September 25, 1999
It was a beautiful fall day as friends and members of the kindred gathered at Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg, TN to celebrate Winter Finding. This turned out to be one of the largest gatherings ever with 20-25 adults and half a dozen kids. The kindred flag and banner helped folks find their way to the picnic shelter. Several guests from the local Wiccan and Celtic community were in attendance as well as fellow Asatruar from the Nashville kindred.
Several talks were given by members of the kindred. Cliff explained the process of making a knife from scratch using various blacksmithing techniques. Steve presented the art of brewing mead and beer. Tara brought along some woad and painted designs on request. All of the talks and demonstrations were very informative and very much enjoyed.
After the demonstrations the feast was held. It was a pot-luck affair with so much food that much had to be taken home. Then it was time for clean-up and moving to the blót site.
Many of the group had decided to enjoy the good weather and camp overnight. The overflow camping area thus became the site for the blót. Cliff had prepared an area near a large boulder. The blót was dedicated to the Allfather, and in keeping with that theme, each person picked a rune at random during the blót and meditated on its meaning. During the blót Brian took the probationary kindred oath and Tara took the introductory oath. Each was welcomed warmly by the kindred. Several edged weapons were also blessed.
After the blót a sumbel was held. Many toasts, boasts, and hopes for the future were witnessed by the kindred and the Aesir. Once the formal sumbel was over, good conversation around the campfire under a full moon was enjoyed until the early hours of the next morning.
Sunna made her appearance over the hills the next morning and greeted the campers. After breakfast, the group took a hike to Debord Falls only to discover a dry creek due to the extensive drought this year. Nonetheless, the walk in the woods was enjoyable. After the hike it was time to say goodbyes and head home.
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