The Rituals and Ceremonies of the Mercia Legacy

• Talking to the Gods and Goddesses
• The Rite of Blot
• The Rite of Symble

  Talking to the Gods and Goddesses

  Unlike the major religions of the world Heathenry is not dependent on clergy to operate. Some organisations out there do have Priests (Godhi,Gydhya) but they are not required. One of the main principals of the Mercia Legacy is that each individual is more than capable of communicating with the Gods and Goddesses. This communication can come about through meditation or more frequently the Gods will make their presence known.

  The mystery or magical based pagan religions direct the individual to learn symbols or pictures which the Gods and Goddesses that they call upon can use to communicate with them. Heathenry does not require the individual to learn all forms of arcane symbols in order to communicate or make requests of the Gods and Goddesses. Heathens over the years have discovered that the Gods and Goddesses listen to you no matter what language you use. Some groups use old Norse or old English in their rites, but this is not necessary, it depends simply on the groups style or inclination. Plain speech in your native or first language is preferable so that you know what you are saying, the Gods and Goddesses will know anyway.

  Blot

  Blot is the basic form of riualistic observance held by the Mercia Legacy. It can be a simple ritual or more choreographed as deemed necessary by the participants.

  The word Blot is derived from the word blood, and in historical Heathenry blood was used as an offering. Yes shock horror ancient Heathens practiced blood sacrifice. Some Heathens still do this today! The Mercia Legacy does not. Today in Modern Heathenry the term Blot referrs to an offering. The basic form of offering is more often than not some form of alcoholic drink, ale, wine, whiskey (single malt not blended) and of course mead. Sometimes milk is used when blotting to the landvettir(landwights) or elves. When more than a couple of people are gathered blot can be extended to include food, this will usually include sweet cakes, chocolate and other finger food. This is more likely to be the case where people have been at work and have had limited time to prepare.

  When an important blot is to take place for instance during one of the Legacy's major festivals much more effort is put into the offering. Special drinks will be sought out - generally this means mead - and more effort is put into the preparatation of food. This form of blot will usually take place at someones home so that the food can be served hot and there is less messing about with containers.

  During a blot some groups will decide on a formula for beginning and ending the sacred rite. Sometimes this will be rigid throughout the offering and not vary. The Mercia Legacy may from time to time use a formula but this is not essential. A more spontaneous way of working is to us preferable, though on most occasions we get together before the blot and decide how that particular blot will be performed.

  Symble

  Symble (pronounced sum-ble) is a series of ritual toasts. The general formula is for a drinking vessel (an animal horn or other ornamental item is often used though this not necessary, a glass, chalice etc. is fine) is filled with an appropriate beverage (usually wine, mead or ale) and passed from person to person. Each person on receipt of the vessel will offer up a toast before drinking. The vessel is then passed around each participant and continues until everyone has finished toasting - see below for the structure of the toasts.

  Due to the nature of the liquid Heathens at a Symble will often become inebriated. I cannot stress enough that this is not the aim of the rite, going to a Symble simply to get into a drunken state would be considered an offence to the Gods. If a person needs to get into an inebriated state it would be better for them to go to a pub in order to do so.

  The toasts follow a formula. Everyone is expected to participate in the first three rounds of toasting.

  • The Gods
  • Family, kin and friends
  • The land/house wights
  • Personal toasts
  
  Following the first three rounds of toasting personal toasts may be made. These may be of the order of, requests of help from the Gods or specific Gods, boasts, Oaths (in this case it would be best to discuss with the designated starter any oath before making it, foolish oaths even made under the influence of drink are still binding unless challenged when they are made). These will go on until everyone has finished. If you have nothing else to say simply pass on the drinking vessel without drinking from it.

  The obvious difference between a Blot and a Symble is the absence of food at the latter.

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