(The following is reprinted from the ORBriefing #162 with permission.)
The weekend of Shedding 5-8th marked the 17th Althing of the Asatru Alliance of the US, and I had the great pleasure and privelege of attending, as a guest of honour, the honour, of course, being for the Odinic Rite. This event was also the occasion of the First Moot or Althing of the newly founded International Asatru/Odinic Alliance.
I arrived in Salt Lake City on 4th Shedding where I met Robert, Karen and randy Taylor, old friends- we went to a lodge to meet other Odinist comrades, and the good-fellowship soon dispelled any weariness I felt from the long journey. The following day we drove to the site of the Althing. This is a massive campground high in the mountains near Ogden, Utah, isolated so that we were free from intrusion.
The Althing opened with a Tyr Blot conducted by Jerry Parker, the Gothi of Eagle Kindred of Utah AA, assisted by Valgard Murray who heads the Alliance. Some bladed weapons were consecrated with the Blessing of Steel ritual. The business of the Althing was then conducted by the delegates while others spent the time in comradeship. After the evening feast the folk gathered for the Sumbel. I had the privelege of acting as presiding Gothi at this. The first day was very successful, and was made perfect by a magnificent thunderstorm.
The next day, Saturday, the Althing continued with its business, and a market of Odinic goods was held. Very beautiful and well made articles.
After the conclusion of the Asatru Alliance business the time came for the historic signing of the pact which formed the International Asatru/Odinic Alliance.
This was followed by a feast, the free market and Viking games. In these I did not let down the side of the Odinic Rite. Feasting, music and dancing followed- Annabel Lee was great with her folk fiddling, and Michael Moynihan with folk dancing. The last event was a mead competition- a hard contest won by Michael Moynihan's God of Hangechis mead. Again a fantastic storm was given as the night's events ended. We had made and renewed friendships around the camp fire.
The next day was the time to pack and leave, but the final "official" action took place some hours later at the home of Jerry Parker. Here Valgard Murray, Steve McNallen and I were interviewed by a radio station.
My thanks go to all there who made my attendance possible and enjoyable. Especial thanks to the Taylors, Michael and Annabel, Jerry, the Paytons, and so many more.
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