February 18-19, 2006

The vei is set and ready

Saturday evening was fairly brisk and blustery, and we were quite lucky to be welcomed into Bernhard’s warm homestead once again to kick off the Charming of the Plow weekend activities.

To say spirits were high and there was much merriment would be a great understatement. Ed amazed us with his dancing and acting prowess, Herbert and Beth ranted (well, Beth rationally discussed while Herbert ranted) about why clowns are so undeniably evil, and we laughed long and hard about many, many things. It was a very welcome and needed change of pace.

Following the Laugh-InR, we gathered around for our traditional sumbel. The sumbel lasted several rounds past the traditional third, and once again strengthened our kindred ties and brought us closer together.

After eating, snacking and laughing some more, we headed home to rest up for blót the following day.

Sunday’s activities kicked off a little after eleven as members and friends began to trickle in. We were quite pleased to welcome Rob and his family back, and just as pleased to welcome newcomer, James, along with his lovely family. Hail the visitors!

Bernhard served as goði for blót, and performed a very meaningful and powerful blót to Frey, which focused on Frey’s wooing of the giantess, Gerd, and the great sacrifices he made to acquire her love. He discussed this tale in the context of the changing of the seasons, and how it might be viewed if looked at from that perspective.

A loaf was then passed around the circle. Each participant placed their hand upon it and planted within it a hope to spring forth when the new growth breaks through the cold and frozen ground this year. To close the blót, we next journeyed outdoors to Bernhard’s garden and buried the loaf and poured our libation into the womb of Jörð, Redbeard’s mother.

Following blót, we had feast. It was, of course, wonderful -- soups and meats and pies and pasta and all kinds of things to fill up some hungry, hungry heathens. On a full stomach, and after another satisfying weekend, everyone finally packed up and headed back home looking forward to the next gathering.

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