Tag Archive for: yule

Balder, Ruler of an Age to come

By Arnbald, OR-B & FS In the heathen tradition, Balder is certainly one of the most popular, but also one of the most perplexing gods. He seems to be quite well known. Almost everyone has heard of him or, at least, knows his name. But actually, very little is known of this divine character. We hardly find a book which would deal exclusively or mainly of him.

The Yule Tower, Heart(h) of the Northern World.

By Arnbald OR-B & FS (Brittany & French Saxony) For many Odinists today, the Yule tower (Julleuchter) appears as one of the main cultual artefacts in the family hof. As its names suggests, it is mainly involved in the Yule time celebrations. If it has became an important symbol of the old faith, the artefact itself – as we shall see – not necessarily an old symbol.

The Solitary Path

By Mike P AOR I do not know the true figures, but I would hazard a guess that about 80% of the Odinic Rite membership celebrates its religion in a solitary manner. Which means that for the vast majority of us Blot and Sumbel are simply not going to happen – we have no-one with whom to share such occasions, no-one we can join in prayer or practice. Or have we?

Odinic Ritual: The purpose and need for Dance

During this summer’s Odinic Rite Folk Camp, I gave a talk and demonstrated a ritual dance, which was composed from Morris dancing steps of the Cotswold tradition. You can watch a video of this dance at the end of the article. The reason I decided to perform this dance at the Folk Camp was because I wanted to show those who had not considered it before, that ritual dance has great potential for Odinism in the Modern World.

Fylfot Hearth Galdor at White Horse Stone

A segment of the Yule blot of Fylfot Hearth of the Odinic Rite. Sowilo - Ansuz - Jera

Fylfot Hearth of the Odinic Rite at Yule

Excerpts of the Fylfot Hearth Yule blot at the White Horse Stone including fire procession and sun wheel.

Yule (Switzerland): Toblerone Chocolate Fondue

Of course, one may think of the many things that make Switzerland so very famous: its mountains, the pastures, its cheeses, among many other things. But that which it is very, very famous for is its chocolate! And how best to celebrate Yule than by celebrating with a chocolate fondue!

Yule (Germany): Legend of the Bird Nest

According to an old German legend, if you find a bird nest in the tree you harvest for Yule, you will have an entire year of health and happiness.

Yule (Germany): Legend of the Acorn

In Germany, where oak trees are considered sacred, acorns are thought to bring good luck. The German saying “from little acorns, come mighty oaks” shows the protective nature of a mother’s belief that when one provides a nurturing and care, one can anticipate great results.

Yule (Iceland): The Legend of the Yule Cat

The story goes that the Yule Cat lurks about in the snow peering in the warm Hearths to see if people are being lazy or children are not doing their chores. As a symbol that children were being helpful and doing their work, parents would award them at Yule with new clothes.

The Great Moot 2256

Report by Asrad CG On Saturday the 4th Fogmoon 2256 members and friends of the Odinic Rite gathered in London for the Great Moot. Once again we were blessed with a very good turn out with members travelling from across Midgard to be with us. It is heart warming to see the effort that many of our members make to be with us at this very special occasion.