July 21-22 , 2007

Bernhard with the Hammer Warding

Once again Big South Fork was the sunny setting for our July gathering, the ninth Founding Day of Thruðheim Kindred. Even though the group camping shelter was closed due to supposed bat infestation, we made the best of the situation and found shade under trees and one small AutoTarpR. The day was bright and pleasant with a nice breeze that rustled the tree leaves ever so lightly.

Early in the afternoon some campers set up tents and got organized while others chatted, visited, and took time to get to know our guest, Alex, who was attending his first ever Ásatrú event.

At 7 p.m. we gathered together in the traditional tree covered area for blót. Bernhard, serving as godhi, spoke from the heart as he recounted a bit of kindred history and discussed the importance of this event. Our kindred patron, Thor, was hailed and then participants passed the horn and hailed any God or Goddess they wished to honor.

Bernhard then asked all present kindred members to step forward and take hold of the kindred Oath Ring. Each member pledged their troth, in their own words, to not only the kindred, but to each and every member of the kindred. Once again, the ring became hot as our energy coursed through it. In the end, oaths were renewed in a most powerful and memorable rite.

Following blót, members visited until sundown. Next we started the campfire and gathered around for sumbel as the sun went below the horizon. Many toasts were made to Thor, and being summer, several wedding anniversaries were celebrated by the honoring of a spouse. Many also raised horns to the kindred in honor of Founding Day. As sumbel concluded, Steve extended an offer to Spence to become a kindred member which Spence accepted. It was a very happy moment for all who were there to witness it. Hail Spence!

KipperTimeR followed sumbel and eventually folks made their way into their tents for a night of rest.

The following morning was beautiful, and with both blót and sumbel taking place the day before the pace was extremely relaxed. We had an early feast that, as always, was quite delicious and eventually everyone packed up their vehicles and headed home after another memorable event.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend