AsatruWoman @heathenalfawolf - Tumblr Blog

Hey y’all sorry to say I am having problems with my tumbler. It looks like I have to make a whole new one. I will try to keep the same name but we’ll see. Hopefully y’all can find me again

rekkerafthor

Blót

A friend of mine that is not heathen was having trouble explaining blót to his girlfriend, who is also not heathen. I liked my answer enough that I wanted to share.

Blót is an Old Norse word that refers to a ritual of sacrifice. It is the origin of the English words blood and blessing.

A central idea to Norse thought is that a gift demands a gift. Blót is a ritual in which we give gifts to the gods in thanks for what they have given us. In pre-Christian times this was done through animal sacrifice, though sacrifice of weapons, armor, or other significant items like jewelry is known to have occurred.

The essence of blot, for me, is that I am giving back to the gods a gift of what they have given me after it has been shaped by my own efforts into something new. For instance, I will give jewelry I have made, or food I have cooked.

Blót is a ritual of developing with the gods. Friendship are formed by giving of yourself to another. This ritual is about creating and sustaining friendship with the gods.

#asatru #heathen #heathenry #norse #viking