on May 21st, 2009 by solitudeone
Asatru: A brief overview:
The religion/path of the orgin of Asatru has all but been lost, for the usual reasons of the Christian movements’ to stamp out paganism in Europe. Although it is only in fairness to also state that some countries made the conversion to Christianity for economic reasons as well. We should also make mention here, that there is wide-spread misinformation about followers of Asatru today. There are groups and governmental agencies who accuse/claim the religion as being racist, when in fact the majority of todays’ groups are quite clear within their written constitutions as to rejecting racism in any form. But as with any religion/practice, there are a few which become ‘fanatical’ or ‘extreamist’ in their nature. One form of this corruption of Asatru can be seen within the history of the Nazi socialist party, and within the Neo-Nazi groups of today.
A bit of history:
At one point in time, Asatru was practiced in most all of Northern Europe. Today, it is considered a part of the Neo-pagan movements, but followers of this religion maintain that it is a seperate entity from Neo-paganism, prefering the term of ‘Heathen.’
Asatru is an Icelandic word, translated from the Danish word ‘Asetro.’ “Asa” (Aesir), and “Tru” (belief or religion). ‘A belief in the Asir’ (the Gods). Throughout Scandinavia, the religion/practice of Asatru is found under many different names, although all having the same basic foundation of beliefs and practices. Some of these names known were: (please pardon my non-use of special characters).
Forn Sior ( the Ancient Way or tradition)
Forn sed (the Old custom)
The Elder Troth
Hedensk sed ( Pagan custom )
Other names included: Norse Heathenism, Germanic Heathenism and Odinism.)
Gothi Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson led the way in Icelands’ governmental recognition of Asatru as a legitimate religion, which was granted in 1972. Since then, Asatru has experienced rapid growth not only in the former Norse countries, but in Europe and North America as well.
Asatru: beliefs
Asatru is a polytheistic religion recognizing three races of Deities within the Norse pantheon: The Aesir, The Vanir, and The Jotnar. These are all looked upon as living entities very much involved with human life. Some of the specific Gods are Thor, Odin and Frey (Freyr). Some of the specific Goddesses are Freya (Freyja), Frigg (Odins’ wife), Skadi and Ostara. There is a number of other entities and deities, and followers of Asatru also honor the Landvaettir (land spirits), of the forest, earth and waters. Family, is greatly valued and honored. Any form of discrimination is rejected. North American Kindreds have also adopted a list of Nine Noble Virtues. These being: Courage-Truth-Honor-Fidelity-Discipline-Hospitality-Industriousness-Self Reliance and Perseverance.
Asatru beliefs in Life Values, their Origins, the Creation Story, After Death and the End of the World are quite specific and in-depth. I would highly reccomend that interested readers delve into each of these, as you may just discover some very interesting information and knowledge.
Some, not all, Asatru followers believe that only those of Norse ancestry should be eligible to join a Kindred. Although, if one were to feel within, a strong and dedicated association with Asatru beliefs it is possible to become a member of a Kindred. The ritual for this is called either Profession or Adoption. It is the making of a commitment to Asatru, to the exclusion of other beliefs. A solemn oath of allegiance and kinship is required, the ceremony done in the presence of a Gothi or Gythia and the members of the Kindred. We should also note here that to become a Gothi or Gythia does not come easily or quickly. You must first find a Gothi or Gythia willing to teach you in all the ways of Asatru and even then, it is a long path to travel.
Asatru: Holy Days:
There are four main Holy Days of celebration which are:
Summer Finding (spring equinox, dedicated to goddess Ostara).
Midsummer (summer solstice).
Winter Finding (fall equinox).
and
Yule (starting on the winter solstice), the Mother Night of Yule. This seems to be the most important of Holy Days and the celebration can last for 12 days or more.
Many Asatru practioners also celebrate other days, and various traditions within Asatru may observe them on different dates. In general, some of these are:
February 1st. weekend: The Charming of the Plow, celebrating Freya the the Disir.
May 1st. weekend: Merry-Moon, a celebration of Spring dedicated to Njord and Nerthus
August 1st weekend: Harvest or Freyfaxi, first harvest and celebration of Frey and his horse
November 1st. weekend: Fogmoon, celebrating war-dead and Ragnarok, dedicated to Odin and Freya.
Other Kindreds/groups may also include feasts on the 9th. of each month to honor Norse heros, and some hold rituals during the Full Moons.
Asatru: Rituals
The main and most common ritual is called “The Blot” (pronounced ‘bloat’ or ‘boat’, depending upon source) This is a sacrifice to the Gods. It used to involve the consecration and slaughter of an animal as a way for the ancient Norse to share their bounty as a gift to the Gods. This sacrafice has been replaced today with the offering of beer, juice or mead (still considered a food offering), and after the offering those present are either sprinkled with the liquid or drink from the offering in sequence.
The Sumbel: A ritual drinking celebration in which a Horn filled with drink is passed from one to another. Each person in turn states a greeting, or a toast to the Gods, ancient heroes or ones’ ancestors. They may tell a story, recite a poem or sing a song. Then the member takes a drink from the Horn and passes it to the next.
As with the Holy Days, various Kindreds/groups may include other rituals.
Asatru: in closing
Followers of Asatru today are determined to practice the old ways as much as is possible, and with what knowledge is known from the ancients and ancestors. This certainly makes Asatru a religious tradition of the old ways. Rich in both history and lore, the study of Asatru would surely be of benefit even for one not practicing within the tradition.
Solitudeone: personal thoughts
The Ancients of any tradition, religion or magickal beliefs hold dear so very much knowledge, wisdom, powers and secrets. Much of which is merely waiting for some seeker to ask for. Although lifestyles have changed immensely over the centuries, perhaps some beliefs and practices of old would serve our Pagan communities quite well in todays’ societies. As we approach the ‘time of great change,” I can only imagine just how much the knowledge and wisdom of the Ancients would benefit all Pagans towards enlightenment.
Some resources for further reading:
Assembly of The Elder Troth
Anglo-Saxon Heathenism
For this next link, I have skipped past the main page for The Pagan Federation only to begin with some information about Heathenry. As discussed in the opening of this article, followers of Asatru and several other traditions, prefer association to Heathenism rather than Neo-paganism. Although I made this little short-cut, it is worth your time to visit the main page and look over some of the information The Pagan Federation of the United Kingdom has available.
The Pagan Federation UK-heathenry
And in the USA:
US pagan federation
“The PF regards membership of any organisations that refuse to support freedom of religion and equality of race, gender, and sexual orientation, as incompatible with our aims, objectives and values.”
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Asatru. This article was compiled from recognized resources and practioners within the tradition.
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