Midsummer 2010

The AFA's "Midsummer in the Sierras" was an extremely successful event, 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 is 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 on a very
tangible level. Bill Shelbrick, 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 minute-by-minute reports on the Internet, for reasons 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