News and Announcements
August 25, 2008
Pictures of the poles Iron Wood Kindred raised at EtinMoot are now up on the Photos page. -- Elizabeth
August 18, 2008
EtinMoot went spectacularly this year. Here is a write-up of our weekend.
The sea-etins' faining was lovely despite the fact that we missed the boat! Yes, folks, three carloads of us tried valiantly to arrive at the dock for the Monomoy Island ferry on time, but we missed it by mere minutes. Fortunately, we had a back-up plan. We went to a nearby beach where, serendipitously, there lay a hundred yards or so of empty shore with no one about, so we claimed the strip for our own. We were blessed that day by Himinglava, whom we believe to be the sister who rules fair weather at sea. Iron Wood Kindred and friends fained Ran, Aegir and the Nine with offerings, singing and drumming, and prayers, then went for a swim in the calm, clear water before eating at a nearby clam shack and heading home. All's well that ends well.
Friday's activities included a moving faining for Gerda, Frey's etin-bride, in Her herb garden at Cauldron Farm, a faining for Surt during which Galina performed a stunning fire dance, and a raucous party in honor of Loki, who is one of IWK's two patrons. We did start out the evening with some rain, but eventually a bonfire was made to accompany the cake, snacks, drinks, noisemakers and glow-in-the-dark fabulousness.
Saturday's activities started with a faining to the magnificent Sunna, held in the bright sunshine of mid-morning. The next ritual involved god-possession: Angrboda, Chieftain of the Iron Wood Jotnar and our other patron, was here among us. She came to speak with members of our kindred and to address the assembly as a whole. About a dozen people went before Her to ask questions and give Her offerings and thanks. Afterwards, a funerary ritual and memorial stone-raising was held for the sons of Sigyn and Loki. This was followed that evening by another god-possession where Mani, Sunna's brother, graced us with His gentle and lively presence, and after He departed, we had another bonfire, fireworks and much fun.
Sunday's activities consisted of a re-telling of the three stories of Rind, mother of Odin's son Vali (two tales from primary sources and one from UPG). Afterwards, IWK and friends erected two new god-poles at Cauldron Farm: one for Sigyn, Narvi and Vali, and one for Loki which was placed between the poles of His two wives. Tannin Schwartzstein carved these two most recent god-poles and did a wonderful job with them. Naturally, digging the hole for Loki's pole was more difficult than usual as it involved unearthing and moving a large stone that turned out to be the exact size of the hole.
In between activities there was a great deal of fellowship, laughter and community-building. We had a great group for this one -- eight of our kindred members were present as well as even more guests. Several more folks came and went throughout the weekend. EtinMoot is a relatively small gathering but appears to be growing, and Iron Wood Kindred would like to thank everybody who attended this year -- our guests were every one helpful, fun and reverent towards the gods. I personally would like to thank Raven, Galina, Dag, Fuensanta and the five members of Brotherhood of the Phoenix who all went the extra mile to make EtinMoot a success. -- Elizabeth