Haustblót is the Norse fall equinox feast. Also referred to as Winter Finding, this feast celebrates the beginning of autumn. Most Norse holidays are somewhat fluid based more on the agricultural calendar than on the more static holidays observed by other groups. Haustblot tends to fall near the fall Equinox.
Fear of starvation was a big factor in our ancestors’ lives and so these harvest holidays meant a great deal to them and their survival.
Celebrating today can be a very simple offering to Gods like Freyr, God of harvest, and Skadi, Goddess of winter and of the hunt. Of course, you can make offerings and prayers to any and all of the Gods(desses) that you honor.
A feast was often had and is something that is not hard to do today whether you practice alone or with a kindred. You can check out the Fall edition of Odins Auga, the AtN newsletter for a few recipe ideas!
Another way to honor the food traditions would be to spend time in a free food kitchen or donate to your local pantry. Or just check in on a neighbor.
Making time to care of your animal friends and/or donate time and energy to a local shelter. Honoring and tending to the animals as our ancestors would have, bringing the farm animals closer to the homestead and prepping them for the coming colder months as well.
If you are in a place where you can have a bonfire that is another way to honor both our ancestors and this time of year. If you are not in a place you can have a fire pit or campfire then a simple candle will do. You can create a safe space on your altar and spend time updating it for the Haustblot as well.
Not specifically Norse, but at the time of Equinox it is good to sweep out the old, dust, and open windows to air out the old season and let the new one in.
No matter how you choose to honor this time do it with kindness.
Many Blessings to you all
Galaxy, AtN Scribe
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