THE RITUAL TOOLS
OF THE GOTHAR
Ritual is an important part of all native religions, and over a period of thousands of years, certain ritual practices have evolved within the Odinist community. Some rituals are quite simple, require little in the way of ritual tools, while others are more elaborate, and require certain implements to be achieved.
Here we will discuss in detail items needed for the performance of various rituals necessary for the practice of Odinism…
The Blot Bowli:
Since the most ancient times, the bowl has been the primal symbol of the Shaman, healer, and Gothi/Gothia of the tribe or clan. The bowl was used in the preparation of various herbs used for healing. It was also the receptacle of the sacrificial offering, which was offered to the Gods and then shared by the worshipers, and is necessary for the performance of the Blot.
The Bowli is the most important possession of the Gothar. It represents the repository of sacrifice offered to our Gods and Goddesses for thousands of generations. It contains the hope and inspiration of our ancestors, bonded together over the millennia by our mutual respect and kinship with the High Holy Ones of Asgard and us. The Bowli represents both our past and our future, our unchangeable fate and our changeable fate forged by the will of sacrifice and devotion. Thus, the bowli is also used for runic divination and it can be identified with the rune Perthro.
MJOLLNIR (Thor's Hammer):
Thor’s hammer or Mjollnir is the most sacred ritual item to the Odinist. Most all of us wear a hammer as a sign of our devotion to Thor and the Aesir and the protection that it offers. During the Viking Era, some wore a Thor’s Hammer as an act of defense to the onslaught of the alien creed. Ancient Bronze Age rock carving pictures Mjollnir sanctifying a weeded couple. We learn from the Edda’s that Asa Thor blessed the funeral pyre of Baldur, and that it was the primary weapon of defense against the Frost Giants and the collective forces of chaos. Ancient runestones in Scandinavia had the Hammer of Thor covered into them with the saying “Thorr bless these runes.”
Today, the large ritual Thor’s Hammer is used to bless newborn babies, the bridal couples at their wedding, and the funeral pyre of our deed. Mjollnir is used to bless our feasts, Blots, and the ritual spaces of our gatherings. It is also ritually traced over our chest during the Hammer Sign ceremony.
THE GANDR:
The Gandr is a wooden staff or stick upon which one of the Runic Futhark has been carved. It represents the spear of All-Father Odin known as Gungnir, and since Odin gifted the folk with the wisdom of the runes, the Gandr can be readily associated with Him.
Like Mjollnir, a Gandr can be used to sanctify and hallow. It is also a powerful protective device and is often used in rune magic.
THE OATH RING:
Like the bowli, the oath ring is the other primal symbol of the Gothar. The Eddas mention Odin’s arm ring (Draupnir) in many verses.
At all sacred functions of the Folk the tribal Gothi/Gothia should wear the Oath Ring; at Blot and Sumbel, it should be available for the swearing of oaths held sacred to our folk. At the Thing and Althing, the Allsherjagothi should wear the ring as a symbol of his respect as Law Speaker and Gothi of the Blot.
THE STALLI (wooden), HORG (stone):
The Stalli is the sacrificial Alter. The Gothi/Gothia places the Bowli, sacrificed mead and other implements of the Blot on the Stalli for use during rituals. When an alter is constructed of stone either in the Hof or an outdoor area is called a Horg. When an alter is constructed of wood or other suitable materials it is called a Stalli.
THE ALTER CLOTH:
An Alter Cloth adds a sense of decorum and dignity to your alter setting. Many kindred/hearths are practical in this regard and construct an alter cloth that also serves as their kindred banner. The construction of the alter cloth should follow the form of art and utility.
MEAD HORN:
The Mead Horn holds the sacrificial offerings and dispenses them to the Odinic worshippers. At both Blot and Sumbel or any ritual drinking, a mead horn is a necessity. Most horns are made of either steer or oxen, but ram and buffalo are also used.
EVERGREEN TWIG:
The Evergreen twin is used to dispense the blessings at the blot. The Gothi/Gothia usually chooses it from a tree adjacent to the altar. During the blessing time of the Blot, he inserts it into the mead contained in the bowli and proceeds to sprinkle the assembled worshippers with the blessings of the charged mead.
STATUES OF THE GODS & GODDESSES:
Statues of our Holy Aesir and Vanir are often placed on the altar during the performance of the Blot. They also reside as the center place of honor on our home alters.
RUNES:
Runes are often used during group rituals. Certain Blots dedicated to Odin employ the use of the runes, which are distributed among the worshippers.
CANDLES:
Candles are often used during indoor blots and other indoor rituals in place of electric lights. The flame of the candle reminds us of the everlasting light of Asgard, which bathes the High Holy Ones, and our noble ancestors in its radiance.
OF THE GOTHAR
Ritual is an important part of all native religions, and over a period of thousands of years, certain ritual practices have evolved within the Odinist community. Some rituals are quite simple, require little in the way of ritual tools, while others are more elaborate, and require certain implements to be achieved.
Here we will discuss in detail items needed for the performance of various rituals necessary for the practice of Odinism…
The Blot Bowli:
Since the most ancient times, the bowl has been the primal symbol of the Shaman, healer, and Gothi/Gothia of the tribe or clan. The bowl was used in the preparation of various herbs used for healing. It was also the receptacle of the sacrificial offering, which was offered to the Gods and then shared by the worshipers, and is necessary for the performance of the Blot.
The Bowli is the most important possession of the Gothar. It represents the repository of sacrifice offered to our Gods and Goddesses for thousands of generations. It contains the hope and inspiration of our ancestors, bonded together over the millennia by our mutual respect and kinship with the High Holy Ones of Asgard and us. The Bowli represents both our past and our future, our unchangeable fate and our changeable fate forged by the will of sacrifice and devotion. Thus, the bowli is also used for runic divination and it can be identified with the rune Perthro.
MJOLLNIR (Thor's Hammer):
Thor’s hammer or Mjollnir is the most sacred ritual item to the Odinist. Most all of us wear a hammer as a sign of our devotion to Thor and the Aesir and the protection that it offers. During the Viking Era, some wore a Thor’s Hammer as an act of defense to the onslaught of the alien creed. Ancient Bronze Age rock carving pictures Mjollnir sanctifying a weeded couple. We learn from the Edda’s that Asa Thor blessed the funeral pyre of Baldur, and that it was the primary weapon of defense against the Frost Giants and the collective forces of chaos. Ancient runestones in Scandinavia had the Hammer of Thor covered into them with the saying “Thorr bless these runes.”
Today, the large ritual Thor’s Hammer is used to bless newborn babies, the bridal couples at their wedding, and the funeral pyre of our deed. Mjollnir is used to bless our feasts, Blots, and the ritual spaces of our gatherings. It is also ritually traced over our chest during the Hammer Sign ceremony.
THE GANDR:
The Gandr is a wooden staff or stick upon which one of the Runic Futhark has been carved. It represents the spear of All-Father Odin known as Gungnir, and since Odin gifted the folk with the wisdom of the runes, the Gandr can be readily associated with Him.
Like Mjollnir, a Gandr can be used to sanctify and hallow. It is also a powerful protective device and is often used in rune magic.
THE OATH RING:
Like the bowli, the oath ring is the other primal symbol of the Gothar. The Eddas mention Odin’s arm ring (Draupnir) in many verses.
At all sacred functions of the Folk the tribal Gothi/Gothia should wear the Oath Ring; at Blot and Sumbel, it should be available for the swearing of oaths held sacred to our folk. At the Thing and Althing, the Allsherjagothi should wear the ring as a symbol of his respect as Law Speaker and Gothi of the Blot.
THE STALLI (wooden), HORG (stone):
The Stalli is the sacrificial Alter. The Gothi/Gothia places the Bowli, sacrificed mead and other implements of the Blot on the Stalli for use during rituals. When an alter is constructed of stone either in the Hof or an outdoor area is called a Horg. When an alter is constructed of wood or other suitable materials it is called a Stalli.
THE ALTER CLOTH:
An Alter Cloth adds a sense of decorum and dignity to your alter setting. Many kindred/hearths are practical in this regard and construct an alter cloth that also serves as their kindred banner. The construction of the alter cloth should follow the form of art and utility.
MEAD HORN:
The Mead Horn holds the sacrificial offerings and dispenses them to the Odinic worshippers. At both Blot and Sumbel or any ritual drinking, a mead horn is a necessity. Most horns are made of either steer or oxen, but ram and buffalo are also used.
EVERGREEN TWIG:
The Evergreen twin is used to dispense the blessings at the blot. The Gothi/Gothia usually chooses it from a tree adjacent to the altar. During the blessing time of the Blot, he inserts it into the mead contained in the bowli and proceeds to sprinkle the assembled worshippers with the blessings of the charged mead.
STATUES OF THE GODS & GODDESSES:
Statues of our Holy Aesir and Vanir are often placed on the altar during the performance of the Blot. They also reside as the center place of honor on our home alters.
RUNES:
Runes are often used during group rituals. Certain Blots dedicated to Odin employ the use of the runes, which are distributed among the worshippers.
CANDLES:
Candles are often used during indoor blots and other indoor rituals in place of electric lights. The flame of the candle reminds us of the everlasting light of Asgard, which bathes the High Holy Ones, and our noble ancestors in its radiance.
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NINE STEP
BLOT
Hallowing:
You are calling upon the holy forces to protect the area and those participating in the ritual. Facing North, begin the opening. Say: “Hammer to the north behold and hallow this holy steed”. Do the same to the East, South and West. You should end up back in the North, where you would ask the holy forces or a chosen deity to ward the area-keep you safe from outside forces.
Consecrate The Alter:
While carving runes in the air over the alter with your hand, or ritual tool you can say: “I consecrate this alter and all upon it. This holy place and all the proud folk gathered in the name of _____________.” (name of deity)
Invite The Deity:
“We call upon _________ to join us in Midgard. Come receive sacrifice. That we all grow stronger in the old ways.” (Find numerous names or kennings the deity is known by and use these or have others attending the blot call out one mane each.)
Reading:
Reading of a story or part of a myth/saga that explains or shows an aspect of the selected Deity, or explains the purpose of the blot and what you should be focusing on.
Charge Horn:
Hold the mead filled horn up high asking the Deity to fill the holy mead with their energy that all who partake of it will be inspired in word and deed. Visualize the energy and feel the power fill the horn.
Passing The Horn:
Carry the horn to each person participating in the blot. Allow them to make a toast to the Deity in words of their choosing. Another way we use is to allow everyone to approach the alter one at a time, make a toast and pour a sacrifice in the bowli.
Offer Up Sacrifice:
Hold bowli up high, and offer up the sacrifice. Saying, Deity, we offer you this sacrifice not of blood, as in the days of old, but as our struggles and devotion. May the mingling of our energies strengthen us all, Gods and man alike!!!
The Blessing:
Go to each person with the Bowli and Sprig, dip sprig into mead, and sprinkle each person with a special blessing of the deity. IE: In the name of the Mighty Thor may you find strength as you battle your enemies.
Closing:
Thank the Deity for their time and energy. In addition, remember the bond you now have with them.
BLOT
Hallowing:
You are calling upon the holy forces to protect the area and those participating in the ritual. Facing North, begin the opening. Say: “Hammer to the north behold and hallow this holy steed”. Do the same to the East, South and West. You should end up back in the North, where you would ask the holy forces or a chosen deity to ward the area-keep you safe from outside forces.
Consecrate The Alter:
While carving runes in the air over the alter with your hand, or ritual tool you can say: “I consecrate this alter and all upon it. This holy place and all the proud folk gathered in the name of _____________.” (name of deity)
Invite The Deity:
“We call upon _________ to join us in Midgard. Come receive sacrifice. That we all grow stronger in the old ways.” (Find numerous names or kennings the deity is known by and use these or have others attending the blot call out one mane each.)
Reading:
Reading of a story or part of a myth/saga that explains or shows an aspect of the selected Deity, or explains the purpose of the blot and what you should be focusing on.
Charge Horn:
Hold the mead filled horn up high asking the Deity to fill the holy mead with their energy that all who partake of it will be inspired in word and deed. Visualize the energy and feel the power fill the horn.
Passing The Horn:
Carry the horn to each person participating in the blot. Allow them to make a toast to the Deity in words of their choosing. Another way we use is to allow everyone to approach the alter one at a time, make a toast and pour a sacrifice in the bowli.
Offer Up Sacrifice:
Hold bowli up high, and offer up the sacrifice. Saying, Deity, we offer you this sacrifice not of blood, as in the days of old, but as our struggles and devotion. May the mingling of our energies strengthen us all, Gods and man alike!!!
The Blessing:
Go to each person with the Bowli and Sprig, dip sprig into mead, and sprinkle each person with a special blessing of the deity. IE: In the name of the Mighty Thor may you find strength as you battle your enemies.
Closing:
Thank the Deity for their time and energy. In addition, remember the bond you now have with them.
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INTRODUCTION ----- READING MATERIAL ----- ELDER FUTHARK ----- RITUAL & BLOT ----- CALENDAR
HAVAMAL ----- VOLUSPA ----- CONTACT
HAVAMAL ----- VOLUSPA ----- CONTACT