Mayday 2023 Abanning

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On April 29th, 2023 The members of the Ondheim Theodish Fellowship gathered together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the planting season. This is the time we perform the Sigrblot or “Blot

for Victory” performed every year in the spirit of being victorious in the challenges and ordeals that we will assuredly face. The gathering was held at Thunreshof, the ancestral Hof on the land of Lord William and Lady Diane, and the weather reports leading up to the event called for torrential downpours all weekend. In preparation, the folk gathered, bought, and put up several rain shelter canopies, totaling an amazing 700 sq. feet of shelter to make the folk as comfortable as possible under the expected weather conditions. Our ancestors would not allow the weather to deter them from their plans, and neither will we!

We began our day with much rain, though not as much as was initially forecasted, which made the usual Mayday events (Kubb, archery, axe throwing, etc) less than ideal, but the folk gathered under the shelters, and shared conversation and knowledge, and built and strengthened our bonds of fellowship. We were blessed with the attendance of a neighboring tribe, Visdreng Volk, led by Will, a long time friend and respected Gothi and Hof builder, as well as some local Asatru folk that we have been maintaining frithful relations with as well as the usual goodfolk we have grown close to. Erik Karl led a discussion on the Viking Sail and shipbuilding techniques and theorized that sails were likely in use by our ancestors prior to the Oseberg ship. A very interesting presentation and well done. Afterwards, Chris Thane gave a demonstration and explanation of the swedish Maypole or grapevine-wreath used at our midsummer celebrations. We are planning to begin demonstrations of how to craft the items to be used in upcoming gatherings and events in order to help the folk prepare for thingtides and improve our traditional skills while promoting the mindset of our ancestors and internalizing their worldview. The resulting grapevine wreath was then put up as a raffle item. It is the goal we all share to learn, grow, and adopt the mindset of our ancestors despite the modern cultural indoctrination that our host society keeps us immersed in.

 

The ritual was powerful and moving, as was evidenced by the magnificent fireball when the mead was offered, making it clear that our gifts were accepted and Victory in the coming year was to be ours. Through mead, rune chants, and Galdr the Gods, Ancestors, and Landvaettir have been “given theirs”, and through their Raed and Speed, so shall we earn ours in the year to come!

The feast was plentiful and good, with all eating their fill, and multiple cases of mead ready for symbel. Symbel went late into the evening, with many great toasts and yielps made, songs in the elder tongues sang, deeds proclaimed, and goals laid out for the folk moving forward. It was a moving and energized event! It is through action that we grow and become more, and will ever be our goal to improve ourselves and Honor Ancestors, Gods, and the Folk!

Hail the Ancestors, Gods, and Landvaettir!
Hail The Ondheim Theodish Fellowship!

2023 mayday abanning

MayDay 2022 Abanning

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On Saturday April 30, 2022, the Ondheim Theodish fellowship gathered at Thunreshof to celebrate the beginning of spring and Walpurgis / May Day.  The gathering was well attended, having most of the Theod and some guests as well.  The weather was absolutely beautiful, which was especially good given that only a week ago we had had a snowstorm with actual accumulation.  The folk came together around noon and the day began with kubb, axe throwing, and archery practice and contests, then lunch was served, consisting of Heroes and an amazing assortment of quiches supplied by Skylar and Patricia!  

Lunch and socializing were followed by one of our teenage kinfolk Jason giving a demonstration and workshop on making blankets, which was one part of his Eagle Scout project he is in the process of completing with his scout troop.   He is raising money and making blankets for the Snowball Express, which is an organization that is for children who have lost a parent or sibling in the military.  We are all dedicated to supporting service members and their families in any way they can.  The workshop went well, and blankets were made to add to the donations Jason will be making as a part of his project.

The folk then performed the Sigrblot ritual to ask The Gods and ancestors for victory in our goals and ordeals in the year ahead.  Gifts of might and maegn, as well as a spear were given to the Gods and our pledge to continue striving and working to achieve our goals to better ourselves and our community in the coming year.  In return we asked the Gods and ancestors for help and inspiration in our pursuits that we may better bring honor to our names.  May the Folk be granted victory in the coming year!

After the ritual, we began the feast, which consisted of an assortment of dishes from smoked brisket, lamb, and kielbasa to roasted pork loin, potatoes au gratin, mixed vegetables and pasta.  The folk feasted well, and much was placed on the sacral offering plate to Gods and ancestors.

After feast, we moved into the Symbel hall and held formal Symbel.  Symbel opened with a reciting in old Norse and translation into English of an excerpt from Sigrdrifumal.  Then the traditional three rounds of Symbel commenced with many good and worthy words were spoken and deeds recounted.  Songs in ancient tongues were sang, boasts and brags were made, tears shed, and all was good in the hall. The Ondheim Theod even accepted a new thrall into the fold.  It was a beautiful ritual, and the folk were truly inspiring to our guests.  May the Gods and ancestors SEE us as we are, and may we continue to build Worth, Frith, and lasting accomplishments both in the secular and sacral worlds we inhabit!

Hail The Folk!

Yule 2022 Abanning

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Yule 2022 Abanning

On January 22, 2022, The Ondheim Theodish Fellowship came together at Thunreshof to celebrate Yule. The event was well attended with many tribesmen and guests. The day began with a delivery of a cord of hardwood to keep the fire burning courtesy of Josh thrall. The folk all unloaded the firewood and began to set up the firepit for the needfyr to be started. The Horg was decorated with the offerings, oil torches, and other ritual items. This year a deer hide was provided by the children to be used a Horg covering. This hide was tanned by their hands from a deer that was taken during this year’s hunting season. The folk began the day socializing around the fire, which as is often the case in a snowy winter day devolved into a rousing snowball fight. Much fun was had by all!

Moving inside to warm up, the folk had a lunch consisting of homemade chili and 6-foot hero sandwiches. During lunch the folk began discussions on many different Theodish and philosophical concepts as we often do at gatherings. It is a practice we refer to as “Lunch and Lore”. There is no better way to broaden ones understanding of a concept than to partake in a round table style discussion on it. It is always interesting to get the views of our guests mixed in with those of us who have studied the concepts from a Theodish perspective. Experiencing varied viewpoints forces us to analyze things more completely using alternate perceptions, which helps to solidify and internalize those values we embrace.

After the informal Lunch and Lore discussions, we were treated to a very well researched presentation on Viking burial practices, both in the past from the lore, as well as modern laws. Geri Thrall is a funeral director by trade, and her experience and firsthand knowledge of the field made for an extremely well organized and thorough analysis on what is legal and possible under modern health department and law codes with regards to Viking funerary rites. She even thoughtfully presented a printed copy of burial and cremation laws for the folk to peruse. It even prompted one of our guests to contact her regarding planning his own final arrangements.

As dusk approached, we moved outside and did our Yuletide ritual, offering the wishes and hopes for the coming year tied to a Julbokk and burned so that the Julbokk could bring those wishes to the Gods and ancestors to ask for their speed and raed(guidance) in the coming year that we could achieve the goals we are working towards. During and after the ritual, the omens in the fire and around us were observed and recorded and it was judged that the Offerings of mead charged with might and maegns(energies) was well accepted. The ritual fire was so large and so hot that the folk observed it was indeed possible to feel sun-burnt in the front while battling frostbite from the rear…

Moving inside, the folk shared a feast of impressive proportions supplied by the folk, and mostly made from the meat we received during hunting season or the “Yule Cow” as this is the second Yule that the Gods provided us with a cow for the simple price of slaughtering and butchering it. Most certainly a result of the good works we have undertaken to build our tribal luck. Of course, there was a tray placed on the feast table where the folk placed a portion of their meal on it for the Gods and Ancestors, to symbolically share the feast. The folk being sustained by the work of the folk together. What more can we ask for…

After feast, we cleared away the food and brought out the tribal mead horn and blot bowl, and Symbel began. Many fine toasts were made to Gods, Ancestors, Heroes, and the Folk. And much tribal business was handled. In the third round, much tribal business was put into the well. First off, Chris Karl who has stepped up to fulfill the needs in organizing and managing tribal affairs despite it not being his station to do so yet was raised to the arrung(rank) of Bondi, a leader among the freed folk. The next step in the round was the freeing of the thralls that had satisfactorily completed their time of service and learning. The list of Freed thralls included: Skylar, Patty, Billy, Joanna, Rob, Josh, and Geri. An impressive graduating class to be sure. We look forward to seeing the great deeds and accomplishments they will perform to raise the gefrain(worth) of the Ondheim Theodish Fellowship! HAIL THE FOLK!

It is common for the folk to socialize and celebrate around the fire after symbel, which was where the majority of folk headed after symbel was closed. At this time the Gods plate and symbel mead was offered. It was at this time that it became apparent that the nights holy works had not yet finished. Two of the newly freed Karls, Skylar and Patty decided to swear their Hold Oaths on the spot to Chris Bondi. The guests had all gone, but the tribesmen came together to witness the swearing at the Horg and the fire. When the oaths were exchanged, and many congratulations and drinks shared, William Lord called for the attention of the folk. Once the folk was assembled, William proceeded to recant Chris Bondi’s long list of service done for the tribe and folk, then explained that now that he had men in hold to him, Chris should be acknowledged as a Thane from that moment on, as the work he has done over the last year was indeed the work of a thane. In Theodish belief, we are our deeds, and all ranks and acknowledgments are solely merit based.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Downloadable PDF 2022-Yule Abanning-FINAL

Ondheim Leadership Update

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As of July 7, 2021, with great regret we must inform our membership of the resignation of Joseph Bloch, and Karen Bloch from Ondheim Theodish Fellowship. After a dispute with other tribesmen, Joseph refused to bring the matter to thing or arbitration and called for the removal of the other person without having the matter heard before the folk or arbitrated on by William Lord. When his demands were not met he chose to resign and leave the Fellowship. In Theodish belief, leadership is service, and we are all responsible for and accountable for our actions, but we have systems in place for due process that must be followed. NO ONE is above that, including the leadership itself.

Mayday 2021 Abanning

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On Saturday May 1st, 2021, the folk of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship gathered together at the home of Lord William and Lady Diane, as well as several guests. The day began with a lunch of sandwiches and quiche, followed by kubb, archery, axe throwing, and other games enjoyed by the adults and many children alike. While that was going on, Rikard Karl demonstrated weaving on a loom of his own construction, with various members of the tribe taking a turn creating a cloth.

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Karen Karl held a workshop on needle felting, which was a great success. At least one participant immediately ordered her own supplies to start felting on her own, and many unique and fun objects were created by those in attendance.

Carrying forth what has become a tradition of performing dramas and plays at our events, a comedic play, written by our own Rikard Karl, was performed, “The Children of Loki”. Telling the story of the loss of Tyr’s hand to the wolf Fenrir, the play was both fun on its own merits and useful as an educational experience. Many children of the tribe also participated, and it was adjudged to be a success all around.

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One of the main events during the day was the Sigrblót, held in honor of Odin in order to ask for victory for the tribe and its members in the coming year. In addition to the usual animal effigy (a ram was used in this case), several weapons were ceremonially offered to the Giver-of-Victory in the ancient manner, by first blunting and bending them so they can no longer be used in Midgard, and then offering them to the God. William Lord offered a spear he himself crafted, while Joseph Thane offered a ritual dagger which had itself been gifted to him many years before. The Sigrblót was a powerful ritual, and positive omens were observed thereafter.

After the Sigrblót, dinner was served; a huge feast of chicken, potatoes, perogies and fried kielbasa, vegetables, and hearty bread. Much fine talk and good cheer was had as the feast carried on. Once all had had their fill, the results of our raffles were held, as many members of the tribe had brought items of their own make to be raffled, benefiting the tribe’s coffers. Once all the goods found their homes, the folk gathered in hall for sumble.

Sumble is one of the main focuses of any major Theodish gathering, and sumble this night was up to that reputation. While many toasts to Odin were made during the first round, in honor of the God to whom the blót was offered during the day, many other Gods and Goddesses were also welcomed into the Hall and honored with toasts. The third round came alive with both song and business, as Joseph Thane sang a comedic Irish Ballad, Rikard Karl sang a version of “If I Had A Heart” while accompanying himself on guitar, and Joanna Thrall sang a ballad to Odin which all learned later was improvised on the spot (doubtless divinely inspired). Joseph Thane showed all the first proof copies of the first three books to be published by the tribe’s imprint, The Theodish Press, while presenting the first received, a copy of Egil’s Saga, to William Lord. Karen Karl presented Eirik Thrall with a shadow box she crafted honoring his grandparents, both of whom had recently passed away within days of one another, signed by all those present, and the emotion felt rippled through the hall at the gift. Joseph Thane also heard the hold oath of Rikard Karl, expanding the Web of Oaths of the tribe, and bringing in our first freed thrall into the collective Luck of the tribe. Such a thing is a momentous occasion, and the mood of the hall was suitably grave.

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After the conclusion of Sumble, the Gods Plate was offered to the gods and land-wights, dessert was served, and much drink, fine talk, and goodwill was shared by those assembled, before most left well after midnight.

The day was a fine one, and a worthy celebration of the Gods and the Folk. Ondheim Theodish Fellowship continues its trajectory towards ever-greater and ever-worthier deeds.

Ondheim Launches Online Bookstore

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Ondheim Theod is pleased to announce the opening of our online bookstore on our website. We have a number of titles on topics including contemporary religion, history, history, mythology and folklore, magic, and a special section for kids.

A portion of all sales will go to benefit our tribe, and many more titles will be added in the coming weeks. Enjoy!

Bookstore

Yule 2021 Abanning

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On Saturday January 30th, 2021, the folk of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship gathered together at the Home of Lord William and Lady Diane. The event began with a demonstration on fire creation using ferrocerium rod and steel using char cloth led by Chris Thrall. The workshop was informative and went extremely well. Though they did not know it at the time, all of the households in attendance were gifted their own kits of ferrocerium, steel, and char cloth in sumble by Chris thrall and his rooftree. Then lunch was served with a hero sandwich, macaroni salad, potato salad, chicken salad, and snacks. All paired with a warm mulled mead kept hot all day in answer to the freezing temperatures.

The day was packed with events, including a workshop on nalbinding taught by Richard Thrall, who not only learned the craft, set up the workshop and taught it, but also crafted traditional wood needles to distribute to the folk to learn with. It really was a fascinating look into how hard our ancestors had to work to make their own cloth. Doing traditional crafts like this is a great way to feel connected to our past in a world where such traditions are lost in a consumer society.  

The next event was a Mummer’s play, written, directed, and narrated by Richard Thrall, and many of the folk played parts. It was The Otter’s Ransom, a stylized retelling of the story of how gold gained the kenning “Otter’s ransom”, it was extremely well written and incredibly well performed by the folk. Truly a pleasure. These types of ritual dramas have become a tradition among our folk, and are a very good way to connect with the lore and worldview of our ancestors which is an integral part of our spiritual path.

Following the ritual, we moved back into the hall for feast. From baked ham (representing the sacrificial pig) to chicken and potatoes, to shepherd’s pie, the folk feasted until all were properly stuffed and the Ancestors and Gods plate was pied high with food to share with them. There was much merriment and celebration in the hall.

Noelle, who has been a friend and guest of the tribe many times at events and classes in the past few months also chose to forego her worth and sell into thralldom to hopefully earn her place among the folk, going for the rather inflated cost of three lucky pennies to William Lord. May she find the strength and perseverance to build her worth and earn her freedom… William Lord himself took a knee in hall, and before his Folk, as well as the Gods and Ancestors, reaffirmed his vows to his wife, Lady Diane and gave her a custom sterling key bearing the othala rune and the Ondheim Bear totem, the outward symbol of her place as the Lady of the tribe. It was a great day, and a worthy celebration of the Faith, Folk, and Families of the Ondheim Theodish Fellowship!

May the Gods see you…

Ondheim Receives 501(c)3 Recognition

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We are enormously pleased to report that today Ondheim Theod received the formal notification from the IRS that Ondheim Theodish Fellowship a NJ Nonprofit Corporation is a tax-exempt organization.

Donations to the tribe are tax deductible, and we are now eligible for many different programs at various businesses, don’t have to pay sales tax on most items we purchase for the tribe, and have access to facilities like libraries that we otherwise would not.

This is an enormous milestone in our tribe’s growth, and I hope you’re all as excited at the prospect as we are.

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!

Midsummer 2020 Abanning

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On Saturday June 27th, 2020, The Folk and guests of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship came together to celebrate midsummer at Thunreshof. The event began with the decorating of the Midsummerstang (Swedish style maypole) by the folk with local greens and flowers collected from the tribal land. It was a beautiful sight at almost 10 feet tall! The folk spent the first few hours engaging in midsummer games, including kubb, axe throwing, archery, sword practice (with polypropylene wasters), and board games including chess and hneftafl.

Then the ladies of the tribe held a beading workshop making bracelets from lava beads infused with essential oils and adding Norse and Celtic charms to their creations. After the ladies were done, Joseph Thane held a workshop on “building a heathen book hoard” which was designed to inform tribesmen and guests what must-have books every heathen should have in their libraries, from beginning thralls to experienced tribesmen. The tribe has now brokered wholesale deals with some of the publishers of these must have basics for every heathen book hoard in order to have them available for sale at events.

Tribal thing was held, and as a part of the Thing, eight guests of the tribe chose to begin their learning journey toward membership by selling into Thralldom, the traditional Theodish apprenticeship/ learning period of service to the tribe necessary before one can become a full sworn member.

The ritual began with a procession of the folk around the maypole led by William Lord carrying the sunwheel into and around the hofstead. As is the Scandinavian custom, we had a bonfire of impressive proportions (the firepit is over 7 feet wide and the heat was somewhat oppressive) and flames climbed high into the sky, warding against ill wights of all kinds. The sunwheel was lit from the bonfire and carried before the Hof and Maypole and placed upon a piece of stone for safety on the ground and the folk began the customary jumping of the Midsummer fire. The folk took turns jumping over the flaming sunwheel, and the smaller children were helped over the fire by the adults as we danced and jumped over the flaming sunwheel. It was an energetic and passionate scene as the tribesmen circled around the flaming wheel clapping and yelling encouragement to the jumpers.

Feast was then served, featuring Roast pork loin and chicken, with cheesy pasta salad, roasted potatoes and of course chicken nuggets and mac and cheese for the kids! With fresh baked breads and honey butter, salads and desserts aplenty. All ate their full, and each tribesmen and guest was invited to give a portion of their meal to the Gods and ancestors plate, to be offered after feast so we may share the feast with them as is our custom. The food, mead, and merriment flowed freely among the folk.

After feast there was the “tricky tray” style raffle for donated goods from tribesmen. From the hand sewn Thor’s hammer pillow made by one of the children to the stained and sealed godpoles carved by William Lord, and many books and other crafted items. The children helped pick the winners and deliver the prizes and there was much merriment.

The next portion of the evening was our most sacral ritual, sumble. During sumble there were many toasts to Gods, ancestors, and heroes, too many to list here. Even toasts by the children of pets who have passed beyond the veil, which was sweet and absolutely adorable. It seems that the children of our folk do “get it”, and they apply the spirit of our ways to the things they hold dear even at such a young age. The emotions were thick and powerful among the folk. The third round brought with it a parade of performances by tribesmen, thralls, and guests of songs sung, we even had a scop playing the lyre and singing from Voluspa. The energy was indeed waxing and palpable. The highlight of the third round came when Karen Karl chose to renew her hold oath to William Lord and enter the sworn folk of Ondheim Theodish Fellowship. Oaths were exchanged on the hilt of William Lord’s sword and her heighting was celebrated by all!

After the sumble had finished and the merriment had slowed, the blot bowl was taken by the ladies of the tribe and offered to the fire. The resulting fireball easily rose 20 feet in the air, as though the Gods wanted all to know our words and deeds were heard and well received. The night continued on as people began to take their leave and head back to their homes, but the words and deeds of the day are forever in our hearts, minds, and the well of wyrd. To all of you I say…

Hail The Gods!

Hail the Ancestors!

Hail The Folk!

May the Gods and ancestors SEE you…

Theod Founding

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Our tribe was formally constituted on Walpurgisnacht, April 30th, when William Lord heard the hold oath of Joseph Thane, thus joining the Luck of their two respective houses. This was done at a private event, held with due respect for social distancing restrictions currently in effect.