Mothernight or Yule Blot
By Ed LeBouthillier
For this feast celebration, a large Boar-shaped biscuit, which we called Gullinbiscuit, was made. It was passed around during the blot, for sharing with the participants.
Hallowing
Hammer in the North,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Hammer in the East,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Hammer in the South,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Hammer in the West,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Hammer below,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Hammer above,
Hallow this stead and make it sacred
Rede
Yule is the most important our holidays. On the night of December 20, the god Ingvi Freyr rides over the earth on the back of his shining boar, bringing Light and Love back into the World.
Yule signifies the beginning and end of all things; the darkest time (the longest night) during the year and the brightest hope re-entering the world.
During this time, we reflect on the Wild Hunt is at its greatest fervor, and the dead are said to range the Earth in its retinue (our Sacrificial Biscuit Boar symbolizes this hunt). Odin is the leader of this Wild Ride; charging across the sky on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir; a very awe-inspiring vision. In ancient times, children would leave their boots out by the hearth on Solstice Eve, filled with hay and sugar, for Sleipnir's journey. In return, Wotan would leave
them a gift for their kindness. In modern times, Sleipnir has been changed to a reindeer and the grey-bearded Wotan became the kindly Santa Claus.
Yule is a time to reflect and look forward with hope. During its 12 days, we can reflect on each of the 12 months of the last year and our wishes for the 12 months yet to be. We can also reflect on each of the Gods and Goddesses during this time. On the eve of the 20th, also known as Mothernight, Frigga and family are honored. On the 21st, you may want to burn a Yule log. The evergreen tree reminds us of the eternity of Yggdrasil, as it last through out winters Ever Green. It also reminds us of hope that survives the chill.
Calling
Today, we welcome all of the Aesir and Vanir to thank you for the gifts you have given throughout the year and look forward to sharing our blessings with you in the year yet to come.
Odin, rune lord, creator of all; we are awed by your work
Tyr, One handed god of justice; we stay true to thee forever
Frigga, high lady of the gods and goddesses; you bring brightness and
warmth to our lives
Idunna, keeper of the apples; you strengthen all of our souls
Balder, your spirit lives on in hope
Thor, your thunderous strength emboldens us
Freya, you bring love and lust
Frey, you bring us the harvest
As well as each of you: Bragi, Heimdall, Njord Ostara, Scathi, Holda,
Hothar, Vidar, Vali Sif, Ran, Hella, Forsetti and, yes, Loki Nanna, Gerd and
Bil
We hail you, our ancient ancestors, and share our lives with you.
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Pour Ale into chalice. Offer ale and boar.
We give you the gifts of our works woven and blended in this ale. Together, Gods and folk, it lends us help in our daily strivings.
This year is coming to a close, the darkness approaches its fullest but also the last of its strength for this year. May the year ahead not find us wanting in wisdom. We ask of you, all our the Aesir and Vanir for your guidance and blessings. In return, we will share our blessings with you, a gift for a gift.
Blessing
Sprinkle harrow with ale.
May the blessings of all the gods and goddesses of our folk be upon us.
Giving
Precede with boar, let small chunk be torn away, Distribute Ale.
I give the blessings of the Aesir and Vanir for the new year.
Hail your ancestors!
Leaving
Thus the work is once again wrought, we have shared with our Gods and Goddesses as they have with us. Doing this rekindles our oaths to ourselves, our kindred and our ancestors.
Revel in the time between the years, as the wheel of life revolves once again. Think of the past and what might have been done and think of the new year and what might yet be done.
Go with the Aesir and Vanir. Hail the Aesir and Vanir!