November 17-18, 2007

Steve calls upon Ullr

Steve, once again, agreed to play host for our monthly festivities as we gathered together at his homestead to honor both Ullr and the Einherjar over a crisp and cool November weekend. Like the previous month, Steve provided some home-grilled pork and chicken for Saturday dinner, while kindred members and guests contributed numerous tasty sides and desserts.

Most of the day Saturday was spent visiting, kidding around, catching up with one another and sharing news and events from the last month. As previously mentioned, dinner was served early in the evening and, as usual, everything was plentiful and delicious.

After sundown, we gathered together around the fire ring in Steve's back yard for our traditional Saturday evening sumbel. Being Feast of the Einherjar weekend, many participants chose to honor fallen warriors and other family members who served in the armed forces.Even though we were small in number this month, overall, it was a very powerful sumbel with a full range of emotions expressed and many, many toasts made,

Sunday morning arrived bright and clear, and by noon we had gathered around the vei for a dual blót to honor both Ullr and the Einherjar. As always, Steve led a very heartfelt blót -- the round to the Einherjar almost being more like a sumbel in feel, the round to Ullr serving as a reminder that we should do our best to remember and chronicle our traditions, since much of the knowledge of Ullr has been lost to us over time.

Following blót, we headed back inside for feast. Some of the fare included pork, with apples and sauerkraut, ribs and chicken, beans, potato salad and a selection of delicious desserts.

Later in the afternoon after more visiting, guests headed home after another great weekend. Mange takk to Steve for playing host two months in a row!

Click here to view some photos from the weekend