Yule, December 2004

This year's Yule celebration was hosted by Conrad and Christine, and it was an event to remember.  Our hosts did an outstanding job of organizing the event and making everyone feel right at home, which was no easy task considering the very large turnout.  People began arriving around noon and were treated to many snacks and beverages, including a delicious keg of Coastal Fog Ale.  There were many new faces present, as well as many old friends we hadn't gathered with in quite some time, so the first couple hours were spent socializing and sharing laughs.  Around 2:00, Jim led a discussion on Yule, its history and significance, and how many of its ancient traditions have lived on in modern times.  As usual in our discussions, everyone present was free to make comments or ask questions, so many new ideas were contemplated by the participants.

After the discussion, we held our Yule feast.  Everyone brought a lot of wonderful food to share, and it was a truly delicious meal with more than enough to go around.

After the dinner, we geared up for the evening Thor Blot.  We again held a discussion, this time on Thor and his importance as a Yule god.  Again, many great ideas were expressed and contemplated, and it was great to have so many new people contributing to the discussion.  We also talked about the runes we would be using during the invocation, and explained to the newcomers the format we would be following.

The Thor Blot began with Conrad lighting a swastika, the ancient European solar symbol so appropriate for a winter solstice gathering.  As it blazed, Jim began the invocation.  The Blot was powerful, and the large crowd was inspired to make many outstanding toasts to Thor.  For those of us who have been involved in Asatru for a lengthy period, it was quite rewarding to see many of our newer guests so caught up in the energy of the event. 

After the Blot, many of our guests called it a night since it was getting kind of late and there were many tired children in need of their beds!  But those who remained participated in a sumbel, which is always quite fun.  Though it didn't last as long as usual, many rounds were made and many great words were spoken and poems recited.

The Ulfhethnar Kindred felt like the event was a great success, and we sincerely thank all of our guests for being so open to the experience and participating so enthusiastically.  We hope to see you all at future gatherings.

Memorial Service, October 2004

Recently, the Ulfhethnar Kindred gathered in honor of one of our founding members, Robert Ward, who had died unexpectedly.  Robert played an important part in our formation and his legacy lives on in many of our kindred's customs and rituals, which he helped to devise as our first Gothi. 

We held the Memorial Rite on October 2nd at Lake Chabot - a place that Robert really liked and enjoyed visiting.  Jim, who co-founded the kindred with Robert back in 1996, conducted the rite and performed the eulogy.  Everyone in attendance toasted Robert with words of praise and respect for his commitment and contributions to our religion and kindred.  His friends also shared memories and recited events in which they had participated with Robert.  Though some of these tales made us sad, there were also many that brought laughter to us because of Robert's sense of humor.  He will be missed.

Enjoy your time with the gods and your ancestors, Robert. 

Kindred Wedding, August 2004

In August, 2004, the Ulfhethnar Kindred headed up to Lake Tahoe to attend the wedding of two of its own: Conrad and Christine.  It was a great weekend and the wedding was fantastic.  Jon conducted the ceremony following an insightful and interesting introduction by Steve McNallen.  Once again Jon did an outstanding job performing the rite and even the non-Asatru attendees were impressed with the ceremony.  The reception followed and everyone had a great time eating, dancing, and socializing.  It was definitely an evening to remember.  Congratulations Conrad and Christine.

Summer Solstice, June 2004

The Ulfhethnar Kindred headed to Half Moon Bay for our 2004 Summer Solstice gathering.  As usual, we had a great time!  The weather was wonderful, and we all enjoyed what the beach had to offer. 

The day began with socializing and a lot of laughter.  As Kindred members filtered in throughout the early afternoon, those that were already there welcomed them and caught up on the latest happenings in our lives.  Spirits were up and everyone was having a lot of laughs.  Eventually the majority of those in attendance decided to hit the surf.  Though the water was very cold, we all had a great time.  It was rather invigorating.  After that, it was time to get the fires going so we could cook the evening feast.  As usual, there was more than enough to go around because everyone brought extras. 

After the meal, it was time to get down to business.  Jon initiated a Balder discussion to prepare us for the Balder Blot that he would be conducting at sunset.  Though more brief than usual for our kindred, the discussion brought up many interesting insights and was a great way to get into the right frame of mind for the rite.

Jon served as Gothi and performed the blot, which began shortly before sunset.  As usual, he did a great job.  The beautiful surroundings added much to the Blot, and as the sun began to set the energy levels really picked up.  Many good toasts were made, and we all experienced the power of Balder.  Many of us wandered away after the blot to be alone with our thoughts and to ponder the energy we had experienced.

After we all joined back up at our camp, it was time to conduct the sumbel.  Conrad performed a great invocation to the gods and our ancestors and the sumbel began.  Just as in the past, the horn made many rounds and many poignant toasts were recited.  It was a good time.  Our sumbels are greatly anticipated because we always feel a strong sense of bonding while listening to each other open up with their toasts.

After sumbel, most of the group called it a night, though some stayed up to continue the festivities.  We awoke the next morning refreshed and in great moods.  Our gatherings have a way of making our members feel refreshed and invigorated.  We all headed home happy that we were able to get together with our brothers and sisters once again.

Walpurgisnacht/May Day 2004

From April 30 - May 2 the Ulfhethnar Kindred got together for a campout to celebrate Walpurgisnacht and May Day at one of our favorite locations - Lake Chabot.  It was a busy, event filled weekend that included two blots, a presentation on Norse concepts of the afterlife, a business meeting and a typically lengthy Ulfhethnar sumbel. 

The weekend event kicked off on Friday afternoon with those present socializing and catching up with the latest happenings in each other's lives.  A meal was prepared and we all enjoyed the food.  For the evening blot, Odin was to be honored - not the usual deity for a Walpurgisnacht Blot but one whose attributes nevertheless tie in nicely for the occasion.  Jon served as gothi and did an outstanding job as usual, even though we had to deal with noisy distractions from neighboring sites at the normally quiet campground.  Prior to the blot we had held a lengthy discussion on Odin, especially focusing on his role as shaman and contact with the spirit world, which helped everyone to be focused on the rite.

A few of our members who had been unable to make it to the park on Friday arrived on Saturday, and it was nice to have a few extra people on hand.  We held a brief business meeting and approved some projects that we will be initiating in the very near future. 

Once our business was conducted, Jim gave a presentation on Asatru views on the afterlife, and the talk generated some interesting discussion that I hope we all learned a little from.  Due to kindred interest, we will now be featuring more presentations on various topics at future gatherings.

After the presentation we started preparing the evening feast.  We had a lot of food on hand and, as usual, everyone shared.  It was a fine meal and everybody was in good spirits. 

We then began preparing for the Frigga Blot with a brief discussion on Frigga and the runes connected with her, which are used in the rune chant during the invocation.  After a short break used to mentally prepare for the blot, we gathered at the ritual circle, which had been prepared earlier in the day.  Jim served as gothi, and the Frigga Blot went well.  Frigga's presence was felt, and many great toasts were made to her.

Soon after the blot, we gathered around our campfire for the evening sumbel.  As usual, it turned into a rather lengthy affair.  Everyone had fun and enjoyed listening to each other's toasts. 

The next morning we packed up our gear and headed into town to enjoy a large breakfast at our usual destination of choice - Doug's Place.  As expected, the meal was great and we all were energized for our journey home.

Snow Trip/Skadi Blot, Feb. 2004

Once again, the Ulfhethnar Kindred headed up to the snow in February for our annual Skadi Blot snow-shoe excursion.  This year, however, we had luxury accommodations - a condo at Bass Lake.  In years past we preferred to camp in the snow in hopes of getting in tune with some of the discomfort experienced by our ancestors, thus better understanding both Skadi and many of our myths.  But this year when Jon mentioned he could hook us up with a condo, we couldn't resist.  We all met there on Friday night and stayed up quite late socializing.  It was a fun evening and the laughs were plentiful. 

On Saturday morning, after a large breakfast, we headed a half hour up the mountain until we found a suitable spot from which to snow-shoe into the back country in search of a location to perform our Skadi Blot.  After hiking through the powdery snow for some time, we finally found a great location.  There was even an awesome snow covered stump to serve as our horg.

The Blot went very well.  As in last year's gathering, the men took off their shoes in honor of Skadi's actions defending her family's honor.  Though quite uncomfortable, it has now become a kindred tradition and we feel it adds a lot to the Blot.  We also introduced a new twist to our offering - we presented hand sculpted statues of Skadi on snow-shoes armed with a bow and a small wolf representing our kindred.  These items were offered up along with the traditional food and mead normally given during Ulfhethnar Blots.  The energy generated was intense, inspiring Conrad to tear off his shirt.  It was a powerful experience and many great toasts were made as the horn was passed around the circle.

After the Blot we headed back to the condo for a huge feast and more revelry, which again lasted late into the night.  It was a great weekend.  Unfortunately, some of us had to leave on Sunday but most of the kindred got to remain for another day of snow boarding at a nearby resort.

BJ's Brewery, January 2004

In January, a small group of us got together at a new microbrewery/restaurant in San Jose named BJ's.  We figured we'd have some dinner and a few beers while discussing some upcoming gatherings.  When we arrived the place was packed, and we soon discovered why - the food was great and they offered a wide variety of beer.  We had a good time socializing and catching up.  And yes, we even got a little bit of business discussed.

Yule, December 2003

Yule is a time of celebration for Asatruar, and this year's Yule gathering lived up to that tradition.  We gathered at Lake Chabot and, despite the sporadic showers, a great time was had by all. 

Jon served as gothi and performed an outstanding Thor Blot - perhaps our best blot of the year.  Of course the lengthy, in-depth pre-blot discussion on Yule, Thor and the runes associated with both helped to get everyone focused and allowed the spiritual energy to really flow once we got down to business. 

Our Yule feast, though not traditional in the nature of the food prepared, was delicious and enjoyed by all - as were the large amounts of liquid refreshments common at our Yule celebrations.  The next morning following our late night of revelry, we headed to our usual restaurant of choice for breakfast, Doug's Place in Castro Valley (which we highly recommend to all our readers).  The fine food was a welcome energizer for everyone faced with going home to unpack all their gear.

Winter Nights/Disir Blot,  October 2003

Our Winter Nights gathering is an event we look forward to with anticipation.  It's normally a very festive gathering, and the evening's Disir Blot can be quite powerful.  This year, however, things didn't quite go as planned!

As we usually do for Winter Nights, the kindred met up at the Lake Chabot campground where we had reserved our campsites.  Unfortunately, we were met at the gate with some extremely bad news from the park rangers.  Due to the heat wave blanketing the area at the time, combined with the unusually dry conditions, no fires of any sort were allowed (including campfires or barbecues).  Furthermore, all hiking trails were also closed to the public.  Needless to say, we were more than a little bummed out.

But we went ahead and set up our camp and made due.  Conrad and Christine saved the meal by driving back into town to purchase the only type of cooking stove that was allowed, so we were at least able to enjoy a meal.  Luckily we also had some battery powered camp lights.

The Disir Blot lacked some of power felt in earlier ones, perhaps due to the lack of fire.  But the rite was conducted and the offerings given, nevertheless.  When conducting Blot there are many variables involved that can affect the outcome and sometimes things just don't click the way you hope.  But in any event, it's still always nice to commune with our deities.

Naturally, the most looked forward to part of our Winter Nights celebration - the sumbel - just wasn't the same without a fire pit either.  But the horn was passed and we drank the mead for many rounds.  As usual, there were both heartfelt words and some very funny comments offered by the kindred. 

Hopefully next year our Winter Nights gathering will go a little smoother!

Mead Brewing,  September 2003

Blots, sumbels and rituals take mead - lots of it in this group!  So in September we all got together at Franz's beautiful home in the South Bay to spend the day bottling some previously made mead and brewing a new batch.  Franz and Jim also took the opportunity to give a brief overview of the mead brewing process in hopes that some of the other kindred members might take up the craft. 

It was a nice day and everyone had a good time.  Franz supplied a nice spread of cold cuts, breads, chips, etc. and, as usual, we enjoyed quite a few beers while still managing to complete the necessary task of ensuring the kindred would have enough mead to last for the coming year.  

Half Dome,  August 2003

Last August, a few of our members decided to finally follow through on an outing that had been kicked around for some time: to perform an Odin Blot on top of Half Dome. Jon, Cindy, and Jim were the only ones that ended up able to go but they were determined to have a fun and powerful experience nonetheless.

Britannia Arms Pub,  August 2003

At least a couple times a year our kindred likes to get together at a Bay Area pub or restaurant to simply socialize and touch base with each other without the pressure and time constraints sometimes associated with gatherings involving blots or other rites.  After all, a kindred is not merely a group with which to participate in religious activities - it's also about bonds of friendship and camaraderie.  At these "social gatherings," we also try to plan some future events and go over our calendar.

In August of 2003 one such kindred social gathering was held at Britannia Arms in the Almaden area of San Jose. Britannia Arms is a fun English pub with great food and beer, and we all had a very good time.  Plus, believe it or not, we actually did work out the details for quite a few future gatherings!

Beach Gathering and Induction,  June 2003

Our 2003 Summer Solstice gathering was quite special this year.  Besides the regular kindred activities normally featured at our events, we held an Induction Rite for a new member.  It's always an exciting time for the kindred when new blood is added to the pack.

This year's solstice gathering was held on a beautiful, quiet beach in Half Moon Bay where our kindred has been gathering since its inception.  However, to get there we have to endure one hell of a hike down a cliff carrying all our gear! But the seclusion of that particular beach is worth it. Unfortunately, the way the trail is eroding, we probably won't be able to gather there for more than another year or so - unless we want to rappel down!

After everyone had arrived and socialized for a bit, the Induction of Jon into the kindred was the first event of the day.  The rite went well, and upon Jon taking his oath of induction he was accepted into the Ulfhethnar Kindred and presented with a small gift.

We then had a good meal, cooked over a fire pit dug into the sand (I don't think anyone wanted to carry a barbecue down that hill).  Everyone ate well and liquid refreshments flowed freely!

Following the meal, we had a lengthy discussion on Odin in which everyone participated and hopefully found enlightening. It's always interesting to hear everyone's views on the gods, their myths, and associated runes. I learn new things and contemplate new ideas every time we have one.

After the discussion and a brief break to mentally prepare for the Blot, we conducted the Odin Blot. I was really glad to be participating in an Odin Blot - sometimes it seems we don't honor the All-Father with Blot often enough.

Unfortunately, it was getting late by this point and the majority of the group had to go home right after, so we weren't able to hold the "typical" Ulfhethnar sumbel afterwards. But all in all, I think it was a great gathering.

Ostara,  March 2003

We gathered for Ostara at Lake Chabot, one of our favorite locations for kindred campouts.  The Ulfhethnar Kindred has been holding rites here for many years and we've developed a relationship with the place.  Many of our most powerful gatherings have been held in the park.

Jim arrived early so he was able to spend a significant amount of time preparing the ritual circle for the gathering before everyone else started filtering in.  It was hoped that the result would add to the intensity of the later blot.

Once everyone had arrived and socialized for a while, the feast was prepared.  As usual, there was plenty to eat and everybody brought extra to share.  Following the meal, a lengthy discussion on was held to help everyone gain some insight into Freya (to whom our kindred offers blot on this occasion).  Significant runes associated with Freya were also discussed before we all separated to contemplate what we had heard and to mentally prepare for the Freya Blot.

The Freya Blot went well, with many commenting on the surge of energy they felt - which was taken as a sign the sacrifice was accepted.

Following the blot, a very lengthy sumbel commenced which went on till around 4:00 in the morning.  It was a very good one - one of the best all year.  There were many great toasts and many well thought out words.

The following morning many of us went to breakfast at a local restaurant in Castro Valley.  The food was great and helped us to recover from over indulgence!

On February 22, 2003 the Ulfhethnar Kindred Gathered at Pinecrest, CA for our annual snow trip. Pinecrest is a campground in the Sierra Mountains just off Highway 108. This camping and snow-shoeing excursion has become one of our most popular traditions, and this years trip lived up to our expectations – even though the snow levels were quite low compared to years past.

We arrived early Saturday morning and unpacked our gear, hiking it in in multiple trips of about 100 yards to where we would set up our camp. Of course, it was quite a chore, but necessary considering we would be camping in the snow. Besides all the normal personal gear such as sleeping bags and tents, we had to carry in all our wood for the camp fire.

After our camp was set up, the kindred spent the afternoon snow-shoeing around the lake and playing in the snow. Everyone was having a good time and the laughs were plentiful, especially when a few members tried to walk across the frozen lake and Jim fell through the ice. Luckily, the water was only waste deep so the episode was more comical than scary.

A little while later we found what we were searching for – a suitable site for our Skadi Blot. We broke for lunch and, as is our custom, held a discussion on Skadi to help everyone focus on our subject. We discussed the goddess, the myths featuring her, and even her chosen environment and the role ice and snow played in the lives of our ancestors. After the discussion, we all separated to contemplate the deity and to make any mental preparations we needed on a personal level.

The Blot was conducted by Jim, and for the most part it went smoothly. It had been previously decided that the men would stand barefoot in the snow during the Blot, just as the gods had when she was allowed to pick a husband from amongst them as weregild for her father’s death. Of course, we did so out of respect for her honorable actions in defense of her family name, and not as an offering of marriage! Naturally, standing in the snow in bare feet was more than a little uncomfortable, but it also served to let Skadi know we were willing to endure discomfort in her honor.

Skadi was given an offering of food, mead, and our heartfelt words. Many eloquent toasts were made to her as the horn made its way around the circle and all those present should be commended.

Upon completion of the Blot, we headed back to our camp site to change into warmer clothing and to prepare the feast. A fine meal was enjoyed, and everyone contributed side dishes. And, of course, it was all washed down with lots of beer!

In the evening, after we had all eaten, we held a sumbel. Jon did a fine job of performing the invocation and setting the mood. The horn made many rounds, and some very good toasts were made – many of them quite hilarious. A good time was had by all. Eventually, after many hours, the sumbel ran down and everyone went to their tents.

The next morning we all got up (some much earlier than others!), broke camp, and headed for home.

Our 2002 Yule gathering was a small event with only a few in attendance.  Probably the biggest factor in the low turnout was the bad weather - it had been pouring for days and was expected to continue all through the gathering.  Nevertheless, we made the best of it and even managed to barbecue up a bunch of steaks for our feast and for the blot that would take place later in the evening.  After the meal a discussion on Thor was held, followed by a surprisingly powerful Thor Blot.  All things considered, it was a very successful gathering.