(I just thought it would be nice to share with you what our kindred did to celebrate the haustblót this year, which was held at the Autumn Equinox on the 20th-21st September. I am by no means saying that this is what was done in ancient times, but it was a very moving (and in places, fun!) ceremony.

Here is a full order of ceremony:

1. The blót is started with a horn blowing.

2. The folk gathered are welcomed, and the purpose for the blót is made clear.

3. The good elves of the area are bid welcome to our hof.

4. Call to Thor, the patron of our hof, with our ritual hammer.

5. Call to the Lady Freya.

6. Call to the Lord Frey.

7. We sing a song, Fro (Lord) of the Dance.

8. 'Frey' enters, pulling his wain - all assembled place gifts into the wain.

9. The Valkyrie fills the mead-horn, and raises it to be blessed by the Gods.

10. The horn is passed amongst the folk assembled and each person is asperged (this turned into a thorough dousing) with mead.

11. The horn is passed, and each person welcomes their patron deity and takes a sip of mead in their honour.

12. We have a song and a dance, which goes hilariously awry.

13. The wain is passed again, and each person recieves a gift from it as a memory of the day.

14. The horn is passed again and everyone makes a harvest toast, giving thanks to the Gods for the bounty of the year and making oaths and boasts for the year to come.

15. Much feasting and mead is had by all! Songs are sung and stories are told around the fire, old friends are reaquainted and new friends are made.

16. Finally the ceremony is closed, thanks are given to the elves and Gods and the remaining blessed mead is returned to the earth.

17. More drinking and feasting occurs! When quite inebriated, several of us re-enact an old Mummer's Play in which I was honoured to play the part of Hel, the queen of death. Many lines are forgotten, all cues are lost to the wind!

If you'd like more details about any part of the ceremony, do contact me and I would be glad to tell you about it in greater detail.)