A Simple Vanir Blot
The Blot, or more correctly punctuated blót, was a common Germanic ceremony in sacrifice to the gods. It is one of the most well known religious rituals of the Germanic people and was well documented within the surviving literary works of the Norse people. The world blót is an interesting one in the linguistic sense, and scholars are often debating about its origin and meaning. It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Germanic "blotan" which means to sacrifice or worship. Alternative theories connect it to other roots with meanings such as blood, flame, bubble, murmur, etc.
The components of a blot were really quite simple, though their performance was time consuming. The first step was the sacrifice, usually of an animal. There is also some minor evidence pointing to a possibility of human sacrifices involved in blot, particularly around the area of Old Uppsala, once an important holy city in Sweden. The most common sacrifices were of cattle and swine, and in some cases of horses. All these animals were associated with the gods and considered fitting offerings to them.
After the animal was sacrificed, the ceremony continued with the sprinkling of blood. Accounts vary, but common objects to be sprinkled and in turn consecrated by the blood were idols of the gods, altars, shrines, and the people present as well. The Germanic people believed that blood contained much of a person's life force, energy, and sacred power and as such to be sprinkled with blood transferred that power to whatever it touched.
After this was completed, the animal was cooked and the blot continued with feasting and drinking into the night. The consumption of mead, beer, and other alchoholic beverages was also a holy act that was ritualized. Drink was offered to the gods foremost, and then the cups were shared among those present. This is similar in nature to what modern folks would call a toast, with drinks being offered to the gods as well as important individuals, rulers, and ancestors of those present.
The common prayer given to the Vanir during the blot was the phrase, til árs ok friðar, or "for good seasons and frith." This phrase speaks directly to the god Freyr who was heavily connected to the idea of ars (good seasons or year) and frith (a social concept of peace, abundance, and communal pleasure).
The following is a simple blot anyone can perform to the Vanir, and can be adapted to fit nearly any god or a tribe of them.
What you will need...
 |
| By Rebecca Radcliff (Hljod.Huskona on Flickr.) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons |
The components of a blot were really quite simple, though their performance was time consuming. The first step was the sacrifice, usually of an animal. There is also some minor evidence pointing to a possibility of human sacrifices involved in blot, particularly around the area of Old Uppsala, once an important holy city in Sweden. The most common sacrifices were of cattle and swine, and in some cases of horses. All these animals were associated with the gods and considered fitting offerings to them.
After the animal was sacrificed, the ceremony continued with the sprinkling of blood. Accounts vary, but common objects to be sprinkled and in turn consecrated by the blood were idols of the gods, altars, shrines, and the people present as well. The Germanic people believed that blood contained much of a person's life force, energy, and sacred power and as such to be sprinkled with blood transferred that power to whatever it touched.
After this was completed, the animal was cooked and the blot continued with feasting and drinking into the night. The consumption of mead, beer, and other alchoholic beverages was also a holy act that was ritualized. Drink was offered to the gods foremost, and then the cups were shared among those present. This is similar in nature to what modern folks would call a toast, with drinks being offered to the gods as well as important individuals, rulers, and ancestors of those present.
The common prayer given to the Vanir during the blot was the phrase, til árs ok friðar, or "for good seasons and frith." This phrase speaks directly to the god Freyr who was heavily connected to the idea of ars (good seasons or year) and frith (a social concept of peace, abundance, and communal pleasure).
The following is a simple blot anyone can perform to the Vanir, and can be adapted to fit nearly any god or a tribe of them.
Simple Blot to the Vanir Gods
What you will need...
- A sacred space ( this could be an altar to the gods or even a simple rock within a chosen grove )
- Images or idols of the gods or objects representing them
- An offering bowl
- A chalice, cup, or drinking horn ( you may wish to use a single vessel or set aside one specifically for the gods)
- cooked meat, preferably pork ( you will be eating this )
- wine, mead, beer, or juice
- rain or sun water (either is fitting to the Vanir) and a vessel to hold it
Begin by setting up the altar or sacred space. Keep the drink and food to the side for now. If you wish you may clear the space or hallow the area using your own personal techniques.
Call on the presence of the gods. You can do this simply by hailing them. It can be as simple as this.
Hail the Vanir!
Hail Freyja and Freyr! Hail Njord and Nerthus! Hail (insert any other Vanir you wish to offer to)
I welcome you!
Take the vessel of water and begin sprinkling the altar and those present. As you sprinkle and consecrate, you may wish to speak of the blessings of the gods.
Mighty Vanir, keepers of rain and sun, bless this holy space!
May we all enjoy peace and good seasons, gods and men alike!
May our lives be full of peace and pleasure!
May we find happiness with ourselves and our kin!
Hail the Vanir!
Place the food and beverage on the altar. You may wish to place the gods portion in the bowl and use another for yourself, or simply use the same container. Pour the beverage into the cup.
The gods bless us with abundance
With them we share the fruits of our labor
Feast with us and enjoy our company
drink with us and share our blessings
From you all good things come
To you all good things return
Hail the Vanir! Hail (insert god or goddess honored)
The food and drink are to be shared among those present. If one is alone, simply drink yourself and offer the first portions to the gods. As you drink you may wish to use the old prayer,
Til árs ok friðar
IT IS DONE.
Comments
Post a Comment