is it like a libation, or do you actually make some kind of sacrifice? i'm fascinated by the concept.
2007-12-09 10:24:54 · 13 answers · asked by bad tim 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
thank you, frau hunter. i apologize for the verbal assault you and your kin have had to endure because of this question.
te144, you're not nearly as clever as you seem to think you are.
neonman, the question is directed at self-defined heathens, who are usually practitioners of asatru.
2007-12-09 11:01:34 · update #1
Guys, if you aren't Heathen and don't know what a "blot" is, how about stepping aside until some heathens answer? No disrespect but let someone knowledgeable jump in first.
A basic blot:
Calling on the energies of the directions (usually by invoking a Thors Hammer in each direction)
* Invoking deities * pouring ale/cider/milk/mead in the horn * blessing the liquid * pouring a bit of the liquid either on the ground or in a bowl if inside * sprinkle a bit of the liquid on the harrow (altar) * sprinkling a bit of the liquid on the participants (blessing) * at this point you could do a reading from the myths, the Eddas, do a working to the deities, etc * passing of the horn (1st round to the gods, 2nd round to the ancestors, 3rd round kith and kin, 4th round whatever you feel called to toast or swear to) * thanking the deities and wights * offer whatever is left in the horn at the base of a tree or stones
Then usually potluck, pool party, having a good time
2007-12-09 10:39:16 · answer #1 · answered by Aravah 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
The hammer rite opening that Frau Hunter the Heathen describes is a modern invention, much like calling the quarters in a Wiccan ritual (although we're not casting a circle but calling on Thor to protect the space and those gathered. My kindred usually only does this for public rituals because it is somewhat familiar to pagan guests and puts them at ease. Nothing wrong with it, but not strictly required either. :)
After the various hails, as the horn goes round we speak over it. We also share a portion of the drink with the gods, the wights (spirits), and our ancestors. This sharing strengthens our ties and shows respect.
Sacrifice is done separately from that. It is to give thanks for gifts received or to ask for some blessing to be granted. Speaking to my own experience, the best sacrifices have been something that required one's own labor. For example, a purchased bottle of mead is less effective an offering than taking the time and effort to brew your own!
2007-12-10 08:41:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mike H. 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ROTFLMAO at these answers.
Ok blót is a "ritual". It translates to blood but it's a sacrifice to the gods, or the ancestors. This can be with a group or with yourself. It can be simple or complex.
Example, I asked Odin for help on something. In Asatru we believe a gift for a gift. Odin gifted me his help, I sacrificed a bottle of hard cider and some heart felt words. No one here but me.
You can sacrifice lots of things. Food, beer, mead, wine, and even small blood offerings. I know someone who offered a pig heart to a fire to thank Freyr for his help. (No he didn't yank the heart out himself, it called going to a butcher, but you get the point)
It depends on who you are blót to. The gods are individuals, they have preferences.
Then you get to sumbel! That's a blast. The how to to that is above.
Sorry I'm still giggling over these answers. You've gotten three good ones so far.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AhRVVJUVxXf2FWGem5zlkKo8.Bd.;_ylv=3?qid=20071206105414AAIqM1V
Specific blot
WOOT my TD fairy is out again
2007-12-09 21:30:03 · answer #3 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You usually use some kind of cider, mead, or alchohol. You drink some then pour some out for the gods. It can either be a huge ceremony or just pouring a beer out in your backyard.
2007-12-09 18:36:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
So bad tim apparently you have been enjoying the libations by the wording of your question. Would you define a heathen as anybody who is not a born again or are you lumping catholics in for good measure?
Practice your religion and I will practice mine. We don't need the soap boxers of the world. Peace to you.
2007-12-09 18:31:50 · answer #5 · answered by neonman 7 · 1⤊ 5⤋
I guess you'd better define "heathens" and "blot", because I have no idea what you're talking about.
2007-12-09 18:27:27 · answer #6 · answered by Crypt 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
A blot? I must be behind on slang.
2007-12-09 18:27:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
I have a libation for you. It comes out of a tube. Incidently, your swastika's reversed.
2007-12-09 18:30:05 · answer #8 · answered by te144 7 · 1⤊ 6⤋
I just pour fresh blood on a fresh leaf, then light it, stand on one leg and crow like a chicken/rooster transgendered
2007-12-09 18:28:18 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 3⤊ 6⤋
what is a blot?
2007-12-09 18:27:46 · answer #10 · answered by oneblondepilgrim 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋