IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012

Dear reader, Table of contents

Finally it is there! The magazine laying in front of you What makes IASC so special? 1 that we baptized IASC Herald back in 2009. Three issues by Haimo Grebenstein – Germany went before this one. Because last International Asatru Summer Camp was different from the one we had Chaos and Confusion 3 three years ago, this magazine will show some by May-Britt Bjørlo Henriksen – Norway differences to the one we made after that camp. But some things have remained the same: it is still full with IASC 2012 in a Polish mirror 4 stories, memories, pictures and anecdotes from by Vrede and Agnieszka – Poland another great, splendid, magnificent and successful summer camp! The auction 5 Thinking back to those days last July and August I really by Todd Chambers – Denmark / USA only can find nice and good memories. I remember many nice and good talks, numerous pleasant passings Seidhr workshop at IASC 2012 7 of horns, interesting excursions, lectures and by Christian Kordas – Germany workshops and a very nice and pleasant stay at a comfortable place with a group of great people. And Utiseta – sitting out for wisdom and ecstasy 8 already the retelling of little anecdotes has begun when by Andre Henriques – UK / Portugal meeting my heathen friends who where there. It is my hope that the contents of this Herald will give you back Friendship, frith and fun: Asatru-Eu 10 a little of the feel of this year's summer camp every by Frigga Asraaf – Netherlands time you go through it's pages and by doing so will keep the spirit of IASC alive. The spinning goddess 12 To keep you no longer from continue reading and diving by Ulrike Pohl – Germany into the memories, I'll keep this introduction short and will finish it by thanking everyone who was there for his A very personal view of IASC 14 or her part in a wonderful week. by Nathalie Cue Gomez – Spain

Hail to you, the people who made this IASC! Bronze casting at IASC 2012 16

Hope to see you all and all other readers in three years! Wednesday blot 17 Michiel – Netherlands by Andre Henriques – UK / Portugal

My interpretation of Frigg 20 IASC Herald's editorial crew: by Helena Valorinta – Denmark Michiel (NL) – coördinator, layout, translation of Christian's article from German to The actual programm of IASC 2012 24 English

Puppet theatre 28 Amanda (UK) – editor Riaan (NL/SA) – editor The excursions 29 Frigga (NL), Helena (DK) and May-Britt (NO) – ideas and mental support

Pictures by: Vrede Wyrd, Anika, Annika, May-Britt Bjørlo-Henriksen, Volker Wagner, Miranda Huivenaar and others. IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012

I have been at heathen gatherings The majority of participants both in for more than 11 years now. Every What makes IASC 2009 as well as in 2012 may be year I’ve been at least seven or characterized as being part of one more of them, sometimes more so special? or more of these groups: than ten. I’ve been to gatherings of • They have been active in by Haimo Grebenstein - Germany different types – seasonal celebra- heathenry for quite some time; tions, Althings, educational or • They have been “activists” in workshop type gatherings and just heathenry - may it be they have plain social events. I’ve been at Wow! For the second time: a been or still are holding leading gatherings of many different week that can hardly be positions in their groups or just groups or societies in 5 countries. described by simple words – being the “doers” in a rather Most of them have been remark- a week full of intense informal group – they have able events, with a unique flavor to emotions and feelings of practiced leadership; them. But NOTHING can compare quite varying types – a week • They have managed to make to the two IASC weeks that have heathenry part of their every- happened so far! that will remain in my day-life – call it spiritual or memory forever… religious awareness or whatever While being at IASC 2012 I was you like. I call it a heathen self- already intensely thinking about conception that includes two questions: spiritual/religious aspects as well as communal and • Would 2012 have been as superb environmental aspects and as it was if there had been behavioral patterns; around 200 people, our original • They are able to think and goal? behave in a community-oriented • What is it that makes IASC so manner while keeping up their different from other gatherings? personal individuality simultane- ously; Regarding question one I originally • They take responsibility without tended to answer with “No”, but needing to be urged; after some thinking about question • They are open-minded; two I would rather answer with • They are respectful; “Yes, probably”. • They are self-conscious in the Before I start revealing my thoughts literal meaning. to you I want to make one thing absolutely clear: they are in no way The above descriptions – and intended to differentiate between maybe some more – are the reason “good” and “bad” heathens, no for things happening in a “smooth” offence intended at all. and uncomplicated way at IASC They are a plain effort to Picture by Frigga Asraaf gatherings. There’s no real need to understand the “IASC phenome- explain anything, people know non” – and if my thoughts make already – and if not, questions can you think about yourself in a way be answered without big fuzz. No like “where am I located in this?”, need to fully figure out and explain yourself will be the only person to rituals – they just grow and work. be able and to be legitimate to ask No need to give instructions on this question. I won’t… cleaning up – people just do it. No need to assign and explain tasks – The answer to question 2 is they are just taken over by actually very simple: it’s the someone. participants! So, what about them?

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I actually believe that IASC by itself attracts these kinds of persons. It’s simply not “just another heathen gathering”, it’s something special in “They certainly KNOW what they are doing and why itself: most of the participants take they are doing it, and because they do, it is their upon themselves long distances of travel and spend quite some serious intention to make it a “good” week – not only money to be there. They certainly regarding what you usually consider to be “fun”. It is KNOW what they are doing and their serious intention to live a community-oriented why they are doing it, and because they do, it is their serious intention and spiritual week, besides being part of a big party as to make it a “good” week – not well.” only regarding what you usually consider to be “fun”. It is their serious intention to live a community-oriented and spiritual week, besides being part of a big party as well.

This makes it different from most other meetings – if you just “go around the corner” to a local or regional meeting, your expecta- tions will be quite lower. And at this point the ends meet: the minority of participants who do not fit the descriptions above and who may not have such high expec- tations, are just “drawn along” by what’s happening, by the spirit that is carried by the event itself – it’s a little bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy or, maybe, a little bit of a perpetuum mobile…

Of course, nobody needs to agree to this. I am simply a person that likes to take a look behind things and my answers may be some Picture by Miranda Huivenaar among others…

I raise my horn to all of you! May we meet again and again and again…

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ISAC 2012 SANDHATTEN: Going to is bad, and there is chaos that people tied their ribbons on the an international asatru event is brings a smile to peoples faces, pole, after the children had tied always connected to a certain making them relaxed and open to theirs. amount of expectation and what is to come. This blot was of excitement. Lots of old friends, the latter kind. Enforcing the male powers, a group new friends to be made and people of men stepped forward to raise you really don't want to get to At the last blot of the ISAC in 2009 the pole. know gathered in the same place in Denmark, part of the ritual was The pole was successfully raised, for a week. to see the pole, erected in the and the ritual went joyfully on with Chaos and confusion by May-Britt Bjørlo Henriksen – Norway

The second International Asatru summer camp opened with a spontaneous but beautiful ceremony led by Frigga Asraaf.

Getting all those gathered to opening of the blot, unearthed and complete chaos as all the people celebrate blot,well, it might work, cut into nine sticks. Each of the were dancing around the pole with or it might not work at all. participating asatru organizations the rainbow rope, which had been was give the responsibility of one stretched around the circle for all Sunday afternoon became an of the sticks, with a clear message participants to hold on to. example of what really works. The to bringing it to the next summer Frigga, the gydje of the blot, was three groups Verein für Germanisches Heidentum (VfGH), “But there is chaos that is bad, and there is chaos Eldaring and Het Rad who stood responsible for the whole summer that brings a smile to peoples faces, making camp also held the opening blot. them relaxed and open to what is to come.“

A beautiful blot site had been camp. Of the nine sticks, six sticks woven to the tree by accident. Joy prepared on the lawn by the oak were brought to the summer camp and laughter broke any ice that forest with statues of Thor, Odin, 2012 and used in the ritual. might have been between the Frey and Freya. In the midst of the participants. blot site an IASC pole was made. With the connection to the previous camp, the asatruars at this The powers of the north were As the title of the article suggests camp were encouraged to bring a celebrated with our best intent and such an event can always turn into ribbon. After a small ceremony, the second International Asatru chaos and confusion, and in many where ribbons symbolizing the nine Summer Camp was opened. ways it did. But there is chaos that words were tied to the pole,

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achievements, based on literature (mostly historical sources) and IASC 2012 in a Polish mirror intuition, with experiences of groups and individuals practising by Vrede and Agnieszka – Poland Asatru much longer then we have been. Meeting like this is also an International Asatru Summer Camp 2012... Here we opportunity to get to know individuals' stories. To hear about are, few weeks after. There is so many things, we could many years of hard working and write. We could describe delightful lectures and practising. And every story - like workshops, we could admire a magnificent every human - is unrepeatable with all those experiences, efforts, organization. Nevertheless, all of these has already mistakes and successes. This is also been said, so maybe it is more valuable to spend these a foundation of knowledge shared few sentences in reflection. with another. In this sense, IASC lectures and workshops were a great gift - impossible to be overestimated. Three years ago, one of us found age . During IASC 2012 we had the IASC is about people: the information about the Asatru opportunity to see people of varied connection, the exchange and Summer Camp on the Internet. It ages, representing similar beliefs working together. It is more than was just few weeks after the first and worldviews, in one place, day holiday and even unforgettable IASC... We regretted deeply, we by day. And still, despite or perhaps memories. It's not a closed chapter, missed it. At once, we’ve decided because of this variety, the main it is rather new horizon of to participate in the next one, but thing was integration. Everyday possibilities to shape our own none of us knew at that point, sumbels, conversations, common future in the most reasonable, what participation actually meant. meals, time spent in solving meaningful way. We know we IASC is not just another pagan problems and acting together won't meet every single person camp. IASC is so much more. It is made us, in such a short time, a from IASC again, for sure not in the about exchanging experiences, part of it, even if we didn't know same circumstances, not in the about learning and teaching, but each other before. For us this same place. Still, we are full of also about social responsibility, group reflected, somehow, the hope, that some day our paths will moving beyond personal antipa- possible shape of our own cross to share the joy, knowledge thies because of bigger picture: the community in the future. As such, and wisdom one more time. society. Asatru is a religion of proud it became an example of well For the opportunity, we had, we and honourable men. The point is planned organization within the thank all of you once again. to notice the border between a misunderstood pride and a dignity “It is about exchanging experiences, about learning and teaching, but also of being a part of the group. What about social responsibility, moving beyond personal antipa-thies because participation in IASC gives, is that of bigger picture: the society.” new perspective and consciousness group, which is an extremely And at the end - now little more of belonging to something greater precious lesson. practically - we would like to invite than individual. It was also our first contact with you to our online forum heathens from other countries. http :// asatru . com . pl / forum / index . php , What was so different for us - Asatru Polska(AP) is a very young where we have an "English corner". guests from Poland - and wonder- organization. What is more, AP was Even if IASC 2012 is over - it is not ful at the same time, is the unique born and grew up in some kind of the end of possible discussion and atmosphere of the community. The enclave, far away from interna- sharing ideas. All of you will always thing is, the Polish society of tional heathen society, so IASC welcome there! heathens is quite homogeneous in became a confrontation of our own

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When I was first approached by to be a part of such an important Since the sun was shining we Frigga to be the auctioneer, I was event. decided to set things up outside. about to sit myself down and begin When it was time to get things We gathered the items and placed some serious drinking. With ready for the auction, I was shown them on what I can only describe thoughts of beer and mead a table where a great number of as a used “outdoor blanket”. A swimming about in my mind I tried items were placed. All of the items table was set up for the auctioneer, to take in what was being asked of were to be auctioned off and all me, and another table set of for The Auction by Todd Chambers – Denmark / USA

Due to some cancellations and other issues the IASC was in need of some money to help cover the expenses of the summer camp. One of the solutions to this problem was to hold an auction. So a call-to-arms was put out to the people and the people responded. Picture by Annika me. Admittedly, I was quite had been donated by summer Haimo and Solvej, who were hesitant to do it. I remember camp attendees. It was an collecting money and keeping thinking, “I just met these people impressive and uplifting sight to records. Then, with a carved and she wants me to stand in front see. A lot of items were hand wooden Thor’s Hammer being put of them and ask for their money?” crafted, some were home brewed in my hands to be used as a gavel, we were ready to commence the selling. As I started the auction the nerves “Though we were trying to raise money for the event, started to frazzle, but then people we were also there to have fun…and fun it was.” urged me to do silly little things like putting on a small little knitted Viking cap or downing a full beer to demonstrate how to use one of the I also remember saying to myself, and others were bought with the drinking horns being auctioned off. “But it’s all about community, pure intention of being sold at this This helped remind me that, right?” Fortunately, I had already auction. Later some offered though we were trying to raise had a few beers zig-zagging services to be sold, such as money for the event, we were also through my veins which gave me massages and star chart readings. I there to have fun…and fun it was. the courage to accept the must confess that some items I With settled nerves I started to challenge. As it turned out I had didn’t think would sell well at all. enjoy myself along with the others. absolutely no reason to be nervous Obviously I didn’t know this group As the things were being sold it was and am truly delighted that I chose very well. quite impressive at how much the

5 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 individual items were sold for and along with other funny little anyway. I am still seeing jokes and how willing people were to give features, soon became a part of the pictures being posted on Facebook their money for the IASC. If my show. in reference to the auction. damaged brain cells recall correctly, only one item was sold for less I do not recollect the amount that So…thank you Frigga for asking me than the starting bid. Even the we managed to raise that evening, to be part of the auction and thank “outdoor blanket” which was not but it was a very decent amount you, IASC ,for letting me be part of originally donated for the auction which went a long way in covering such a great community of people. was sold! At times it was quite the camp expenses. On top of Ending with a quote from a picture obvious that I was “cheating” a bit being a successful fundraiser it posted on IASC 2012’s Facebook to get the bids up a bit higher and turned out to be a really wall, “Always be yourself. Unless everyone accepted this with good entertaining evening that won’t be you can be a unicorn. Then be a humour. In fact, the “cheating”, forgotten anytime soon, not by me unicorn.”

Picture by Annika

6 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 A small review on my seidhr-workshop at IASC 2012 by Christian Kordas – Germany

Because the interest in the phenomenon of “seidhr” inside the european heathen movement has been rising strongly in the last couple of years, I was pleased to give the curious amongst the attendants of IASC a small look into this theme.

Picture by Vrede Wyrd

My workshop, to convey the basics the similarities and differences of In the practical part, we took two of modern seidhr, takes as a rule a the shamanic systems of different small excursions into the other complete weekend (friday after- cultures and compared these with worlds around Yggdrasil. noon – Sunday afternoon). So it occult practices that were practiced These guided visualisation exer- really was an effort to compress against the background of nordic- cises brought us – accompanied by the most important contents into a gemanic mythology. some different drum rhythms and period of four hours. With this I cited the supposed the burning of incenses – into the Of course I was enthused by the shamanic actions of our gods, homeland of the Vanir and the great interest in this workshop, briefly went into the sources in the world of the black elves. which was already totally 'sold out' old-norse sagas and clarified the When all travellers had safely days before. I had put the image of Yggdrasil and the “Nine returned back to Midgard again, maximum number of participants Worlds”. there was an opportunity for a at 30 persons. Even though this After that I spoke about the use of small exchange of thoughts about was to be a try-out-seminar, I seidhr practices in the past and the our combined experiences. wanted to offer the attendants a corresponding application in the certain quality and an enthusing modern day. I would like to thank the attendees lead into the practical part. Then followed my definition of the for their many positive comments. Furthermore the space capacity of different methods of seidhr, such as My special thanks go to Petra and the place was limited. galdr, spá, utiseta and runecraft Michiel, who by their support really and some directly corresponding have added to the success of this In the theoretical part, I went into notions. workshop.

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The Norse shamanic inspired I relate this shaking to Sleipnir, with Wardruna music project has also my body galloping my soul to an contributed to this, with many of otherworld. This altered state can us having many deep experiences Utiseta be heightened by other means (see while entranced by their music. Blain p. 53-56), according to what One other practice related to Seid sitting out for wisdom and ecstasy we are comfortable with and what is Utiseta, Old Norse for outsitting, spirit guides can actually help you a practice usually solitary but that by Andre Henriques – UK (instead of distracting you) through ended up being a shared the journey. experience by some of us on the last night of the IASC 2012. For me, Eventually I get to a place where for years unable to share with everything around is even more others such a practice, this was a alive, with a deep feeling of wonderful way to finish the last It was clear from the communion with trees, birds, and night of the summercamp, in the even the whole cosmos, where wilderness outside the world we workshops and conver- everything is connected, know! sations during this week synchronicities happen and a that seidh practices have feeling of ecstasy and joy As with other heathen practices, overwhelms and inspires the soul. we only have scattered details continued to grow and Sometimes singing to the Gods, about Utiseta, we know that it develop in our heathen ancestors or other spirits has a means sitting out, outside the groups. whole archaic level into it, done known boundaries of men, and thousands of times before, that it was practiced on burial sometimes dancing with the winds mounds and at crossroads (Blain or with the storms gives a p.62). As mounds are not always at connection of old with the natural hand, and crossroads are not elements, that men had for always secluded, for many years I thousands of years. And at some engaged in sitting out in natural points inspiration, ideas, new places such as mountains, hills, perspectives about all kinds of forests or besides rivers, or any mundane or sacred matters come other natural place where forth, some quickly written down distractions from the human world to be thought through the day would not interfere with the after. Sitting out for wisdom, the Picture by Annika journey. After a quest for a place sagas told (Blain p. 60). Just like a that felt ‘right’, offerings to the shaman, Ingmar’s Trú Spirit sings. spirits of the place were done, and then sitting quietly in silence, On that last day of the sometimes meditating, sometimes summercamp, a few of us left just appreciating how vibrant, behind the great celebrations that beautiful and meaningful that were still going on by the campfire, place, that season, those skies to start a second stream through were. Being alone allows much the shadows and wilderness of the more attention to everything forest nearby. We roamed by around. After a while, I would put torchlight until we found the place headphones on and let the music that felt ‘right’, we setup initially take me to an altered state of Wardruna and started the journey. consciousness, swaying with my Much of what happened was upper body to the music and beyond words. There was ecstatic shaking my legs raising energy from singing and deep callings to the below, while sitting cross-legged. Gods. There was a beautifully

8 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 played didgeridoo that added such a vibrational depth to the trance state we were in. There were visions and dances to the runes. There was freedom and no boundaries. There was deep communion between our souls, and also with the souls of other beings, from trees to elves. I felt my own soul bonding with German soil and soul, in ecstasy and awe, forging a whole new level of connection with ancestral land. It was a truly overwhelming magical experience.

I hope many of the others that undertook this journey also had amazing experiences. I hope that many more will sit out in the wilderness in the future, and much wisdom hopefully will be gained. A word of advice though: the more we go into the wilderness, the more we realise how balanced and magical the world outside is, the more unbalanced our modern world becomes. But I guess as heathens we know that too well by now!

Wassail! (Ango-saxon Wæs þu hæl, for ‘be thou hale’, be healthy, be whole!)

References: Jenny Blain, Nine Worlds of Seid Magic, Routledge, 2002 Picture by Vrede Wyrd Tru Spirit, A Gift for a Gift, 2008

Wardruna, Runaljod – Gap var Ginnunga, 2009 “There were visions and dances to the runes. There was freedom and no boundaries. There was deep communion between our souls, and also with the souls of other beings, from trees to elves.”

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IASC 2012 made me aware of the Friendship, fun and frith: Asatru-Eu fact that growth can come in many ways. It is not at all about more or by Frigga Asraaf, The Netherlands bigger, it is not the numbers that count. I realised it is about strengthening the Asatru-Eu community. To me, the spirit of Asatru-Eu and IASC is from the “We, women and men from Midgard, community for the community. men and women from many homelands, Again IASC was a warm blanket wrapped around us, a blanket of We are standing here on this soil. friendship, fun and frith and a well Where we hail the dwarfs of the directions: of willingness to share expertise, knowledge, creativity and much, Westri, Sudri, Nordri, Austri. much more. We bid you to guard us, What follows next of now are some bestow us safety and frith. of my thoughts on the subject which I would like to share with the reader. The Asatru-Eu organisation We, women and men from Midgard, is to serve the community for the men and women from many homelands heart of the community are the people, us. We always have to keep We are standing here on this soil in mind how to serve the Where we hail all land- and waterwights! community best and to do so we have to look beyond ourselves. It We bid you to welcome us, seemed like a good idea at the bestow us safety and frith. time, indeed at that moment, but so often things need time, people need time to thinks things over. We, women and men from Midgard, One needs time for self-reflexion, is it really such a good idea or is it just men and women from many homelands me thinking so after enough mead. we are standing here on this soil. Wisdom is to think things over sober and with the community in Where we hail spirits from all nine worlds! mind. Hunger and haste are bad All are welcome, all wights counsellors... inclined to honour frith! What do we want Asatru-Eu to become as an organisation? Until now, Asatru-Eu had the courage to We, women and men from Midgard, grow in a natural way, to go with men and women from many homelands the flow. I see it as a unique blend of groups and individuals. Time has are standing here on this soil. shown us this works best. Do we We are we gathered in friendship have the courage to move on on this an unexpected and uncommon inclined to honour frith!” path like we did before? Asatru-Eu achieved so much doing so: we organised IASC twice, with the third on the map for 2015 and we are

10 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 already thinking even further about The Kith of Yggdrasil - Great Britain IASC 2012. Talking about this the fourth one in 2018. Het Rad - The Netherlands ceremony, on forehand, the words De Negen Werelden - The for a song bubbled up in the brains In 2009, nine IASC-sticks were Netherlands of Amanda Henriques followed by a handed over to nine Asatru-groups Eldaring - Germany melody in mine. The Norns granted from seven European countries. Six Verein für Germanisches us with inspiration! Remember of them returned for IASC 2012. Heidentum - Germany how we all sung together for Eleven sticks for eleven Asatru- Gotland Forn Sed - Spain Asatru-Eu giving the energy directly groups in nine European countries Asatru Ibérica, Spain to the Norns, who in their turn left IASC 2012, hopefully to return Les Fils d'Odin - France anchored Asatry-Eu even more with their keepers to IASC 2015 in Asatru Polska - Poland deeply in the well of wyrd. I guess, I Sweden. By now, thirteen European Ásatrúar Félagið - Iceland wasn’t the only one who perceived Asatru organisations are part of this, just remember how many Asatru-Eu: The first words of this scribble were people raised the horn for Asatru- the first words of the opening Eu! Åsatrufellesskapet Bifrost - Norway ceremony of both IASC 2009 and May we sing this song often to Samfundet Forn Sed - Sweden IASC 2012. It will end with a few keep the spirit of IASC and Asatru- Nordisk Tingsfaellig - Denmark words of the closing ceremony of Eu alive.

“The thread we are spinning grows longer and longer. The web we are weaving gets stronger and stronger.”

Hail Asatru-Eu! Hail IASC! Hail the Asatru-Eu community! Picture by Anika

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When we met at the Ostara was what I thought when I started and thought about why it is that we meeting at Burg Bilstein in spring my research quite some time ago. have a hard time documenting the 2012, Frigga asked me to hold my As it turned out, the richness of Norns spinning, even though lecture, which she had attended, at symbolism adds a new perspective handspun and woven textiles are the IASC 2012. I told her I would, to the goddesses concerned and metaphors of life, fate, death and but I got more nervous every week our conception of fate in war throughout Old Norse sources. beforehand because, of course, I Heathenry as well, with lots of Why does Frigg have a star was bound to hold it in English, and interesting details to think about. constellation to her name which I thought maybe I had bitten off deals with spinning? Why was

The Spinning Goddess

The Spindle and Spinning in history, mythology & fairy tales a lecture held at the IASC 2012

by Ulrike Pohl - Germany

Picture by Vrede Wyrd more than I could chew.I need not The lecture gave a rough overview Freyjas name Hörn a kenning for have been anxious. When of the development of spinning, woman? Wednesday arrived, the relaxed beginning in paleolithic times to Going over to the continental atmosphere at camp and the the invention of the Spinning Jenny Germanic tribes, we asked who the wonderful feeling of being with so in 1764, a major event in the goddess is that is depicted on many old and new friendships in history of the Industrial Revolution. Continental Germanic Migration the making had already changed We discussed how it came that Age bracteates, and why is she my nervousness into the wish to spinning and weaving became holding a spindle? Who are Frau share what thoughts I had to share almost exclusively female tasks. We Holle and Frau Perchta, and where on that subject. looked at the ancient Greek is the connection to Frîja, what is the relation with spinning, and why is spinning taboo in the Twelve „We have a hard time documenting the Norns spinning, Nights? Where can we find traces even though handspun and woven textiles are metaphors of the fate spinning goddesses in European fairy tales and folklore? of life, fate, death and war throughout Old Norse sources.“ Was spinning connected with doing seidhr, and why?

After the lecture we all had lunch At first sight, the topic of goddesses who carry the spindle as and then met again outside in the handspinning might only seem their symbol: from Athene and sun to do a bit of stick spinning. interesting for people who are into Aphrodite to the Moirai, the The hands-on part was actually just the fiber arts and not at all for embodiment of spinning fate an afterthought of myself shortly Heathens who mostly, aren't - this goddesses. We went to Scandinavia before the beginning of the camp,

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to take all that academic stuff a bit a Continental Germanic emphasis already dreaming of seeing lots of further, and I brought some sticks I to the wonderful diversity of people bringing their spindle to had cut from hazel and elder Heathen paths and beliefs IASC 2015 in Sweden so we can bushes in my garden, as well as represented at the IASC. spin up a storm. Wouldn't that be some sheep's wool from a Heathen something Frîja would love to see? contact in Austria. I loved that Spinning has, sadly, become an everyone was able to make thread obscure craft, but if you love it like I I'm delighted to end my little report from the word go, it is such a do, as a handspinner for over thirty with the announcement that there satisfying activity, and I hope that years, you cannot help but get will be an extended article on the some will take spinning further, as excited when you hear metaphors topic in the "Eldaring" journal a textile craft and maybe as an and phrases concerning spinning all "Herdfeuer" in German and a element of their seidhr work as over the place as I heard it in many Dutch translation in "Het Rad's" well. toasts given out during sumbl or in journal "Balder" some time next rituals. You get excited when you year, an English version is waiting in The fact that Uwe held a lecture see people responding to the craft the wings. about Frau Perchta and the Wild and its symbols and mythology, If you would like a bibliography on Hunt the next day made me very learning it and liking what they do, the sources and literature used, happy too because it so a big heartfelt thank you goes contact me via facebook (Ulrike complemented my own topic nicely out to everyone who showed Pohl) or via mail to and together, both lectures added interest and even enthusiasm. I'm [email protected].

Picture by Vrede Wyrd

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The first time I heard about IASC in the first day, after some talks with A very personal Autumn-Winter 2008 my first different people I thought I would thinking was: “finally, they will do not only pass a week among view about IASC something together”. At this time I brothers and sisters of faith, I have had a look at a lot of Asatru would spend the week between by Nathalie Cue Gomez – Spain websites and forums and what I people with the same values and a have mostly seen is stupid similar way of thinking. discussions about who makes My personal icebreaker was the So … this is my very personal things totally wrong and the best first blot, which ended in a lot of and only way to make heathenry laughing, and I think this relaxed view, specially about IASC right is the own one, and all of this the climate a lot. We passed from 2012 but also a little bit in a non-dogmatic religion … about 100 people who didn’t really about IASC in general. Some First IASC 2009 came, and gone know each other to persons that may say that’s a very but I could not participate. Well, I have shared laughing and ritual – emotive view, seen through deep pink glasses and that I forgot about that we all had holidays, wanted to relax “Almost from the first day, after some talks with and have fun and only different people I thought I would not only pass a week showing the sunny side of among brothers and sisters of faith, I would spend the our character, no, I didn’t week between people with the same values and a forget these facts. And yes, I similar way of thinking.” could have written it less emotional and not in such an obviously optimistic manner but then it wouldn’t have thought, we will do more things with all the things that can be been my view ... together after this. But there were shared in a ritual. And this, for me three long quiet waiting years and the tone of whole IASC 2012 was: nothing happened. Now, looking spend time together, exchange back I don’t remember what I really knowledge, work together, honour Picture by Vrede Wyrd expected, perhaps showing a little the gods and have lots of fun bit more community, some together. common project? I don’t know And so the week went on making really what, but something more friends and learning to know each than an absolute silence in which other better, as far as this is everyone got back to his very own possible in one single week, with work inside his very own talking and listening. There were community and forgot about IASC people I wanted to get to know and the rest. Sure there were some better and talk to more but I never work and/or meetings together, found a good moment to do so, but especially from the groups who had I think the bases are settled. to organizes IASC 2012, but all this And after this week I’m pretty sure on a very private base and could that, for the different characters we not be seen from the outside. This have and different persons we are, was the impression I had. what is really important is that we might disagree about how to focus Finally IASC 2012 came and like I on the things we have or will make, promised myself 3 years ago, this but we do not disagree about time I would be there. Almost from themselves. We can discuss the

14 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 form in which things should be done, but we would never discuss the way to do them. All these virtues are a good, solid base to build a community on, and the union we reached at this IASC 2012 through the problems we had, is what finally made the community. Everybody felt responsible and participated in the solutions of the communities problems. By the same way we have to stand as community in the next three years until we reunite at IASC 2015. We now have the tools to save this union through the time and distance.

IASC 2015 will obviously not be the same as 2012, like 2012 was not the same as 2009. Some friends will probably not be attending and new friends will be made because IASC grows, it has to grow, it has yet grown in some new communities in different countries. Somebody said to me: perhaps your children will celebrate IASC one day at New Delhi; which is a pretty strange idea but … why not? Wasn’t the primary idea work together, honour our gods together with other Asatru, share our very own experience and knowledge with our brothers and sisters in faith? And who really cares about from where these brothers and sisters will come, what we have to care about is that they have the Pictures by Vrede Wyrd same values, the same vision of how our lives should be lived and that they actively work on it. We all know that our motherland always will be Europe, no matter how many new communities from all over the world will form part of it, because the spirit and the values will be the same and come from the same place: our gods and our faith.

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Bronze casting at IASC 2012

Pictures by Tim Peters & Vrede Wyrd

16 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 Wednesday blot by Andre Henriques – UK

It was with great pleasure and honour that I accepted the invitation from the IASC 2012 council to co-ordinate the Wednesday blot.

The main idea for this blot was An enclosure had already been set carried away to different groups. It based on something we had up before the opening blot, with is based on a three layered axis already done in England, and to four beautifully carved God-poles model, both on the cosmic tree and some extent all of us do in our brought by Martin and Helena in ourselves, with the animals from blots: to raise a council of the Gods (Denmark) setup in the four the tree described in the Eddas in the otherworld(s), a council that directions, with Frey in the East, linked to Rudolf Steiner’s centres of would be enacted in our Middle Thor in the South, Freya in the the body (metabolic, rhythmic and World by representatives of those West and Odin in the North. The nerve-sense). This alignment was Gods, heathens that have a deep tree symbolising Yggdrasil was in adapted from other rituals from connection with the Gods and the centre of the enclosure, and we the Portuguese pagan, occultist Goddesses they were calling. These all gathered in a circle around it. and dear friend Gilberto Lascariz. representatives would ask for the Three holes were dug in the earth gifts that are linked with that beforehand close to the tree, by Amanda (UK) started: specific God or Goddess to be Joerg (Germany), Martin and “Hail to the Great Cosmic Tree; shared throughout our community. myself, relating to the three wells Which unites all the worlds that of Urd, Hvergelmir, and of Mimir, there are; We had already discussed this idea this last one closer to Odin’s pole. With our beloved Midgard; on Monday as part of a wider Hail Yggdrasil!” discussion on Heathen Rites, We started by chanting Odin-Vili- sharing ideas and practices from Ve, a chant shared by Ingmar Michiel (Netherlands) lead to the different people and countries. (Germany), calling upon the first depths: Through conversations and Gods who structured the cosmos “Hail to the powers below; synchronicities a good number of and created us humans, giving us To the Great Dragon; us volunteered for the Wednesday breath, will and a divine spark. You of great might who coils blot. Through our breath we chanted, beneath the roots; We met Tuesday evening for a run through our will we called, until our Yet unseen in the world of man; trough, where more ideas were put spark was burning and all around Hail Nidhogg!” forward and developed into what felt sacred. became an unforgettable ritual Isa (Germany) raised the raw blot. We then proceeded with a ritual powers: What follows is a narrative of what galdr meditation, an Yggdrasil “May Ratatosk lift the Dragon’s we did, who we called, and how we alignment, that we have been using essence; celebrated the gifts of the Gods on in England, created initially in And carry its power to the skies; that Woden’s day. Norfolk for the Hearth of Sif and Hail Ratatosk!”

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And I linked them to the heavens, and sisters in faith”. mountains, through difficult to our own crown and third eye: terrain. You, who bring the ring by “Hail to the powers above; Thor’s consort Sif was called by which men speak truth from their To the Great Eagle; Tabby (Germany), with the gift of heart, give their word and swear You of great wisdom who sits on harvest of grain brought forward as their oaths. Be welcomed amongst the crown of the Tree; two breads baked by her, shaped as us, so that we may speak with Overseeing all the worlds below; Sleipnir and Mjolnir. The breads words of truth from within our You who hold between your eyes were placed in the centre to be hearts.” the swift hawk with piercing vision; shared later on, distributed by Hail Vethrfolnir!” children at the end of the ritual. Loki was called by John Jord was called next by Jörg (Netherlands) and Isa (Germany), “It may be that the time is not yet (Germany), who is devoted to the praising the misunderstood ripe for our wider non-heathen Earth Goddess beyond all others underdog god who brings the gifts communities to understand how a (who else? he asks ;-)), and Far- of laughter, change and misrule, ceremony like this can be so deep Sighted White God Heimdall was which John tempered by calling and meaningful.” called by May-Britt and Egil next Njord, giver of plenty. Njord’s (Norway), using amazing to hear son Frey was then called by Ingmar The blot could start now, the three- Norwegian kennings. Next was Phil (Germany), himself a Frey’s man bottle majestic horn was filled with (UK), brewer of some of the mead bringer of joy and harmony, and mead, and calls were opened by we were drinking throughout the Freya was called by Agnieska Haimo (Germany) who called on week, calling on Byggvir, the Barley (Poland): the leader of the Thing, the leader God, and Beyla, the Bee Goddess: of the council, the brave Tyr of “Freya! Goddess of beauty! heroic feats on behalf of the “Once green and thrusting; Goddess of sweetness! Goddess of community. Wotan was then called you grew in your youth, love! by Christian (Germany), with “the Now gold and bearded; Come to us! Look into our eyes, leader of Wild Hunt, divine poet are you in your prime; touch our hands! and song smith, ferryman to the Soon scythed and malted, Take away all weakness and pain! other side, and eternal wanderer the brewers delight. Give us joy! Give us bravery! Show between the worlds” to be called, Byggvir the bountiful us how to love and how to fight! to “enliven us with his presence.” we welcome your weal. Freya! Vanadis! Valfreya! Next was Amanda (UK), calling for Drink our mead! Listen the song! Frigga, mother and spinner, for her Busy the bees are; And give us also great sex every blessings upon the hearth and for amongst summers blossoms; day! her wisdom as seer of the fate of As they harvest sweet honey, Hail!” all living things. The theme of stored in bustling hives. spinning would be continued in the Beyla bring blessings; Gunna (Ger) sang to us a beautiful final blot at the end of the week. to good folk here gathered.” song, accompanied by his guitar, After was Alexander (France) composed in honour of Freya, and calling upon Eir, handmaiden of Bragi was called by me (Portugal lastly Geoff (UK) called Holda, Frigga, for help, health and healing. /Uk), for the poetry never to be connecting Holda’s well in The Thunderer was then called by extinguished from all those Greewich Park (close to where he Natalie (Spain): wanderers seeking Odin’s wisdom, lives in London), with local German “Thor, son of Fjörgyn and Alvater, for the memory from Mimir’s well Frau Holle. So many of us speak fruit of the union of sky and earth, always to be drank and praised, Germanic languages as our mother slaughterer of thursen and and for the inspiration from the or adopted tongues, truly we are all protector of mankind, hear our mead of poetry never ceases to fall brothers and sisters fostered by the calling and come to join us, bring on our tongues and foreheads. And same mother ancestry! We all then your force and protection to us and Ull was next, called by Martin shared the delicious Sif’s bread, share it with us, so that we can (Denmark): with many mead horns being share these gifts with our brothers “Ullr, you who travel over the passed around, while some of us

18 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 gave personal offerings to the Gods and Goddesses, and good spirits stayed with us throughout the rest of one more great evening.

It may be that the time is not yet ripe for our wider non-heathen communities to understand how a ceremony like this can be so deep and meaningful. When we connect with these eternal powers and principles such as justice, wisdom or beauty, that our ancestors have Picture by Vrede Wyrd praised with their callings and we praise once again, something special happens, and the more we approach a specific god or goddess, the closer he or she is to us, and vice-versa. Those eternal principles, those gifts of the gods that we try to manifest in this world with our deeds, come with a price though, as the mythological stories show: all gods are blessed with gifts, but also cursed with some suffering that not even they can change. This may show us how we can learn how to be the gods’ steeds and representatives in our ever changing, ever growing and ever decaying Midgard, trying to share those divine gifts but living the limitations of the material world. It may be that the time is not ripe yet for us to be priests and priestesses for wider communities; as the seer spoke in Thursday’s spá ritual, we may need to spread first our objects and symbols through trade, so we can grow in numbers. But may we in our daily lives keep remembering who we are and how we can help shape the world with the gifts of the gods, and may we, when asked to conduct rituals and call the Gods, be inspired and guided, so we can share many more unforgettable moments like the ones that happened in Sandhatten. Wassail!

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Not much, the sources are sparse My interpretation of Frigg sources, would have been aware of on this point. I therefore imagined these forces. I would still be able to that the old sources tell us of what by Helena Valorinta - Denmark hear the earth's whisperings and Christian men knew about what feel the alluring power of the the faithful men believed in, simply forest. But I would hardly have because they were men who spoke called them the same. I would with men. I imagined that no At the IASC 2012, we had probably have given them other Christian women told what Old four god statues, three names. And maybe even have given Believer women really believed in, gods and one goddess. them different attributes! Now the even if they perhaps knew it. different sources do exist, and I can However, I have become wiser and But there are more read what these people have seen have been told that some of the goddesses than there are and felt, before Christianity was Edda poems dealing with Gudrun, gods in our religion. introduced in my country. Or at are actually written by women and least what those who wrote it that Snorri Sturluson used Þúriðr Nordic goddesses, asynjir down, thought the heathens did. I the wise as a source for paganism. I and vanir, who are they? do however recognize what I have have also been recommended a What does history tells us experienced in what I read. And book by Sandra Bailif Straubhaars here there are names, which, when called “Old Norse Women's Poetry - about them from way their meaning is explained, makes The voices of female skalds”. A back? sense. So the sources give me the book I am looking forward to get names of the forces, and they give hold of and read. It is exciting to me a confidence that what I am learn more. It does not, however, feeling, is not fiction and pipe change the fact that I think that we dreams, others have felt the same lack information about the before me. goddesses. For several years I have been So what about being a source writing a little book about twelve myself, how about telling myself? goddesses. It is in Danish, and I As Asatru I might even have hope to be finished this year. I will something useful to say about the share the text of one of the subject. For what is it that makes goddesses with you here. I will the information we have about the share Frigg. Frigg, the way I historical Asatru more "real" than understand her, though I’m well what we experience today? Why is aware that others have met her to this considered more reliable when and know other aspects of her. We it comes to determine what the see the same but view it differently. goddesses stand for, and who they This is my view and perception of are? her.

Maybe because my knowledge Picture by Vrede Wyrd Facts about Frigg builds on top of it? Without these From the story of Gylfes blindness sources, without this in Snorri's Edda, I have the understanding of the goddesses description of Frigg, as the highest and gods, would my perception of of the goddesses, owner of the them be the same? Would I have farm Fensale and with a kind of been able to sense and name "retainers" of goddesses with them? And say, I've met ...? different tasks and responsibilities. In several stories in the elder Edda My personal opinion is that I we hear about how Frigg and Odin without being familiar with the having an different opinion about

20 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 something and how they try to her own house, or castle, we can husband Odin, for a woman and implement their commitment to only guess. But I think it makes man to be united, though it has the other. In these tellings Frigg is sense that the beloved wife, of been denied them, and seemed rather manipulative in her efforts Odin, has her own residence. To me quite impossible. to reach her goal. it makes sense to see her as the The most famous story about Frigg castle lady. In my point of view, I see Frigg as a facilitator, to whom is the one about Balders dreams Frigg is not the woman of the it makes sense for working women from the older Edda. It is in this house, but the castle lady. The lady to give offerings. Even though Frigg story that Frigg first gets everything of the fortress, with Fulla, Hlin, Gna does not work outside home in our living to promise not to harm her and Lofn to provide for what needs sense of the word, I would say this son Balder, but she forgets to ask to be done. kind of castle lady certainly must the mistletoe. When Balder is have an home office. dead, killed by an mistletoe arrow, These goddesses are mentioned she asks all living things to weep together with Frigg, and I think of Some equate Fjørgyn, Thor's for Balder. Hel, ruler of the them as "oath sworn men" though mother; the earth, and Frigg. For underworld Hel, the daughter of being female. There is Fulla, who is instance, Gro Steinsland and Loki, has promised that if all living said to keep her hair hanging loose Preben Sørensen Meulengracht in things weep for Balder, he will with a gold ribbon around her their book of Voluspá write the come back to life. And Frigg nearly head, she carries Frigg's chest, following sentence: “Thor son of succeeds in this. It's only an old takes care of her shoes and is the Fjørgyn. Fjørgyn is one of Friggs woman named Tøkk who will not one who knows about Friggs secret names. It connects her to the cry. But it is enough though, Balder doings. In older times it was earth.” They do not write on what must remain with Hel in Hel. common to retain all of ones, or ground they based it and I can not In the story of the feast at Ægirs the family’s, treasures in a special with the best will in the world find hall, Freja replies to Loki, when he shrine. I think it is reasonable to there is one. Not in the way I know suggests that he is responsible for believe that it is such a shrine Fulla Frigg, and as far as I am aware Balder's death: is guarding. Fulla is also mentioned there is nothing in the sources that “Mad art thou, Loki! That of your in a old germanic magic song, “the justify such an interpretation. For terrible whereabouts thou speak! song of Merseburg”, where she and me this is a modern, perhaps even Well, I believe Frigg knows all fate, the goddesses Sinhtgunt and a bit romantic, notion that it would although she of this never speaks.” Sunna, who is mentioned as her be nice if Frigg also was an earth goddess. It would give us a germanic Mother Earth. I guess it “I see Frigg as a facilitator, to whom it makes would also be comfortably if Odin sense for working women to give offerings.“ had Thor with his wife. I’ve heard interpretations of Frigg as Mother Earth, but I don’t see Thoughts about Frigg sister, and Odin, sing galder songs her as this mother goddess, even In Voluspá it is mentioned that to Balders horse to heal its broken though I realize that many others Frigg after the death of Balder sits leg. do. The story of Balders bad in Fensale, bemoaning the fate of dreams and death has been used Valhalla. This Fensale is often cited Hlin is said to protect those who to justify this interpretation of as Frigg's dwelling, although it is Frigg wants shield from danger, Frigg. But you can, as I see it, very not mentioned in the recitation of while Gnaa is the one Frigg sends well be a goddess and mother homes or dwellings of various gods to different worlds to do her without simultaneously being a found in Grimnismál. Whether it is errands. Gnaa owns a horse named mother goddess. There are no merely a humid, or even place in Hovvarpnir who can run through stories of Frigg being the mother of the underworld (Fensale = Swamp air and sea. There is also Lovn who everyone and everything, nothing hall) where she in her grief seeks has a special ability to obtain about her life-giving milk or other solitude, or whether it actually is permission from Frigg, or her things I would expect from a typical

21 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 mother goddess. Frigg didn’t want it on without regard to what Frigg is timeless. Frigg awakens Balder's death and takes people may think, but she does not things. She gives me the impression responsibility for changing it, as she profess to merely give a piece of of being soft and feminine in a travels around and ask all things to good advice. Meeting Frigg will in stylish and simple way. As I once weep for him. But mourning her my experience lead to a new heard, she is the type who would son is not enough to become a doctrine or a new step in ones wear beautiful scarves to go with mother goddess. This story, I think development. her dressing. But she can also be says more about the nature of Frigg difficult to understand and in some than just being a grieving mother. When you grow with Frigg and get ways a little scary because she is She does what is necessary, and in to know her, it is my experience always one step ahead, she knows this I see the essence of her, to do that you also learn to be at peace the real perpetuity. She is in a way what is necessary. with yourself. You learn to keep an ideal for something I want, your feet on the ground and tread though she can be tough when This is also what happens in the carefully. This is the integrity of necessary. story with Vili and Ve. Snorri tells of Frigg, as I know her. She teaches us a time when Odin was gone for a to love ourselves as we are. One Frigg is nothing less than the very long time, and in the becomes aware that one must have goddess who has the strength to meantime his two brothers went to respect for one self and not merely match Odin. I think this is clear in Valhalla to take his place, duties seek recognition in the eyes of the texts where Odin and Frigg are and chores, including those others. discussing something, for example concerning his wife Frigg. It's a in Vaftrudnirsmál. Britt Marie story I have found difficult to fit The name Frigg means "beloved," Näsström mentions the theory of together with the image I have of and I think it must be easy to be the blessing words, in the context Frigg. But when I take my own loved when one provides the things of Vaftrudnirsmál. Why does Odin, moral or romantic notions away, people want: wisdom, tranquillity, ask Frigg for advice when he still there is no contradiction in this balance and deep love. does not follow this? Because he story and my picture of Frigg - Frigg really does not ask for her advice, does what is necessary, neither Frigg is often associated with but he awakens her concern, so she more nor less. It is neither a home, but I see her not as gives her blessing as a protection, sacrifice nor a duty, it is the "domesticated" or as the goddess and this is what he seeks to get. embracing castle wife Frigg, the of home chores. Instead, I think "Hail to your exit, and again your beloved, who makes the world go that she stands for home fires in homecoming, hail the paths you round in any situation. And maybe the figurative sense. She makes walk!" In my opinion, this makes she is sensuous enough to enjoy it. sure that the base is in order so very good sense. It would not be you have a starting point and a the first time one can see how Odin Frigg I regard as quite down to basis for being able to handle shapes the future according to his earth, but not earthly in the sense everything else. Frigg holds the key own wish by getting a woman to associated with forests and to many important aspects of life: a talk about it in a certain way. And meadows. Frigg is more of the goddess with experience and this corresponds well to the image I world than of the earth. She is to knowledge. A goddess in control of have of Frigg, the beloved castle me essential for this world to even her life. My husband says that men lady. One might wonder whether function. Frigg is for me calmness, blóter to Frigg, not just to get Frigg might have the grip of Odin. confidence and balance. She is the peace and fridr at home, but to Frigg knows all fate and I believe laid-back tranquillity, wisdom understand what is going on in the therefore that she will ultimately resting in its own value. She who home. And here he means relating always be right. knows all the people, plants and to the one you are sharing your animals, their deepest secrets, and home with. Odin and Frigg have widely retains her knowledge. The wise different approaches, where Odin woman and the witch who in her For me, Frigg is also the epitome of could be said to be more outgoing. own way gives guidance. She "the wise woman", independent "Ravens and the negotiations of gathers her experiences and passes and life-wise, but in no way old. the Thing" is the area of Odin,

22 IASC HERALD – OCTOBRE 2012 while Frigg is more practical and simply does what it takes. She draws the big picture of our society, our daily lives. She knows all fate, all time, and one must remember the past to be able to imagine the future. Just as memory can not stand alone, the imagination must also be in place. It is reminiscent of Odin's two ravens, Hugin and Munin, memory and recall, what I would interpret as thought and experience. A few disturbing questions suddenly arise, as I dare myself to ask if Hugin and Munin sometimes ask Frigg for advice, instead of flying out in the worlds?

And perhaps even bolder: “Frigg does not say anything - she is.” Did Odin give an eye for something that Frigg already knew?

The meeting Friggblót - in the grass by the small, blue flowers We sat down in the circle, while the sun slowly faded We made offerings of flowers and chocolate - and sent warm herbal in everything that could be hard, The sorrow of joy and the joy of tea around when Frigg with her subtle smile sorrow. Life is only full if you are Quietly we welcomed Frigg, and bestows lightness. A moment of joy whole. talked with and about her. and happiness if we allow ourselves to see it. Not being in love or passionate but Frigg gave the impression that she Not escaping the reality or purely the deep, intimate, joy-filled love. is as light as a petal. It provided forgetting, but to carry it with ease. Frigg is small Nordic flowers in full both insight and anticipation to it Frigg holds the encompassing bloom and joy in the smallest petal; to meet Frigg and see the world in peace of the North Sea and the flowers where you did not expect her perspective. It also meant to glowing joy of birch forests. She it. see Frigg in a new perspective. makes a doubtless, joyful excess. Sensuality and fervour. Serenity Frigg gave us the impression of Her name means beloved and she and security. Closeness and lightness, while she is practical, brings small flowers, warmth and a warmth. multitasking and staying organized. quiet integrity. There is a time for Essays and poetry. Soft but She knows how to delegate, as the everything. Frigg; heartfelt joyous unwavering castle lady, she has people to do peace, the integrity in knowing She has the strength to hold it all. the hard work, as hard as it igets everything is provided for. She is the essence and the core. among the goddesses; Hlin, Gna She is the wisdom of life well used and Lofn. And so Fulla, her sister, Frigg is the lightness in weight and and lived, the life-wise tranquillity the trusted one the weight of lightness. She recalls that makes words superfluous. that grief gives depth to the joy. The feeling of joy. Joy and lightness Frigg is not everything, she is It. Frigg does not say anything - she is.

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THE ACTUAL PROGRAM OF IASC 2012 Monday 30th of July 9.30 – 14.00 Excursion 1: visiting “Pestruper Saturday 28th of July Graberfeld” and the “Großen S 14.00 – onwards Arrival teine von Kleinenkneten”– Haimo 20.00 Word of welcome – Haimo

Sunday 29th of July 11.30 Introduction: what will IASC 2012 bring? – Haimo

13.00 – 14.30 Making ribbons for the wish tree, which was to be erected in the opening ceremony.

Picture by Anika

9.30 – 11.00 Digging contest for children – Gerry

10.00 – 11.30 Discussion – Sharing heathen rites – André and Amanda

10.00 – 12.00 Workshop bronze casting – Peter Picture by Frigga Asraaf and 14.00 – 17.30 15.00 – 16.00 Opening ceremony

Picture by Annika Picture by Vrede Wyrd 20.00 – 21.00 Shamanic guided meditation – Mary

20.00 – 22.30 Powersinging – Frigga & Marjatta

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14.00 – 16.30 Workshop seidh – Frigga, 10.00 – 11.30 Kubb game for children – Gerry Marjatta, Hans 14.00 – 17.00 Workshop seidh – Christian 14.00 – 15.30 Lecture 'Landscaping mythology of the stars' – Michiel 20.00 – 21.00 Scouting expedition for children with their parents – Gerry 15.30 – 17.00 Movie for children 20.30 – 23.00 Thor's Tiki Bar – Ingmar and Isa 20.00 – 21.00 Presentation of Marjatta's rune cards – Marjatta Wednesday 1st of August 10.00 – 12.00 Workshop bronze casting – Peter and 14.00 – 17.30

10.00 – 12.00 Lecture 'The spindle, tool and symbol in history, mythology and fairy tales' – Ulrike

10.00 – 12.00 Workshop seidh – Frigga, Marjatta and Hans

13.30 – 15.30 Stick spinning – Ulrike Picture by May-Britt

21.15 – 22.15 Shamanic guided meditations – Mary

22.30 – 0.30 Movie – The Wicker Man (1973)

Tuesday 31st of July 9.30 – 11.30 Lecture / workshop on traditional weather lore and farming lore from the north of Europe approximate applicable from the Alpes to the south of Sweden Picture by Vrede Wyrd – Nathalie 13.30 – 15.30 Deepen your knowledge of runes with Marjatta's Magic Formula – Marjatta

16.00 – 17.00 IASC 2012 Blót

20.00 – 21.30 IASC 2012 Auction

22.00 Werewolf game – Elrike

Picture by Vrede Wyrd

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Thursday 2nd of August 9.30 – 14.00 Excursion 2: visiting the "Visbeker Braut" and “Visbeker Brautigam” – Haimo

Picture by Vrede Wyrd

20.00 – 22.00 International Spá ritual – Frigga and Christian

Picture by Michiel

9.30 – 11.00 Finger painting for children – Martin

10.00 – 11.30 Lecture 'Perchten and the Wild Hunt' – Uwe

Picture by Vrede Wyrd

13.00 Witches brews for children – Gerry

14.00 – 16.00 Lecture / workshop 'Sex and religion' – Günna Picture by Vrede Wyrd

15.00 – 16.00 Workshop 'Making a fire and baking apples' for children – 23.00 – 1.00 Cult Movie Night – 'Eric the Marco Viking'

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Friday 3rd of August 9.30 – 11.00 Workshop 'How to write German in runes' – Karl

10.00 – 12.00 Workshop bronze casting – Peter and 14.00 – 17.30

Saturday 4th of August

5.30 – 12.00 packing, cleaning, saying farewell, departure

Picture by Vrede Wyrd Picture by Volker Wagner

10.30 – 12.00 Lecture 'Landscaping mythology of the stars' – Michiel

Picture by Vrede wyrd

14.00 – 15.00 Puppet theater – Nathalie, Frigga and Todd

16.00 – 17.00 Closing ceremony

Evening Party Time with lottery

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Puppet Theatre

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The excursions