How to: Blot
Blót is one of the most important rituals in Norse and Germanic paganism, a sacred exchange between humans and the divine powers. In ancient times, it involved sacrifices of animals, food, and drink to honour gods, ancestors, and land-spirits. Today, modern Heathens have adapted the practice into a meaningful ritual of offerings, feasting, and toasts that can be done in homes, groves, or at communal gatherings. This guide walks you step by step through preparing your space, making offerings, and closing the ritual, so you can perform a blót with sincerity and confidence in the modern world.
What is a Blót?: History, Rituals, and Modern Revival of Sacred Sacrifice
Blót, the ancient Norse rite of offering and sacrifice, stood at the very heart of pre-Christian spirituality in Scandinavia and the Germanic world. Far more than a ritual of giving, it was a sacred exchange—a binding contract of reciprocity between humans, gods, ancestors, and land-spirits. From grand temple feasts at Uppsala to quiet offerings at the family hearth, blóts unified communities, sanctified the seasons, and reaffirmed the cosmic order. Today, modern Heathens and Norse Pagans continue this tradition through symbolic offerings, shared meals, and seasonal rites, keeping alive the ancient rhythm of honour, gratitude, and connection.