What is Hausta Blot?

By on August 8, 2021   /   Belief, Blot, Faith, Religion   /   Leave a comment

What is HaustaBlot?

Hausta blot is the end of summer season blot. Hausta itself means “Autumn” and some have equated this blot with an equinoxal rite that corresponds to the autumn equinox and perform blot at this time. However, this timing for blot was adopted via the Wiccan calendar (this calendar was invented in the 1960’s) and has been erroneously incorporated by many pagans for decades now.

The Wiccan calendar is problematic for several reasons, but the biggest reason is the fact that our most ancient ancestors originally calculated the yearly cycles based on a lunar fixation with time. Though not widely known by many modern pagans, time was measured by nights and not days. We see this documented within modern english usage with terms such as “fortnight” (The word derives from the Old English term fēowertyne niht, meaning “fourteen nights”). More importantly, there is historically documented attestation to a lunar calendar. The most commonly cited example was made by Bede when writing about yule in his anglo saxon history wherein he wrote how the dates of some holidays (Holy Days) were changed to correspond to the xtian events i.e. xmas. However, we also have a surviving Icelandic calendar that is entirely based on the lunar cycle. This calendar is called the Misseri calendar. This calendar contained precise dating of festivals and blots.

There were three major festivals a year. In the Inglinga saga Odin set a law for the folk, he specifically states that we will have three festivals (or Viezla’s) in the year. These festivals are winter finding also called hausta, yule, and sigr/sumri (also called sumersdag. This is not the midsummer. Mid Summer was also a collective gathering for the folk but this gathering was the AlThing). These festivals were three day events in each cycle of the year. For our ancestors the year consisted of three cycles. The numbers 3 and 9 was and is the very fabric of how all things worked in the cosmology and worldview of our ancestors and also extended into our holy days and ritual formula’s.

Each 3 day festival consisted of 3 blots for a total of 9 blots that were performed in the course of a year. Without going into a deep dive into the history of these dates for all of the festivals (if you’re interested in knowing more, you can email me) the proper placing of the Haustablot corresponds to the ending of the yearly cycle which falls normally around the end of October and beginning of November. Bede mentions this would take place after the first full moon during Winterfylleth, or the “winter full moon,” because, as Bede explained, winter was said to begin on the first full moon in October (the dates change each year based on the lunar cycle).

There were three blots performed during the Hausta Blot. The first rite was Freyrs blot which was the chief blot for the festival and is often specifically called the HaustaBlot. This was a public ceremony and was performed to thank freyr for the bounties of the harvest and pray for protection against poverty for the coming year. The second blot was the “disablot”. This was the “goddesses” blot and was considered the catalyst of the deliverance of the aid to the folk. This was a  private rite, each family would retire to their residences or lodging and connect with the disir and honor them and pray for healing and fertility for the coming year. Frigga and especially Freya and her handmaidens would be the goddesses one would focus on during these private rites along with ones female ancestors and the fylgia. The third blot during the festival is called Alfarblot. Freyr is again the host of this blot and ones male ancestors and especially the alfar would be the focus of this rite. This blot would be a public ritual wherein the folk would seek protection and healing from sickness and plagues in the coming year.

I hope this explains for all that had questions about what hausta Blot is. I invite all to come to the Winnili kindreds HaustaBlot event on October 23rd and partake in this ancient rite with our kindred.

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The Gods Of The North

By on January 29, 2021   /   Belief, Faith, Gods   /   Leave a comment

The Gods of the North

All the gods and goddess were not worshipped equally, many of the gods Snorri Sturluson described are known only from the Viking age; others were worshipped centuries earlier. Odin was more popular in Norway and Denmark, Frey in Sweden, Thor in Iceland and Germany. It is still possible to pull together a list of Asatru’s essential deities, but first we must explain the two main families or clans of Gods, and their roles.

The Aesir and Vanir

The Gods and Goddess of the north break down into two tribes, The Aesir and the Vanir. The Aesir are more involved with force and rulership and are associated with the sky. These include; Odin, Frigga, Thor, Balder, and Tyr. The main Vanir deities are Njord, and his children, Frey and Freya. All three live with the Aesir in Asgard, and the other of the Vanir live in Vanaheim, although we know virtually nothing about them. The Alfar or elves seem to be related to them. The Vanir are associated with fertility- of humans, animals, crops, and the seas. At one time the Aesir and Vanir were at war, and as part of a peace treaty between the tribes, the gods of the Vanir that live in Asgard were sent as hostages.

Odin

Wotan, Odin, the Allfather- he has a special place among the holy powers. His might and main sparked the breath of our life and provided the inspiration for our soul. He is the fury in battle, the chooser of the slain, and the God of victory. He has sacrificed himself to win the runes, his eye to Mimir’s well for knowledge and tricked the giantess Gunnlod to drink the mead of inspiration. He walks the Nine worlds both physically and spiritually, always pushing the boundaries of what is comfortable and safe in order to learn and grow. He is a spiritual force throughout the land and the leader for our folk. His example inspires us towards a life of relentless betterment, and power through strength and knowledge. He is on an unending quest for knowledge and immortality. Wotan is not a God for everyone, all revere him but few will choose to walk the path he leads. The Havamal says:

“It is best for man to be middle-wise, Not over cunning and clever:
The learned man whose lore is deep Is seldom happy at heart.”

This stanza says it all, if you choose the path of an Odian there is always a heaviness that you must learn, the runes will call to you. The realization that everything you have been taught is a lie could make you insane. Strict discipline is required, there is no joy, but there is a fulfillment in life’s purpose and a burning desire to transcend this life with your consciousness intact and become divine.
To honor him in the religious will give you wisdom, to follow him in the esoteric will give you enlightenment, and immortality.

TYR

Tyr is the God of war and right action. The major myth concerning Tyr is that of Feneris the giant Wolf. He was taken in and raised by the gods, especially Tyr, but as he grew, and grew and the gods became worried and were threatened by him. So, they devised several games designed to trick the wolf into being bound, but he was able to break all of them. Finally, the gods went down to the Dwarves (who are amazing craftsman and create all sorts of magical items) and they created a ribbon that would restrain the wolf. The gods took the ribbon to the wolf and taunted him saying that he should easily be able to tear the ribbon as he had the chains, but the Feneris sensed something wanted a guarantee. One of the gods would have to place his hand in his mouth. Tyr unhesitatingly stepped forward and put his sword hand in his mouth, the wolf was bound, and Tyr ended up losing his hand. The Warrior’s lot is to sacrifice for his community, he or she goes in harm’s way, knowing that death may be the result. Tyr represents courage, honor, and duty. His rune stave was carved on swords and spears in early Germanic history, it is the original “Victory rune”.

THOR

Thor, son of Odin and the giantess Jord is known as “the friend of Man”. While Odin is the god of Aristocrats and Heroes, Thor is the patron of the common man and woman. He was known as Donar by the Germans, and Thunor by the Angles and Saxons. He wields his hammer Mjolnir with the power of lightning, it never misses and always returns by magic. He wears Iron gloves and a belt “Megangirth” that doubles his strength. He is the archetypal warrior, tasked with defending those to his care. He protects the worlds of the Gods, and that of humans, from all threats. Including numerous giants, he is often “journeying in the east” seeking his prey, but his arch-enemy is the World serpent, Jormangundr. The snake is a child of Loki and stretches around the world on the ocean floor, when Ragnarök comes they will battle and kill each other.

Thor’s hammer has come to symbolize protection and holiness. This power extends to actual ritual hammers, to hammers carved in stone, and even to hammer-like gestures made with a fist. Miniature amulets in the shape of Mjolnir were worn as necklaces for protection, or to give the wearer Thor’s strength and boldness. While hammer-shaped objects go back into antiquity, they also seem to have become a specifically pagan answer to the cross of Christianity. Thor was spoken of as doing single combat against Christ. A thousand years later, the hammer is worn by those who follow Asatru.
Thor and his hammer also represent fertility, that of humans, the fields, and livestock. The lightning flashes over the fields and brings life-giving rains that make the crops grow. He represents strength; strength to endure, perseverance, and will power. Thor can be our guide to strength and the boldness to use it.

FREYA

Freya is the best-known Goddess of the German folk, she is love, beauty and a goddess of war. She is the leader of the Valkyrie and has the first choice among the slain in battle and takes them to Fokfang, where she resides in Asgard, the other half go to Valhalla. Her rune is Berkano, Berkano is beauty, gestation, it is a source of new beginnings. It is the rune of concealment and protection. It is the womb wherein the individual grows insight and new wisdom. Freya is Life, she reminds us to enjoy ourselves, and that life is not just about struggle and valor. She reminds us to sing and dance, to make love and music and poetry; to enjoy all the beauty and passion around us. She reminds us to be in our bodies and feel the emotions and sensations that we can only feel as human beings here on Midgard. She reminds us what we are fighting for. She reminds us to LIVE

FREY

Frey is Freya’s brother. Frey personifies fertility, prosperity, peace, and pleasure. The Prose Edda tells us “Frey… rules over the rain and the shining of the sun, and therewithal the fruit of the earth; and it is good to call oh him for fruitful seasons and peace. He governs also the prosperity of men.” Frey’s powers lie in the realms of fertility, wealth and pleasure but he can be a fighter as well. The best-known story of Frey is of him wooing the giantess, Gerd. While sitting Odin’s seat which looks over all things, Frey sees Gerd and is instantly smitten. He persuades Skirnir to ride to the land and plead Frey’s case for marriage. Gerd denies proposal after proposal, but when faced with a terrible curse she agrees to wed. Frey in turn gives Skirnir his magical sword that can fight by itself. Another story about him where he fights a giant named Beli with an antler and kills him. At Ragnarök it said that he will greatly miss his sword when he fights the fire giant Surt.
Frey has connections to kingship and sovereignty, under the name Yngvi-Freyr, he is known as the divine ancestor of the Yngling dynasty of ancient Sweden. Farmers, gardeners, herdsmen and all who make their livelihood from the land, can call upon Frey. All who want prosperity, should seek the blessings of Frey.

EASTER (OSTARA)

Easter or Ostara was a Goddess of the Angles and Saxons. She is honored at the Spring equinox, Christianity stole her festival for the resurrection of Jesus. The Easter bunny is said to have been the bird which at one time drew the chariot of the Goddess of Ostara and was turned into a hare. Every year however, at the coming of spring the hare remembers, and in commemoration of its original bird nature lays eggs as an offering to Spring and the Youth it symbolizes. Eggs during the festival were thrown high into the air and if caught would mean good luck for the upcoming year.

NERTHUS

NERTHUS (also called Frigga, the wife of Odin) is a Germanic goddess of the earth, and she is mentioned in Tacitus’ Germania. Tacitus wrote that Germans drove a wagon bearing Nerthus, concealed in a draped sanctuary, and wherever she went there was peace and festivities.

Practicing Asatru’

There are two main Rites in Ásatrú: the Blot and the Sumble. Daily workings of Asatru’ include; donning the hammer, greeting the sun-Sunna, and blessings over meals. I also set aside time in the morning to remember ancestors that have gone on before me, mainly my grandparents. The spirits of the dead are with us a`nd they like us to speak with them and let them know what we are doing. They offer guidance when asked or just give us their presence. There are runic combinations that can be used to access the dead, the spell-songs of Odin spell out several magical formulas. Other cultures around the world have familial alters, ours did as well. Leaving them gifts of alcohol, water or coffee in their honor as a sacrifice and appreciation of what I have been blessed with in my life.

The purpose of ritual is to get your mind and body into the correct vibration to contact with the universe, gods or ancestors. All of my daily personal rituals I perform in German, the language of my Ancestors. Though this is not necessary and one is free to say and do these things in their native tongues.

 

Written By Joe Rozanek

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The Aesirian Code of Nine

By on December 31, 2020   /   Belief, Faith, Religion   /   Leave a comment

The Aesirian Code of Nine

  1. Honor- Honor oneself with truth and fairness. Your word is your bond. Give power to your word by adhering to it. Honor your family and friends with reverence and respect. Honor your love and the way above all else. Honor is the mark of strength and nobility.
  2. Protect- Protect with savagery your blood and kin. Let no one or nothing violate your love or the way. Let there always be inequity in defense. Always protect thrice as fiercely as one is attacked. Protection is the mark of the warrior spirit.
  3. Flourish- Prosperity and growth are key to the survival of the way. Such is the mark of intelligence.
  4. Knowledge- Knowledge is power. Seek ever to expand the mind. Never stagnate, for knowledge is a gift from the gods.
  5. Change- Adapting and changing are important for growth and survival. That which cannot adapt or change is doomed to perish. Change is the mark of insight.
  6. Fairness- Pay all of your debts and pull your own weight. Always hear and consider all sides. Treat all others with equity and fairness. Expect the same from them.
  7. Balance- Remember the law of balance; all that which you do or wish for, good or ill, shall return to you one day. Strive for good.
  8. Control- Never loose control to your anger or be baited by the hostility of another. Never strike a woman unless your very life hangs in the balance. Never violate the weak or the innocent. Never tolerate those who do. Control is the mark of a disciplined mind, a sign of the greatest of warriors.
  9. Conflict- Those who follow the way of the warrior must know the art of combat, weapons and vengeance. War is an accepted part of the path. Always be prepared for hostility against you. It is a destiny woven into the very fiber of our people. Keep your body, mind , and training up at all times. Have no remorse when you must be savage during a conflict. Win, prevail, and survive.
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What Is Asatru?

By on October 5, 2020   /   Belief, Faith, Religion   /   Leave a comment

What Is Asatru?

“Asatru is an expression of the native, pre-Christian spirituality of Europe. More specifically, it is the religion by which the Ethnic European Folk have traditionally related to the Divine and to the world around them.

From Iceland to Russia, from the frozen north of Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, the Ethnic European Folk wandered and settled over a span of thousands of years. Today, their descendants are spread around the world. We may refer to ourselves as Americans or English, Germans or Canadians, but behind these labels lurks an older, more essential identity. Our forefathers were Angles and Saxons, Lombards and Heruli, Goths and Vikings – and, as sons and daughters of these peoples, we are united by ties of blood and culture undimmed by the centuries.” (S. McNallen)

“Asatru” roughly means “belief in the Gods”, “true to the gods” or “faith in the gods” in Old Norse, the language of ancient Scandinavia. Other names often used by practitioners of our faith include: Odinism, Theodism, Forn Sidr, Sedianism etc. Our ancestors most likely did not use the word “Asatru” to describe their religion, instead they probably used the word “Forn Sidr”, which roughly translates as the old customs. These customs refer to the traditions passed down through the ages which included belief in the gods and goddesses of our folk, ways to worship and connect with these divine beings, and how to live a morally sound life with within our communities. Our ancestors were a people of law and order and paved the way for us, their descendants. As a practitioner of Asatru we seek to connect to our ancient roots by observing the customs that have been left behind by our predecessors.

Basic Beliefs Of Asatru:

  1. The Nine Noble Virtues (Courage, Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Self-Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self Reliance, and Steadfastness). We believe in striving to develop these characteristics in ourselves. We also believe that the amount of the virtues that we carry with us through our lives directly affects how well respected we are by the gods, and the likelihood of us being offered a place in Asgard upon our death. We believe that the amount of these virtues we observe in our friends is a valid way of measuring that person’s worth as a friend, just as the gods use this measurement when considering our worth as a friend.
  2. We believe we have a right to happiness, strength, strong community (frith and grith), strong friends and security.
  3. There is no one way that Asatruar come to see the gods, as each comes to the path as they may understand.Although there may be differences in understanding the divine, practitioners of Asatru recognize the northern European pantheon as the gods and goddesses of our ancestors and seek to exclusively connect with these divine beings.
  4. We believe that our Orlog (fate set in motion by the events of our own lives, which are set in motion by our ancestors lives) is effected by our success or failure at following those virtues we consider most important. So much so that if we are in the right, we believe that Orlog itself will shape the Wyrd (mystical web of energy that connects all things in the world, following the rules of the Norns and of each person’s Orlog) of the universe.
  5. We believe the spirits of our ancestors are often accessible after death.  Do you still “talk” to your dead mother, grandmother etc? If so, you are speaking to a type of spirit that we call a Disir. We gather once a year to honor the ancestral mothers that have passed over to the next world. We believe our ancestors can influence our “luck” or fate and can intervene in matters.
  6. We believe that our loyalty lies first with our immediate family (including blood or sworn family members), secondarily with our extended family (including kindred members), then with our friends and eventually with our community locally and then nationally, in gradually expanding circles of inclusion. We believe that family can be claimed or denied, and thus our loyalty can be withdrawn if the person or group shows themselves to be unworthy of it. This is a family religion and loyalty to our family (and our chosen family – our kindred) is of utmost importance to us.
  7. We believe we are honor-bound to honor the gods at least during the great blessings of the year, which we call “blot”. We believe that part of honoring them involves making an offering of some sort, even if that is just pouring out a bit of alcohol to them on the appropriate feast-day.
  8. We believe in living in a community governed by law, and that enforcing that law should be an effort of the entire community if necessary. This is one of the central beliefs of Norse Heathens, and those beliefs are still alive and well in our people today.
  9. As Asatruar we believe in hard work and enjoyment of life. We believe we should be physically capable, have a well rounded education, familiar with the laws of the land, a good public speaker, capable of defending our selves, hardworking, and enjoy all the luxuries of life.
    We believe in living our lives forthrightly. We do not believe in hiding who we are.
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