About
The dísir were female spirits, protective ancestral powers bound to families and places. Snorri Sturluson describes a dísablót held at Uppsala in late winter alongside a great assembly and market, the Dísaþing, while Egils saga and Víga-Glúms saga place dísablót feasts in autumn at Winter Nights. Modern heathens keep it at either time, honouring the women of their line and the protective mothers of the family.
Customs
- Holding a feast in honour of the dísir and ancestral mothers
- Naming grandmothers and women of the family line
- Pouring drink offerings for the protection of the household
- Setting out photographs or keepsakes of female ancestors
- Asking for guidance and protection for the coming season
Food
- Bread and butter
- Porridge with honey
- Mead, ale or apple juice
- A family recipe handed down
A simple ritual
- Set a small table with photographs or keepsakes of the women of your family.
- Light a candle in a safe holder and welcome the dísir.
- Speak the names of your mothers and grandmothers as far back as you know them.
- Pour a little drink into a bowl as an offering and share a family story.
- Ask for their protection and wisdom for your household.
- Pour the offering outside onto earth and put out the candle.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.