Perhaps it is fitting that, in a world as tumultuous as this, things have been rather chaotic and this blog has gone ignored in the wake of that. I have a few posts that I need to write, to update whoever might actually be reading this, but I want to restrict myself to the goings on of the last month, for now.
After the first part of the year being given over to working my new(-ish) job, August was the first sign of any holiday for my family and I. We had a number of things planned and, looking back, it was a very busy and rewarding period. WE bought a new car (well, new to us). This was a long time overdue as we had pretty much outgrown our previous Vauxhall Corsa. We drive around the country a lot, and hills were a problem for the little 1.2l deisel engine. So, what else did Harvest month involve?
Thunorsmoot.
My wife, my daughter and I spent a few days camping near Ilkeston in Derbyshire as part of Asatru UK's great heathen gathering for 2023. This year the focus was the unveiling and hallowing of the godpost dedicated to Thor. The atmosphere and sense of community was excellent. A very positive vibe was commented upon by a number of people there. We took part in a couple of rituals and socialised with friends old and new. Our rainbow raven flag hung from our tent all weekend, and I was very pleased to hear one of the ritual leaders comment, "As many of you will know, this year is the Year of Aun!"
It was during the festival that I was pleased to note my wife and daughter both getting into the spirit of the occasion. They have always been very supportive of me in regards to my heathen path. My wife has identified has heathen for some time now - since we used to attend Kith of Yggdrasil moots in London around 2010 - 2013. However, her interest and her own path is now developing independent of my own. She is arguably much more socialable than I with other members of Asatru UK, both in real life and online. My daughter also bought her first mjolnir at a stall on the Saturday, too. Proud heathen dad moment - though I doubt she would refer to herself as heathen, even now.
A second family getaway
After Thunorsmoot was over, we took another camping trip to Northhumberland, staying at a campsite near Alnwick. It was extremely windy, but fortunately, we'd recently upgraded our tent, which seemed more than able to withstand even gale force conditions. Though it helped that we'd taken time to peg it out property. Then, after camping we headed to Whitby. Our new car's 2.0l engine made the hills around there much less of an issue. We have friends in the town and it was great to catch up with them.
As inspiring and rewarding as the Asatru UK heathen gatherings always are, I feel there is as much "heathenry" in socialising with old friends as there is in any ritual, moot or symbel. That belief has always been a keystone of my path.
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