Folk often ask how to give blot in their garden or perhaps in the woods near where they live because they live nowhere near a local Odinist hearth. In this post, I won't go into detail regarding the blot itself but explain how we might prepare the ground for blot. If you want more details on the blot itself I would recommend the Odinic Rites book of Blotar or perhaps design and write your own blot? I would also state that community is essential. It is very hard to be an odinist on your own.
The first thing to consider is where to do it? I would say the perfect place is in the middle of a forest, miles from roads or car parks (and miles from dog walkers!), in a clearing, with a stream or river next to it, a large rock or stone that can be used as an altar and some ancient trees surrounding your clearing! Good luck finding such a sacred place.
Another place to consider is an ancient hill fort, barrow or standing stones. A place where our ancestors may have worshipped the Gods for centuries or even thousands of years.
You can also place a stone in your garden and give blot to the land wights to help promote that your home may flourish.
Most of us have a shrine inside our homes. I have various statues, a stone, a bowl of ice and fire.
In some parts of the world, folk have worked hard and built an Odinist Temple. This would be great for when the weather is really bad!
Wherever you give blot, before starting you will need to consecrate the area first. I always sprinkle earth from a sacred place that has been consecrated before (E.g. my own garden) and say the following:
Hail Aesir, Hail Vanir, Hail Holy Norns. Hail Life and Creation. Hail to the Ancestors and the Kin Fetch. I consecrate this (Mead horn, Hammer, sword, knife, ground, garden, hill, altar, shrine etc.) to you - May you imbue it with your power. Grant me your blessings and your aid. I hail you. Hail Faith, Folk and Family.
