A Midsummer Blot Template
Introduction:
This rite is a celebration of Midsummer Day, a joyous occasion dedicated to growth, healing, the power of the sun, and the abundance of the earth. We honor the gods Helith, the deity of healing and well-being, Sunne, the radiant goddess of the sun, and Ing, the god of peace and plenty. Through this sacrfice, we seek their blessings and protection as we cultivate a thriving community and foster prosperity. Let us proceed with reverence and gratitude.
Wíntíber
Opening Words:
The Blótere begins by expressing the purpose and significance of the offering, acknowledging the presence of Helith, Sunne, and Ing, and setting the intention for the ritual.
Today, we come together to honor and praise the divine beings Helith, Sunne, and Ing. We gather in this hallowed space to acknowledge their roles in our lives and to seek their blessings.
Helith, the defender and healer, with his gentle touch and profound wisdom, brings forth the mending power that restores our well-being. We invoke his presence to grant us healing, both in body and spirit. May his hands bring solace and rejuvenation to all in need.
Sunne, the radiant and luminous goddess of the sun, whose warm rays illuminate our path. We honor her brilliance and seek her guidance in bringing light and clarity into our lives. May her radiance inspire us and fill us with renewed energy.
Ing, the provider of peace and plenty, who blesses us with abundance and fertility. We call upon his benevolence to bring prosperity to our endeavors and harmony to our relationships. May his blessings overflow and nurture our lives with joy and fulfillment.
In this gathering, we offer our gratitude and reverence to Helith, Sunne, and Ing. Through our rituals, libations, and words of praise, we establish a sacred connection with these divine beings. We seek their favor, their wisdom, and their blessings upon us and our community.
May this gathering be a time of unity and joy, where we come together as one, bound by our shared faith. With each word spoken and each offering made, let us honor and exalt these divine beings, expressing our gratitude for their presence and seeking their guidance on our paths.
First Pouring:
The Blótere pours a cup or horn filled with the ritual beverage and speaks a prayer or words of praise to Helith.
In reverence of Helith, protector, hero, and keeper of healing waters, we bring these gifts of meat and mead. O Helith, accept these offerings as tokens of the worth in which we hold you. May this feast laid afore thee stand as testament to our deep appreciation for thy unwavering vigilance and thy profound gift of healing. As we partake in this communal repast, we bid thee join us in spirit, blessing our gathering with thy divine presence.
Hail Helith, Healer and hero of old, With hands of hope and healing hues, Hear our humble call, holy one, and send to those standing here speed!
The cup is passed around, with each participant offering their own prayers or expressions of gratitude. The pouring and passing continue until all have participated.
Second Pouring:
The Blótere or an Altar-Thegn then pour a second round, focusing on Sunne and offering words of honor and appreciation. Again, the cup is passed around, allowing each participant to offer their own sentiments.
In the radiant presence of Sunne, we gather to offer our praise and gratitude. Oh, glorious Sunne, the Measurer of Days, whose golden rays bring life to the earth and fill our hearts with warmth. We honor you, the radiant beacon that guides us through the cycles of light and darkness.
We present to you, mighty Sunne, gifts befitting your brilliance. From the bountiful land, we offer the choicest cuts of meat, tender and succulent, symbolizing the abundance and sustenance you bestow upon us. May this offering reflect our deep appreciation for your life-giving energy that nourishes the land and sustains all living beings.
With reverence, we pour forth the sacred mead, a libation of sweet honeyed nectar, treasure from the gold hoard of the victory-maidens. As the golden liquid fills the vessel, it symbolizes the vitality and inspiration drawn from your radiant rays. We share this offering, uniting our spirits with yours, embracing the warmth and vitality of your presence.
Hail to Sunne, Sindthgunt’s sister, Honor to Heaven’s light! Bright and beaming, the shield of the sky, sitting in Summer’s height!
Third Pouring:
The Blótere or an Altar-Thegn then pour a third round, focusing on Ing and offering words of honor and appreciation. Again, the cup is passed around.
We call now to Ing, father of many peoples, maker of kings and the bold people’s protector.
Ing, lord of peace, guardian of prosperity, and purveyor of pleasure, we humbly offer these tributes to thee. May our words and deeds be guided by thy divine wisdom, and may thy blessings shower upon us, enriching our lives with everlasting harmony, abundance, and the ineffable joy that comes from walking in thy radiant presence.
Hail to thee, Ing, son of Man, the embodiment of peace and prosperity. With utmost reverence, we offer these libations and the fruits of the Earth, with the enduring serenity and bliss that thou graciously bestowest upon those who honor thee.
Honor to Ingui the bold Boar-rider, hail to the hero of the Heardings! Greetings we give to the Shining God, and bright blessings we ask for the Ingwine!
With this round, the libations are concluded.
Blestsung
Using an evergreen sprig, the Blótere symbolically sprinkles the liquid from the cup upon the altar and then upon the assembled celebrants. This act represents the reciprocal exchange between gods and humans. The Blótere invokes the blessings of Helith, Sunne, and Ing upon each individual, expressing gratitude for their presence and guidance.
Húselgang
Feast and Communal Gathering:
After the offerings and blessings, the assembly proceeds to enjoy a communal feast. The food prepared for the occasion is shared among the participants, fostering a sense of community and unity. Poetry readings, music, or storytelling may accompany the feast, adding depth and richness to the experience.
Disposal of Offerings:
At the conclusion of the Husel, the Blótere and Altar-Thegns gather the non-liquid portions of the offerings left on the altar. If possible, these offerings are respectfully burned in a designated area. In situations where burning is not feasible, alternative methods of disposal are employed to ensure their dignified handling and render them unusable by mortals.
Closing:
At the appropriate time, the Blóter signals the end of the purely religious portion of the ceremony:
As we conclude this holy feast, we express our gratitude to Helith, Sunne, and Ing for their blessings and guidance. May their healing, radiant energy, and abundance continue to nourish and inspire us. We carry their presence with us as we go forth, fostering growth, joy, and harmony in our lives and community.
At this point, in may be agreeable to commence with a symbel.
