This rite will be/was performed at The Magical Druid in Columbus, OH. We were blessed with ritual space that was perfectly suited to our needs. Hopefully we will be welcome back. I apologize for the formatting in the post. I haven’t yet figured out how to fix it.

October 29, 2016

Welcome/Statement of Purpose – explaining the High Day and the ritual

• Initiating the Rite –

• As our ancestors once did, so we do today, and so our children will do in the future. Tonight, we gather to celebrate, A Nordic Feast of Winter Nights. We honor our Mighty Dead and the Lady who rules their dwelling places, Hela, Goddess of the Underworld. Let us join together as one folk to make our offerings in joy and reverence.

Outdwellers –

Outdwellers

• You who have set yourselves against us in our work,
  You who have set yourselves to lure us away from our work;You hecklers, spoilers, dark ones, and light ones
  set at cross-purposes with ours;

  You distractions of mind, body, and spirit
  that seek to cause us strife;

  Hear me!
  I stand here before you at the cross-roads, a warrior.
  I stand between you and those gathered here.

  The children of the earth are gathering today to honor the old ways
  Some of you will not wish to join them.
  Some of you should NOT join them.

  There will be times when your energies and lessons are needed.
  This is NOT that time.
  This is NOT that place.
  Go far from here.
  Seek not your sport among us for it is unwelcome
  Take heed my words and leave us be.
  For your path lies far from ours.

  Hear me!  At these crossroads the folk gathered part ways with you.
I alone, a warrior, remain here in their stead to guard the way.
Those of you at cross-purposes with the intent of this rite may not pass.

          I stand now between you and them. Separated at the crossroad I stand firm with
offering made and become part of the offering for duration of this rite.

  Take this token with the intent that it is given (at this point the sacrifice is made) and   trouble not those gathered here.

Censing and Aspersing – Performed by those serving as Valkyries

Grove Attunement (Unity Meditation)

Take a moment to find the center of your mind, body and soul.

Now, focus your thoughts down, down into the Earth. Listen. Hear the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Listen. Listen. Feel your heartbeat match the pulse of the Earth; listen as they beat in unison. Now envision a pale green mist arising from the Earth. Swirling and flowing, it encircles your limbs, your torso, and engulfs your head. Feel the mists as they become a part of you, blending within you and exiting through you. Now the mists twirl about you and their circle grows, encompassing those around you, as well. You watch as the green billowing mists entwine them, piercing their cores and uniting all in a green cloud of energy, flowing through each of you before moving on to the next, sharing the energy from one with the next, creating an interconnectedness between you. Hear you still, the heartbeat, the bass notes underlying the symphony of life as each living thing is connected through this Earth energy. You watch as the mist grows brighter and brighter until it burns brightly, twirling and swirling faster and faster as it is fed.

Now, see a shimmering band of white light, growing into a silvery essence from the air begin to follow the path of the green mists that glow like emeralds kissed by the sun. See the silvery light entwining you swirling about you, piercing your core before moving on to the next person, connecting those placed the emerald-green mists have been with a silvery, shimmering glow. Hear again the heartbeat, beating as one with your own heart and the hearts of those around you.

With the swirling silvers and emeralds about you, you now see a deep, sapphire blue bubbling up, flowing as water, encompassing your legs, your torso, your arms, your head. Flowing through you and throughout you, pouring down the paths of the silvers and greens, watch the watery blue light that breaks as waves at each surface it encounters before piercing and filling those around you—as the tide coming in and filling every crevice, every pool, every opening. See the ebb and flow of the blue light as it merges with the greens and silvers to erupt into a unified, intensified golden light, pulsing with the heartbeat of Mother Earth.

See now this golden light encompassing all that it touches, flowing faster and faster, and enshrouding everything, everyone in a mantle of golden glory. Thusly dress in this golden light of balanced unity, open now your mind’s eye, and with the bells of the lights and the heartbeat of the Mother Earth echoing in your spirit, allow yourself to open your eyes,

Honoring the Earth Mother

“Nerthus, Dark One
Lady of Earth and deep secrets
Mother of the Twins
Consort of the seas and winds
You who feed us generation after generation with the harvest of your bones and body,
We call to you as we enter into the time of long nights
Join us at the crossroads and be warmed by our company.
We honor the gifts you have us through this harvest season and
Recognize your well earned time of rest
Nerthus, Earth Mother of Men accept our offering!”

Recreation of the Cosmos:

We now establish our sacred center. (Story of Ginnungegap)

Gatekeepers Invocation

“Mighty Norns, Urd Verdandi, Skuld
Thurs maidens of what was, what is and what may be
You are the weavers of Wyrd
You are the carvers of Örlög
You are the deliverers of destiny to god and man alike.
You are the Jotun maids that the gods seek council from
You are the guardians of the well of Urd
You are the nourishers of Yggdrasil, the world tree.
You who touch all 9 realms
Wise ones, we honor you and ask you to stand as guardians of the gates.
Blend your magic with outs that none may cause harm to those gathered here
Help us as we open the gates and tread the ancient paths
Ladies of the Ash, accept our offering with hail and welcome!”

Folk: Ladies of the Ash! Accept our Offering!

Opening the gates

“To the realm of Asgard – land of the Aesir and the Asyniur
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Vanaheim – land of the Vanir
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Alfheim – land of the Alvs and the Alfar
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Muspelheim – land of fire and one force of creation
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Jotunheim – land of the Jotunar
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Helheim – land of the dead and our Disir
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Niflheim – land of ice and the second force of creation
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Svartalfheim – land of dark elves and forgers of treasure
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and join the children of the old ways.

To the realm of Midgard – land of man and landvettir
Hear our call while this flame burns bright (light torch)
Open wide your gates and welcome those of the old ways.

9 realms we have called
9 doors we knocked upon
9 flames we burn

Let the gates be open!”

Folk: Let the gates be open!

Invocations, Three Kindred

Nature Spirits –

“Brothers and sisters of the land
Seen and unseen we call to you
Meet us and walk with us

You of stone, stream, and fertile soil,
Spirits of every water; both moving and still
Earth-kins, we welcome you

You of the growing green,
Herb and flower, shrub, and mighty trees,
Green-kins, we welcome you

You of fur, feather, scale, or fin,
All who walk, or fly, or swim, or crawl
Animal-kins, we welcome you.

Nobel Ones, we call to you as our allies,
Join us at our hearth and rite this day as we enter the darkened times
Share your guidance as we walk this elder path
Spirits of land and place accept our offering”

 
Shining Ones –

To the powerful beings of the Shining Ones
Deities old and new
The wanderers, the healers, the powers of hearth, the powers of inspiration
The warriors, the lovers, the powers of family, the oath-keepers, the guardians
The seekers, the finders, the hunters, the seers

All of you named and un-named
We honor you and give you your due.
For the gifts of ghosti, the lessons in humility
For the wisdom, and the light, we hail you.

You who walk with us, lead us, help us, we call to you
Be welcome at our fire and our rite this day as we enter the darkened times
Help us light the path until the wheel turns us back to warmer days
Bright and Shining Ones, accept our offering

Ancestors –

Mothers and Fathers of Old, Grandmothers and Grandfathers,
Those that have gone before us
For your sacrifices and your tears, we honor you
For your joys and your laughter, we honor you

Ancestors of hearth, of heart, of home, of land, of blood
Whether gone for centuries, a mere moment’s breath, or somewhere in-between
We, the Children of the Earth, call to you
For that which is remembered lives on forever.
Stand with us and help us that we may be better than we were,
Stronger than we are, and wiser for what may be.

Know that your stories, your traditions, your love is carried onward in those of us gathered tonight

Be welcome at our fire and our rite this day as we enter the darkened times
Share your wisdom blessed Disir and Alfar that we may stay firm upon our feet

Beloved dead, accept our offering.

Praise offerings to the Kindreds

Invocation to Hela

“Daughter of Lopt, Keeper of Souls
You who were given the dominion of souls for ALL Nine realms
Not one, not some, but ALL
Hela, Goddess of the Underworld.
Half a beautiful maiden, half death and decayed flesh,
Hela, the embodiment of the cycle of life and death stands balanced in your wondrous image.

Guardian of the dead, the children of the Earth have come to honor your hall,
To pay respect to you and to those over whom you hold dominion!
You into whose hands we commend our spirits at our life-journey’s end, we honor you.
Hela, though your hall seem bleak to the living you grant rest to those crossed over.
As we enter these darkened times we call out to you to join us at our rite.

Hela, hear us!
Hela, join us!
Hela, accept our Offering!”

Praise offerings for the DotO

Final Sacrifice

Hela. Mighty Kindreds.
We have honored you with many gifts in the ways of those who have gone before us.
We have given freely from our hearts and from our hands, and we ask you now that you accept our offerings in the spirit in which they have been given!

Kindred! Accept our sacrifice!
Folk: Kindred! Accept our sacrifice!

Omen

First Question: Have our offerings been accepted – Seeress pulls one rune

Will those who performed the kindred invocations step forward? (Kindred callers step forward)
What words of comfort do the Nature spirits have for us? (N.S. interpret drawn rune)
What words of Wisdom do the Ancestors share with us? (Ancestors interpret drawn rune)
What words of guidance do the Shining Ones gift us with? (S.O. interpret drawn rune)

The Kindred have spoken and given us their gifts. Do the folk accept these blessings?

Working (Part 1)

Journey to Helheim

Warding the Folk

First, Children of Earth, we must ward ourselves and make ready, for the sounds of the living rebound loudly in the Halls of the Dead. We cloak ourselves in the same manner in which Groa cloaked her son, Svipdagr, to prepare him for the journey. Her nine spells of protection we cast to begin.

First, we create a barrier that will cast off anything harmful. Imagine a shield around you. The shield allows you to experience but holds strong against those things that would cause harm. Feel it surround and encapsulate you with a sheer wall much like bubble. Touch it with your consciousness and shore up those places that feel weak. Give it the power needed to hold you safe along the journey ahead.

Second, we prevent ourselves from wandering, deprived of will, in the ways’. Bring up a memory of your altar space at home. Whether it is a dedicated space or the kitchen sink picture that place where you feel the most connected to yourself and your faith. Hold this memory close and use it as an anchor in the unsure waters ahead.

Third, we protect ourselves against the power of rivers which might overwhelm us and cause us to sink back into Helheim. Allow your shield to buoy you above the rising tides. Keep hold of your anchor and keep faith in the strength you have built in yourself and those around you.

Fourth, we turn the hearts of enemies who lie in wait for us away from their hostility. Allow your shield to radiate the fire within you to steer away that which will seek to drag you down. Within us all is a flame of love and truth and life. Fan the flame to fuel your shield against all obstacles.

Fifth, we loosen any fetter that has been laid upon our limbs. Our fetters have many names:  self-doubt, pity, fear, stress, loneliness, heartache among others. With the fifth spell we allow ourselves to be free of these fetters. Strike them away as Volund did his anvil and boldly stride forth from the chains.

Sixth, we calm the raging sea, wilder than men know. The seas can be beautiful as well as deadly. The raging sea exists both in the worlds of the cosmos as well as within our breasts. Grasp the power of Wunjo, great joy, to ease the wild. Spread the balm of peace around you to carry forward along the path ahead.

Seventh, we preserve ourselves from death in the intense cold on the high fells. Calling forth the flame of Sowilo within we warm the blood of life throughout our journey.

Eighth, we protect ourselves from the malignant power of those who harm us, should we be suddenly overcome with darkness. Use the power of Dagaz, the spark of a new day, to light the corners and drive out the nightmares imposed upon us.

Ninth, we pull into ourselves eloquence and wisdom to converse with the wise and fearsome giantess who stands before the realm with spear and hound.

With these wards in place we are ready for the journey ahead.

Invocation to Sleipnir

“Thus protected, we must also call upon a guide, whose powers will allow mortals such as ourselves not only entrance to the realm of the Dead, though we may be easily allowed in, but also a way back, for Hel does not easily release those who dwell so freely into it’s mists.

Sleipnir, Mighty Steed of Odin,
Son of Laufey’s son, we call to you now!
Fastest and strongest of horses who glides on eight stalwart legs,
Runes carved into your very teeth, we call you to come forth!
Come, join us at our fire!

You have guided Odin through realms of spirit and matter, over land, sea and sky.
You have carried Hermodr through the realms in search of the God of Light.
We have brought gifts for you, which we give freely in honor and in reverence,
In return, we ask that you guide us on our journey over the Gjoll bridge and into the heart of Helheim,
There to greet those who have gone before us and to pay honor to your sister, the goddess Hela, in all her majesty!
Sleipnir accept our sacrifice!”

Folk: Sleipnir! Accept our sacrifice!

Journey to Helheim

See now as Sleipnir stands amongst us. Hear his breathing and feel the power with which he carries out his duties. Sense the magic crackling in the air. With his great speed, he will carry us through the cold ring of fire at the entrance to the burial mound. Climb upon his back and hold on tight. Do not worry that there are too many to carry. This is no ordinary steed. Carry us onward, Sleipnir! As he leaps forward feel the wind on your skin. Watch as a nine days’ journey through mists and eternal blackness sweeps by you through all the nine realms, places known and unknown, like a spinning top and as our guide begins to slow you reach the Crystal Bridge. There, you dismount and take in your surroundings. Before you is a hut thatched with glittering gold called Gjollar. Gjollar is large enough that it crosses the Gjoll River. Look to the river and see that it is full of weapons of all sorts, flowing from the spring of Hvergelmir. Look again to the hut and see standing at the door the giant maiden, Modgudr. Approach quietly as every step of the living sounds like a stampeding auroch in the land of the dead.  Upon reaching her, Modgudr asks us our names and our purpose. Give your names and state your purpose. Noting the presence of the Sleipnir, she nods and points us down and north, toward Helheim.

Onward we travel, through caverns with jagged rocks and dripping waters, along Hels-way. Downward and Northward. Darkness surrounds us, and we are washed in the winds created from the wings of the giant, Hraesvelg, who sits at the edge of the world in the form of an immense eagle. Downward, further and further, beneath the third root of Yggdrasil. In the distance can be heard growlings, most likely from Garm, the four-eyed hound, chest drenched in blood, who guards the entrance to Hel. Do not fear him but walk on. Downward and Northward.

Darkness begins to give way as we approach the iron gates, replaced with gray mist. In anticipation of our arrival the gates are thrown back in welcome. Take one final deep breath as you enter Hel’s courtyard. Before you is Éljúðnir, the snow-sprayed, home of Hela. It is here she receives the newly departed souls and begins her charge of them. Walk carefully through the doors. Use your shield to help you cross the threshold safely. As you approach the high seats find a comfortable place to rest for this is where we will wait while our seer continues the journey. Use your wards to hold you. Let us sing to the souls that would speak to us and bid them come.

Ancestors Visitation Song (all sing):

From far beyond this mortal plane, mothers and fathers of old,
We pray that you return again, mothers and fathers of old.
To share with us the mysteries and secrets long untold,
Of the ancient ways we seek to reclaim, mothers and fathers of old.

“Are you ready, seeress, to complete the journey?”

 
Seeress

Completes journey to the ancestors for Seidr working. This is the usual journey that our seers use in their group work.

Once the seeress returns to Hel’s Hall we begin the journey back to Midgard.

Returning to the Grove

And now, we bid farewell to our beloved Ancestors, taking note of the details we have seen, heard, and experienced to bring back with us as we return. Climb once more upon our guide and make ready for the road ahead.

“Sleipnir, you whose presence allows us to return, lead us back through the gates, back to our homes and our hearths. Back to Midgard.” He leaps forward once more and you feel the wind in your hair. Upward he begins the ride through nine days of journey. Nine realms pass by as he speeds faster and faster to our destination. Onward and upward, onward and upward back through the darkness through which we came. Once more we arrive at the Gjoll-bridge, where Modgudr nods to us and allows us to cross the bridge southward towards home. Onward and upward, onward and upward he flies. Breaking through the veil he slows his step and allows you to catch your breath. Sliding off his back turn and give him your thanks. As he returns to Odin’s side take a moment to breathe deeply. Take in the smell of the earth and air around you. Picture your anchor to ground you more firmly into our world. Hold on to this image as you open your eyes.

Children of Earth, use this vision to reorient yourself to the mundane world as we prepare to move forward with the rite.

 
Working (Part 2)

Sumbel and Return Flow from omens

(Preparing the horns) These are absolutely good omens (we hope), for such a night as this.

Winternights is the time when we connect with the crucial forces of nature and make ourselves ready for the long descent into winter.  It is a time to reflect on that which we’ve brought into our lives, and that which we need for the future. It’s the night of the dead, of remembrance for our ancestors and those still living. A night of kinship and honoring of the Mighty Kindreds.

Reflect upon the Omens (1st Omen), (2nd Omen) and (3rd Omen).  Think of how they will affect our grove, our community, and our relationship with the Kindreds. Having meditated upon these Omens, take this moment to feel our connection with the Kindreds as you see them.

Then see the omens as they now manifest in these waters, see the fire of blessings as it reflects in the water.

Shining down from above, seeping up from below….

Holy Kindreds give us the waters! (repeated)
Mighty Kindreds give us the waters! (repeated)
Noble Kindreds give us the waters! (repeated)
Behold the Waters of Life! (Repeated)

Sumble (1 round) during feasting:

Valkyries pass the horn to each person once everyone is seating and a plate for the ancestors is made. Valkyries will take a position in each corner of the hall.  The first will pass the horn from person to person for a portion of the hall, then the horn was given to the next valkyrie who proceeds to do the same for her part of the hall and so on. Participants can make short toasts during the feast.

Thanking the Beings

Closing the gates

“To the realm of Svartalfheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Niflheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Helheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Jotunheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Muspelheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Alfheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Vanaheim
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Asgard
You joined our rite while this flame burned (douse flame)
Close now your gates with thanks from the children of the old ways

To the realm of Midgard
As we dwell within your borders we do not close this gate.
Instead we put out this flame with hail and thanks to those of the old ways.

Folk: Hail and thanks to those of the old ways. (douse flame)

9 realms we honored
9 doors we shut
9 flames burned out

Let the gates be closed!”

Folk: Let the Gates be Closed!

Gatekeepers, Thanks

“Urd, Verdandi, Skuld
Norns of Yggdrasil
Our gatekeepers and guarders of fate
The children of the old ways honor you for your work done here.
Go now in peace with our hail and thanks.”

Folk: Hail and Thanks.

Thanking the Earth Mother

”Nerthus, Earth Mother of Men, we thank you for the many blessings of the season. Until the stirrings of Ostara, we bid you farewell and good rest.”

Closing the Rite

“May all be as it was, only better for having been touched by the work we have done here tonight. Go in peace. This rite is ended.”