Winternights

Winternights 2025 Abanning

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Alter With Ancestor candles On October 9, 2025, The Folk and guests of the Ondheim Theodish fellowship met at the homestead of Chris Thane and his family to celebrate Winternights.  The weather was clear, but cool and crisp, as is appropriate for the season.  In the tribal meetings of the weeks prior to the gathering, the folk spent time making homemade jar candles to be used in honor of those who had passed beyond the veil.  It is our tradition to create candles for the folk who have departed and light them from our needfyr to metaphysically invite them to our ritual gathering.

On the full moon a few days prior to the event, the hunters within the tribe gathered at the homestead of Chris Thane where he performed the traditional Ullr blot and weapon blessing for the hopes of a good hunting season.

The needfyr itself was lit two days prior to the event, as an opening to the meta-ritual in the tradition of our ancestors to hold holytides over the course of multiple days.  The needfyr was kept burning for three days in an oil lamp, and on the day of the gathering, the lantern was used to ignite the ritual fire thereby maintaining the fire for the entire time.  The gathering began in the early afternoon and was well attended by tribesmen and guests alike.  Most of the day was spent strengthening the community bonds that are such an integral part of Theodish belief.

The folk then shared a feast, and as the sun set, we came together for ritual.  The ritual was held in honor of the Disir and all the folk who passed beyond the veil, and gifts were given and offerrings made.  The ritual was well received, and omens were judged to be good.  After a brief break for dessert and more socialization, the symbel began.  Coming together in symbel is one of the greatest rituals the folk participate in.  The moment when all of our words and deeds flow directly from us into the well of wyrd and are witnessed by Gods, folk, and ancestors alike.  It is the most sacred of our rites.  Well-wrought words spoken in hall and ancestors and heroes remembered are the path to immortality within our faith.

 

Glaed Winternights to all!

William Lord

Ondheim Theodish Fellowship

Ondheim.org

Winternights 2025 Abanning

Winternights 2020 Abanning

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The tribe gathered at Joseph Thane’s home to celebrate the transition of summer into winter. A grand tent was rented for the occasion, and the warm day was the scene of much merriment as children were at play, swordplay was practiced, and many good conversations were had.

After Joseph thane gifted his thralls with matching polo shirts displaying the Ondheim bear, the day began with a live dramatic presentation of Odin’s visit to the volva wherein he learned of the coming death of Balder. This was our tribe’s first foray into what we hope to turn into a regular feature of our celebrations; ritual dramas and plays.

The blot was done according to the thew of the tribe, starting with a processional chant, wherein the folk and guests of the tribe processed to the site of the sacrifice, bearing with them the gifts that were to be given to the Gods. In particular, a straw ram was offered, stabbed in such a way that the mead contained in a bladder within poured out onto the horg, emulating an actual sacrifice. Other goods were also sacrificed to the Gods while the folk performed a ring-dance around the horg.

Feast later ensued, with the tribe’s culinary feats on grand display. Roast pork, potato leek soup, fresh breads, and much more were laid out for the folk to enjoy. Also, as is our tradition, a plate was prepared for the land wights, in thanks for their friendship and onlooking onto our rituals.

Sumble was held, and another great tradition was upheld; the singing of songs. Both Richard thrall and Joseph thane took up harps to sing, and others gave voice in the hall. A guest, Collette, sold herself into thralldom, and Karen karl paid the pennies that the new thrall might learn of Theodish Belief and the tribal thew of Ondheim at her knee.

The night ended with much talk and merriment around the fire pit, until the wee hours of the night.

Hail Ondheim Theod!