The Thinning of the Veil

The holy tides of Ásatrú are largely celebrated when they are due to the seasons and the changes they bring, as well as how our ancestors treated these times. I often preach to my Folk at Njörðshof about this, especially during these colder months of September through February. I always make sure to emphasize that these colder months are the most auspicious time to honour, and speak with, our ancestors. 

This is because these colder holy tides take place when the veil between our world and Helheim is at its thinnest- Sól's warm light does not reach us quite as well during this season and thus cannot strengthen the veil between worlds. On a more exoteric note, the cold also tends to bring our people inward (or at least we SHOULD draw inward!). It brings us together around the fire, often to share meals made from family recipes, and to pass around stories from simpler times. This setting and climate naturally make us reflect, both on our lives and the lives of those who came before us. 

Because of these factors, our people have used this time of year to go out of our way to pay more attention and give more love to our noble ancestors. Whether they were conquering Celts, sword-swinging Saxons, victorious Vikings, or any of our Folk across space and time, we use this season in particular to speak their names over the horn and among our kinsmen, allowing them to hear their praises sung once again in Miðgarðr. 

At the time of writing this, Vetrnætr has just passed and Einherjablót is on its way, but I encourage anyone reading this at any point in time to make sure that you honour your ancestors, ESPECIALLY during this auspicious time of year.

In September, when the first chills creep in and the nights get cold, think back on your male ancestors who worked for a living so that you would not have to work quite as hard. 

In October, as the mornings begin to stay cold just a bit longer than you think they should, think back on those stalwart female ancestors who raised noble men and women, tending the hearth and home so that you knew what love and warmth felt like from your first breath. 

In November, as the black wind blows cold sooner and sooner with each passing day, think back on the warriors of our people, those men who gave their all so that your other ancestors could have the right to survive and thrive. 

In December, as the cold fully surrounds our days and Jól approaches, remember ALL of those ancestors! Tell stories of ALL of them, hail them on this side of the veil with the rest of your Folk so that they may be sure to hear it from their place in the next life! 

Hail the noble ancestors of the Aryan people, now and forever!

Witan Trent East

teast@runestone.org

~ From The Runestone, November 2025 ~