Ragnar was one of the legends' most famous
Vikings. On this day in RunicYear 1145, he raided Paris. It just happened to
be Easter Sunday. Today toast Ragnar, and read from his Saga.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR JARL HAKON OF
NORWAY
Ostara (April) 9th
As ruler of the western part of the realm,
Hakon restored the worship of the Old Gods and cast out the alien Christ.In
the process, the common folk regained political liberties which were erased
under the Chrirtian yoke,and the flame of our Troth burned brighter in an era
of gathering gloom.It may be that Hakon's defense of our ancestral ways helped
encourage the survival of our traditions in Iceland, where they eventually became
the seeds of modern day Asatru. On this day, reflect an how the actions of the
individual can impact world events.
SUMARSDAG/SIGRBLOT SUMMER'S DAY
Ostara (April) 22th
Celebrates the first day of Summer in
the old Icelandic calendar. In Iceland it probably had strong agricultural overtones,
but elsewhere throughout the Nordic world, mid-April was a time to sacrifice
to Odin for victory,called the Sigrblot.
WALBURG
Ostara (April) 30th
This is better know as Walpurgisnacht
or May Eve. Walburg is a Goddess of our Folk combining some of the traits of
her better know peers. Reflect this day on Freya's sinister side, on Hel, and
an Frigga as the repository of the glorious dead, and you will have an idea
of Walburg's nature. On this day, pour a horn of mead upon the earth in memory
of our heroes.
FRIGGA BLOT
Merrymoon (May) 27th
Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor
of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred campout, a blot to honor the AllMother
and thank her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.
LINDISFARNE DAY
Midyear (June) 8th
On this day in the year 1043 Circra,
three Viking ships raided the isle of Lindisfarne and sacked a monastery there,
officially opening the Viking Age. Toast those brave warriors who struck out
against the enemies of Asatru.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR SIGURD THE VOLSUNG
Midyear (June) 9th
He is the consumate Germanic hero. His
wooing of the valkyrie Brynhild,the winning of the treasure of the Nibelungs,
and the constant theme of Odinic initiation that weaves itself throughout his
story are priceless parts of our Asatru heritage, that provide endless material
For contemplation,and inspiration for action. A day for Sigurd the Volsung is
very fitting.
ASATRU ALLIANCE FOUNDING DAY
Midyear (June) 18th
On this date 2238 R.E. seven Kindreds
of the former Asatru Free Assembly joined together by ratifying a set of bylaws
to preserve and continue to promote the cause of the AFA and Asatru in Vinland.
On this day reflecton just what YOU can do far our cause.
SUMMER
MIDSUMMER
Midyear ( June 21st )
This is the longest day and the shortest
night of the year. Now Suna begins its long decline, sliding into the darkness
which will culminate six months from now at Yule. Identifying the sun with the
brightness of Baldur, we celebrate in honor of both. Perform the Greeting to
Suna early in the morning, bask in her rays later in the day. This was the traditional
time for holding the Allthing in ancient times.
FOUNDER'S DAY
Haymoon ( July ) 4th
On this day we honor the unselfish personal
sacrifice and unswerving dedication to our Folk exemplified by the founders
of modern Asatru/Odinism : H. Rud Mills of Australia and Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson
of Iceland. On this day reflect on just what YOU can do to promote the growth
of our ancestral religion and protect our sacred heritage and traditions.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR UNN THE DEEP MINDED
Haymoon ( July ) the 9th
Unn was a powerful figure fron the
Laxdaela Saga who emigrated to Scotland to avoid the hostility of King Harald
Finehair. She established dynasties in the Orkney and Faroe Islands by carefully
marrying off her grand daughters. As a settler in Iceland she continued to
exhibit all those traits which were her hallmarks - a strong will , a determination
to control , dignity , and a noble character . In the last days of her life
, she established a mighty line by choosing one of her grandsons as her heir
. She died during his wedding celebrations , presumably having accomplished
her goals and worked out her orlog here in Midgard . She received a typical
Nordic ship burial , surrounded by her treasure and her reputation for great
deeds.
STIKKLESTAD DAY
Haymoon (July) 29th
Olaf the Lawbreaker ( " St. Olaf "
) was killed at the battle of Stikklestad on this date in the year 1280 R.E.
Olaf acquired a reputation for killing , maiming , and exiling his fellow
Norwegians who would not convert to christianity , and for carrying an army
with him in violation of the law to help him accomplish this repression .
Today honor the Asatru martyrs who died rather than to submit to the slavery
of the christ . Also honor the warriors that brought justice to the Lawbreaker.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR RADBOD
Harvest ( August ) 9th
On this arbitrarily chosen date , we
honor Radbod a king of Frisia who was an early target for christian missionaries
. Just before his baptism ceremony , he asked the clergy what fate his befallen
ancestors who died loyal to Asatru . The missionaries replied that Radbod's
ancestors were burning in Hell - to which the king replied : " Then I will rather
live there with my ancestors than go to heaven with a parcel of beggars . "
The baptism was canceled , the aliens expelled , and Frisia remained free of
grey slavery . Drink a horn this day , in memory of Radbod.
FREYFAXI
Harvest ( August ) 28th
Freyfaxi marked the time of the harvest
in Iceland . Dedicated to the God of the harvest , it was time for celebration
with horse races , martial sports , and of course a Blot to Freyr and a feast.
AUTUMN
WINTER FINDING
Shedding ( September
) the 21st
The Fall Equinox ; Summer
and Winter balance for a moment and the cold , old man wins - for now . Brace
yourself for longer nights and the onset , eventually , of the cold of Winter
. Call on Odin for inspiration to get through your personal lean times , whenever
they may strike . This is the traditional time for Fall Fest and the celebration
of the harvest .
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR
ERIK THE RED
Hunting ( October )
8th
Praise the stalwart founder of Greenland
, and father of Leif , the founder of Vinland . Erik remained loyal to Thor
even when his wife left the Gods and refused to sleep with her heathen husband
. Pause in memory of Erik today , drink a toast in his honor . No doubt he gets
enough warmth in Har's Hall to make up for his wife's coldness.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR LEIF ERIKSON
Hunting ( October ) the 9th
This is a day that even the U. S. Government
admits we should dedicate to the man who beat Columbus to the shores of Vinland
by 500 years . Don't let it slide by quietly - write your local newspapers and
share the word with your neighbors .
WINTER NIGHTS / VETRARBLOT
Hunting ( October ) 12th
In the old Icelandic Calendar , Winter
begins on the Satyr's day between Hunting 11th and 17th . Winter Nights celebrates
the bounty of the harvest and honors Freya and the fertility spirits called
Disir , that she leads ( sometimes these beings are thought of as ones female
ancestors ) . So you don't plow the fields ? Someone does , or you wouldn't
eat ! Give glory to Freya and pour a libation of ale , milk , or mead into the
soil as an offering to the Disir and the Earth itself.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR QUEEN SIGRITH
OF SWEDEN
Fogmoon ( November ) the 9th
When Olaf the Lawbreaker had been king
of Norway for three years , he asked Queen Sigrith of Sweden to marry him .
She agreed , but when he insisted that she give up the Gods Sigrith replied
, " I do not mean to abandon the faith I have led , and my kinsmen before me
. Nor shall I object to your belief in the god you prefer . " As usual , Heathen
tolerance was met with christian imprecations and a blow to the face . The wedding
was off - depriving Olaf of political power that could have sped the christianization
of Scandanavia . Hail Sigirth , defender of Asatru , and women of stubborn virtue
!
FEAST OF THE EINHERJAR
Fogmoon ( November ) 11th
The chosen heroes who sit in Odin's Hall
are the Einherjar . Today we honor those dead kin who gave their lives for Family
and Folk . If you have friends of relatives who died in battle , visit their
graves today . If that is not possible , drink a libation in their memory .
THE FEAST OF ULLR
Fogmoon ( November ) the 23rd
The Feast of Ullr was to celebrate the
Hunt and to gain the personal luck needed for success . Weapons are dedicated
on this day to Ullr . If your arms were blessed by the luck of the God of the
Hunt , your family and tribe shared the bounty with a Blot and Feast to Ullr
.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR EGIL SKALLAGRIMSSON
Yule ( December ) 9th
Odin was his God , and the blood of berserks
and shape-shifters ran in his family . His lust for gold and for fame was insatiable
. Yet the same man was passionately moved by the love of his friends and generously
open-handed to those who found his favor . The same brain that seethed with
war-fury also composed skadic poetry capable of calming angry kings . Can it
be by accident that Egil followed Odin , the great resolver of paradoxes and
riddles ? Indeed all Asafolk - but especially those who follow the one-eyed
God of battle and magic - can learn much from the life of this amazing man.
.
WINTER
MOTHER NIGHT
Yule (December) 20th
As the night before the Winter Solstice,
this is the time when the New Year is born. We honor the beginning of the Sun's
return and the breaking of Winter's spell. This is a time to honor Thor and
Frey, celebrate by drinking a toast to them. Have a Yule party with family and
kindred. Decorate a tree with sunwheel and light a Yule Log.
TWELVTH NIGHT
Yule (December) 31st
This culminates the traditional twelve
days of Yule. Each day of which is a month of the preceding year in miniature
Reflect on the past year. Take stock and lay a course for the future. Make New
Year's resolutions in the old way by swearing your oath on Frey's boar or on
your Hammer.
CHARMING OF THE PLOW
Snowmoon (January) 3rd
This is the date of an agricultural ritual
performed in Northern Europe, when grain crates were offered for the soil's
fertility, and Father Sky and Mother Earth were invoked to that end. Meditate
upon your dependence on the soil, and crumble upon the soil a piece of bread
(natural or homemade of course) as you call upon Odin, Frigga and the Land Spirits
to heal the Earth and to keep it safe From harm.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR RAUD THE STRONG
Snowmoon (January) 9th
Raud was a land owner in Norway who was
put to death by Olaf Tryggvason (Olaf the Slime) far his loyalty to Asatru by
having a snake forced down his throat. His lands were of course confiscated
in the name of the king and his monks. Raise a horn in honor of Raud and all
of our kinsmen who gave their lives rather than submit to the enforced "love"
of the empire of the Christians.
THORRABLOT
Snowmoon(January) 20th
This holiday began the Old Norse month
of Snorri. It is still observed in Iceland with parties and a mid-winter feast.
It is of course sacred to Thor, and the ancient Icelandic Winter spirit, Thorri.
On this day we should perform a blot to Thor and invite the mighty Asaman to
the Feast.
BARRI
Horning (February) 2nd
This is the day we celebrate the wooing
by Frey of the Maiden Gerd, a symbolic marriage of the God of Fertility with
the Mother Earth. It is a festival of fertility, of the planted seed and the
flowed furrow. For those of you who garden, this is the time to plant seed indoors
to later be transplanted into the Summer Garden.
DAY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR EYVIND KINNRIFI
Horning (Febuary) 9th
Olaf tortured him to death by placing
a bowl of red-hot embers on his stomach until his body burst open. Eyvind's
crime was steadfast loyalty to the Old Gods.
FEAST OF VALI
Horning (February) 14nd
This feast was originally celebrated
the death of Hodr by Vali. This late Winter festival relates to the triumph
of the return of the light of the sun over the dark days of winter. Today in
the traditional celebration of the family. A time for the customary exchange
of cards and gifts with loved ones.It is also a time for the renewal of marriage
vows and an occasion for marriages/handfastings.
HIGH FEAST OF OSTARA
Lenting (March) 21st
This is the Spring Equinox. The end
of Winter and the beginning of the season of rebirth. Today we honor Frigga,
Freya and Nerthus. Pour a libatian of mead onto the Earth, celebrate the rebirth
of nature, Aratru, and the new hopes of the Folk.
