Vetrnætr/Winter Nights Altar 2025

Winter Nights begins on the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox and lasts three days during which three blots, or sacrifices, occur: Alfablót, Disablót, and Haustblót. Last night was the first full moon after the Autumn Equinox and therefore the first day of Winter Nights! Others chose to celebrate 28 days after the Autumn Equinox, which this year falls much closer to Samhain. I considered postponing my celebrations by a couple of weeks, but considering everything that has been going on, I figured I needed to celebrate earlier rather than later.

Alfablót and Disablót were believed to be celebrated more privately, while Haustblót was a community event. There is some suggestion that Disablót was also celebrated publicly, and in some parts of the world, it still is. I, however, have chosen to make this a private celebration. Alfablót and Disablót are both celebrations of our ancestors, local spirits, and deities, each focusing on a different group. Alfablót celebrates our male ancestors, spirits, and Álfar, while Disablót celebrates our female ancestors, spirits, and Dísir. Haustblót, on the other hand, is more of a thanksgiving celebration to acknowledge the abundance of the final harvests, express gratitude, and honor the spirits and deities that made such a bountiful harvest possible. One last hurrah before the cold sets in and the earth withers.

The themes and symbols represented by this holy tide are the harvest, abundance, cycles, family, heritage, and sacrifice. This is a time to give thanks, celebrate the fruits of our labors, and request continued protection and abundance. With these themes in mind, I created the base altar featured below. Please know that this is the base, not the complete altar. Each night, I added new items and conducted short spells and rituals not featured for privacy reasons. This year, I had many more photos and items to add, as I have lost several people in my life in the last year. I've included an expanded note about this at the end of the post to give you a better idea of what you won't see pictured and why.

1. Harvest Candle Holder with Blue Candle- Like last year, I placed my harvest candle holder in the center of my Winter Nights' altar as it represents the bounty of the season with its pears, apples, grapes, and berries. The earthen tones and colorful leaves represent autumn and the changing of the seasons as the Wheel turns yet again toward winter. While in previous years I have used a green candle, this year I chose blue. Blue is associated with calmness, communication, spiritual awareness, truth, and healing, perfect for honoring one's ancestors. It was also the favorite color of the person I lost last December, so it is an ode to them as well. Nestled around the candleholder are sunflowers, representing the final dying strength of the sun, as well as joy, abundance, adoration, and loyalty. (Where did I get it: Goodwill & Dollar Tree; Cost: $3)

2. Incense Holder with Stick Incense- Incense has been used across cultures to communicate with the gods and send messages to the Otherworld for centuries. It is one of the best ways to trigger a magical response in your brain and let it know it's time for ritual. Furthermore, incense is commonly used as an offering, a gift to those we wish to commune with. For all these reasons, I have incense on my Winter Nights altar. I picked a scent that resonated with me, that felt 'right' for the season. Each night of Vetrnætr I lit new incense to carry my prayers, stories, and thoughts to those I was speaking to. I used it to cleanse and clear the space around my altar and to summon the spirits of those I wished to honor each night. (Where did I get it: Five Below; Cost: $3)

3. Clear Quartz Tower, Bloodstone, and Carnelian- Clear quartz is a natural amplifier and has often been used to communicate with one's ancestors. I placed it next to my offering dish to attract spirits, amplify my prayers, and protect against unwanted entities joining in my festivities. Around the offering bowl as also carnelian and bloodstone. Carnelian is associated with the sun and strength, as well as memory and warmth. As the nights get cooler, carnelian reminds us that the sun will return. It also stimulates memories of our loved ones who have passed over. Bloodstone represents grounding and protection as well as the blood that ties us to our ancestors. I placed these around the offering bowl to honor the changing seasons and my ancestors, spiritual guides, and deities. (Where did I get it: Various; Cost: ~$8.50)

4. Jera, Othala, and Mannaz Runes- Since this is a Nordic holiday, no altar would be complete without some runes. Jera is the rune of the harvest, representing reward, fruition, commitment, and fertility. It signifies the cycle of life, from birth to death, and abundance to come. As Winter Nights is a celebration of the final harvest, it only makes sense to pay tribute to the harvest through Jera. Othala, however, is the rune of heritage, inheritance, and home. It represents your family roots, your genetics, and your spiritual heritage. This is incredibly important during Winter Nights, as both Alfablót and Disablót are celebrations of our ancestors and heritage. Finally, Mannaz is symbolic of community, introspection, and awareness. Hausblót, which I celebrate on the final night of Winter Nights, is a time of coming together and celebrating the final harvest together. Mannaz is the perfect rune to symbolize our reliance on each other during difficult times. (Where did I get it: Won; Cost: Free)

5. Corn Dolly- The corn dolly/maiden represents the harvest and the spirits of the fields. Corn, from which the dolly is made, is also associated with growth, vitality, strength, and fertility, blessing the future and my home with abundance throughout the coming cold months. While there is no evidence that the Norse used or created corn dollies, its strong connection with the harvest and abundance led to my decision to place it on my altar this year, as Winter Nights is not just a time to honor our ancestors, spirits, and deities, but also to celebrate the final harvest of the season. (Where did I get it: House of Rituals Box 2018; Cost: ~$5)

6. Offering Bowl- Blót means sacrifice, and that is exactly what is to occur during Winter Nights. Each night, I make a sacrifice and offering to say thank you to those who have helped me, honor those who have come before me, and connect with those whom I have lost. What I sacrificed each night was different, dependent upon the spirits I was thanking or honoring, but it was made nonetheless. The bowl I used is an earthen bowl gifted to me by my best friend on my birthday two years ago. What better way to use it than to give thanks? (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

7. Fox Skull- The fox skull represents my animal guide or otherworldly familiar. She has been a staunch companion and ally for many years, and this skull is used as a spirit home for her during my magical workings and spirit flights. She is honored here during Vetrnætr as one of the feminine spirits I celebrated during Disablót, and she helps to ferry my ancestors into our realm. I honestly couldn't do what I do without her. Not pictured are her offerings, which shall remain private. (Where did I get it: Gifted; Cost: Free)

TOTAL COST: ~$8.50

Like my other altars, most of the items I use are found, made, or purchased for around $1, although if the items must be purchased by you, then the cost will be higher. This altar is more expensive than some of my previous altars because I wanted to include some new items I purchased this year. I hope you find this sort of breakdown helpful, especially for those of you looking to create Instagram-perfect altars on a budget!

It's important to note this is not my full altar for Winter Nights. Each night, I added new things, the majority of which are very private. This includes pictures of my ancestors, notes, letters, and personal belongings, even cremains, sacrifices, and offerings. These are private and between me and the spirits I work with, hence their absence from these pictures. I encourage you to do the same with your altar. Remember, part of witchcraft is "to remain silent." This doesn't mean not sharing your knowledge and craft, but being wise in what and how you share. Not everyone has your best interests in mind. Furthermore, the connection you share with your ancestors and how you honor them is a private affair. As much as I love all my readers and followers, I do not want you witnessing all my private moments. I am sure you feel the same.

I hope everyone has a blessed winter and that it is nothing but light in the darkness.

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