On Sunday, 21/12-2025, blót kindred Idavallen gathered at the home of the Vähäsalo family to hold the Winter Solstice rite. For us members, this moment marks not only the turning point of the light, but it is also the anniversary of our fellowship, our blót kindred.
In connection with the solstice, we also always hold our annual meeting, during which we, among other things, review the year that has nearly passed, what we have accomplished, and which activities we have carried out. We also plan the following year’s blóts, rites, and other suitable activities. This day, in the spirit of fellowship and light, always concludes with a much-appreciated feast, for which we all thank our hosts, the Vähäsalo family.
The powers blessed us with radiant sun and clear blue skies that day—a clear contrast to the long, sun-shy period leading up to the solstice. Our circle of eight was closed by NBR Thommy Vähäsalo as all swore by Tyr to maintain peace. This was our first Winter Solstice rite, so a certain uncertainty regarding the various moments of the rite was naturally present. Our blót kindred, however, was led gallantly through these by Thommy, who always manages to balance seriousness and reverence with just the right amount of lightness to sufficiently de-dramatize so that no one feels inadequate. A quality I find both admirable and necessary when new forms are introduced.
In advance, a hay-covered sun cross had been prepared. This was passed around the circle, and all offered thoughts and feelings that would later be sacrificed. As the rite approached its conclusion, the sun cross was hung on a tripod above the crackling fire. It was a spectacular and symbolic sight to behold as the flames first embraced the sun cross, and ultimately consumed it entirely in shining flames.
A takeaway for next time—it is well worth ensuring a fire-resistant suspension device. This one was made of rope, which led to the fire quickly gnawing through it once the flames had reached a sufficient height. Thus, we were treated to another type of spectacular fire display, albeit unplanned.
Once the rite was concluded, we all moved indoors to warm our chilled bodies. We held both a feast and a productive meeting, during which we decided on places to visit, dates for festivals, and other relevant activities we intend to complete.
In addition to our rite, another major event took place that day. Our then-probationary member Anna Andersson was inducted as a full member of blót kindred Idavallen. In the presence of the blót kindred members and with the powers as witnesses, she swore her oath to Idavallen in the Trätälja gudahov. A valuable addition and a fine asset to our fellowship. Hail Anna!
Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to praise the Goði/Gyðja-Circle for developing the new model for how we are to conduct rites. It is clear that we needed to distinctly differentiate our blóts from our rites. This has been done in a well-considered manner, where the course of the rite feels familiar, but is not quite as spectacular as the blót. As a previous practitioner, one quickly picks up the thread, and everything feels very balanced and appropriate.
Lucas Gustafsson
Event Manager, Idavallen
