Suitable Offerings: What Sacrifices to the Gods should be.
Nearly anything can be offered to the Gods. The most common thing today is a libation of mead, but there are also those that practice blot or blood sacrifice. But what should offerings, or non-blood sacrifices consists of? Mead, while suitable would not seem to be enough. It is okay for the daily run of the mill rite, but when we are truly giving thanks to the Gods or ancestors, asking for aid, or trying to atone, we should offer so much more. It is not truly a sacrifice if ten people are giving a ten dollar bottle of mead after all. “Hey, lets chip in and give the Gods a ten dollar bottle of mead, and expect big returns” seems to be the sentiment of the day. I think the Gods and ancestors demand more. Think about it, if you were buying a gift for a loved one, would you give them a three dollar bottle of wine? If one cannot do a blood sacrifice in the proper fashion with the proper beast (one that has been fed well and not maltreated), there are plenty of other things one can offer. Amber is a favorite of mine. Amber necklaces are convenient, easy to obtain, are works of beauty, but can be pricey making them truly a sacrifice. Pewter bowls are another favorite of mine. They can be intricately worked, and again can be pricey. Swords are suitable as well. Best is one made by one’s own hands, but any descent blade can make a good offerings. There are many other things one can offer. Food is something that is often over looked, even though it should be obvious. It takes time to prepare, and has the advantage that it can serve as húsel and be shared with the Gods and/or ancestors. Handmade items, because a part of you goes into them are perhaps, in my opinion amongst the best offerings.
Regardless, one should seek to give a suitable gift in offering. Anyone can go out and buy a three dollar bottle of wine. It is no sacrifice at all. To be a suitable sacrifice whatever is given should be something that gives a bit of hurt to the pocket book. Items with sentimental value, costly items, items of beauty, all are suitable for offering.
2 Comments to “Suitable Offerings: What Sacrifices to the Gods should be.” »
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July 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I had continuous arguments with my previous gothi on this matter.
I’m not going to dispute that blood is prized by the gods, but I WILL dispute when someone claims that animal slaughter is the only way to perform a blot.
One of my main arguments was of the changing times. Our ancestors lived in an agrarian economy – domesticated animals were fairly common, or easy to procure.
We, however, live in an INDUSTRIAL society – not everyone has the space, means, or stomach to slaughter an animal.
Regardless of what "blot" means, we have to adapt to the times. The most successful religions have had to change and adapt over the years to survive – a religion does not live in a vacuum. We cannot bring a religion back, intact, from a certain period in history, and expect it to stay static.
It may be a little controversial in Asatru, but I believe we have to alter our definition and perception of our rituals – for survival.
Again, a religion does not exist in a vacuum. It has to adapt to outside influences to survive.
July 25th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Well, mead around here costs around 15 to 25 bucks a bottle, so it’s not like 2 buck Chuck from Trader Joe’s..but I dig your meaning. There is power in a gift that has taken energy, time,skill and love to make or procure. It has more "umph!" on so many levels. The bogs of Europe are full of amazing offerings; glass, bronze, iron, wood, fabric, and bones.
Blot=If you are a small holder/farmer/rancher and you know what the hell your’e doing when it comes to rearing, slaughtering and butchering, then dedicate a swine, (or other stock animal) to the Gods.
Feast, share the meat with your community. That is holy and good. Killing an animal just for a thrill, that is not.
Audrey I really liked your thoughts. Ya know,I have found the Disir enjoy any home made food , esp. breads.
Good post Mr. Wodening, very thought provoking.