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Thruðheim Kindred May Blót 2008
Including the wedding vow renewal of Talon and Felecia and Alex's kindred oath
May 17-18, 2008
Talon and Felecia exchange vows of renewal |
It was a weekend of new beginnings, of renewal, of strength, honor and emotion. Going into the weekend we knew the itinerary was packed with events. Little did we know when we jumped into our vehicles Saturday and headed to Gee Creek campground for our first camping event of the year, how truly amazing this weekend would become.
We will start with renewal and new beginnings. Saturday afternoon Talon and Felecia, before the folk and the Gods, renewed, for the sixth time in 23 years of marriage, their wedding vows. We were honored that they chose to share this noble and most joyous occasion with us.
According to the wishes of Talon and Felecia, tradional garb was donned for this event which was presided over by Herbert. As expected, the event highlight was the exchange of the renewal vows between Talon and Felecia, where the finest of words were exchanged and true unity, honor, strength and love were shown. As the horn was passed from member to member and blessings and thoughts offered to the couple embarking on a new beginning, something deeply moving occurred.
Quietly watching the event was Alex's younger brother Spencer. This was his first Asatru event -- his first time meeting the kindred, and he was, as is usual, a bit skeptical, uncomfortable amongst strangers, and unsure of what to expect. As the horn was passed back to Herbert, Spencer suddenly stepped into the circle and asked if he could speak. The words that flowed forth were inspired, thoughtful and surely blessed by Asgard's skald. In what took a great deal of courage to do, Spencer stood before us with horn in hand and spoke of how watching our interactions with one another and the feelings and emotions shared in the renewal ceremony brought to him hope, where he had felt none existed before. He offered his well-wishes to Talon and Felecia, to our kindred, and handed the horn back to Herbert. Everyone there felt how truly powerful the might of the Gods and the bonds of kinship and community are when they come togehter. The renewal ceremony, already energy filled and powerful, now became even more special because a new door was opened and another new beginning possibly started.
Hail the the Oath Takers, Talon and Felecia! Hail the couple! By sharing your renewal with us, you brought us closer together in kinship, strength and community. It was an honor to be part of something so special.
Celebration and conversation continued on until sunset, when the first camp fire of our camping season was lit. Soon it was time for sumbel. Given the energy levels still present from the earlier celebration we should not have expected a normal sumbel. This was a remarkable sumbel. Remarkable not only for the content and toasts made, but for its length. The first three rounds each lasted one hour. All had meaningful words to say, with Beth providing the highlight for the sumbel in the second round when she went around the circle and toasted each and every person present with inspired, heartfelt words.
Alex (right) takes his kindrd oath! |
Continuing the theme of new beginnings, our good friends Johnny and Julia from Vidarshof Kindred announced during open sumbel they would be exchanging wedding vows this July. Congratulations to them!
Thruðheim's tradition, KipperTimeR, followed sumbel, and following KipperTimeR was a parade back to tents to get some rest -- we still had a full day Sunday to go.
Sunday arrived with the threat of rain in the air, so campers quickly broke camp before finally settling around the early morning campfire to discuss the previous day's incredible events.
Beth called all to the vei in the early afternoon, where she led a thoughtful and well-worded blót to Idunna. The horn was passed and all hailed the goddess that offers eternal youth, vitality and renewal to the Gods. Apple wedges were taken by each participant and hopes for prosperous new beginnings and vitality were made.
During Kindred Rites, Herbert stepped forward into the circle and called forth Alex into the circle to take his kindred oath. Alex took hold of the oath ring and pledged his troth, every word heartfelt and true. Thruðheim Kindred welcomes Alex home as brother and kinsman! Hail the Oath Taker!
Feast was plentiful, as always, but this month was dessert-filled. We had pies, pies and more pies, in addition to chicken, fruit salsa, salads and other tasty fare.
As feast concluded, the rain started to come down, but could not dampen our spirits after one of our most eventful and memorable weekends together.
Photo galleries from the weekend:
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