The official dedication of Baldrshof, Third Hof of the Asatru Folk Assembly, was held on Saturday, March 27th, 2021. Members from each district of the AFA gathered for this historic event.
As Folk entered the hof, there were declarations of amazement and pride in the beauty of the place. Kindred flags billowed from each side of the sanctuary and light radiated from the newly constructed shrines of the Folkmother Else Christensen and the Ancestors. Shining Baldr and Nanna watched over all from the full mural stretching across the entirety of the alcove of his altar. Children were delighted to find a room packed with toys. Our mothers relaxed and cared for their babies in a room dedicated just to them.
Following the welcoming, the land taking and dedication ceremony began. Alsherjargothi Matthew Flavel, surrounded by his folk and with the assistance of Gythias Catherine Erickson and Anna Szczepanksi, conducted a powerful and emotional ceremony. After receiving individual blessings of Baldr from the Alsherjargothi, men and women alike shed tears of joy as they embraced and congratulated each other.
Lunch and frith was shared in the feast hall following the dedication. Laughter echoed through the hall as Folk shared stories of the recent Baldrshof construction, caught up with old friends, and formed bonds with those they didn’t know before. Dying of eggs was followed by an egg hunt for the children as the adults gathered for a Q&A session with AFA Leadership. A beautiful blot to Ostara was led by Gythia Szczepanski and was followed with a feast so large it took the entire buffet area and another table to hold it all. The night concluded with sumble by candlelight and long goodbyes.
Although the weather was chilly and wet, nothing was able to put a damper on the joy and excitement of the Folk on this amazing day!
Hail Baldr!
Hail the Folk!
Hail the AFA!
Gythia Brandy Callahan