A handout for our April 2013 meeting:
Theories, Speculation, UPG, and Modern Worship
Alternate Versions of Baldr’s Death:
Though Snorri’s account with blind Hoðr being tricked by Loki into hurling the fatal mistletoe at Baldr is the most widely-known version of the death of Baldr, Saxo Grammaticus tells a different story in Book 3 of the Gesta Danorum. Continue reading
On December 22, 2012, Keeper of Seasons Hall met to observe Yule, its last official holiday celebration of 2012. Like previous years, we had an indoor celebration, and Debbie and I hosted the event at our home. Continue reading
Though most members would not begin their personal Yule celebrations for another few days, on December 18, 2011 Keeper of Seasons Hall met to celebrate the opening of the Yule season and hold its last official holiday observance of the year. As with previous years, we celebrated indoors, and in 2011 Debbie and I hosted the event at our home. Continue reading
I’ve received a few requests for a recipe for this traditional Scandinavian Yule food, so here it is:
Risgrynsgrot (Rice Pudding) Continue reading
One of the handouts available at the talk I gave during this year’s Pagan Pride Day in Albuquerque:
Glossary for The Basics of Asatru
(and other forms of Heathenry and Paganism inspired by pre-Conversion Germanic religion)
Æsir: One of the families of gods. Some of the better-known include Odin, Frigg, and Thor.
Alfar: Elves. Often called alfar to avoid people confusing them with fantasy, Lord of the Rings style elves. Believed by some Heathens to be deceased male ancestors.
Asatru: Literally, “faith in the Æsir,” though it isn’t strictly limited just to worship of the Æsir; all wights allied with the Æsir and humanity may be worshipped. It is the reconstruction and revival of the pre-Conversion religion(s) of the Germanic peoples.
Æ, æ: Ash. In modern Icelandic, pronounced like English “eye.” Continue reading
For its last official blót of the year, Keeper of Seasons Hall met on December 21, 2008 to celebrate the opening of the Yule season. Though the Hall normally holds its blóts outdoors, Yule is usually an exception; as in previous years, we met at the home of one of the Hall members. For 2008, I had the honor of acting as host for the Hall. Continue reading
Yule was held on Sunday, December 21st in our usual setting near the Rio Grande. The tracery of snow-covered branches, the overcast sky, and the flowing of the swelled river all contributed to setting a powerful scene for our Yule blot. Upon reaching the site of our Blot, we noticed a large group of ravens congregating on a nearby sandbar. Needless to say, I felt blessed, especially as our Hall bears their likeness and their name as its mark, to see the ravens in attendance. Continue reading