A Note on Spellings & Old English
Considering that the tagline for this blog is “Fyrnsidu for the Future” it probably seems a little contradictory that I’m making liberal use of Old English (and some Old Norse) words. This is partly because I enjoy them, and partly because these words will be useful to readers looking for more information. That said, Old English is notorious for inconsistent spellings. And in my experience, Fyrnsideras are often quite guilty of continuing that tradition, even within single blog posts. So, I will endeavor to keep this blog as consistent within itself as possible, although alternate spellings may creep in when quoting outside sources. To that end, this glossary is as much for myself as y’all. I will be adding to the list as new topics arise.
Blót / Blōt (n)
Old Norse and Old English, respectively. Meant blood sacrifice, but is used to mean a general ritual or offering in Norse Heathenry. See Húsel.
Ēosturdæg (n)
Old English. Literally Eostur’s Day. A holiday celebrated around the spring equinox. Easter in modern English is a derivative name.
Ewemeolc (n)
Old English (constructed). Literally “Ewe’s milk.” It is used as an Old English cognate of Imbolc.
Forþ-weard (adj)
Old English. Expresses motion, moving onwards. Also the name of this blog.
Fyrnsidere (n)
Old English (constructed). Someone who does Fyrnsidu, an Anglo-Saxon heathen. Plural: Fyrnsideras.
Fyrnsidu (n)
Old English (constructed). Literally “old” or “ancient” “custom” or “habit.” It is used by some Anglo-Saxon heathens as a name for our praxis. Check out a full definition on the Fyrnsidu.Faith website.
Geol (n)
Old English. A winter holiday occurring around the winter solstice (depending on who you ask). Cognate of Jól, Yule.
Húsel (n)
Old English. A ritual or offering. See Blót.
Módraniht (n)
Old English. Literally, Mothers’ Night. It is a holiday celebrated around Geol.
UPG (abbr)
Unverified Personal Gnosis. Information you believe to be true, but cannot verify through literature, archeology, etc.
Wéofod (n)
Old English. An altar. I’ve primarily seen Albertsson use this term, but I kind of like it.
Winterfylleth / Winterfylleþ (n)
Old English. Literally means, Winter Full or Winter Full Moon. It is a holiday celebrated at the full moon following the autumn equinox.
Forþ-weard 