Yule booklet 2011 - The Odinic Rite

Odinic Rite Vinland 

AND 

Donars Hearth OR 

Presents: 

Midwinter Festival

The Danish Yule Heart (Julhjarta) is a beautiful symbol of Freya and Frigga. The loving caress of our 

Goddesses warm our hearts and souls through the cold dark season. 

• Cut a rectangle 2 1/2 inches by 9 inches from red and white construction paper. 

• Fold the rectangles in half. The folded sheets should be 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. 

• From both the red and white rectangles, cut up from the fold, three 3 inch slits. 

• Opposite the fold, round off the top. 

• Weave according to the picture. (C over 3, B through 3, A over 3, etc…) 

• Cut a handle and glue or staple the handle.

Baldur’s Dreams 

Baldur the good had 

some really bad dreams about 

people hurting him and killing 

him. When he told the Aesir 

about these dreams they went 

to get protection for Baldur 

from everything in the world. 

Frigg asked for an Oath from 

fire and water, iron and all metals. 

She asked for Oaths from 

stones, earth, trees, animals, 

poisons, and serpents. They all 

said that they would not harm 

Baldur. 

After this had been done, all of 

the Aesir used to think it was 

funny to throw darts, rocks, 

arrows and blades at Baldur because 

he could not be harmed. 

Baldur’s Death 

Remember how all 

things promised not to hurt 

Baldur? Well there was one 

little Mistletoe bush that was 

not asked. Frigg thought it 

too little to ask. When Loki, 

Laufey’s son, saw that everyone 

was having such a fun 

time throwing things at Baldur 

and that he was not being hurt 

he became very angry. He 

dressed up like an old woman 

and went to visit Frigg in her 

hall, Fensalir. There, Loki 

asked Frigg what all of the 

The Story of Baldur 

Gods were doing to Baldur. 

Frigg said that they were throwing 

all different types of objects 

at Baldur and not a single weapon 

or tree could harm Baldur 

because she had asked for an 

Oath from all things. Loki (the 

old woman) asked Frigg if everything 

had given an Oath and 

Frigg at this point told him of a 

little bush of mistletoe that she 

did not ask an Oath because 

she thought it was too little to 

harm Baldur. Loki left and 

went to find the little bush of 

mistletoe, and with it he created 

a small dart out of its branches. 

When Loki returned to 

where all of the Gods were having 

fun he saw Baldur’s blind 

brother Hod. Loki asked him 

why he wasn’t having fun with 

the other Gods and Hod said 

it was because he didn’t have a 

weapon and couldn’t see where 

Baldur was standing. Loki 

guided Hod towards the others 

and passed the dart of mistletoe 

to him and said that Baldur was 

right in front of him. He said 

join the other Gods at some fun 

and honor your brother as the 

other gods were doing. 

Hod took the mistletoe 

and threw it at Baldur. The 

dart went right into Baldur’s 

heart and killed him. This was 

the worst thing that had ever 

happened to the gods and men. 

Loki’s Refusal 

The Aesir sent messengers 

to every part of the world 

to ask all trees, creatures, rocks 

and metals to cry for Baldur so 

he could come back from Hel. 

Everything agreed to do this, 

(this is what we see when all 

things unfreeze from in frost), 

and when the messengers were 

returning they saw Loki who 

was disguised as a Giantess 

sitting in a cave. Loki said his 

name was Thokk. They asked 

her to weep for Baldur as all 

other things agreed to do and 

she said: 

Thokk will weep 

Dry tears 

At Baldur’s embarkation: 

The old fellow’s son 

Was no use to me 

Alive or dead 

Let Hel hold what she has. 

Loki’s Punishment 

Loki had done many 

bad things to the Gods and 

they were very angry with him. 

He was going to be punished 

for what he did to Baldur. 

When Loki heard of how angry 

the Gods were he ran away 

and hid in a mountain. In this 

mountain he built himself a 

house that had four doors, one 

in each direction so he could

see each way. During the day 

Loki would change himself 

into a salmon and hid in the 

waterfall called Franang. Loki 

would also make nets and 

practiced how to escape from 

them because he thought that 

this would be the way that the 

Aesir would catch him. Odin 

had seen from his thrown, 

Hlidskjalf, where Loki was 

hiding and Loki threw this net 

into the fire and once again 

turned into a salmon and 

jumped into the river. 

When the Aesir finally 

came, Kvasir, the wisest of 

them all, went into the house 

first. He looked at the fire and 

saw the net that Loki had built. 

He knew that it was something 

to catch fish and he told this 

to the other Gods. The Gods 

then made a net like the one 

that Loki had made and they 

went to the river to cast it into 

the waterfall. Thor held one 

end of the rope and the other 

Gods held the other side. The 

Gods dragged the net along 

the bottom. 

Loki was however hiding 

between two rocks and 

wasn’t caught. The Gods tried 

again and this time went very 

low so that nothing could escape. 

Loki tried to get ahead 

but the ocean was near, he 

jumped back over the net and 

swam up the waterfall. The 

Gods saw where Loki had 

gone this time. The Gods 

went into two groups in the 

water, they dragged the net 

again while Thor stood back 

and waded in midstream. 

Loki once again had to either 

go into the massive ocean and 

be lost or try to jump back. 

Loki tried to jump back but 

this time Thor was there to 

catch him. He slipped in 

his hands but Thor held on 

tight to his tail (that is why the 

salmon tapers at the tail). 

Loki was taken to a 

cave forever and was bound 

over the edges of three stones. 

Loki’s sons Vali and Narfi 

were also captured and Vali 

was turned into a wolf, and 

then he ate his brother Narfi. 

Skadi took a poisonous snake 

and fastened it up over Loki 

and the venom dropped onto 

his face. His wife Sigyn sits 

by him and holds a basin to 

catch the poisonous drops. 

When the basin is full she 

leaves to empty it, but while 

she is gone the drops fall 

onto Loki and he shudders in 

great pain (that is where earthquakes 

come from). This is 

where Loki will lay until Ragnarok.

Yule, an ancient tradition, a 

time when families gather to 

exchange gifts, and enjoy the 

time they have together, a time 

when the days are short and in 

some places our Folk reside 

the sun never, or rarely, shows 

herself. What are the origins 

of Yule, the traditions, spiritual 

foundations, continuations, and 

finally, modern celebrations by 

those who still hold true to the 

ways of Our Ancestors? In the 

following these questions will 

be answered, so the reader can 

understand this beautiful expression 

of the hospitality and 

giving nature of Our Folk past 

and present. 

Origins of Yule 

Although the ancient 

origins of Yule are lost in the 

annals of time, we, as a Folk, 

can determine from the lore 

a several constants. Yule was 

at the end of the year and 

heralded in the rebirth of the 

Sun. Held on the Winter 

solstice (around the modern 

Dec. 21st), Yule, which literally 

means wheel, was the ending 

of the cycle of the year. There 

is no specific reference in 

texts of 12 days, but there 

is reference to a several day 

celebration extending beyond, 

at least 7 days. The first night 

is dedicated to Mothers, called 

The Mother night Blot. The 

last night is called the “Twelfth 

Night” where oaths are sworn 

for the coming year. The 

ancients first believed the year 

to be split into halves: light 

Yule 

half and dark half. Later the 

year progressed into thirds 

and finally fourths. The year 

was also viewed as a ring that 

passed in cycles. (Grimm) There 

is some confusion regarding 

the actual date. Some believe 

that Yule was in what is now 

January from either the 7th 

to the 19th, or the 13th to the 

25th. Regardless of the ancient 

origins, Yule (or a very close 

variation) has been, and still 

is, the most celebrated holiday 

across European/Western 

Civilization. 

Spiritual Foundations 

To understand the 

spiritual foundations of this 

Folk Celebration, one must 

understand our Northern 

Folk. Our Folk lived in a 

harsh environment that saw 

anywhere from 15 to 20 hours 

of darkness during the winter 

months. They had no outside 

distractions being confined to 

only their longhouses or close 

surrounding land. This was 

the time to develop their minds 

through meditation and mind 

challenging games. Through 

mediation they became 

synchronized with the Gods 

and Goddesses within them 

and their kin. During this time 

Oðin wanders Midgarð visiting 

His faithful Folk. Being 

the God of wisdom through 

meditation, it makes sense that 

our Folk would meditate and 

challenge their minds during 

these dark and cold months. 

Baldur the shining God is said 

to be born on the Solstice to 

Frigga and Oðin. This birth 

of light also coincides with 

the rebirth of the sun. Up 

until Mother’s night, the sun 

was waning. From Yule till 

Summer Finding the sun 

waxes, during which Baldur 

diminishes into Hel to only be 

reborn again on Yule in the 

great cycle of the year. Here 

lie many intriguing myths that 

hold the spiritual truths of our 

Folk. 

As related in myth, Oðin 

goes wandering during the 

winter months. Beginning with 

Winterfinding and possibly 

ending on Walpurgisnact, 

Oðin leaves Asgard to Ullr, the 

hunter, to wander Midgard. 

During this time Oðin visits the 

homes of His Folk. Leaving a 

gift for the gifts left for Him by 

the household. It is said that 

there was a great war (referred 

to in the Edda as the First War 

between the Aesir and Vanir) 

and Oðin was dethroned. Ullr 

is said to take the throne and 

rule Asgard till Oðin’s return. 

Ullr is considered the Winter 

King. Although not definitively 

known, Ullr could be 

another face of the All-father. 

Traditionally children would 

leave out hay and sugar for 

Sleipnir (Oðin’s eight-legged 

steed), in return Oðin would 

leave a gift for the children. 

This is also the time that 

the Folk would celebrate the 

return of the sun. They would 

go into the woods and bring

ack a large tree to burn all 

night. This fire was tendered 

all night—the longest night of 

the year—to welcome back the 

sun from her slumber. The 

remnants for the log were 

carefully gathered and put 

aside to kindle the flame of the 

next Yule. This was a tradition 

that was continued unbroken. 

It was believed that if the fire 

did not burn all night that the 

sun would be weak or nonexistent 

the light half of the 

year. The sun Goddess Sunna 

would not bless the land with 

her life-giving rays. It could 

also symbolize the flame of 

the Folk, and its importance to 

continue the ageless traditions 

of the Folk. The perseverance 

to stay with the flame and 

never letting it go out all night 

showed the dedication to the 

good of the Folk. 

The Yule tree, representative 

of the Great World Ash 

(Yggdrasil) would be decorated 

and honored. The tree chosen 

was left alive outside to honor 

the endurance of life in the 

coldest, darkest of nights. As 

to is the symbol of the wreath 

made with fresh sprigs from 

the evergreen, is a enduring 

symbol of life. 

Continuation of Traditions 

Since Christians couldn’t 

get rid of this holy celebration, 

they decided to absorb it. 

Instead of Oðin visiting, it was 

a Saint who rewarded faithful 

followers of the Christian God. 

Since celebration of heathen 

traditions were punishable 

by torture and death, the 

Folk kept the Folk way alive 

in their homes by bringing 

a fresh cut tree to decorate. 

Instead of Baldur’s birth or the 

birth of a God (as in Mithra), 

Christ was born on Christmas. 

Although frustrating with all 

the bastardizations, these 

absorptions have ensured the 

continuance of the traditions 

of our ancient Folk till now. 

The folkway never died, it was 

only taken on a 1500-year + 

detour to be saved for future 

generations to re-ignite. Much 

like Ragnrok and the ensuing 

fimbulwinter, our Folkways are 

shrouded in a thin veneer of 

alien doctrines. The Folkway 

is just now coming out of the 

cold alienation to the warm 

home of the True Folkway. 

Old ways, New times 

Such is the variety of 

our Northern folk, so to is the 

variety of celebrations for the 

return of the Sun. The way 

one celebrates is completely 

individual, and individuality 

is a trait of our Folk, so the 

following modern celebrations 

are only a sketch of the myriad 

of way to honor the High Ones 

and Sunna’s return. This is 

a good time to meditate on 

the years activities. It is also a 

good time to call on the powers 

of the Gods and Goddesses as 

well as the ancestors. This is a 

time when the veil between the 

worlds is thin and the ancestors 

can more readily share their 

wisdom. 

The Yule Tree/Log 

Many chose their Yule 

tree on Mother’s Night (Yule 

eve) and decorate that day. 

Although it is still a strong 

tradition to bring the tree in 

from the cold to the warmth of 

the Family Hearth, others still 

decorate a tree outside their 

homes. It is hoped that this 

small step will herald in the reawakening 

of our Folk and victory 

over the dessert God. The 

Tree is topped with a shining 

symbol, either a representation 

of the Polar star (Tyr’s Nail) 

or of the Irminsul (the World 

axis, appropriate for Yggdrassil). 

Also, the tree is decorated 

with red and white symbols 

in either lights, red berries, or 

tinsel as is the Yule wreath. 

On New Year’s Eve, the gathered 

Folk swear oath’s on the 

Yule log for the coming year. 

This tree or log is burned on 

New Year’s eve and is lit with 

the previous year’s Yule log. 

Remnants from the Yule tree/ 

log are kept for the next year. 

This tradition can be mirrored 

with a piece of the trunk of the 

Yule tree to represent the Yule 

log and placing three candles: 

red, white, and green, atop it, 

thus re-igniting our Folkway. 

The Wanderers Visit 

To honor the 

Wanderer, Oðin, the children 

(and parents) leave out their 

stockings accompanied 

with milk and cookies, or 

whatever gift they wish for 

Oðin and Sleipnir, to refresh 

the wanderers on their long 

journey. Oðin in turn leaves 

gifts in the stockings. This 

is celebrated each of the 12 

days, representative of the 12 

months of the year. Often

a candle is also left out each 

evening to light Oðin’s way to 

the home. 

The Sun Reborn 

To honor the sun reborn, 

a Blot is performed to 

usher in the victory of the Sun. 

It was believed that the Winter 

and Summer battled and at 

each respective Solstice one or 

the other won. The Winter 

prevailed in Summer and vice 

versa. (Grimm) To ensure victory 

of the Summer, Heathen 

Folk now kindle a fire to be 

tended all night until sunrise. 

This not only symbolizes the 

return of the sun, but also, it 

is a testament to our Folk and 

their ancient ways. Candles 

can be in place of a fire. It is 

what that flame symbolizes, 

that is important. 

Feasting 

This has never died out 

among our Folk. The Yule 

Feast, often some form of 

pork, is celebration of kinship 

and comradeship. This is the 

time when kith and kin gather 

to partake in the warmth of 

family and friends. There is a 

great celebration with several 

Folkways continued. The 

ritual meal is often pork and 

late harvested crops such as 

squash. The Boar, sacred to 

Frey, sacrifice and eaten to 

partake in the fertility of Frey 

and His ability to grant fine 

crops. Some Folk also swear 

oaths on a representation of 

a boar. During the feast a 

sumble is performed in which 

the gathered Folk boast, oath, 

and even sing/read poetry. It 

is also a time to play mind 

challenging games such as 

chess, charades, etc… with the 

gathered Folk.. 

Yule is the victory of the light over darkness, the turning of 

another year, and to enjoy the warmth of kith and kin. The 

enduring Will of our Folk and the High Ones has kept these 

ancient traditions alive. This Yule when one is opening gifts 

from family and friends, raising a glass toasting the greatness 

of our comrades, eating the Yule feast, pondering the waning 

year and making plans for the next, singing carols, and 

decorating the home and tree know that it is these simple acts 

that keep the Flame of our Folk alive for future generations. 

References: 

Teutonic Mythology, Grimm. 

Mother Night Blot, Odinic Rite: Book of Blotar 

Poetic Edda, Larrington Translation

Joy to the Worlds 

Joy to the worlds, 

Of Gods and Men, 

Let Midgard sound her horn! 

The Yule Boar is near 

Our sumbel oaths to hear 

And witness to the Aesir 

And witness to the Aesir 

And witness , and witness the oaths made hear. 

Joy to the Worlds 

Of Gods and Men, 

Let kinfolk gather near! 

And honor all the Gods 

Alfs, Idises, and Weal-Wights 

Most Sacred to us here 

Most sacred to us here 

That Blessing and luck will come 

Throughout the Year

Deck the Halls 

Deck the halls with boughs of holly 

Fa la la la la la la la la 

Tis the season to be jolly 


Don we now our gay apparel 


Troll the ancient Yuletide carols 


See the blazing Yule before us 


Strike the harp and join the chorus 


Follow me now in merry measure 


While I tell of Yuletide treasure 


Fast away the old year passes 


Hail the new, ye lads and lasses 


Sing we joyous all together 


Heedless of the wind and weather 

Fa la la la la la la la la

The Twelve Days Of Yultide 

On the first day of Yuletide 

My true love gave to me, 

A branch from the Yggdrasil tree 

On the second day of Yuletide 


Two crowing ravens 

On the Third day of Yuletide 


Three weaving norns 

On the Fourth day of Yuletide 

My true love gave to me 

Four Irminsils 

On the Fifth day of Yuletide 


Five oath rings 

On the Sixth day of Yuletide 


Six hounds a-howling 

On the seventh day of Yuletide, 


Seven serpents circling 

On the eighth day of Yuletide 


Eight squirrels a-scurrying 

On the Ninth Day of Yuletide 


Nine Herbs a-Brewing 

On the tenth day of Yuletide 


Ten children singing 

On the Eleventh day of Yuletide 


Eleven swan maids swimming 

On the Twelfth day of Yuletide 


Twelve Sowilos swirling.

Silent Night 

Silent night, Solstice Night 

All is calm, all is bright, 

Nature slumbers in forest and glen 

Till in springtime She wakens again 

Sleeping spirits grow strong! 

Sleeping spirits grow strong! 

Silent night, Solstice night, 

Silver moon shining bright 

Snowfall blankets the slumbering Earth 

Yule fires welcome the Sun’s rebirth 

Hark, the Light is reborn! 

Hark, the Light is reborn! 

Silent night, Solstice night 

Quiet rest till the Light, 

Turning ever the rolling Wheel 

Brings the Winder to comfort and heal 

Rest your spirit in peace! 

Rest your spirit in peace!

H 

a 

i 

l 

O 

d 

i 

n 

Wild Hunt 

Riders we have seen on high, 

Hunting cross the Northern Sky 

Take these gifts we’ve laid for you 

Guard our house the whole year through 

(Chorus) 

Hail and Wassail! 


Hail and Wassail Mighty Hunt! 

Riding through the Yule sky. 



Hail and Wassail Mighty Hunt! 

Riding through the Yule night sky. 

Hail the spirits of this night, 

Faring home to kindred hall 

Hail Ancestors, Gods, and Wights, 

Welcome we give one and all 

(Chorus) 

Blessing bring unto this Hearth 

Weal and Fame to all within 

As we give our Troth tonight 

Standing with our sir Kin. 

H 

a 

i 

l 

T 

o 

r

Oh Come All Ye Faithful 

Oh come all ye faithful 

Gather now for sumbel 

Raise a tale of courage 

Glory, and might 

Praise to our heros 

Honored still among us 

Oh come let us remember 



The valiant today! 



Praise ye our ancestors 

Who live in us still. 

Call out their names and 

Let their deeds be counted 




The souls gone before 



Oath Ring and Sacred Boar, 

Your promise receive 

Boldly and bravely 

Speak we now our Yule Oaths 




The Vows Made today!

Design a Shield

Heraldry is the ancient form of identifying different families and tribes. In Medieval times Heraldry was 

very important. Just by seeing their heraldic shield, a person could tell exactly who the person was and 

from whence they came. In Vinland, we still identify our selves from whence we came, but also where our 

families are from today. Below, create a shield with a coat of arms that tells everyone who see it who you 

are, from whence you came, and what is important to you. There are some common symbols of heraldry, 

but try and think of some symbols that are from today such as symbols from Odinism, or from the area you 

live. Be sure to share it with your family!

Writing 

writN 

In 

in 

Runes 

Runes 

Use the Runes below to write your name or create your very own Bind 

Rune. Our Folk used Bind Runes to create a positive energy to help 

change things whether it was a healing bind rune, or a strengthening one. 

Try making a Bind Rune with the letters in your name!

The Odinic Rite Blot of The Mother Night Yule 

the Midwinter Festival 

Odin Vili Ve 

F u T a r c xg w 

H n i j I P z s 

T b m E l N o d 

THE CLEANSING. 

All present should stand for two minutes in silent meditation, to still the mind and prepare for the Blot. 

THE HALLOWING. 

Gothi: In the names of Odin, Balder, Frey and Thor: We hallow this place to the worship of the Aesir and Vanir, that 

we may truly understand, fully assimilate and properly use the Divine Powers that are within us. Frigga, Nanna, 

Freya and Sif: Be our guides and our comfort. 

THE SACRED FIRE. 

The Gothi (or an assistant) shall light the Sacred Fire (which may be represented by candles) saying: 

In the names of the High Gods, we kindle the fire of cleansing and creation, the first mystery and the final mercy. Let 

flame be quickened by flame, that through the darkness we may come to the light. And may the holy flame of our 

Faith and Folk which ever burns, grow again to bathe Midgarth in its sacred radiance. 

All: Hail our Gods! Hail our Folk! Odin Hail! 

THE INVOCATION. 

Gothi: We have gathered again in kinship to celebrate the Mother Night and the Yule Tide. Though it be a time of 

dark and cold, we are warmed by our comradeship and the light of the Gods guides us. We hail our kinship and our 

bonds of blood and faith. We call to all our Gods and Goddesses to be with us. We call to the Spirits of our Ancestors 

to be with us. All that is good and holy we call to be with us, and may that which is unharmonious not enter this 

sacred place or our hearts. 

Creation moves in cycles and we celebrate the turning of another year. The Sun, sustainer of life is now low in our 

Northern sky and nights are long. From dark Winter, to Spring, to High Summer and vivid Fall has turned the year, 

and now the Sun is at its weakest and the dread wolf may seem triumphant. Yet we know that and end and a beginning 

are at hand, and though we too may go down into shadow like the Sun, so also as the Golden Summer which 

follows Winter: We shall rise again! 

And this is the Mother Night, the night of the Sun’s rebirth! Hail to Mothers and the Sun reborn! 

All: Hail to Mothers and the Sun Reborn! 

Gothi: Though the teeth of winter will become sharper yet and their bite yet harsher, the Sun returns to usher a new 

Spring. And though this dark age may get darker yet, that we and others like us gather together is the promise of the 

coming New Spring for our people. May the Gods sustain us through this dark time, through the Winter. 

Hail to Uller, the Winter King! Hail the turning of the wheel, hail the Sun! 

All: May they be with us, we hail them! 

Gothi: Now let us be aware of the God force within us and around us.

THE FIRST READING. 

Reader: Wassail all over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown, Our bowl it is made from the bright 

linden tree. With a wassailing bowl we sing to thee. 

And here’s to the uncle and his rosy cheeks, And to you and your kin, a good piece of beef, And a good piece of beef 

that we may all see. With a wassailing bowl we sing to thee. 

And here is to cheery and to his right eye, And to you and your kin, a good piece of pie, And a good piece of pie that 

we may all see. With a wassailing bowl we sing to thee. 

And here is to Woden and all his God kin, And a happy New Year,to us all may they bring, And a happy New Year that 

we may all see. With a wassailing bowl we drink to thee. (Traditional ‘wassailing’ song variant). 

THE ANCESTORS AND THE SUCCESSORS. 

Gothi: Like the Winter Sky, in azure garbed and golden crowned, the Gods of Valhalla sit enthroned. Within the doorway 

stands each noble Norn, together bearing date’s rune-written shield. They made laws, and chose life for the Children 

of Ages and Wyrd for Men. 

All: In the name of the High Gods. Urd, Norn of the past, we offer thanks for the blood ties of our House and Family. 

Verdandi, Norn of the present, and Skuld, Norn of the future, may we not be a failing people and a Springless Autumn. 

Grant that we hold by the ways of our forebears and to their memory, with every atom of our blood, and may we speak 

our own North tongue until the end of days. Now, to our Children’s children and their children, we send our words as 

messengers, the way we shall not pass along: Kinsfolk! unseen, unborn, unknown! Since we cannot see your face or 

clasp your hand, we send our Spirits through time and space in Odin’s name to greet you! 

THE REDE. 

Gothi: Gather round you sons and daughters of Heimdall and hail to them that listen. 

As the earth slumbers, so it prepares for renewal and new life. And we remember Yggdrasil, the great tree of life. We 

remember the Irminsul, the pillar and great axis. In this season of slumber, the ever greens still stand sentinel over the 

Mother Earth, still vibrant with life. The green of living things, the bright red berries, symbols of the life blood which 

flows in us. 

Ahead lies a new year, let us embrace it gladly and boldly. Let us rejoice in renewal, in the wheel of creation. In life is 

sorrow and joy, light and dark, all we must face, but on this Mother Night let us be glad for friendship and kin. 

Let us remember the places of feasting and warm hall of old. Glad now should we be. May we be in the company of 

comrades and family, generous to the guest and host, be glad towards them and forget not gifts for them. Neither forget 

to relieve the aged, the lonely and sad and luckless, nor let kind deed be checked by cold counsel. May joy surround 

us. 

All: By Odin’s power may this be so. 

THE SECOND READING. 

Reader: Ah dreaded Winter you would be And hated were it not for me; But when your sway is most severe, To Earth 

I come and sojourn here. Then smiles to faces sad return, Hearts with mirth and gladness burn: I banish care; I banish 

pain, Till all the world seems young again. So loved by all good folk am I, They all rejoice when I am nigh. (Song of 

the Spirit of Yule - from Empire Reciter)

THE RESTORATION OF LIGHT. 

At this point the sacred fire is kindled and it is appropriate to kindle a sunwheel (if the blot is conducted in the open) or 

perhaps a token sunwheel if indoors. The oldest person present should light the sacred fire on this occasion and candles 

given to those present lit and passed by the oldest, who gives the first candle to the youngest present (providing they 

are old enough to be safe), to symbolise the eternal cycle of creation. 

If a sunwheel is kindled the Gothi shall say: Alight the sunwheel, for the sun is reborn, hail the light, hail our faith, 

folk and family. 

Those assembled will respond: Hail the fiery sunwheel, hail the sun reborn, hail our faith, folk and family. 

For the lighting of the sacred fire the Gothi shall say: In the names of the High Gods, we kindle the fire of cleansing 

and creation, the first mystery and final mercy. Let flame be quickened by flame that through the darkness we may 

come to the light. And may the holy flame of our Faith and Folk, which ever burns, grow again to bathe Midgarth in its 

sacred radiance. 

As the oldest member passes on the flame to the candles, the Gothi shall say: From oldest to youngest passes the flame, 

token of the eternal cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth - an unbroken chain. Hail the flame of our faith, hail the flame 

of our folk! 

The Yule Candle is now lit and should ideally be left to burn all night (though if this is unsafe DON’T). 

The Gothi shall then say: I wish you all a happy Yule, a merry feast and a wish fulfilled new year. Wassail! 

All present may return the Gothi’s greeting and wish Merry Yule etc. to all gathered. 

THE GEALDOR. 

f 

THE PETITION. 

Gothi: In the name of the High Gods! 

All: Balder, inspire us with truth and the love of mercy and justice, and grant us strength to bear the decrees of the 

Norns, for into close hearts they see. Thor, endow us with courage and aid us in the fight against the enemies of our 

Faith, Folk, and Family. Odin, give us wisdom and words, and while we live, give us healer’s hands. Freya, assure our 

posterity, that the corn be all one sheaf, and the grapes be all one vine. And Frey, grant our desire for the goodwill of 

our fellow-men, and especially to surround ourselves with a steadfast circle of devoted kinsmen and faithful friends 

and comrades. 

THE JARL’S RALLY. 

Gothi: May those who lead be true, may those who follow be loyal, so that we may be bound in a circle of unity and 

honour! 

THE MEMORY CUP. 

The Gothi shall hallow the meadfilled horn by saying: 

Light down from high Asgarth descends, ether pure in flowing bowls. Light up to Asgarth ascends, a mediator for our 

souls. Sign we now the bright mead... 

(with the Meadhorn, or with hand, or a hallowed item, the Gothi shall make the Hammer sign over the mouth of the 

Horn, thus “signing” the contents) 

...in the names of Odin, Balder, Frey and Thor and all our Holy Gods. From Heidrun’s breast and Lerath’s bough, may 

we obtain the food of Odin, which is wisdom; of Fiolnir, which is being, and the blood of Kvasir, which is knowledge. 

May we have the power of luck and the honour of fellowship, and may we be blessed with fine harvests and all wellbeing 

in Midgarth. 

The Gothi raises the Meadhorn saying: Receive now this, the Holy Cup of the Raven God, and drink in happy hour. 

Health and peace be with you at your going and your coming. Be whole! 

The Gothi drinks and passes the Horn sunwise. Special toasts, vows etc. may be made before drinking. Before replacing 

the Horn on the Altar, the Gothi pours any remaining Mead on the ground, or into the Trygill containing soil of the

Mother Land, saying: 

We praise our Holy Mother Jorth! 

Then the Gothi shall say: All praise to the High Gods. We have become one with them and we have shared their glory. 

THE TROTH. 

Gothi: Once more we have met at the heildom as friends and kin in the fellowship of Odin. May we be guarded and 

guided by the Gods and have their blessings so that we meet again soon in a circle of Kinship. Let us now speak the 

words, that year by year, our Sons and our Daughters must hear. 

All: We shall not fail to defend Family and Folk and our Holy religion from the force of spears and the powers of fate. 

In the name of Thor we shall have strength! In Freya’s name we shall hold our faith! In the name of Tyr we shall have

Yule booklet 2011 - The Odinic Rite

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