WUFFACYNN
Blot (Bloat) & Symbel (Sumbel)
Wuffacynn does not follow a system of belief that involves a structured priesthood. It is the responsibility of our members to organise and celebrate the cycle of festivals with a Blot.
The key factors that constitute a Blot are as follows:-
The Feast
The Feast is one of the central components to a Blot.
Our kindred believe that the ideal feast fare at a Blot is good basic food, cold, and or cooked meats, bread, Cheese, and fruits in line with their respective seasons should be the mainstay at any of our Blots. Allowances are always made to cater for vegetarians, or those with special dietary requirements. All attending Blot should contribute toward the fare for the table, according to their means.
In line with Icelandic practice the first bread is ceremonially cut and offered in libation to commence the feasting.
The Hallowing
Evidence suggests two different methods of hallowing :-
1. Hallowing requires all Blot food to be passed over fire whilst appropriate words are said. There is evidence for this from the Anglo-Saxon period.
2. Food and drink were hallowed by the use of a ceremonial hammer (Mjiollnir).This practice was not confined to any one area there is evidence that this method was embraced in Iceland as well as the Scandinavian homeland. There is plausible evidence of this practice from the time of the Heathenry of the Iron Age Germanic tribes (due to this it could be assumed that this practice was also embraced by our Anglo-Saxon Forefathers).
If the Blot is held out of doors and it is safe to have a fire then the Anglo-Saxon rule may be followed providing great care is taken, although hallowing by hammer works remarkable well, and is our preferred option.
A blessing should always be called upon the feast and drink from the God/Goddess in whose honour the Blot is being held. Usually dialogue with the God/Goddess will include defining their wishes with regard to hallowing and libation.
Offerings to Gods, Wights, and Ancestors
Offering the first bread cut to the Gods is a courtesy that we follow at our Blots, each attending God/Goddess should be offered a glass of mead, or if they make known an alternative (their chosen “tipple”).
Likewise offerings of feast food and drink should be made to the Ancestors, as well as the Wights. All of the aforementioned should also be honoured during symbel (sumble)
It must be remembered that when out of doors, a Blot can only take place at a location with the agreement of the Wights of that particular place. This should be obtained at least several days before hand. Part of the negotiation should include finding out the preferences of the Land Wights with regard to their libation.
If the Blot is out of doors with an attendant fire, libations can be offered up and burned on the fire.
The Honouring
As well as libations, the God/Goddess in whose name the Blot is celebrated will be honoured, this can be remarkably varied in its style, as the Deity concerned will make known their wishes with regard to this, it is our responsibility to interpret this and make it work.
Symbel (Sumbel)-Ritual drinking of toasts
There are two documented Symbel “styles”, the Anglo-Saxon and the Icelandic.
The Icelandic
The number of rounds is announced at the start of the Blot.
Host will lead and call the theme for each round.
The Anglo-Saxon
There is very little structure to this model, could possibly be
seen as drink until you drop, (Hey Ho!!).
Suffice to say that the former style is the one adopted at our blots. Our Symbel is led by our Thyle; it is the responsibility of the Thyle to announce the rounds of Symbel and to ensure its smooth running. The Thyle also has the responsibility to challenge any false boast or brag.
At our blotar we will hold at least four Symbel rounds.
The first round, to honour the particular God/Goddess, Ancestor or Wight in whose name the blot is being held.
The second round, to honour the Ancestors
The third round, will be offered up to absent friends, both absent members of our Kindred and those non members who are personally known to us who we feel would be appreciative of attending the blot.
The fourth round, to honour the gathered assembly, this should honour past achievements or future deeds, or generally to the good fortune of Wuffacynn and or the hosting hearth. This round is known as a Bragaful.
Further rounds may be pursued including rounds of Oaths and Boasts.
It must be remembered that any words spoken during Symbel are as binding as any oath taken in the presence of our Gods/Goddesses.
It must also be remembered that Symbel although generally light hearted, is taken very seriously, it is not an excuse to get drunk. As heathens you don’t need an excuse! Always be mindful of what the Havamal advises us regarding excessive alcohol intake.
Although Symbel will always occur during a Blot, it is a religious observance in its own right and can take place independently of the Blot. The Kindred will and do celebrate Symbel at a gathering.
Although some of our blotar are exclusively held for our members, we often invite fellow Polytheists from other traditions to join us.
We will imbibe either Mead, Cider or Beer for symbel (sumble), although an apple juice alternative is always available if needed.