With gifts of weapons and garments
Should friends gladden one another.
That, each can see for themselves.
Those who give and return gifts
Are longest friends,
If their wyrd be well.
To his friend
Should a man be a friend,
And repay a gift for a gift.
The Havamal, verses 41–42
The theme for this year's Free Spirit Gathering is Balance, a concept which can be expressed in many ways. The Ásatrú idea of balance can best be conveyed through the ancient heathen principle of "a gift for a gift," as referenced in the above translation of the Havamal, one of the poems in the Poetic Edda. To the Vikings, the exchange of gifts was a sign of friendship, respect and devotion which bound the community together. Their most sacred rituals, called "blóts," were ceremonial offerings of gifts to the Gods themselves. When gifts flow freely between Ásgarðr and Miðgarðr—between the realms of Gods and humans—balance is realized and peace and good seasons prevail. Blessings flow from the Gods, to the Earth, to us, as our prayers flow from us, to the Earth to the Gods. A gift for a gift.
The giving of gifts, of course, is not limited to Ásatrú. It is a concept that all cultures and religions embrace. The Gods, Goddesses, Land Spirits, Earth, Ancestors, and other expressions of the divine have given usmany gifts in our lives. It is to them that we would like to give something in return.
During this year's main ritual we will be giving offerings to the Gods, in thanks for their blessings, and in recognition of the balance between the worlds. We ask that you all join us by bringing your own offerings, to be placed in a sacrificial vessel. Gifts can be bought or homemade, as long as they are flammable, as our offerings will be sent to the Gods by means of a ritual fire. No glass, plastics, metals, nylon, rayon, polyester, chemicals, or other toxic materials—only natural materials, please.
Some gift ideas include:
Main ritual this year is hosted by Vingolf. If you have any questions about the ritual, or about what an appropriate offering might be, please feel free to contact Christine at chaoticconfuzion at hotmail dot com or Joe at mandato at att dot net.