Today marks the beginning of the Yule celebration, a festival which in heathen contexts is also known as the Midwinter Blót. It is a time when community stands at the center, and when the turning of the year is observed through gathering, gift-giving, and shared celebration. Under the light of the full moon, horns are raised to Odin and Freyr, gods associated with wisdom, fertility, and responsibility for both humankind and the world.
The Midwinter Blót is also a time to honor our forefathers and foremothers, whose hugr—strength and memory—is understood to be present in the here and now. At the same time, reverence is given to the nature beings who, according to tradition, watch over homes, farms, and the land. The celebration unites ancient customs with a modern context, allowing them to retain meaning and vitality in our time.
This is expressed in word and verse as a closing, where community is strengthened and the bonds between past, present, and future are kept alive:
Horns are raised high,
Odin keeps watch there.
Freyr grants fruit and peace,
the year and kindreds bear.
The hugr of forefathers moves,
the counsel of foremothers remains.
Beings see and hear,
at homestead and sacred place.
The full moon shines bright,
midwinter calls to feast.
Gifts pass from hand to hand,
and joy dwells in every guest.
We remember the old ways,
and carry them in our time.
Midwinter binds us together,
in honor, faith, and peace.
Hail Odin
Hail Freyr
Hail the Forefathers
Hail the Foremothers
Hail NAS/NAC
Hail Ásatrú
