When I learned about Ásatrú in the early 1990’s, every other guy was named Eric or Erik, and Thor was the god that most called upon. My husband would lead a small group of us into an old apple orchard for Blót. Warm days found us outdoors until long after sundown, toasting the Gods in Sumbl. Allfather Óðinn was always there in the shadows, but hearty Þórr was the model for most men. Our gatherings took place when the weather was warm and predictable, except for Yule. It was THE winter event in the early days of the AFA.
I reflect on this today as we put together the annual calendar for each Hof. For every month, events and holy days are clearly marked for all to see. In January, there is always Þorrablót, making a perfect topic for our December District Meeting here in Óðinshof District. Our guest speakers, Lawspeaker Turnage and Goðar Mayo and East, shared their knowledge of this celebration. Though it’s often assumed to be named after the god, Þórr, it is not! “Thorri” means frost, so “Frost-Blót” is the correct translation. But further discussion brought forth an interesting correlation. When one considers that the Hammer-wielder fights his foes, the Frost-Giants, it’s totally appropriate to honor Þórr at this time.
Everyone who has known the malaise that comes with the dark, dreary winter months may assume that our far-northern ancestors felt this as well. Living with conditions of dwindling food supplies while the outside world remained frozen amidst never-ending gray twilight, the best antidote for depression was to come together and find joy in fellow man. And so, we do that today.
Þorrablót is our time to put the past year behind and make this a day of social interaction with games, dancing, stories – and anything that lifts the hearts of the Folk. I see this as a time we draw on our various European cultures and traditions, touching the souls of those who came before. At Óðinshof, ethnic dishes to add to meals are encouraged. We’ll be offering a genealogy workshop, digging deeply into our personal roots, and sharing lineages by showing off Scottish-tartans, coats-of-arms, and family crests. Our greater AFA family includes all those ancestors back into the mists of time. If you’re disappointed to find no DNA link to the Scots, know that the Asatru Folk Assembly has its very own official tartan.
For those of you unable to come to Þorrablót, find some ways to honor Þórr and your ancestors who overcame the obstacles of winter weather. First of all, Blót to Þórr and make offerings to the Dísir and Álfar. Spend one day working on your family tree. Give attention to your family altar. Take on a new craft or hobby. Reach out to long-lost relatives and friends. Teach someone a game or read a book aloud. Prepare an unusual recipe. Take a winter walk and note the starkness of the season. Reach out to someone who needs a warm “hello.” Don’t let January be a time of inaction. Put the Might of Þórr into your efforts, making this a month of value, of personal accomplishment.
Gyðja Sheila McNallen
~ From The Runestone, January 2025 ~