Policy for On-Site Activities
Breidablik is privately owned, and a family residence. Visitors are asked to keep this in mind, while on the property. Read the Hávamál if you would be a good guest (if the scholarly translations frustrate you, there's always the tongue-in-cheek "Cowboy Havamal" a down-home interpretation masterfully rendered by Jack Crawford).
This is the gods' Temple, first and foremost.
Bad guests will be ejected, by law enforcement if necessary.
Although Temple staff numbers just three, there are many more eyes and ears taking note of what transpires. Good behavior is essential.
- We cannot host more than three people at one time, no exceptions.
- Bring all of your own gear, please. We don't have gear to lend. I can advise you about local weather forecast when you first contact me as well as local stores in case you need supplies. All the stores are less than 20 minutes away. Bug spray and sun screen are important for your comfort.
- Guests must supply their own food (and coolers, although we can supply ice) unless you would like to barter labor for garden produce during the summer months. There can be bears/coyotes/raccoons/skunks/dogs, etc on the land, especially at night, so plan accordingly. A locking storage area is on our wish list, but for now, you'll have to be prudent. Wild animals like freebies, if they can get them.
- There is no access to indoor showers, restrooms, or laundry. "Rough camping" is exactly that. We can supply containers of unlimited good, non‐chlorinated well water for drinking, dish washing, or a solar shower (bring your own solar shower, please). There is a sequestered area for hanging the solar shower, and making a pit latrine (tissue paper provided). We ask that you maintain some modesty at your campsite, i.e., nudism discouraged. Lyme ticks and poison ivy will think your bare skin inviting, and we have both in abundance here.
- Stay out of the pond (this includes fishing or rafting). Leeches and snapping turtles call it home—you wouldn't really want to go in there anyhow, take my word on it.
- Pack it in, pack it out. I notice details. Litter will not be tolerated. That includes glass, bottles, plastic, wrappers, cigarette butts, derelict items, and spiritual effects or trappings unless cleared with me, Jalkr. We can help you with waste management.
- Animals are to be handled only with Jalkr or The Young Helper present. Take all the photos you like, talk to them through the fence, but no handling or feeding unless accompanied by staff.
- Collecting dead wood to use for campfires is fine. The property borders and Grove contain lots of it. Cutting any live wood, for any purpose, is not.
- Campfires are to be made ONLY at the firepit, in the metal containment area, and ONLY with advance notice given to Temple Keepers.
- All those who wish to remain at Breidablik or spend time with the horses (including mucking out the stable) MUST sign a Hold Harmless agreement. Massachusetts General Law is very specific re: limits of liability, in case of accident or injury. The stable is posted, in compliance with the M.G.L.
- Stay OUT of the pig's pen. He weighs a lot, possesses sharp tusks, is wary of strangers, and has well‐developed opinions about personal space. Think thousand pound guard dog with attitude. He does like visitors, but a proper introduction comes first. Pigs have a reputation for ferocity for a reason.
- Drugs and alcohol are at the discretion of the Temple Keepers. Prescription drugs are okay, non‐prescription entheogens are not, with the exception of mugwort (we have that growing here if you would like some). For the purpose of clarity, an entheogen is defined as a "psychoactive substance used for the purpose of inducing a mystical or spiritual experience." It is assumed that alcohol would be in moderate quantities, for devotional purposes, and that possessing it means you are of legal age in MA.
