Asatru Folk Assembly's Midsummer 2010

The Asatru Folk Assembly's "Midsummer in the Sierras" was an extremely successful one, despite the fact that it went somewhat differently from what Sheila and I had planned.

What we had envisioned was a dynamic and intense experience that would affect all who participated. We got that! The only thing that fell through was our intention to have it highly connected with the outside world via the Internet.

First of all, the numbers: We had over a hundred people in attendance at the height of the gathering. This is compared to sixty-some last year, and an humble twenty at our first AFA Midsummer!

But the important thing was not the size of the crowd, but the attitude and energy. No doubt the rituals contributed to this, as did the two bands brought in to provide music. The presence of an official guest from Denmark helped, as well. But the biggest factor in our success was the creativity and productivity of the people who attended. This atmosphere, that "anything was possible," was worth more than all the Internet connectivity in the world!

I'll post more on the rituals later, but to give you a bit of a preview: Johnny and Jule Hulsey led us in a healing rite that affected several of us in a very tangible level. Bill, one of our two clergy students conducting their "certification blots," performed the actual Midsummer ritual. Lauren gave us an Odin-blot that left us open-mouthed. Sheila and I renewed our wedding vows. Young Gabe underwent his initiation into manhood. My Wotan-Blot rang off the hills like we had a thousand people in the meadow.

Music? We had two bands. Lasher Keen, experimental artists working in Germanic themes, rocked us. The Blarney Band gave us rousing fireside Irish songs.

Of course, there was work to be done. In a separate post I'll mention the huge accomplishments of the Folkbuilders. (Both Brad, Folkbuilder Coordinator, and Brent, his assistant, were present, along with another eight Folkbuilders.)

No, we didn't get you the minute-by-minute reports on the Internet, for reason's I'll explain later. But let me tell you, this was one incredible event..."Not just another Asatru gathering."

Steve McNallen

Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org