Spring sprung

The first Saturday in a month where Sunna has shined upon us.

A blot and three symbels - pt 2

Symbel One - Solstice
In the evening of the solstice to celebrate the start of the 12 days of Yule.  In my family this is baking the Xmas Ham, a honey mustard roast.  I always use Delia's recipe.
https://www.deliaonline.com/how-to-cook/meat/how-to-roast-glazed-ham
During the day of the Solstice you soak the ham, to remove the saltiness.  Then the baking, with roast Potatoes or Parsnips with Kale or go 'full Delia' and serve it with Braised Red Cabbage and Potatoes Dauphinoise.
This large ham then provides sandwich fillings and occasional meals over the 12 days.
The culmination on or near Twelfth Night, to finish the last remnants, is the classic Ham and Pea soup. 

Symbel Two  - Mother's Night
A simple favourite is best.  In our house a type of Pasta Carbonara with bacon, peas, crème fraiche and lots of parmesan and, as it's Xmas, some Parma ham is often made.  A mulled wine or cider is an aperitif with mince pies and cream for dessert.
https://www.fortheloveofcooking.net/2014/07/pasta-carbonara-with-bacon-and-peas.html
Much of the evening is preparing for the next day but it is important to take time to celebrate, if possible to bløt or meditate, Modrasnacht.

Symbel Three - Xmas Day
There are many books on this but Turkey is a recent post-war tradition and we have the annual debate between those who like Turkey and those who don't.  I mix it up and over the years have had Goose, Beef, Three bird roast and Honey Orange roast Duck when it was just two of us.  I do stick to my rules though fowl (Turkey or Goose) has bread sauce, which I love, Beef has Yorkshire Puddings.

Although arguably my favourite meal of the 12 days is the Xmas leftover Bubble & Squeak usually on Boxing Day or the day after.  Preferably with leftover Chipolata sausage's and a poached egg.

A blot and three symbels - pt1

Blot : Yule begins

Taking the Druidic view the solstice starts at sunset on the 20th Decenmber and runs through to sunset on the 21st. This blot is to reflect upon the year as we move into the Yuletide interregnum. The death of this solar year is the time to place your festive wreath on the door. It is made of evergreens, the symbol of growth and eternal life, and marks the passing of the old year.

Prepare your blot so that you can sit outside and watch the sunset, assuming you have one. Amongst the Gewessi it is not unusual for this to be hidden by clouds, whether they be of rain, snow or just bringing the year-end to an end in a grey whisper.

The blot

For me a blot is a simple thing, it comprises of hallowing the ale, wine or whatever beverage is special to you and yours. Hallowing is a simple ritual (or can be as complex as you like) but is the movement of forming your fist, a hammer shape to represent Thunor who protects the sacred space, and circling it deosil, or clockwise, over the drinking vessel. Focus your intent upon call upon him to hallow the contents. Ensure your are standing on earth that is important to you. For me that is the garden, and upon grass. Then raise three toasts:

• The first is to the Gods, the Aesir and Vanir our gods and goddesses. Take a draught of the drink and honour them in your mind
• The second is to the land Alfar, elves, fairiies or pooks. However you call them they are the spirits of the land. Take a draught and honour them in your mind
• The third and last is to those that have gone before our ancestors. Whoever they maybe from the natural to the nurtural and onwards to every person who have helped shape this world

There is then the final, and to me very important, libation to Loki. Pour a good amount on the ground to soothe his thirst and satisfy him. In this respect it is a good luck charm. It is then time, if on your own, to meditate upon the year and reflect upon what has happened. To be thankful for the good and learn from the bad. The bad can then be disposed of in the compost bin, to decompose during Yule and provide nutrients for growth in the new year. In a group then maybe it's time for a toast, a boast and a promise with your companions. When the time feels right, finish up your drink and head inside. The blot is over.

Year's End 2017

Racing Night, sun is setting,
Homeward bound.  Autumnal leaves
Fleckle my tracks with gold
Dying day, year. I'm old
Pushing on to get things done.

A gewessi waka or ge-waka poem.  33 syllables, 5 lines.

Litha seed thought - Pinnacle moments

https://youtu.be/Mnk4GA2xxLc
Find your pinnacle moments...
Push yourself out of your self imposed rut, the comfort zone...
Revel in your accomplishments.

Ritual is communication

"In Japan ritual is there to maintain good relations between humans and Kami" or Nature spirits.
Which is the first time I have truly felt that ritual is important. Due to the major religions using ritual for social control I have felt uncomfortable with ritual.  This statement about Shinto resonates with me as a Druid.
Within my Druidic journeying I have come to feel the British nature spirits; Pwcca, Brownies, Elves or Alfar.  Now I can see ritual as a way of honouring them.

At a sacred spring

The people of Wessex, who flew the White Dragon banner, held their Moots to dispense justice and maintain peace...

In the Gewessi heartland

At the north end of the New Forest an ancient cottage stands, surrounded by birdsong.  The wild ponies pass the gate as the willows dance in the breeze and the brook runnels though the grass.

A beautiful bubble

Away from the stresses, strains and concerns of the wider world.  Down in the low Weald of Sussex there is the heady hyacinth fragrance and the sing song sound of the woods.