On Sunday, January 12, 2025, members of Blót Kindred Idavallen held their midwinter blót separately. I do not have much to add regarding this, as I myself, together with NBR Thommy Vähäsalo, participated in Blót Kindreds Gungnir and Draupnir’s joint Midwinter Blót this year. Therefore, my text will focus on this event and the importance of visiting other blót kindreds within our community.
On a hill just outside Falköping stands an ancient stone monument with a history dating back over 5,000 years. As we walk along the moisture-laden path up the slope, we are greeted by flags and familiar faces already gathered near this burial site. At the top of the hill, the cold wind howls, and remnants of yet another burial chamber from the same era can be found.
It is at the passage graves in Vårkumla that we gather to hold the sacred rite in accordance with the customs of our ancestors. A place rich in history and culture, these stone monuments serve as a constant reminder of those who lived here before our time. At this time of year, the landscape may not be at its most splendid, but I can imagine how breathtaking it must be in summer when everything is in bloom, or in autumn when the sharp colors of the leaves contrast with the stones.
As darkness slowly begins to creep over the plains, the blót commences, officiated by Lena Svensson Hildebrand and Peter Karlsson, with all present swearing an oath to Tyr to uphold the peace of the blót. Once this is done, the deities are invoked in harmony with the deep drumming of the assisting Uwe Pötter.
Throughout the blót, the raven’s mournful cries echo across the vast landscape. Thoughts that this might be a sign of the deities’ approval are not far off, and the group seems to sense it as well. The blót is carried out in its entirety and is performed well. Many meaningful toasts are made by the approximately 30 attendees—greetings and tributes to the deities and family, as well as wishes for health and prosperity.
A particularly enjoyable initiative that followed was a grand feast featuring a wild game buffet and engaging conversations. It is always wonderful to meet people one usually only sees at the larger gatherings.
Finally, I would like to briefly mention why I believe we should travel more between the blót kindreds. By doing so and attending each other’s events, we strengthen the community as a whole. Firstly, it allows us to forge strong bonds within the community, which is absolutely necessary. Since we are still a relatively small group, it is all the more important that we stand united on common ground, respect one another, and strive toward the same goals. Secondly, it is beneficial to see how different branches of the community operate. There are always things to learn and apply to one’s own practices at home. This became very clear to me—how set in my ways I have become over the years. Even small things, such as the fact that the horn used during the power ceremony had a different shape than what I was used to, caught my attention.
With that said, I strongly encourage everyone reading this to take the opportunity to visit other blót kindreds. It broadens one’s perspective and gives so much in return.
Hail Gungnir!
Hail Draupnir!
Hail Nordic Asa-community
