This past weekend I attended Galdrafár Á Ströndum in Hólvamik. Literally translated it means “Sorcery Frenzy on the Shore”. On Friday evening was the Blōt ceremony. I stood among the living stones on the Westfjord shore with 120 Norse pagans from around the world. The Blōt began in solemn remembrance of the Witches who were burned alive on the same shores in the 17th century as a large bonfire was lit.

Then in song we honored the land wights. Last came the invocation. A Völva, draped in ceremonial garb, stepped forward and invoked Freyja. She brought forward a recepticle of animal blood - lamb’s blood I think - it was poured upon her. Then all who wished to be witnessed before the goddess and receive her blessing and protection came forward. The Völva applied streaks of blood to our foreheads before we presented our individual offerings to the goddess.