Dear Friends,
This week, we continue our exploration of popular Pagan traditions. These are paths that I have drawn wisdom and inspiration from over the years. Most Pagans enter this path as Eclectics, but later find that something more structured is their cup of tea. If you find yourself drawn to any of the traditions that I speak of in these messages, please continue your research of it. Your Spirit Guides are trying to tell you something.Asatru is the modern revitalization of the indigenous religions of Northern Europe, particularly Scandinavia. This was the religion that was displaced by Christianity in the middle Ages. The old religion left a rich legacy and traditions that were carried on by the people of Iceland. In 1972, the Icelandic government recognized Asatru as a legitimate religion. Since that time, the religion has spread throughout Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
The followers of Asatru function in worship groups called kindred. There is typically a male and female religious leader within each group. The male (gothi) and female (gythia) are selected by the kindred in a democratic way. These leaders develop and conduct rituals and handle all of the administrative chores of the kindred.
There are variations within Asatru for beliefs and practices but there are many points that all kindred share. Members of Asatru share a defining personal loyalty to the Gods and Goddesses of the North, like Odin, Thor, Frigga, the land wights and others. They have a deep respect for Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage. They share a strong determination to practice the moral principles followed by the Ancients. The beliefs of the Asatru are also informed by the “lore” from historical records, folklore, heroic sagas and the poems of the Poetic Edda.
For those who follow Asatru, spirituality is not separate from everyday life. Spirituality informs life. They believe that they are working with the Gods to improve the human condition and oppose the ill-behaved beings that seek disorder and destruction. To the Asatru, the Gods are real entities separate from one another (true polytheism). The earth itself is personified as a Deity, normally a Goddess.
Magick is not part of Asatru worship, and many Asatru don’t believe in magick at all. However, rune divination and other similar workings are popular as a supplement to their religious practices.
Those who follow Asatru are expected to follow a specific set of guidelines. They are to honor the Gods with regular offerings. They are to respect and honor the land and the family. Asatru followers live ‘tru’ according to a strict moral code based on honor, courage and hospitality. They must keep all promises and sworn oaths. They take bold and decisive action when it is called for. They set high goals for themselves and seek to achieve those goals. The Asatru are both autonomous and interdependent with the rest of the Asatru community. They take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences of those actions.
Asatru worship occurs in group observances and private offerings. A blot is an offering of food or drink to the Gods. This can be done in a simple action in a backyard or as part of an elaborate ceremony. The exchange of gifts creates a bond between people and the Gods.
If the principles of the Asatru path are interesting to you, you can explore this form of Paganism in several ways. You can study the Nordic pantheon and get to know the Gods and Goddesses of Asatru. You can also learn more about runes and try you hand at divination with these ancient tools.
The next message will bring to light another Pagan tradition.
Love And Light,
Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”
