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document.write('<p class="rss-title"><a class="rss-title" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Raven Kindred North</a></p>');
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document.write('<li class="rss-item"><a class="rss-item" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/28862.html" target="_blank">Thorblot</a><br />');
document.write('<span class="rss-date">Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:04:16 GMT</span><br />');
document.write('It is not often that Raven Kindred holds our monthly blot away from the stead of a kindred member. But we could not pass on the gracious offer of our dear friends, Niki and Tim Shanks, who opened their home for this special occasion. They were typical Heathen Hosts - making everyone feel welcomed, and making sure every belly was full.<br /><br />Guests began arriving in the early afternoon, and it was clear from the moment we each stepped out of our air-conditioned vehicles that it was going to be a scorcher. Those who braved Sunna\'s blazing rays to play a round or two of kubb we quickly reaching for the water bottles, or a taste from the keg of the English Bitter Ale that Niki and Tim had brewed with Mark.<br />Most of the time we all huddled on the deck where the shade was keeping us a little cooler.<br /><br />In addition to our hosts, the kindred was also joined by many other friends who we always enjoy spending good ole \'heathen hangtime\' with... Michelle and James, as well as the Bennett Clan - Sarah and Aaron, and their most awesome little men, Scotty and Jack. And of course, my son, Gunn (aka The Black Prince) was there, always at the ready to assist with building a fire, or crushing an opponent on the kubb field.<br /><br />As time for blot approached, we gathered on the deck for pre-blot discussion. This year we discussed Mjollnir - everything from how and when it became our holy symbol, to the use of our symbols and god names in the upcoming comic book movie about \"Thor\". (Remember folks.... its JUST a movie! ;)<br /><br />After a short break, we all gathered at the firepit to hold blot to Thor.<br />With the heat not-so-slowly roasting us, the decision was made not to build a fire.<br /><br />With our kindred skald not able to be in attendance, the job of telling the Creation Story and leading us in the chanting of \"Odin-Vili-Ve\" three times, fell upon the worthy shoulders of our kinsman Dave.<br />And then, with the folk now properly focused, I raised Mjollnir high and warded the blot area in Raven Kindred North Tradition.<br /><br />Then the call went out to Asa Thor to join us, and to hear the words that we would speak in his honor. Jenn then stepped forward to handle the duties of Valkyrie - a job she has handled many times, and without flaw.<br /><br />The first round went to Asa Thor. The folk each raised the horn and spoke their words over it - many words of thanks and praise for safe travels past.<br />The next round was to the Ancestors. Many names were spoken - thus proving that \"One Thing\" that we know shall not die; a good Reputation.<br />In the final round, many thanks were made to our Hosts, and the Wights of their Land, and to our fine Community.<br /><br />The remaining stout from each round was poured into the blot bowl, and would be libated at a special stone in the Shanks\' yard.<br /><br />Before renewing our kindred oaths upon the Ring, the call went out once more to Asa Thor - this time to thank him for his presence, and to invite him to remain amongst us to enjoy our feast.<br /><br />When blot was finished, the grill was sparked-up, and \'Mama\' Jenn went to work cooking a mountain of sausages and burgers. We also enjoyed many side dishes, including Michelle\'s potato salad, and the Bennett\'s fruit salad (perfect on a hot day!)<br /><br />After the feast, we loosened our belts a wee bit, and kicked-back on the deck to celebrate life with laughter and a cool drink or two. This was a good day.<br /><br />Hail Thor!<br />Hail Raven Kindred North!<br />Hail the Community!<br /><br />----<br />Report prepared and blot conducted by: Rick<br />Kindred in attendance: Sandi, Dave, Jeff, Jenn, Mark and Rick.<br />Pictures: <a href=\"http://tinyurl.com/25faapv\">http://tinyurl.com/25faapv</a><br />Next month: Tyrblot at Raven Compound<br />=================================================');
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document.write('<li class="rss-item"><a class="rss-item" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/28614.html" target="_blank">Midsummer</a><br />');
document.write('<span class="rss-date">Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:15:52 GMT</span><br />');
document.write('Kindred and friends gathered at the Raven Compound to honor Sunna on this, her longest day.');
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document.write('<li class="rss-item"><a class="rss-item" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/28393.html" target="_blank">May Day</a><br />');
document.write('<span class="rss-date">Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:14:31 GMT</span><br />');
document.write('Kindred and friends gathered on Cape Cod to dance the Maypole and to honor Freya in blot.');
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document.write('<li class="rss-item"><a class="rss-item" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/28120.html" target="_blank">Aegirblot</a><br />');
document.write('<span class="rss-date">Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:13:10 GMT</span><br />');
document.write('Kindred and friends gathered on Cape Cod to honor Aegir both with blot, and with the brewing of ale.');
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document.write('<li class="rss-item"><a class="rss-item" href="http://rick-of-rkn.livejournal.com/27831.html" target="_blank">Ostara</a><br />');
document.write('<span class="rss-date">Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:09:48 GMT</span><br />');
document.write('Kindred and friends gathered at Ravenstead to honor Ostara.');
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