Hail & Horn Gathering Eir 2019: Community Rituals and Workshops
Join the annual Hail & Horn Gathering to honor Lady Eir, partake in sacred rituals, workshops, and feasting inspired by ancient traditions. Immerse yourself in Norse culture and spirituality with like-minded individuals.
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Hail & Horn Gathering Eir 2019
Contents Of Hail & Horn ..p. Schedule p. Biographies .p. H sel Menu ..p. Inclusivity Statement p. Rules for the V p.
Of Hail & Horn Hail and Weclcome, a community, await the arrival of the Lady Eir, handmaid to Mengloth and renowned healer into our holy stead. As with all previous years, this year s activities will be a tripartite and ever unfolding ritual where the Bl t, H sel and Symbel come together each building upon the other. May we extol the wholesome reward of Hail which feeds the Horn, which replenishes the folk. The format of the symbel and feast are, as before, inspired by Pollington s research outlined in The Mead-Hall: The Feasting Tradition in Anglo-Saxon England and the god-pole raising reflects Ibn Fadlan s account of his embassy amongst the Rus. Many volunteers have come together to craft an unforgettable religious experience, being committed to building upon the ancient ways and presenting it to the folk in inspirational form; Focusing on the right- goodness of all participants who wish to experience the numinous alongside their comrads in honour of Eir. There will be a number of informative workshops and fun activities to enjoy. It is with great reverence and mirth that we, as -The Witan
Schedule Freya s Day Tour of Raven s Knoll . 6-8pm Join a Steward of Raven s Knoll or a familiar friend on a small tour of some of the sacred spaces appealing to your interests. Welcoming Ritual (Auz and Erik).. .8-9pm Join together shoulder to shoulder around the hearth to meet one another and make offerings to the many wights of Raven s Knoll whose land we will be meeting upon over the weekend. Welcome Fire 9-12am As people from farther afield arrive into the evening, we sit in conversation around the fire reacquainting ourselves with those who we have not seen for a while and making new connections with our friends. We will start the fire by chatting about the program and what to expect from the weekend, talking about the gods raised already in the V , and hear a story or two if folks are moved to perform.
Schedule Washing Day Godpole Carving (Yves) ....8-12pm Yves will be putting the final touches on Eir s divine figure. As the final carving of Eir will be revealed at bl t, it is asked that he continue his work in privacy. Viking Games (Erik).. .10-11am Join Erik and those willing to test their might in friendly VikingGames . By Viking Games we mean games which would probably appeal to Vikings (if not historical). Eir Workshop (Alli). 11-12pm IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM IPSUM LOREM
Schedule Washing Day (cont d) Lunch Break (Everyone) .. ..12-1pm Take the time to eat well at your site (or with a friend) as the rest of the day will require adequate nutrition and hydration. Godpole Firing (Alli and Crew) .1-2pm Join Alli and her crew as they char the foot of the godpole to ensure it is better protected against rot. This is an as many hands on deck responsibility which will be co-ordinated for everyone s abilities and safety. Drink water you dehydrated noodle! Esoteric Workshop (Lokabrenna Kindred) ...2-3pm Join Lokabrenna Kindred as they provide new (and seasoned) esoteric practitioners with an idea of what to expect at an esoteric ritual (no spoilers!) so you may be better prepared in general. Eir Bl t Prep-Time (Everyone) ..3-4pm Take the time to get into your best wares and collect your offerings it s bl t time!
Schedule Washing Day (cont d) Eir Bl t (Alli and Crew) ..4-7pm Bl t for Eir, Hail Eir! You, who stand at the high altars on the hills of healing. You, who once collected the Einherjar for others and now stand with Frigg. Who once and still is a Valkyrie. You, who provides healing for those you deem worthy. You, who aids the other goddesses and gods. You, who gives us the tools to take our life back. You, our now beloved goddess who expects your deeds as opposed to your words. Help us bring Eir the greatest of physicians into the sir V and that her presence give us the tools, such as truth, to take the necessary steps on our healing journey. May she give perseverance for those who take on the burden and possess the secrets of the healer's path. May she give courage to the tribes and kindreds, so they may prosper and share love. May she give us strength even when great darkness faces us. May we meet the dark with hope, love, and light. Each year a tree is carved in the likeness of the chosen goddess/ god and ceremoniously "planted" into the sir V . Communal offerings will be made from the feast, we will have personal offerings as well. Eir loves gifts from the heart. Please bring an offering that speaks from your heart and a worthy sacrifice in your eyes. We will begin at the standing stone. There will be assistance for those who have difficulty walking. Please bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray for yourself. Eir will be waiting for all those who come to process her to the Ve. Bring your drums if you have them, bring your heart wide open and walk with her while she takes her journey to her rightful place. -Alli
Schedule Washing Day (cont d) Eir Bl t (Alli and Crew) ..4-7pm Hail Eir! Join in the celebration of raising Her pole in the sir V where She will bless us with all humility and bring hale and hearty tidings to those who shall visit Her for year to come. Supper Time (Everyone) ..7-9pm Decompress from the bl t, have a bite and relax. You should probably drink some water now. Food Prep (Volunteers) . .7-10pm Assist the Warden of the Feast and the Service Team in any way you can, for however long you can. There is chopping to do and other fun tasks, chit chat and chop with friends. Folk Fire ..9-2am At this laid back fire, we will raise a horn or two, chat with folk newly met or longtime companions. There will be the opportunity for anyone to share a few myths or stories, poems or songs, as well. For those not attending the esoteric, you may stay at the fire.
Schedule Washing Day (cont d) Esoteric Prep-Time (Participants) .9-10pm Take the time to get comfortable for the ritual. Remember the finer points of esoteric rituals. Mostly water and bug repellent. Esoteric Ritual (Lokabrenna Kindred) .10-1130pm Journey to the mountain of healing and meet the face of Eir you need -- Wielding Herb, or Knife, or Spell Medicine. After Care with Myst (Those Requiring It) .. ..1130-12am If you require extra time to decompress from the esoteric, take the time you need at the after care fire.
Schedule Sunna s Day Healing Light Meditation (Jon).. 10-11am GingerBear will lead a guided meditation dedicated to healing. Imagery will be centered around A healing light moving through ones body. Please bring something on which to lay comfortably; Sheep skin, Yoga mat, blanket, beach towel, etc. Our Map of the World & Our Journey to Healing (Alli)..... 11-12pm Eir the best physician of the gods and goddesses. She does not heal you but sets you on your path to healing. Join Ali aka Pegacorn a devoted Gythia of Eir; in exploring our map of the world and how stress and traumas can impact us. Here we bring about Self awareness where we cover various traumas that provided us with a map of how we operate with our stressors from the past to present. Ali will be covering various types of traumas, explaining coping mechanisms, communication barriers and finally giving some tools so that people can work on their own self-awareness and develop strategies to work around their triggers, subconscious responses and provide ideas to help grow and reduce how trauma has/ will affect them in their life.
Schedule Sunna s Day (cont d) Our Map of the World & Our Journey to Healing (Cont d) Items to bring: Note pad, Ipad, phone and writing utensil. (Some sort of recording or writing device) Trigger warnings: Some tough subjects may be brought up but participants are not required to stay for the whole duration. If people become triggered they can leave and come back when they feel safe to do so. Ali will be using herself as examples and people are not going to be probed about what triggers them. Note: This is a workshop for those who need to identify triggers, become more self-aware of how their trauma effects them and could benefit from other tools to manage stressors in their life.
Schedule Sunna s Day (cont d) Lunch Break (Everyone) ... ..12-1pm Take the time to eat well at your site (or with a friend) as the rest of the day will require adequate nutrition and hydration. Herb Walk (Linda & Janine) ... ....1-2pm Discover the herbs of the knoll from the perspectives of Western and First Nations Herbalism with Linda and Janine. Herb Workshop (Brynja) . . 2-3pm Within the realm of nature, there exist constituents within all living things to assist in the health and welfare of others. Within the herbal realm, we will look at, and discuss, various aspects of the more commonly found plants and herbs that work with the body's own healing ability to modify the behaviour of illness and disease. From the inside out, from body to soul, we can highlight ways to improve our physical and magical journey of healing.
Schedule Sunna s Day (cont d) Symbel Workshop (Erik). . 3-4pm Join Erik as he discusses the finer points of Symbel. All those wishing to participate in the High Symbel at HHG, and have never done so before (even if experienced at symbel in other circles) are encouraged to come to this workshop and learn what makes the Hish Symbel so different from the standard format. H sel Prep-Time (Everyone) .. ..4-6pm Get your feast gear together and claim a bench! Also, vote for the next Doughty to receive an arm ring (ballot time). H sel and Skaldry (Everyone) .. ...6-9pm As it is said in the H vam l: With half a loaf and an empty cup, I found myself a friend. In that spirit, we will enjoy a feast inspired by health and wellness, gorging upon the finest fare. Eir, who is called the best physician, will guide our tastes throughout our shared meal. (Check out the planned menu at the end of this post.) Between our various courses, the Skalds among us will entertain the masses with their may talents. Some may sing, tell a tale or engage in a fit of interpretive dance who knows!
Schedule Sunna s Day (Cont d) High Symbel (Symbel Team) 9-12am Hail one and all! Grab a bench in the hall! May the horn be not a burden to the holder and wise words be spoken into that well. Ring Giving (Doughty) . Immediately after Symbel All ballots have been cast and the Doughty have made their selection. Those two recognized as one of their own will be called up to the Folk Fire and granted their due. Mani s Day Redemoot (Everyone) . 10-12pm Share your experience with others, what can be improved? What would you like to see remain? Likewise we will vote on the deity to raise in 2020. Farewell Blessing . .......12-1pm Let us thank one and other for the times we ve had. May the wind be at our backs and good tidings before us all.
Biographies In Futharkical order Alli/Pegacorn Gythia Has been leading rit for over a decade and working staff at many events at RK for almost that long. This year, they will be leading the Bl t with some of their chosen family members of Raven's Knoll; as well as guiding a trauma/ self awareness Workshop. Alli is a non-binary, gender diverse who practices inclusive heathenry. If curious about their practice just ask. They pay the bills as a nurse working with the homeless in downtown Ottawa and spends most of their money on garden plants. Ask them about Stella. (THEY / THEM) Aodhan Szolar Leech (Medic) A long-time agnostic and scientist, I turned to druidism in 2016. Exploring both my Celtic and Germanic roots, I fell into Heathenry as well after attending Well & Tree in 2018. I continue to learn what I can and will be studying at Cherry Hill Seminary starting this Fall. Professionally, I have served in the military for thirteen years, including four years as a military decontamination troop commander, where I was trained in technical rescue skills and emergency medical response (i.e. advanced First Aid). I have degrees in chemistry and emergency response and am also a former firefighter. (HE / HIM) Austin Lawrence Witan / Feast Cook is one of the Stewards of Raven s Knoll. Auz (short for Austin ) directly assists with running a number of events at Raven s Knoll, including: the Hail and Horn Gathering; the Kaleidoscope Gathering (Canada s largest Pagan festival); and, the KornuKopia Gathering (a pan-Pagan harvest festival). Auz is an satr ar who is an oathed go i since 2008, and is the keeper of the Raven s Knoll Aesir V . Auz is interested in martial arts, historical cooking, brewing and all things Old Norse. Auz is also a former Stag King of the Kaleidoscope Gathering. Auz is married to Maryanne Pearce (a.k.a. M-A), with children Joven and Kadri, as well as a revolving menagerie of pets. (HE / HIM preferred THEY/ THEM) Kadri Lawrence Byrele runs on caffeine, dinosaurs, science and cuss words. She helps at Raven s Knoll as MA s Mini-Me and RK s pet medic. She is currently finishing a degree in biology & neuroscience, and would love to chat with you about nerdy stuff in her down time. In the Muggle world, she teaches fun facts about animals to small humans. If you can t find her on site, she s probably off looking for turtles crossing the roads. If you happen to spot the elusive inflatable T-Rex on the grounds, it s also probably her. (SHE / HER)
Chantal Layoun Witan / Feast Cook Chantal Layoun is a longstanding member of the Ottawa-area Heathen community, the Lady of Erikh m and a Steward of R nat r Kindred. Her spiritual traditions are comprised equally of Heathen and First Nations traditions. She has worked in fast paced restaurant and service industries since her teenage years. With a get-er-done attitude and no messing around style, her feast-prep skills are renowned. (SHE / HER) Nicki thelfl d Butler Table Service Nicki Aethelflaed Butler is a kitchen witch, Anglo-Saxon cunning woman or heathen gythia depending on the time of day. She is a beekeeper, a certified chocolatier, and rules over an organic homestead near Kingston. sc & Nicki, along with their children, are collectively known as White Dog Hearth . (SHE / HER) Janine /Heron Herb Walk Janine has been kin folk to R nat r Kindred since 2010. She primarily honours Odin, Freyja, and Eir along with Heimdall. (SHE / HER or THEY / THEM) Jeff Helmes Smith Jeff is a renown local bladesmith who tirelessly works his craft on his homestead. He also teaches the art in Haliburton, Ont throughout the year. He is the crafter of the fine silver armrings gifted out to the Doughty. (HE / HIM) Jon/GingerBear Meditation is still new to the Heathen community, having been a solo practitioner for many years and is attending his first gathering as a participant at HHG this year. GingerBear was a Medic staff member at KG, Cosmos and is returning to that role again for KG Serendipity(he does not count staffing at an event as attending). He is a qualified Medical First Responder, Mental Health First Aider and has been instructing Standard First Aid to the CAF since 2011. Having recently retired from the RCN, GingerBear is looking forward to returning to school to pursue a career in Mental Health. In addition to practicing the healing arts, GingerBear is a brewer(mostly Mead) and a bee keeper, as well as a siege engineer, archer, and hunter with spear, bow, and rifle. (HE / HIM)
Yves Arseneault Eir Pole Carver is a devout Heathen who follows the path of Loki. Many know him by other names, primarily "Choke" and as the carrier of the dead, you may even have heard his ominous call of "Bring out Your Dead" during KG. Yves is a retired member of the Canadian Forces and since retiring in 2006 has been working as an Addictions Counsellor within Renfrew County, This year Yves will be carving the God Pole and hopes to due Eir justice in his representation of her. Yves is always looking for a good conversation on any topic and enjoys having spirited debates with friends and soon to be friends (Doesn't like the term strangers). Never be afraid to approach him and ask a question, he may seem gruff and hard on the outside but he is a giant teddy bear / softie on the inside. (HE / HIM) Basil Gardiner Skald AKA Beef Castle Basil, AKA Basil Bragi sbro, has received critical acclaim such as Hey, I know you do TheRap , but I don t hate it and it isn tawful . He is known for mixing Norse overtones into freestyle rhyming verse. Lately, ya boy been on that grind and has been appointed The Dopest Emcee that Bogside has Ever Seen from the Battleaxe to the Battle Raps. (HE / HIM) Brynja Chleirich Herb Workshop Matriarch of Lodestar Hearth, Brynja received her designation as a Chartered Herbalist in 2015 stemming from her decade-long journey through autoimmune disease and fibromylagia. A dedicated Gythia to the Heathen traditions, she has performed numerous rituals on the land of Raven's Knoll, also hosting Well & Tree Gathering and volunteering on staff for Kaleidoscope Gathering. In her free time, you'll find her drinking coffee, rescuing guinea pigs and playing with dragons. (SHE / HER) Erik Lacharity yle & Witan is a Steward of R nat r Kindred and is caretaker of the V at Erikh m. He has been a Heathen for coming on a decade now and is by nature a Frankish Heathen with Thia Frankisk Aldsido. He is also the co-organizer of HHG since the beginning. His various interests include Heathenry, French-Canadian traditional witchcraft, the history of New France and Old France alike. He has always enjoyed facilitating the High Symbel for the benefit of the community. (HE / HIM)
Myst Jeffery Ritual Aftercare Myst Jeffrey follows an eclectic Pagan path, though a Witch at heart, she welcomes the opportunity to learn about all Pagan paths, as well as honouring her Native Ancestors and Guides. Myst has trained with, and is a member of Feathers Academy of Clairvoyants and Holistic Therapies (Norwich, U.K.). As a clairvoyant and psychic medium, she has helped with Spirit Rescue and those who have things that go bump in the night ! Myst has also enjoyed sharing the techniques for grounding and protecting, working with our chakras, and using pendulums, as well as connecting with Spirit and our Spirit Guides, having presented this in the form of a workshop at KG 2012 and other events. As well, Myst has been instrumental in the development and promoting of after-care for esoteric rituals; demonstrating a genuine commitment to the spiritual well-being of those attending events at Raven s Knoll. (SHE / HER) Maryanne Pearce-Lawrence Witan Maryanne Pearce is one of the Stewards of Raven s Knoll. She is usually known as MA (or Auntie M, if you are a dog or small child). MA directly assists with running a number of events at Raven s Knoll, including: the Hail and Horn Gathering; the Kaleidoscope Gathering (Canada s largest Pagan festival); and, the KornuKopia Gathering (a pan-Pagan harvest festival). MA s spirituality draws from her mixed Celtic, Germanic, and Mohawk heritage; and, is deeply grounded in Mother Earth. She is on the Council of Elders for the Trials of Artemis, volunteers as the TaxLady for all of the women s shelters in Ottawa, and has worked extensively in animal rescue, as well as on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. MA is married to Auz Lawrence, with children Joven and Kadri, as well as a revolving menagerie of pets. (SHE / HER) Linda Fate Demissy Esoteric & Herb Walk Linda Demissy leads Lokabrenna Kindred in Montreal since 2010. She primarialy honors Frigga's Handmaidens along with some giantesses. (SHE / HER) Luna Story Table Service is a Heathen Gythia of Vindisir Kindred from the Forest City, London Ontario. She was raised by witches and began attending Pagan gatherings as an infant. Thereby, she had exposure to and experience with a wide variety of spiritual paths and practices before settling into her own. Luna is proud, steadfast, and optimistic. She is a fairy godmother by trade and loves her craft. She realizes the importance of interconnectedness and takes care in her relationships with others and the world around us. (SHE / HER or THEY / THEM)
Eir Hsel Menu Early Summer Switchel From the meadows comes this thirst quenching drink made from the flowers and leaves of yarrow, strawberry fruit, honey, and apple cider vinegar. (vegetarian) Healthful Farmhouse Cheese A fresh cheese made from whey, seasoned with dill and garlic. (vegetarian) Apple-flesh A glorious spread made from delectable apples and savoury bacon. Cinder-folk Apple-flesh A sumptuous spread made from smokey leeks, vegetable ghee, and delectable apples. (vegan) Braid Bread A hearty rye bread, seasoned with caraway. Oatcakes Wee crackers made from pin oats. Nine World Mushroom Stew A ragout of three kinds of wild mushrooms, leeks, mushroom broth, chives, sage, thyme, marjoram, parsley, lambs -quarters, lovage, bay leaf, and wild- crafted herbs from the Knoll. (vegan, gluten-free)
Eir Hsel Menu Seethed Beef and Marrow A stew of beef, and homemade bone broth, seasoned with thyme, bay leaf, and chives, with flavours of barley and green pease. Pease Pudding A dense, mash of green peas, thyme, onions and chives, seasoned with beef bone broth, boiled in a bag infused by bone broth. Barley Pudding A hull-less barley risotto, seasoned with broth, boiled in a bag infused of bone broth. Boiled Turnips Fragrant root vegetable cooked to tenderness. (vegan) Wort-Goddess Salad A tonic salad of dandelion greens, watercress, and fennel bulb, in a mustard and cider vinaigrette. (vegan, gluten-free) Beet Kraut Lightly fermented raw red beets in a brine of their juice, as a condiment pickle or side salad. (vegan, gluten-free) Sarklander Cake A Northern version of the classic Middle-Eastern ( Sarkland ) dessert baklava, a confection made with dried blueberries, hazelnuts, honey and layers of wheat flour and butter pastry. (vegetarian)
Inclusivity Statement For with law shall our land be built up For with law shall our land be built up and settled, and with lawlessness and settled, and with lawlessness wasted and spoiled wasted and spoiled -Njal s Saga, Ch. 69 The Hail and Horn Gathering is an open, spiritual retreat for the exclusive practice of modern Heathen spirituality. The gathering is also a socially inclusive place. Those attending the event are expected to express frith and grith in their interactions with others while at the event, both in word and deed. The folk at the gathering are expected to be good guests and to be non-discriminatory to one another and the wider society. The Ontario s Human Rights Code itemizes the areas where discrimination is not tolerated, which are the same as those at the gathering. These protected grounds are: age; ancestry, colour, or race; citizenship; ethnic origin; place of origin; creed; disability; family status; relationship status; gender identity or gender expression; receipt of public assistance; sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding); orientation. Those not conforming to these expectations may be asked to leave the event without refund, at the discretion of the event organizers. The Witan of Hail and Horn Gathering the Canadian Pagan Intolerance and Declaration 127. and, sexual endorse Declaration on
Rules for the V The V is a holy place, a home for our gods in Midgard. It is a frith-yard; a place set aside, of peace and good thoughts. In the religious custom of Heathens in this region, the location is holy and must always be respected. To enter and participate in any ritual taking place in the V , certain rules should be strictly followed as a sign of respect for the holy power and to ensure your own continued good fortune. Honour the sir Honour and speak of only the gods and goddesses of the sir and Vanir (e.g., Thor and Frigg, Frey and Freya) or their clear allies (e.g., Aegir and Ran), and those bound in loyalty to them by blood-oath (e.g., Loki) within this V . Wights that stand in opposition to the gods (e.g., Fenrir, Hel) should not be honoured. Gods, Goddesses or spirits of other pantheons or monotheistic faiths should not be honoured in the holy enclosure (e.g., Diana, Cernunnos, Jesus). This must be demonstrated in word and action. Thus, do not wear signs or symbols of gods, goddess or spirits not of this Heathen custom. (Tattoos are OK, since they are part of you.) Keep frith Maintain peaceful and socially harmonious relations in your actions and deeds between people and gods and spirits. Carry nothing that that might be considered a weapon into the V . Tools to be used to maintain the sacred enclosure and certain items to be explicitly used as part of a ritual to honour the gods may, in some circumstances, enter the sacred grounds (e.g., hammer, wood carving knife, ritual spear). Check with a go i or gythia who has previously performed public services in the Raven s Knoll V before bearing such items before the gods. Do not insult people or gods within the V , even in jest.
Rules for the V (Cont d) Be not filthy Let no human bodily excretion touch the ground or any object in the V . Definitely do not allow any spittle, urine, or feces to come in contact with the sacred area. Avoid contact with earwax, tears, sweat, pus, and blood, if possible. If emotion or medical necessity or extreme youth do not allow one to follow this taboo, it is understood some contact may occur and is understood as permissible. Refrain from personal self-care (e.g., blowing your nose, spitting out a bug, applying bug spray or sunscreen) in the V . Simply leave the V completely to do so. Also, as a point of decorum, please turn off and leave behind all electronic equipment that is not a medical necessity. If you conscience or abilities will not allow you keep to follow these taboos within the confines of the V , please do not enter the enclosure. It is permissible to view what takes place inside of the V from outside of the v -bond rope, so long as you do not interact with anyone or anything in the sacred space in word or deed.
