November 3-4, 2001
The Owen Homestead was the site of the kindred's Winter Nights celebration this year. Tucked away in a corner near Erwin, TN in full view of Roan Mountain, Laurel's home proved to be the perfect setting for seidh. A small but dedicated group made the journey with most people arriving Saturday afternoon.
Before things got under way, it was time for dinner. This kindred knows how to cook! There was split pea soup with homemade bread, chicken casserole, macaroni and cheese, and apple crisp for dessert.
Suitably fortified the group adjourned to the log cabin behind the main house for seidh. Beth and Dea took turns in the high seat with Laurel as guide. Ted and Beth did the warding. Being a small group, each person was able to ask several questions. It was clear from the answers that the setting for seidh was very powerful.
Once seidh was over, a three-round sumbel was held. Gods, goddesses, and ancestors were toasted, and hopes for the future expressed. Laurel fulfilled a pledge by demonstrating English Step dancing along with Beth. This was the gift she promised to the kindred during her Companion oath at Freyfaxi. Conversation filled the rest of the night until sometime after midnight when most people drifted off to bed. Bernhard braved the cold and camped atop Laurel's hilltop camping spot.
The morning dawned bright and sunny and saw the arrival of more kindred members for breakfast. Bacon, scrambled eggs, and homemade biscuits greeted eager members. Shortly after noon, it was time for the blót. The harrow dedicated to Thor was used for this purpose. The blót was dedicated to the disir and alfar.
After the blót the kindred took a hike to the "edge of the world" - a narrow ridge with a great view of the mountains. A flock of wild turkeys was seen on the way up. It was fun just to sit in the sun and admire the great view. After the hike down it was time for the feast. In addition to the delicious leftovers from the night before, there was fried chicken, numerous side dishes, and several desserts. This has been a good year for feasting judging by the expanding waistlines of several kindred members! As the evening began to approach, the kindred members said goodbyes and headed home.
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