December 17-18, 2005

Turn wheel turn. Burn wheel burn.

The kindred made the journey to Cookeville, Tennessee for this year’s Yule celebration, which was hosted by Cliff and Elise in their spacious new home. The guests arrived about 7 p.m. Saturday evening ready for a night of Yuletide frith and togetherness.

After spending a little time catching up with each other, a fire was made outside and everyone gathered around it closely for warmth. The children roasted marshmallows, as did some of the adults, and we conversed until the mood was right for sumbel.

We held a traditional three round sumbel under a cloudy sky that filtered Mani’s full light into a soft glow overhead. Many hopes for the new year approaching were made in the third round, and there was much reflection upon previous events and months past.

We then ventured indoors and continued to visit and snack until members headed home to slumber and get ready for Sunday's Yule festivities.

The next afternoon members and friends again gathered at Cliff and Elise’s place. The early part of the afternoon was spent getting food ready for feast, conversing, and having our annual Yule phone conversation with Felecia and Talon who are currently in Germany. The children had a great time playing outdoors and in the playroom.

By mid-afternoon it was time for blót. All gathered in a circle around Cliff and the vei.  The space was hallowed, galdr was sung, and the Aesir and Vanir were hailed as the horn was passed around the circle.  We then held the traditional sacrifice of the bread boar. Finally, hopes for the new year were written in runes on strips of paper and woven into the beautiful Yule wreath that Steve made. Next, we gathered outside around the fire to burn the Yule wreath and send our wishes in the smoke up to Asgard.

After blót, we went back indoors and warmed up, exchanged gifts, visited, and enjoyed each other's company until late into the evening.

God Jul from Thruðheim Kindred!

Click here to view some photos from the weekend (requires Flash7)