A blót is a sacred ritual in Norse paganism, traditionally involving offerings made to the gods, ancestors, and spirits. In Old Norse, “blót” means “sacrifice” or “worship.” These rituals were central to pre-Christian Scandinavian religious practices. People held blóts during seasonal festivals, personal events, or to ask for blessings from deities. Common offerings included animals, food, drink, and symbolic objects, depending on the purpose of the blót.
Historically, blóts were public and private ceremonies. Public blóts often took place during festivals like Vetrnætr, Yule, or harvest celebrations, and the entire community would participate. Leaders, such as chieftains or goði (priests), conducted these rituals, leading prayers and sacrifices. The offerings were believed to strengthen bonds between humans and the divine. In return, worshipers hoped for good harvests, protection, or guidance. Blóts often ended with a feast, where participants ate and drank, sharing in the blessings they sought.
Today, modern Asatru practitioners have revived blóts, adapting them to fit contemporary life. While animal sacrifices are rare in modern blóts, people still offer food, drink (often mead), and symbolic items to honor the gods and ancestors. Modern blóts may take place outdoors, in homes, or at gatherings called kindreds. These ceremonies usually begin with a prayer to the gods or spirits, followed by the offering, often poured into a bowl or on the earth.
After the ritual, participants share a symbolic meal, maintaining the tradition of communal feasting. Blóts in modern Asatru serve to strengthen connections between individuals, their kindred, and the gods. They are a way to seek blessings, give thanks, and honor the cycles of nature. By keeping the tradition alive, Asatru practitioners continue an ancient bond between humans and the divine in a modern context.
