Ladies Frithweaving

Frith is something you extend to those you consider your family. It’s a peaceful, welcoming, and comforting feeling. Women are a huge part of it in the AFA, just as they build and strengthen their families and friends…. the bonds they build with other women in the AFA strengthen the AFA as Folk and family…. building these bonds is Frithweaving.

One of the things our Allsherjargoði, Matt Flavel, has said on the women of the AFA is:

One of the things that women have always done well, and our ladies in the AFA really excel at, is networking with other women in the AFA to build those connections and build that web of families that know each other and share with each other. One of the nicest things I can hear from a member is they felt like they came home when they joined the AFA.

We as women of the AFA have a vital role in the growth of the AFA. The more we bond with each other, the more we strengthen each other to learn, to become closer to our Gods, to raise our children with our traditions and to keep moving forward with a focus on the future of our Folk.

There is a story told about a village where all the women washed clothes together down by the river. When they all got washing machines, there was a sudden outbreak of depression, and no one could figure out why.

It wasn’t the washing machines in and of themselves. It was the absence of time spent doing things together. It was the absence of community.

As women we are told to be independent......to say we are fine when we aren’t. We could be depressed, overwhelmed, lonely, or hurting and we will still say we are fine and function through life instead of living to our potential.

We tend to isolate ourselves and become very untrusting of new people. With the current culture we live in, it is understandable. Building an actual friendship is a lot of work and with everything else we have going on in our own lives; it may seem like an unnecessary effort to put forth. Unfortunately, sometimes we just don’t feel the need to put forth that effort, however important it is not only to our community but for each of us.

There is a special kind of energy when women come together, share ideas, stories, and struggles. This is how we as women build.

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Go to events, moots, gatherings near to you. Smile more. Be welcoming of others. If you look around any event, you will see others who are new and unsure of what to do or say. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, strike up a conversation with small talk.

Join an online study group. We currently have ones for lore study, rune study, and a ladies book studies. Ask questions, interact. Notice the ones that come to each study and if you find them interesting, “friend” them outside the study and strike up a casual conversation. Keep things light and positive, as you get to know them.... remember that not everyone will mesh with everyone else and that is okay.... you will eventually bond with others that share your hobbies, experiences, and goals.

The AFA often needs volunteers for the various programs it has. Volunteer in whatever capacity you have to offer. If you have a talent, offer it. At the larger events, especially at the Hofs, there is always some help needed in the kitchen. Offer to help cook or help with dishes. I personally have formed some of the best friendships I have in the AFA over sinks at Baldrshof.

Although ideally, we want everyone to come to things in the real world, with us being so spread out at the moment, online is a useful tool in getting to know others. The easiest way is being active in the online ladies’ group, striking up conversations, and sending friends requests. Notice the things going on around you online. One of the easiest ways of showing frith and bonding with other women, is just noticing them. If they express, they are having a bad day, follow up with them later and see how they are. It may seem like a small thing, but it makes a difference to know you are seen and remembered. A lady may speak on concerns about their child not progressing the way they think they should or a procedure they have coming up. Remember these things and follow up with them. This becomes especially important when someone losses a loved one. Knowing that someone cares not just when it happens but down the road a ways matters a lot! Strive to become a woman who thinks beyond herself to her folk.

Hail the Gods!

Hail the Folk!

Hail our Women!

Hail the AFA!

Gyðja Sara Ault

sault@runestone.org

~ From The Runestone, February 2026 ~