What is Alfblot?
Álfblót is a historic Heathen night that falls either on October 16, 2024 or November 15, 2024 during the full moon. It is part of a series of pre-Christian festivities that includes Vetrnætr, Jól, Sígrblót and Disting.
The November timing of Álfblót is based on historical attestation from the scholar Béde. In his De Temporum Ratione, chapter 15, he mentions a blót during the Blotmonath (Old English for Blood Moon) where animals would be sacrificed for the gods.
Corresponding to that, scholars Steinsland & Sorensen mention Álfblót was during the Swedish Moon "GorManuthr" (meaning blood moon), which happens after the full moon of Vetrnætr.
The Contradiction to the Dating of Álfblót
Although Álfblót may be observed on the full moon of November, there has been a contradiction published by Dr. Andreas Zautner in 2021 that Álfblót takes place during Vetrnætr (last October's full moon).
Previously, scholars assumed the lunisolar months were based on 'either the full or new moon,' with Dr. Andreas Norberg leaning toward the full moon schedule. However, Dr. Andreas Zautner believes they started on the new moon, which aligns with the beliefs of many other ancient civilizations. If the months begin on the new moon, all other blóts keep to their dating by the full moon, but Álfblót would be moved to Vetrnætr in October.
Dates aside, let's move on to historical attestation of how Álfblót was celebrated.
Historical Depiction of Álfblót
The Austrfararvísur (verses 1-6) hints that this celebration may have involved a celebration for the ancestors. It states travellers seeking shelter from a hospitable town were turned away during a hearth-only celebration. At this time, no one from outside the family is welcome to participate in a private practice.
Another mention comes from the Kormáks Saga. It tells us that a celebration around this time of year is a hallowed night intended to be a sacrifice to elves who are connected to their ancestors.
I have been waiting for a good time to introduce this: The Swedes believe in fairies, elves, and trolls. This may sound crazy to the Western world, but it is a cultural norm in many northern European countries.
Historically, not much is said about Álfblót except what's included in the sources above. Although I won't invite anyone into our home for this, I will share information on how we will practice.
To start my UPG practice: My mother (son's Mormor) would say it is the time of year when the veil between us and the afterlife is the thinnest and when you can talk to your dead ancestors. She also mentioned, "During the full moon of October, elves dance over mounds with the dead under the moon's full light." How magical! The Kormáks Saga also mentions a mound. Although my family passed this tale down, I wonder if they were unaware of the original source.
So what is the Hartman home doing for Álfblót?
We will honour loved ones who have passed on. This includes my husband's opa (grandfather) and our grandmothers (my Mormor and my husband's Nanny).
We will start our afternoon with a ham (traditionally boar) and harvest dinner. An extra plate will be set out for the ancestors we are honouring. We will welcome them to the table, toast them by pouring some of our drinks into their cups, serve the food to everyone, and begin drinking and feasting. A candle will be lit on each of their plates to symbolize the light of their lives.
Once dusk falls and our little Heathens are asleep, we light a fire and toast our ancestors. We talk all night about our memories with them and what we love most.
During the fire, we leave the offerings by our backyard tree for the spirits or animals who want to enjoy the sustenance.
As our kids get older and join us, we will include them in the fire celebration while we talk about our ancestors, from the ones we remember to the ones who left a mark. We will explore our genealogy charts and stories with them and give them a sense of connection with their lineage. For us, the smaller and more intimate events hold the most meaning. Still, for many members of the Heathen community, this is a significant celebration that requires sacrifice.
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For our Vetrnætr/Samhain celebration this year it was very different than the norm, but absolutely wonderful. This year we moved to a new state where a small chunk of my family live. All my family came to our home and we played games, feasted, and discussed Halloween's past back when we all lived in Arizona. This was the first time in my adult life my oldest Aunt has ever come to any home I've lived and I felt so loved and blessed. The children especially enjoyed themselves. Usually we would have an altar set up to our deceased loved ones but this year with the move and chaos I did not have photos ready for this. I can't wait t…