Written by Ritual Roles
For the purposes of creating a template, the active roles have been divided up as though there was a primary organizer of the ritual, and one or more helpers. This may in actuality be a single person. Again, discretion will need to exercised in deciding how best to divide up these roles in your situation.
Blótere (Sacrificer) The principal priest for this occasion, possibly the host or the maintainer of the altar, or the Ealdor in an organized group.
Hālgere (Consecrator) The person responsible for the opening cleansing rite. This might be the Blótere, or another person.
Wígbed-þegn or Húsel-þegn (Altar Thegn) – A participant with speaking role, possibly an ordained Heargweard, head of household, or simply a celebrant with a strong interest in active participation in this rite.
Outline
- Opening: The Blótere begins the ritual near the fire, with the celebrants gathered around, each holding a candle or torch.
- Hallowing: The ritual récels-fæt (incense burner) is kindled, and the bounds of the area are censed with Mugwort or another appropriate form of récels.
- Invocation and Prayer: The Blótere invokes the deities (Ing-Frea and Gerd) and articulates the purpose of the gathering, possibly using the supplied verse.
- Initial Drink: The Blótere drinks from the ritual vessel, symbolizing the initial offering and communion with the divine.
- Passing the Drink: The vessel is passed among participants, each adding their own prayers or thoughts before drinking.
- Libation: After the vessel circulates, the Blótere pours a portion of the drink as a libation into a sacrificial bowl, dedicating it to Woden.
- Closing and Transition to Húsel: With the formal ritual acts completed, the Blótere closes the ceremony, thanking Woden and participants. The transition to the banquest portion is marked, perhaps with a final blessing, including formal bletsung if desired.
- The Húsel-gang (Communion Meal): The celebrants gather for a communal meal, which serves as both a grounding activity and a continuation of the ritual’s communal aspect. This meal can include foods that are symbolic of the ritual’s themes, such as breads (representing the earth’s bounty) and seasonal local produce. The repast offers a time for reflection, sharing experiences of the ritual, and further bonding among participants.
- Final Blessing or Farewell: Conclude the gathering with a final blessing or words of farewell, ensuring that the ritual space is properly closed and participants leave with a sense of closure and renewal.
Ritual Accouterments
You will need a húsel-fæt (sacrificial vessel), Altar space, and a fresh-cut sprig cut from a tree, preferably an evergreen. Ale, wine, mead, or other moderately alcoholic beverage is typically used as a principal sacrifice, as well as food on major occasions, such as this one.
Opening Words
(Put your own thoughts here to open.) Heargweard: The mild days of Summer are upon us, days of warm sun, healing waters, high-growing crops, and life-giving rain. We gather this night to give thanks to the goodly gods of Summer, the powers that grant health, warmth and plenty.
Hallowing the Feast (Húsel-hálgung)
After the Blótere has made their opening remarks , the hālgere, holding the firepot with burning mugwort, begins to walk around the perimeter of the ritual area to consecrate the space:
Anglo-Saxon
Wendende mid þisum weorþan wyrt,
Weardende weallas þisses woruldlican stedes.
Fynd fleoð fram þam fýre halgan,
In þissum healle, gehalgod, sylfnes asend.
Mucgwyrt, mihtig, meodo þis stede gesund!
Ealdfæderas, būr geblētsian, befæstan þis brīde stede!
Thunor, hālgie þū! Thunor, hālgie þū! Thunor, hālgie þū þis weohfod!
Modern English
Wending with this worthy wort,
Warding walls of this worldly stede.
Fiends flee from the sacred fire,
In this hall, hallowed, safety sent.
Mugwort Mighty, make this stead safe!
Ancestors bless this dwelling, secure this bright stead!
Thunor, hallow, Thunnor hallow, Thunor hallow this Altar place!
First Pouring, in honor of Thunor
The Heargweard pours the first round, and then speaks the following prayer, or hands the drinking vessel to a Wéofodthegn to speak this part.
Wéofodthegn or Heargweard: Hail, Thunor, bringer of the rains! Hail the red-bearded champion, and Hallower! To the Thunderer, the Wyrm-Slayer, and charioteer, we offer now our thanks. Accept our gifts of meat and mead, Thunor, friend of all Mankind. We ask you, the red-bearded son of Earth, sanctify the ones standing here, and as the fruits of Earth now ripen, let gentle rains fall, and nourish them. (Add additional words here as desired.) The Wéofodthegn drinks, and passes the ritual wine, ale, or mead to the first celebrant to speak any words of thanks they wish, and then in this way the vessel is passed among the entire gathering. When all have had a chance to offer a libation, the horn is returned to the wígbed, and the remaining liquid poured into the húsel-fæt.
Second Pouring, in honor of Helith
Wéofodthegn or Heargweard: Hail to the Healer, and the hero, Helith! Hail the true warden of the Silver Well. We ask you to accept these gifts of meat and mead, and look kindly upon those gathered here. Bless the bubbling springs and rushing rivers of our land, that they bring us your people, might and main, life and luck. May the helpful herbs we gather in this mild month, grant health to those in need. (Add more as desired.) The Wéofodthegn drinks, and passes the ritual wine, ale, or mead to the first celebrant to speak any words of thanks they wish, and then in this way the vessel is passed among the entire gathering. When all have had a chance to offer a libation, the horn is returned to the wígbed, and the remaining liquid poured into the húsel-fæt.
Third Pouring, in honor of Sunne
Wéofodthegn or Heargweard: Hail to Sunne, fair jewel of the high storm house! Accept these gifts, Shield of Heaven, as you stand now in your highest stead. Look kindly on those who keep this holy tide, shine warmly on those who speak. May your light caress blossom and bough, and bathe broad acres of golden grain. The Wéofodthegn drinks, and passes the ritual wine, ale, or mead to the first celebrant to speak any words of thanks they wish, and then in this way the vessel is passed among the entire gathering. When all have had a chance to offer a libation, the horn is returned to the wígbed, and the remaining liquid poured into the húsel-fæt.
Bletsung
Once the offerings of wine or ale are concluded, the Heargweard dips the ritual sprig into the liquid in the húsel-fæt, and gently sprinkles first the altar, then the assembled people, perhaps speaking simple words of blessing upon each.
Husel
A plate of food should be prepared for the Gods, and placed upon the altar. Now it is time for eating, and for merriment. When the eating is done, the Gods’ portion should be taken to the ritual fire, and burnt, the liquid from the húsel-fæt poured out in offering.
Symbel
Once the food has been cleared away and the Gods’ portion sacrificed, the event may continue with a Symbel, if desired.
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