Honoring the Ancestors
As the harvest season is nearing its end, we come to a time of year where we look back with pride on the work we have accomplished throughout the past year and begin to give thanks. Thanks to our Gods for their seen and unseen influences, the Wights for their aid, and our Ancestors especially who, if not for their unbroken love for generations over, we would not be here. Take some time as the veil thins and the year winds down to get to give love & thanks to the ancestors you know, and to get to know those you do not. Like among the living, "With half a loaf, and half a cup, a friend won thee", a simple gesture of an offering and heartfelt words can bring joy & love of an ancestor into your life. If you are not sure where to start, fill a horn and meditate on how we got here. After all, if at any point one of Disir or Alfar had chosen another we would not be here.
So let yourself find appreciation and gratitude in how lucky each of us is to have the chance to traverse Midgard. Hold that sensation in your chest, and then start with your least distant ancestor and work your way back as far as you can, state their name and pour a small libation into a sacred vessel or a fire, and let them know you're thinking of them. Eventually you will find someone who will reveal themselves to you, even if only to say thank you. For the ancestors who are familiar to you, put out their favorite dish and a glass of their favorite drink, it's the least we can do for their gift of life. Whether you're alone or surrounded by the Folk, you'll have a house filled with warmth & love. If you do this often, you'll never walk alone. As the holiday season is upon us, we look forward to seeing as many beautiful white smiling faces, across the AFA and especially at each of our Hofs. May your harvests be bountiful and your holidays merry!
Hail the Gods,
Hail the Ancestors,
Hail the AFA!
Gothi Jason Plourde
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