Thruðheim Kindred Winter Finding Blót

There was plenty to celebrate at Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg, TN as the kindred gathered under sunny skies for Winter Finding. If you looked hard enough you could see a little color in the trees announcing the beginning of fall. The highlight of the weekend however was the wedding of Tracy and Steve, both kindred members.

Most people started to arrive in the afternoon on Saturday to set up the group camp although members of Nordstrom Kindred from Alabama had made the trip up on Friday. Johnny, goði of Skaldheim Kindred in Nashville, also made the journey. Counting guests of the bride and groom, upwards of 50 people showed up for the two-day event.

Steve lead the sumbel on Saturday night for the large group that had gathered around the camp fire. The events of September 11 were still on everyone's mind and many of the toasts dealt with them. Horns were raised to the victims and heroes, and Tyr was asked for help in dispensing justice. It was a very moving sumbel.

Sunday was very busy as preparations for the blót and wedding got underway. At Winter Finding the kindred performs an Oðin blót which features the horn being passed three times around the circle and also a rune drawing. It was interesting to note that exactly 24 people participated in the blót so that there were just enough runes.

After the blót there was a brief break before the wedding began. Under sunny skies and lofty trees Tracy and Steve exchanged their vows surrounded by kith and kin. Both had met in this same spot three years ago at the kindred's first Winter Finding blót. Afterwards, a feast was held at the picnic shelter. Gifts were given to the couple as they began a new chapter in their lives.

View Some Photos

• The Goði starts the blót.
• Bernhard picks a rune.
• Wedding Photos