NOTE: DUE TO POTENTIAL ICE BY 9:00 PM -- WE WILL BEGIN PROMPTLY AND TRY TO GET PEOPLE OUT BY 7:30 - 8:00 pm

This is an illustration of Freys wooing of Gerd. The Eddas say that her arms shone, an image taken very seriously by the artist. Here, Skirnir, Freys man-servant, addresses her.

 This Blot is sacred to Frey and Freya (in honor of romance, persistence, and obtaining our heart’s desire). The highlight of this blot is the re-enactment of the short play "Gerd Meets Frey". Usually read by two of our young adults, it is a lot of fun and filled with lots of ribald laughter.

Many Norse celebrate February 14 by having a Valisblot, (the Festival of Family), named after Vali, Odin’s youngest son, born of the giantess Rind. He symbolizes the new light after darkness. He is considered the defender of the family because he was born after the death of Baldur (the god of Light). His sole purpose was to avenge Baldur’s death and bring back the Light that died with Baldur. Rays of light are often called “shafts” and as a light bringer he is often depicted as a bowman firing shafts of light. He thus is also a God of love and it is entirely possible the “Valentine” motif of lovers being targeted by arrows of love is based upon the earlier mythology of Vali. We are also celebrating the Horning Moon Feast as our ancestors might have if they lived in our time.

The term "Horning" Moon comes from the ancient Frankish and the modern Asatru calendars, from Horn, or the turn of the year. This month plays hostess to many pagan celebrations intended to highlight the promise of a new season of growth and life to come. These celebrations are a reminder of the first seed of springtide as the sleeping plants and animals begin to awaken. The best use of this newly awakened energy is purification and preparation for the rebirth promised in the noticeable lengthening of the days. In history this moon also brings the fever of love and is named after the Roman goddess Juno Februa, patroness of the passion of love. To this day February 14th is celebrated as a day of love and dedication throughout much of the world.