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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. Summarsdag/Sigrblot Information Package Original ideas and synthesis © Copyright 2002 Dirk Schmitt. The author lays no claim to the information drawn from quoted and utilised sources. Package originally assembled for the use of the Assembly Of the Elder Troth's 2002 Summarsdag/Sigrblot celebrations, to take place in November of 2002, by Dirk Schmitt, who may be contacted at: hrafn@msn.com.au
The following Information package has been produced by Ulfrikr inn Hrafn (Dirk Schmitt) on behalf of the Assembly of The Elder Troth (AET). Note: the above graphic was sourced from the Living Myths Website and is a Lakota four directions sunwheel; porcupine quill on buffalo hide (Lula Red Cloud). Picture the outer colours as trailing arms on a spinning sun disc. 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 powers 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 this 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, moves and grows. 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 November Sumarsdag/Sigrblót, 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 The Sumarsdag/Sigrblót The essence of the Sumarsdag/Sigrblót is the celebration of the first day of Summer. This is particularly apt in Iceland, where Summer is very short, and is the time of most movement and travel. This essence is expressed in the Sumarsdag/Sigrblót. Origins of Sumarsdag/Sigrblót Originally the celebration in the far North of Sumarsdag is a significant part of the turning of the year. With a seasonal situation which only has really a Summer and a Winter, we end up with the commencement of Summer being a very significant event. This is indeed a valid question, especially in regions where the change of seasons is much more gradual. Well, associated with this time of year was also another rite, that of the Sigrblót. But of course in many ways the question can be asked, "what is the significance to us in the modern world of such a rite?" The Sigrblót was a rite that was specifically designed to honour Oðinn and prepare for the raiding that was to take place, and to ask for Oðinn's blessings on these ventures. This usually took place close to the Sumarsdag celebration. This rite was also greatly significant in that it was designed to bring blessings on the other major form of Summer activity which was raiding and trading, and making hunting journeys. Some suggested forms of honouring this time of year, apart from undertaking the workings are: Approach vacation and travel like a voyage. Think about travelling out of your normal travel patterns. Visit distant friends, and places that you haven't been to before, this will increase the significance of your travels at this time. This will connect you with the wandering and wayfaring energy that some of our ancestors had. Our ancestors travelled to trade, and make money, but also to just see what was beyond their ordinary horizons. We should consider our own travels in a similar light, taking goods along as gifts for those we visit, and building our business or financial contacts. We should also try and use the time to talk to the folk we visit, to wax in wisdom by the exchange of thoughts, and we will gain insight into others and ourselves. Furthermore just the act of travelling will give us pleasures and leave us with memories. We should also upon our return offer something to the gods and goddesses to thank them for the opportunity of travel as well as for our safe return. The Summer weather gives us the impetus to get moving once more and to return to a state of activity. This behoves us to get out there and increase our level of fitness. Do work around the house and yard, and get those Summer projects well underway before the high heat really hits. We can also meditate on the Runes: S Sowilo G Gebo Make offering directly to Oðin, by providing libation to him, and make an oath or a boast with regards to deeds that you are to undertake in the Summer period and works that you are going to undertake, which can of course include your travel arrangements and thoughts about what you are going to do. 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 Oðinn" meaning to invoke the god Oðinn.
If one wants an Anglo-Saxon variant, you can use the words "Hâlsian
Woden". To close you can simply contemplate the experience followed
by a meal in which one toasts Oðinn. 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 a newly written form that I shall be trialling out. 1. Hallowing Hamarr I Nordhri helga vé
thetta ok hald vördh! (Hammer in the North, Hallow and Hold this
Stead) 2. Rede Godhi/ Gythja speaks the words: Today we call upon Oðinn, the alfather in his guise as leader of warriors. May he join us here, watch our deeds, hear our words, and may we join with him at this time, in frith and troth to honour him as our ancestors did. 3. Call Godhi/ Gythja invokes: Oðinn, we feel your presence with us every day, when we achieve victory, when we travel and when we feel the pull of the weave of the web of wyrd. We welcome you and your power at this time. Hear us now as we call forth to you: Oðinn We give thee Welcome! We call upon thee to aid us in the battles we face every day, and upon the journeys we undertake. We ask that you aid us to bring fruitfulness to the troth and return honour to our families. 4. Loading The speaker makes the sign of the Hammarr over the horn, then pours mead into it and holds it aloft with the words: Oðinn, 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. Hand signs or intone the names of the runes that make up the name Oðinn - Othal, Thurisaz, Isa, Nauthiz (only once) - then intone "Oðinn". 5. Drinking The speaker then makes an Ansuz rune over the full horn so as to fill the fluid with the might of Oðinn - holds it aloft and says: To Oðinn. 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 Oðinn … Once this is done the gathering is blessed with the words: The blessings of Oðinn are upon this stead. The blessings of Oðinn are upon this gathering. The blessings of Oðinn are upon us all. 7. Giving Mead is poured into a second bowl with the words: To Oðinn, Sigfather. 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 Sumarsdag/Sigrblót 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 (red or 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: Hammarr of Thórr hallow and hold this holy stead 2. Rede Think about the nature of the Sumarsdag/Sigrblót and the nature of Oðinn themselves - meditate on these ideas for a time.
Say the words: Oðinn 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: Oðinn fill this drink with thy might and main. 5. Drinking Hold the drink aloft and say 'To Oðinn. Take three deep gulps from the vessel being careful not to drain it. Sit and meditate on the power of Oðinn - 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 Oðinn' - as part of this meditation. 6. Blessing When the time feels right and you feel that you have developed some connection with Oðinn 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 Oðinn. Take the twig and sprinkle some mead on the ground and say the words: The blessings of Oðinn be upon this stead Dip the twig in the mead again and sprinkle your self with the mead and say: The blessings of Oðinn be upon me. As the drops of mead strike you take a moment to feel the might of Oðinn. Take a moment to pause and feel the power of the blessing. Pause and continue your meditation on Oðinn for as long as you like. 7. Giving Hold the bowl of ale aloft and say: To Oðinn, Sigfather. Put the bowl aside. 8. Leaving Stand with your arms outstretched - bring them into your chest touching the finger tips to center 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 Oðinn. 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 Oðinn as it is he 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 Oðinn. 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. Galdr 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 Ulfrikr inn Hrafn (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, Thursday the 31st October in the year 2002. HOME
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