ASATRU

TOOLS NEEDED FOR BLOT If you find this leaflet

to be informa tive,
✓ A space to perform the ritual please look for others
in this seri es
✓ An Alter or Horgr Rituals of Asatru
✓ A suitable offering like mead, ale, or wine
BLOT
✓ Blot bolli or sacrifice bowl
Frequently Asked Questions
✓ Fire element like bonfire, candle, or incense
Gods and Goddesses of Asatru
✓ Oath ring should always be made available
The Nine Worlds of Asatru
✓ Hlaut-tine (sprig of evergreen tree)
Rituals of Asatru
✓ An offering cup or horn
Asatru Holy Days
✓ Ritual Hammer for blessing and hallowing
The Asatru Kindred
✓ Alter cloth or Horgr covering

✓ Idol or representation of the Deity •

✓ An open heart and an open mind C o p y r i g h t ©

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Northwoods Kindred
 INTRODUCTION
Blot is probably the most common and most
important ritual in modern Asatru and it forms
the basis for almost every other ritual-based life
event. Most every practitioner will perform it
differently but most contain these same basic
elements. Modern Asatruar will perform blot at
every seasonal celebration and in the case of the
Northwoods Kindred, most every monthly
gathering as well. It is the cornerstone ritual in
which we communicate and exchange gifts with
our gods, ancestors, land spirits (Landvættir) and
other supernatural creatures. It also forms the
foundational ritual structure for other life events
that would be celebrated as a community. There
is also a simplified version for solitary
practitioners or individual communication with
our deities. This can be performed indoors or
outside, usually out in nature is preferred. We
gather in a circle that has an Altar (Horgr) in the
center or on the North edge. Additionally, there
is some fire element (as per recorded ancient
custom) either a bonfire, a candle or even an
incense depending on the circumstance. The
purpose is to make an offering or sacrifice to the
chosen deity, ancestor, or other supernatural
entity. Often the deity is fixed for certain
seasonal celebrations. The offering was
traditionally a sacrificed animal that would be
used later that day for feast (Sumble). Now we
use a beverage usually alcohol-based ale, wine, or
mead. Because of the presence of yeast as a
living organism. The yeast is our replacement
for the livestock. However, this offering can
also be of milk, water, juice, food or other
precious non consumables like weapons and
treasures that would either be buried or ritually
destroyed. Of course, this outline cannot be
fully executed without a liquid offering. At the
least some blessed water on the alter for the
steps 4 and 5, although they may both be
excluded for some rituals at Goði’s discretion.
STEP (1) HALLOWING
The officiant (Goði (male)) or (Gyðia (female)),
(Goðar (collectively)), will open the ritual with a
hallowing of the 4 corners and asking for protection
from the spirits. This space is now referred to as the
Vé (sacred-space, or sanctuary) and is considered
hallowed ground. Some people include above an d
below in their hallowing and that is fine if you do. I
find it to be excessive and time consuming as we
don’t live in those spaces and do not require
protection from them during ritual.
STEP (2) INVITATION
The Goði invites the deity to join the ritual, flattery
and stories of their deeds are common. It is helpful
to read and study the stories of the chosen deity
before officiating this ritual. Many fail to refresh
their memory on the deities prior to ritual and end
up drawing a blank when speaking from the heart.
It is always a good practice to read a few of the
sagas before a ritual and to allow the other
participants to do the same. Perhaps even a short
study session prior to the formal ritual. Writing
speeches down prior to ceremony is always an
option at the beginning but in time the goal sho uld
be to know the gods and ritual format well en o ugh
to blot without a script whenever it is needed.
STEP (3) OFFERING
The Goði pours the offering into the offering cup
(usually a drinking horn) and asks the deity to bless
and accept it. Then pours a generous portio n in to
the Hlaut-Bolli (Sacrifice bowl). This is to be used
in the next step of the ritual.
STEP (4) BLESSING
The bowl is carried to each person and they are
sprinkled with the offering from the bowl with a
fresh sprig of evergreen (Hlaut-tine). The bowl is
then placed back on the Horgr.
STEP (5) THE MINI
Memorial round; Traditionally not part of the ritual
sacrifice but has been a part of the modern ritual for
many years. The horn is then caried to each perso n
whom takes a drink and raises a toast to the deity.
Often giving thanks and showing gratitude for some
help or blessings that they have received in the past.
A simple Hail! Is also appropriate. Due to the
pandemic, we require each participant to have th eir
own cup or horn in which a small sip of the libation
is poured, rather than sharing the same drinking
vessel. This IS NOT a time to invoke or thank
other deities that were not invoked by the Goðar.
STEP (6) OTHER WORK
At this point other work can be performed in the
presence of the deity and gathered folk. That can
be any number of traditions associated with
seasonal celebrations or other life events such as the
“Ausa Vatni” (water sprinkling) marriage, naming,
oaths, funeral, or any other communal events.
STEP (7) CLOSING
After all other work is complete, Goði thanks the
deity and protection spirits and bids them a good
journey home, often accompanied with more
flattery and reverence. Goði pours any remaining
liquid offering on the ground or other method of
disposal appropriate for the offering and
environment. Goði then declares that “this r i tual
has ended. “
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