Many new faces in the crowd—six in total had made their way out to Pilane. Several of them live in the nearby area and took the opportunity to attend a blót since it was close by. It was such a joy to welcome them into our fellowship. Altogether, we were 15 in the ring, plus the blót officiant and assistant. Four more were seated outside the ring.
The ceremony began with the customary blowing of the horn, and the ring was formed. The blót officiant welcomed everyone once again, and Ulfva read aloud the customs and traditions. This time, we got to practice our Danish, but the words were also translated into Swedish. After all, we are the Nordic Asa Community, and today we truly became Nordic. Once blót frith was declared, the ceremony was underway. The sun shone down on us in the ring, as well as on those participating outside it. Two participants arrived after the ring had been closed, but they sat beside us, and we included them in our thoughts.
A couple of our newcomers had brought their parents, who sat a bit further away and took part in the ceremony from a distance. As always during these ceremonies, many emotions and thoughts arise during the various toasts we share. The story behind why we celebrate the Victory Blót was read aloud, and the participants were also given the wonderful news that the Pope’s Stone at Gamla Uppsala, Sweden has now been removed from the site, and the land has been restored to its heathen spirit.
After we had concluded the blót, we enjoyed a shared swedish fika in the grass and the beautiful surroundings. Several initiations were waiting, and it is always a joy to welcome new brothers and sisters into Asatru. To be precise, seven individuals wished to undergo the initiation rite and take that step. It is always a special moment, as blót officiant, to guide those who seek to walk through the ceremony. During the final initiation, the person said it was time to cleanse the sacred energies that were still lingering within. And right in the middle of the words, a thick mist rolled in over the site—a worthy sign from the powers that be, and one that filled us all with awe.
After everything was completed and people had talked and shared stories, it was time to head down to the cars and part ways. The helpfulness within the group is always strong, and getting everything packed into the cars was smooth and easy. Ylfva got a ride to the train, and the rest of us made our way home, uplifted by a beautiful moment in a beautiful place. Now summer has truly begun. Thank you to everyone who came and helped make this a cherished memory for the future.
Hail Gungnir.
Hail NAS/NAC.
Hail to all of you participants.
Uwe Pötter Blót officiant.
