On Sunday, February 1st, the blót kindred Idavallen gathered at the Mogården burial ground in Sweden to hold a communal Midwinter blót for the first time since I joined. This blót was closed, and was thus held intimately within our own little community that we have built up over the years within the Värmland expanses.
Midwinter blót in particular has always been a time for reflection and thought in solitude for me. A breathing space where I detach myself from the noise and sluggishness of everyday life and truly go within, almost meditatively. An opportunity to examine oneself, contemplate one’s achievements and goals for the future. This is often a clear turning point, both in the nature surrounding me and within myself. As brighter times noticeably approach, sparks also begin to fly within me. A hunger for activity and commitments awakens after winter’s inevitable dormancy.
This year, however, our blót kindred decided to hold the Midwinter blót together. A decision, it would turn out, that led to one of the finer, most intimate blóts I have participated in so far. We were only four who showed up at Mogården’s snow-covered hills. Even though the minus degrees barely reached double digits, the cold made itself known and bit us in both cheek and foot. It was lucky then that we were so few. In that way, we all had room to closely embrace the warming flames of the fire.
Since the celebration of the holiday was closed, and we were so few participants, this gave us room for deviations beyond our standardized blóts. A very welcome element for me. The blót was characterized by generous dialogue, humor, seriousness, and fellowship. It is an incredibly fine blót kindred we are building up.
The blót proceeded as a blót should. We toasted in the honor of powers and people, honored each other and those we hold dear. We shared deep thoughts about what Midwinter blót specifically is to us and what it means and signifies. A celebration that left one with a warm feeling of togetherness and reflection, despite the cold weather.
Where our other blóts often feel strong and powerful, I experienced this one as more familiar and calm. A different sense of security that doesn’t necessarily trump impressions and feelings from other blóts. Rather, this became a new extreme of the spectrum of experiences different blóts can offer. And that is correct, as we after all sacrifice to different powers for different reasons on different occasions.
This is the breadth of our and our ancestors’ faith. Something we all proudly pave the way for into the future and for coming generations. In a world that I experience as increasingly uncertain and difficult to navigate, it feels both right and proper to once again walk in the tracks of our origins. The faith and culture shaped by nature itself and its forces around us. Hail Ásatrú!
When the blót had reached its end, we went together to consume food and warm up indoors before we all parted ways for this time and set off for our respective homes.
This became a blót out of the ordinary that well exceeded my expectations. Something I would like to see recurring in the future. A big thank you to those who were present.
Hail Idavallen!
Hail Nordic Asa-community!
Hail the Powers!
