Thrudheim Kindred Winter Finding Blót
September 24, 2000
 |
September 24, 2000
|
After a very dry month the weather turned wet as the kindred headed to Norris Dam State Park to celebrate Winter Finding. Occurring at the fall equinox, Winter Finding celebrates the end of summer and marks the beginning of winter preparations.
Quite a few of the kindred showed up Saturday night for the camp-out. Everyone found a place to pitch a tent even though level ground was at a premium. In between showers, a couple of tarps were erected to keep things a bit drier. Tracy brought some guests along - Brenda and Esmond. In the evening the rain stopped and sumbel was held around the campfire. A midnight snack featuring "kippers and bits" capped off a great evening of fellowship.
Fortunately the rain held off during the night and the sun even made an appearance during the morning. After breakfast the showers returned while the kindred waited for others to join the feast and blót. Around 2:00 the feast commenced during a dry spell. Meat seemed to be the theme of the day with bratwurst, pork chops, and a beef roast. Homemade breads and cakes decorated the table and Steve's fine beverages topped things off. The land wights and ancestors were also given their share of the bounty.
The blót took place in a small clearing next to what appeared to be a lightning struck oak. Cliff lead the group in honoring the Alfather. The horn was passed three times as kindred members toasted some aspect of Oðin and asked for a boon. The Goði then blessed each member of the kindred by touching their shoulder with a spear symbolic of Gungnir. Finally, weapon steel was blessed for Brian, Make, and Steve.
A special event occurred during sumbel on Saturday night. Tracy's son Ian was welcomed into the kindred as a man having come of age. To recognize his role as an adult with its responsibilities, Steve presented him with a sword he had won at the Viking games during the recent CIAK moot. It was obvious to all how much this meant to Ian, his mother, and the rest of the kindred.
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