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The Assembly of The Elder Troth would like to welcome you to our website. Please click on the links to the left to enter the relevant area of our site. Just as with many organisations and faiths, the Assembly of The Elder Troth too has special days and events which are celebrated by many Asatruar. The links below provide a list of months and the events that you will find occur during those months. We hope you find the information both informative and useful. Midsummer Information Package The following Information package has been produced by Dirk Schmitt on behalf of the Assembly of The Elder Troth (AET). Introduction A fundamental concern for people in all pathways is that just having knowledge of ones path does not necessarily make one true to that path. This holds for Asatru as it does for any other. If we merely hold to knowledge, and do not bring that knowledge into our lives through action, then we are little more than scholars, who know much, yet do little. Likewise, merely being a member of a group, or an e-list, or some such does not an Asatruar make. Our actions, the things we do, are what truly power Asatru, and it is this substance that we must build upon to give us a firm grounding in the troth. But likewise, we cannot just be doers, for if we have no guidance, or blueprint for what needs to be done, we have no plan, and thus we can do, but without direction, end up lost. To this end packages such as these are vital, as they not only provide us with the how, but also an explanation of why. Another important aspect of Asatru is that of community. This can range from a general, overall view of the Asatru community as an entire entity, down to our own small groups, even down to those who have only themselves. One of the greatest challenges of the modern world is that of distance between Asatruar. The ability to meet face to face, and communicate at a direct level is severely limited. We do however have at our disposal other methods of communication, such as the telephone and the Internet with which we can keep in contact and co-ordinate our activities and functions to at least give some level of synchronicity to our workings and actions. This synchronicity provides us with the ability to have a sense of community, even if we are separated from other folk by vast distances. Considering we have the doers, and the scholars, we need to bring these two elements together to provide information to the folk, so that they can understand the reasons behind a rite, and what the intended results of that rite are to be. Thus what we need are leaders to bring forth the knowledge of the scholars and disseminate it amongst the folk so that all can benefit from the insights and hard work of our scholars. This bringing forward of knowledge is not a process of providing information in a way that folk should memorise, but instead being given an insight into the work of others through which they can then form their own ideas and appreciation. Experience is the ultimate determination, but by having a firm background, folk can understand what they are likely to experience and thus learn more from it. The lore, and our understanding of same, move and grow. It is never static, and likewise, by doing we learn more and more. This work and the words that it contains are not set in stone, but will grow and evolve as time progresses and new insights become available. This is an important part of our lore, and that is the living evolution of our traditions based upon work undertaken by the folk. This work has been constructed to aid folk who wish to participate in the December Midsummer, with background information as well as sample rites, structured in different ways so that folk may find a form that they are most comfortable with. Whether the rite takes place within a Tribe or Kindred, a Hearth or Garth, or even if the work is done solo, the work that you do, will aid and foster a sense of community as well as a rebuilding of the troth. If you have any questions, insights or suggestions, I would love to hear from you. About Midsummer The essence of Midsummer is the celebration of the high point of the Solar year. At this time we have the longest day and the shortest night, with Sunna being at her most powerful. Origins of Midsummer Ever since human beings have been capable of looking to the sky in wonderment, and thence, start to map the progress of the celestial bodies, the solstices have been high points of the year. These times mark the greatest tides of the year, when the days and nights are at their greatest and smallest lengths. Is it any wonder then, especially for northern folk, that these times were celebrated? Midsummer is the longest day, and shortest night of the year. It is the time when Sunna, the goddess of the sun and her power is at its' greatest. Amongst most European folk fire took great importance at this time with fires being lit all around. Within some subcultures these fires were lit upon high points, with others they were lit at crossroads and town squares. The material used to fuel these fires tended to be important as well, with grains or grasses being important. Their inclusion is representative of the harvest activity that is in full swing at the time, and can also be seen to be sympathetic magic, seeking to ensure the health and vitality of the crops still growing. The tradition of fire wheels, being sun wheels, which are set alight and sent, into a river seems to have also been a major part of this rite in many areas. Midsummer also is a time of the recognition that whilst we are at the pinnacle of activity and power, that it is also the start of decline. It is a reminder that work wrought in the sowing of crops, still needs active energy put into the harvest to reap the benefits to tide folk over the wintertime. Many of the symbols of this time in different subcultures of the Germanic folk have much to do with the need to ensure the continued fertility and good harvest. Symbols such as Midsummer trees and poles having a similar significance to those found as part of Ostara and Freyja's Day. It is quite possible that at this time both Thor and Sif were called upon to aid in this. It was also quite common for the branches of small tress to be used to adorn houses, barns, gates, etc. It is said that the god Balder is sacrificed at this time, with his rebirth, taking place at Yule. This is more likely a Christian overlay with the hero Sigurd also said to have been slain by treachery at Midsummer by his blood brothers Hagan and Gunthur (Gundahar). Celebrations took place usually either on Midsummer's Eve or the full moon following the time of Midsummer. Once more, it depends upon the subculture within the Germanic tradition that is holding the rite. This time was also associated with the meeting of the Althing in Iceland. Tyr being the god of the Althing would also be appropriate to be called upon if an Althing is to take place at this time. For those interested in herb lore, there are many herbs, which are said to be their most potent when harvested on Midsummer's night. Much magical power is said to accrue on this evening too. Other magical powers attributed to this evening are the blessing upon cattle, as well as the ability to make predictions. Many of these predictions have to do with the finding of love, with a number of interesting concepts being associated with the time. Modern Considerations What we must also be aware of are some factors, which impinge upon just how one celebrates Midsummer. Many associate the time with Baldur, and as I have intimated above, this may or may not be particularly appropriate. Hence it is up to the practitioner and allied folk to ascertain just what form of blot they are comfortable with. One could even combine a call to Baldur, with Oðinn, as well as Sunna, and quite probably Thor, Sif, Frey and Freyja. The possibilities are limited only by how complex one wished to make the blot. Another consideration, particularly of import in Australia, is the fact that this blot takes place in the middle of summer, and in Australia this is a time of high fire danger. It is vitally important that this is factored into the elements to be found within the blot and that folk are aware of such issues. Simultaneous Workings The organisation of simultaneous workings, is designed to strengthen the manifestation of the gods and goddesses in the realm of Midgardr and forge solidarity amongst the folk. The essential element of simultaneous working is where folk in many locations synchronise their activities so that the same or similar working is being undertaken in within the same or similar time frame. The only thing that needs to be agreed upon is the time the working is to be undertaken. Naturally consideration needs to be made for differences in time zone. But essentially we only need to co-ordinate the time, with the exact nature of the rite to be determined by those undertaking the rite. To perform a simultaneous working, one can either work through the Blot processes that are shown following. There are three different versions designed for different circumstances and thoughts of the participants. You can also work through them on an inner level, write your own Blot or perform some other form of observance. Some suggestions were given above. Another idea for those not comfortable with undertaking a complex rite, is first studying material in relation to Oðinn and then undertaking a meditation in which one starts out by conducting regular breathing. If you wish you can also undertake the chant of "Heilla Sunna" meaning to invoke the god Oðinn. If one wants an Anglo-Saxon variant, you can use the words "Hâlsian Sunna". To close you can simply contemplate the experience followed by a meal in which one toasts Sunna. Midsummer The following forms are given as guides to what can be done. They are not rigid and should only be seen as guideposts. The first rite is a complex rite involving lots of ceremonial elements. The second is a very basic and cut down blot for those who are not as confident in the practice of Blotar. The last is an alternate form. 1. Hallowing Hamarr I Nordhri helga vé
thetta ok hald vördh! (Hammer in the North, Hallow and Hold this
Stead) 2. Rede Goði/ Gyðja speaks the words: Upon this time of Midsummer, we gather together as our ancestors did, to heil Sunna in her highest stead. 3. Call Goði/ Gyðja invokes: Sunna, great goddess, we see you by day, and are reminded of you at night as your light is reflected from Mani. Come forth here today, to join with us as we share gifts with you to honour you and thank you for your gifts to us which are a part of our every day. May your shining light continue to provide warmth and life to this world of ours. Sunna, we give the warm heil! 4. Loading The speaker makes the sign of the Hamarr over the horn, then pours mead into it and holds it aloft with the words: Sunna, we give thee this gift of mead, the drink of the gods. Fill it with thy might and main, so that we may all enjoy the fruits of your power. Handsign or intone the names of the runes that make up the name Sunna - Sowilo, Uruz, Nauthiz (only once), Ansuz. 5. Drinking The speaker then makes a Sunwheel over the full horn so as to fill the fluid with the might of Sunna - holds it aloft and says: To Sunna, bright life bringer! After which he/she drinks from the horn. The horn is then passed around the group - ensuring that the horn is never emptied but always topped up when it runs low. 6. Blessing The remaining liquid is poured from the horn into the blessing bowl. The Goði or Gyðja then takes a twig of evergreen and stirs the liquid nine times singing "Heilla Sunna". Once this is done the gathering is blessed with the words: The blessings of Sunna are upon this stead. The blessings of Sunna are upon this gathering. The blessings of Sunna are upon us all. 7. Giving Mead is poured into a second bowl with the words: To Sunna, bringer of life. 8. Leaving Now the work is wrought, gifts have been given and received. May our work here strengthen our gods and folk alike. So shall it be! Lesser Midsummer Blót Those who do not have the confidence to work through the complete blót may wish to perform a less complex working. This can easily be done in the following way. You will need - an evergreen twig, a candle (yellow preferably), a hammer, a bowl, a drinking vessel and a bottle of mead or cider (non-alcoholic if necessary). 1. Hallowing Find a room with a comfortable workspace, preferably with an outlook on the outside world where you have some view of nature, or better yet undertake the working out of doors - set your working tools out in front of you. Light your candle, momentarily think about the light and energy that it gives off (if out of doors, you may want something to protect the flame). Take your hammer in your right hand and pass it over the flame in an arc that moves from right to left - say the words: Hamarr of Thórr hallow and hold this holy stead 2. Rede Think about the nature of Midsummer and the nature of Sunna herself - meditate on these ideas for a time. 3. Call Say the words: Sunna I call upon you to fill this stead with thy might and main, and to fill me with your power. 4. Loading Take your hammer in your right hand and pass it over your drinking vessel in an arc that moves from right to left. Fill the vessel with mead or cider and once again pass your hammer over the drink - say the words: Sunna fill this drink with thy might and main. 5. Drinking Hold the drink aloft and say 'To Sunna. Take three deep gulps from the vessel being careful not to drain it. Sit and meditate on the power of Sunna - do this for as long as you feel comfortable do not over tax yourself here - the ritual still has to be completed. One might wish to sing or intone the Galdor - 'Heilla Sunna - as part of this meditation. 6. Blessing When the time feels right and you feel that you have developed some connection with Sunna it is time for you to receive their blessing. Take the remainder of your drink and pour it into your bowl take up your twig and dip it in the mead - all the time maintain your contact with Sunna. Take the twig and sprinkle some mead on the ground and say the words: The blessings of Sunna be upon this stead Dip the twig in the mead again and sprinkle your self with the mead and say: The blessings of Sunna be upon me. As the drops of mead strike you take a moment to feel the might of Sunna. Take a moment to pause and feel the power of the blessing. Pause and continue your meditation on Sunna for as long as you like. 7. Giving Hold the bowl of ale aloft and say: To Sunna, life bringer. Put the bowl aside. 8. Leaving Stand with your arms outstretched - bring them into your chest touching the finger tips to centre the energy raised during the rite. Feel the centring of the energy. Drop your hands by your sides and say: Now the work is wrought - so shall it be. Feel the closure. Once the ritual has been completed take the bowl of mead outside and drain it onto the base of a tree and say: To Sunna. Alternative Blot Form 1. Hallowing Facing North, hold your hammer out, or make the sign of the Hammer saying "Mjollnir, in all directions, above , below and within me make hallow this Vé. 2. Fire Light your Fire, or Candle at this point in time. 3. The Call Next call upon Sunna as it is she that the blot is for, also call the ancestral folk and any wights of weal at this time. The exact nature of the call should be up to the individual. 4. The Loading First, take the container, which contains the drink you are going to be using and hallow it with the hammer or the sign of the hammer. Mead in this case is the best to use. Infuse the drink with the power drawn forth in the call and in a manner appropriate to the rite. Once more, I am leaving this fluid for folk to do what they feel appropriate. 5. Drinking This should now take place, with the horn first being drawn from by the leader of the rite, followed by the assistant and then the folk in sunwise order. Each should add their own thoughts, feelings and power to the horn as it progresses. 6. Blessing Having added the wishes, might and main of the folk to the drink… it should now be offered to the deity of the moment… in this case Sunna. Then it should be used to bless the folk, and any sacred space and objects that are necessary. The remainder should be gifted in an appropriate location. 7. Galdor Magical workings should be performed at this time, whilst the power from the blot is at it's height. 8. Closing The gods and goddesses, other wights, and folk should be thanked for their attendance and good intentions. The holy fire should be allowed to go out of its' own volition or the candle allowed to burn down and go out by itself with some being transferred to the feast/celebration area.
This Publication is produced by Dirk Schmitt of the Assembly of The Elder Troth for the use of all Asafolk. The publication is copyright of the Author. Distribution rights are freely given as long as the form and content of this publication are maintained including the Copyright Notice. Dated this day, Wodensdag, 18th December 2002 Common Reckoning Sources HOME | Calendar Home | Top Of Page Images and Contents Copyright © Assembly of The Elder Troth 2002 - 2007 or as specified. For communications regarding this website please e-mail webmaster@aetaustralia.org Page maintained by Schmitt Services Last Update: Tuesday, March 2, 2004
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