Blót to Vali: A Complete ADF High Days Ritual
This ritual honors Vali, god of righteous vengeance and swift justice, following the full ADF Core Order of Ritual (18 steps).
Preparation
Ritual Space Setup:
- Center: Fire, Well, and Tree
- Altar: Sword or spear, scales, wine, bread
- Symbols of swift justice and righteous action
THE EIGHTEEN STEPS
1. INITIATING THE RITE
Musical Signal
Energetic, decisive drumming.
Opening Prayer
“We gather in sacred space to honor Vali, the Avenging One, god of swift justice and righteous vengeance. We come seeking his blessing for courage to act justly and swiftly against wrongdoing. Let us enter with focused hearts and determined purpose.”
Processional
Three deosil circuits around the sacred center.
Establishing the Group Mind
All center in silence, focusing on righteous action and justice.
2. PURIFICATION
“Purify yourselves. Release all hesitation and doubt. Prepare to receive the blessing of swift, just action.”
3. HONORING THE EARTH MOTHER
“Jörð, Earth Mother, foundation of justice, we honor you. Bless this rite.”
All: “We honor the Earth Mother.”
4. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
“We gather to honor Vali. We seek his blessing for:
- Swift justice against wrongdoing
- Courage to act decisively for what is right
- Strength to defend the innocent
- Clarity to see what needs to be done”
5. (RE)CREATING THE COSMOS
Sacred Center established:
“Fire burns at the center—the light of swift action. Well flows—the depths of consequence. Tree stands—connecting all in order.”
Three Worlds acknowledged:
“Above: the realm of swift decision. Around: the middle world where justice must act. Below: the foundation of all oaths and binding.”
6. OPENING THE GATE(S)
“Heimdallr, open the gates. Let passage be made to approach Vali and the Shining Ones.”
All: “The Gate is open.”
7. INVITING THE THREE KINDREDS
Ancestors
“Ancestors of justice and swift action, we call to you. Join us.”
All: “We welcome the Ancestors.”
Nature Spirits
“Spirits of righteous purpose, we call to you. Join us in this rite.”
All: “We welcome the Nature Spirits.”
Shining Ones
“Vali, Avenging God! We call upon you and all the Shining Ones to witness and bless this rite.”
All: “We welcome the Shining Ones.”
8. KEY OFFERINGS
Invitation of Vali
“Vali, god of swift vengeance and righteous action, come close to this rite. Witness our devotion.”
Praise Offerings
Participants share stories of wrongs righted, injustice overcome, or swift action taken for good.
Formal Offerings
Wine poured:
“We offer you strong wine—the symbol of swift action and decisive will.”
Bread shared:
“We offer sustenance for those who must act swiftly for justice.”
9. PRAYER OF SACRIFICE
“Vali, we sacrifice our hesitation and fear of acting swiftly. We sacrifice our doubt in righteous vengeance. We sacrifice our comfort that we might serve justice with courage and conviction.”
10. OMEN
Runes cast:
“Vali, what guidance do you offer this gathering?”
Interpretation offered.
11. CALLING FOR THE BLESSINGS
“We ask Vali for:
- Swift action when justice requires it
- Clear judgment to know what is right
- Strength to act decisively
- Courage to face the consequences of righteous action
- Wisdom to wield vengeance justly”
12. HALLOWING THE BLESSING
“By Vali’s power, we hallow these blessings. Let them flow into us and guide our actions.”
All drink: “By Vali’s blessing, I am blessed.”
13. AFFIRMATION OF THE BLESSING
All together:
“We receive Vali’s blessings. We commit to swift, just action. These blessings take root within us now.”
14. WORKINGS (IF ANY)
Personal dedication to righteous action or justice.
15. THANKING THE BEINGS
“Vali, thank you for your blessing and your swift action. Thank you, all Kindreds, for your presence and support.”
All: “We give thanks.”
16. CLOSING THE GATE(S)
“The Gate closes. The boundaries return to their proper places.”
All: “The Gate is closed.”
17. THANKING THE EARTH MOTHER
“Jörð, thank you for holding this rite. We honor you.”
All: “We thank the Earth Mother.”
18. CLOSING THE RITE
“The rite is ended. Carry Vali’s blessings of swift, just action forward. Go in peace.”
All: “Blessed be.”