On Community and Blot
by Ron Branga
[March 27, 2002]

Our religion Asatru, or Heathenism, is a very community oriented religion. Community can be as narrow as 2 people who are Heathen, as in spouses, parent and child, friends or brother and sister. Community can also be as broad as including every Asatruar out there in Midgard (Midgard, or Middle Earth is the term us Heathen use for Earth). Most Heathens fall somewhere in the middle, community mainly being their family and the folk they actually gather to Blot with. In my opinion though, community always includes the Æsir.

There are many facets and functions of a community and why it is so important to our religion, but I think the prime reason is to come together and Blot. To Blot is when we come together and give honour our Gods and Goddesses. Typically, both historically in elder days and today, we do this by sharing meat and drink with the community. Remember, the Æsir are part of our community. Also horns or other containers of drink are raised and toast are made to the Gods as well. Oftentimes sacred games, such as the May Pole, stories and songs and ritual drama occur as well.

A feast is held with all the good times involved to bring honour to the Gods and Goddess. This is not to kiss up to them. This is to show respect and kinship and love for our Gods. Think of a birthday party thrown for you. Did you not feel the love and devotion, respect for you and extend that back to the folks who threw the party? Similar concept here. It must be noted, that the prime reason for Blot is to honour the Gods, not to just have a party. It is a sacred and deadly serious occasion that is almost always loaded with good cheer, jokes and happiness. One lone person can have a wonderful Blot, meaningful and Holy, but when you add other Heathens to the mix, it gets better. Until one Blots with other Heathens, it is hard to describe the Holy feeling of it. In my opinion, the more the merrier. Although this is a general rule of thumb.

No matter how many Heathen are present, if there isn't frith, there is no joy. The more Heathen gathered to Blot in a frithful joyous atmosphere, the greater honour it can bring to the Æsir and isn't that the point of Blot?