On April 12th, we gathered at the ancient Inglinge mound, just outside Växjö in Sweden to hold our Victory Blót. When we arrived, a grey blanket of clouds lay over the site and a chilly wind swept through the air, as if winter was reluctant to release its grip. Sól remained hidden but occasionally let her rays peek through as we prepared the blót table, raised the banner of the Nordic Asa-Community, and our flags adorned with Yggdrasil. Just as the flags were raised, ravens appeared in the sky—they circled above us like guardians, and their presence filled our hearts with warmth. One could feel that the powers approved. To see and hear the Raven God messengers at that moment created a strong sense of harmony with the sacred.
It was the second time we held a blót at this location. The first was in 2021—our very first blót as a blót kindred — when we gathered for a private Álfablót. To return now, to hold an open Victory Blót and feel the welcoming presence of the powers—it stirred a deep inner joy and reverence.
Once everything was in place, we took time to walk around the area. It is a powerful place, not only because of the burial mounds and the large grave field where our ancestors rest, but also because this was once a place of allthings. Disputes were resolved here, laws were established, and blóts were likely held in connection with these gatherings. You can feel it in the earth—a pulsing heritage, a force that still vibrates. Standing on top of the mound, looking out over the landscape, gives a deeper understanding of why this place was chosen—both as a gateway to the afterlife and a gathering site.
As we explored and took photos, several curious locals stopped by. They asked what we were doing and who we were. When we told them we were followers of the old faith holding a blót, their faces lit up. They thought it was both fun and meaningful that our ancient faith is kept alive—and that we had chosen this very place, where they themselves often feel a strong presence when passing by. Several shared how they had sensed something special here during their walks. Their pride in the cultural heritage of the site was unmistakable. During the blót itself, more passersby paused at a distance and watched with interest. It surely became a topic of conversation in the village Inglinge in the days that followed.
Sól began breaking through the clouds more frequently, and as the hour approached 2:00 PM, more participants arrived—familiar faces and newcomers alike. Some had traveled far—from Listerlandet in Blekinge in the sothern part of Sweden, from Bodafors in Småland, and from other regions. Our blót kindred leader and blótofficiant, Lena Salomonsson, has strong roots in Listerlandet, where her father and part of her family come from. It was especially meaningful for her that participants from there joined us—particularly since two of them are the couple she will wed this summer. The groom’s parents, who also attended, turned out to have connections to Lena’s relatives as well. It became a heartfelt meeting full of conversation and kinship.
The blót began with Kicki, who assisted Lena, striking the drum nine powerful times. Then the Sed och Bruk (Custom and Practice) was read aloud, followed by the closing of the circle—16 people united in this sacred rite, accompanied by the rhythm of the drum. The gods, the land spirits, and our ancestors were invoked. This blót was not only dedicated to victory for the future but also a tribute to the coming of summer.
Lena chose to call upon a rarely mentioned but significant deity—Svasud, described in the Poetic Edda as the father of summer, the one who awakens the season to life. It felt natural to turn to him at that moment. In addition to Svasud, toasts were raised to Odin, Thor, Njord, Freyr, Freyja, and others. Words were spoken with power and heart.
Lena also delivered a speech—a warm, heartfelt, and inspiring summer address. She spoke about why we gather, about what the Victory Blót means—not just as a holiday, but as a reminder of the struggle for inner and outer victories. She spoke of the strength in community, of the gods we turn to, of triumphs in our lives and our faith. She also mentioned the recent victory in Gamla Uppsala, where the Catholic Pope Stone, after years of struggle, has now been removed from the sacred ground—a strong symbol that we stand up, that we make a difference. Her words struck deeply. It was clear they came from the heart, and many of us felt the power awaken within. The sun’s rays broke through the clouds a little more. As if Sól herself was listening. Njord sent his approval through the winds swirling around us, even though we were far from the coast.
It was a powerful moment. One that remains in memory—that lands in the body as warmth, as strength. Lena carried us with her words, with her presence. We didn’t just stand there as participants—we stood as a people, as bearers of something greater. A faith, a will, a longing for meaning, community, and future.
When the circle was opened, Lena declared the blót concluded. But the day was far from over. The blót kindred now offered coffee and classic to all, and the participants gathered in joy, conversation, and togetherness. Many words of thanks were heard—for a powerful blót, for the warmth shared among people, and for the divine presence that had felt so strong.
One participant stepped forward with a glow in his eyes and announced that he wished to undergo the rite of initiation. After a moment of joyful swedish fika, talk, and laughter, we formed a procession and together walked to the top of the burial mound. There, under the watchful eyes of the gods and with the presence of the ancestors beneath our feet, the ritual was performed.
It was a mighty experience. Something happens when one stands in such a place—it’s as if the ground itself whispers with the memories of those who walked before. The initiation up there was felt in marrow and bone, in spirit and mind. The drumbeats thundered across the mound and traveled through the air—perhaps reaching all the way into the village of Inglinge, perhaps even farther. To be initiated in such a place, before the gods, nature, and kindred, is a memory for life. It is to enter Ásatrú with one’s whole being.
After the initiation rite, we continued our fellowship. Sól broke through the clouds and gifted us her warmth. The Raven God emissaries soared high above our heads—watchful, present. It felt as if Njord himself walked among us, between the mounds, letting the wind carry messages from the sea. The offerings, our words, our toasts—all had given strength to the powers we called upon. And they answered.
The day became long, rich, and multifaceted. The spiritual lay close, but so did the human—laughter, conversations, meetings. Seeing so many gathered gives strength. Knowing that we are many, that there is community and belonging for those who may have once felt alone in their faith—that is invaluable.
So we invite you all: Come to our blóts. Come alone, come with family, come with children or a dog—you are welcome just as you are.
Our blóts, which you can find in our events calendar, are open to all who wish to honor the gods, the earth, life, and kindredship.
A warm thank you to everyone who participated and made this day possible.
Our next blót is the Winter Nights in October—keep an eye on the calendar for the exact date and time.
And don’t forget—you can also meet us at the NAS/NAC Summer Blót 2025 at the Rök Stone in Ödeshög, the weekend of week 28 (July 11–12). There, kindred from across the country will gather.
Victory to us all.
Victory to summer.
Victory to life.
—Frank, Blót Kindred Yggdrasil, Småland – District East
