Welcome! This self-study program is designed for people who have a strong interest in Asatru and want to learn about the gods, rituals, and central ideas of Heathen religion. We expect that most people will take between three and six months to complete the entire course. When you have finished, you should have a good basic knowledge of:
-the gods and goddesses of Asatru
-other beings we honor (e.g., land-spirits)
-the main rituals of Asatru (blót and sumbel)
-the concept of Wyrd ("fate")
-Heathen ideas about the soul and afterlife
-the modern Heathen community - its ideals, organizations, and differences
-types of magic practiced by some Asatruar
We hope that this course will equip you to dig deeper into areas that draw you as you continue learning about Heathenism. As you go through the course, one thing that will quickly become apparent is that there is no one "right way" to practice Asatru. In selecting the readings and links for the course, we have aimed to give you some sense of the diversity of ideas and practice within Heathen religion. Ultimately, it is up to you to make your own decisions about what Asatru means to you and how you will practice it. We hope that this course will prove useful to you, and we wish you well on your learning journey!
| --The Asatru-U Committee | |
Copyright © 2001, Frigga's Web Association, http://www.friggasweb.org. All rights reserved.
1. Course Topics
A. What is Ásatrú?
(Plus glossaries and pronunciation information.)
B. Wyrd and Orlog
C. Gods and Other Etins
D. Wights
E. The Blót
F. Death and the Afterlife
G. Community 1: Code
and Culture
H. Community 2: Building
and Maintaining Relationships
I. Community 3: The
Sumbel
J. Community 4: Magics
of Ásatrú
K. Chronology of the
Heathen World
2. Suggested Reading
3. Organizations
4. Links to Heathen Discussion Groups
5. Other Ásatrú Links
The following online documents present a
variety of basic descriptions of the Heathen religion. The first seven
documents are general overviews of Asatru and are fairly short. The next
two go into greater detail about Asatru/Heathen belief. The ninth article
is on finding an appropriate Heathen group to join, should you decide to
do so. Following that is an article on the difference between Wicca and
Asatru which may be relevant to you. Finally, as a general reference
throughout your studies, two glossaries of Heathen terms may be found at
the end of this section.
In case you have never heard the word pronounced, you may find it helpful to know that in modern Icelandic, Ásatrú is pronounced "AW sa tru" ("AW" as in "cow") with the accent on the first syllable. However, in English other pronunciations are also used. For example, many prefer the reconstructed Old Norse pronunciation, which would be "AH sa tru."
An Asatru FAQ: What is Asatru, and Do I have To . . . To be Asatru?
by Ingeborg S. Nordén
http://www.erichshall.com/asanew/ingfaq.htm
This article contains short answers to
common beginner's questions. It provides a helpful, quick overview and is
a good place to start.
Asa-Who? (A Brief Introduction to the Asatru Religion)
by Ann Gróa Sheffield
http://www.medoburg.org/about/asawho.asp
This article is more scholarly than
Nordén's article above. It discusses the faith of Northern Europe
and provides a list of Nordic gods. Forms of worship and values are also
covered.
Life With the Gods: The Goal of the Way
by Kveldulf Gundarsson
http://kadlinw.tripod.com/lifewithgods.htm
This article is the first chapter from
Gundarsson's now out-of-print book, Teutonic Religion: Folk Beliefs &
Practices of the Northern Tradition. Some of the author's ideas have
changed since the book was published in 1993, but the first chapter still
makes a good introduction to Asatru as a religion.
Raven On-line, Introduction to Asatru
http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/IntroAsatru.html
A clear and compact explanation.
Explains the Nine Noble Virtues which are followed by some Asatruar.
Basics of Asatru
by Erich Campbell
http://www.erichshall.com/whatis.htm
This is a very short but pithy article.
Of particular interest is a calendar of major religious holidays, known as
"blóts," as celebrated by the author's group.
ÁSATRÚ (Frigga's Web Association)
http://www.reeves-hall.org/chaplain_asatru.htm
Also known as the Frigga's Web FAQ,
this document was prepared by Frigga's Web and is included in the Military
Pagan Network's companion to the Army Chaplains' world religion handbook.
It is necessarily brief and provides a very generalized, broad treatment
of the material.
Four Bedposts of Asatru
by Dirk Mahling
http://www.reeves-hall.org/bedposts.htm
This is a concise explanation of what
many Asatruar, including those from "non-Viking" traditions,
believe.
Call Us Heathen
by Arlea Anschütz and Steven Hunt
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/callusheathen.html
This longer article argues that
Asatruar should be referred to as "Heathens" and sets out
several good reasons for doing so. While making their point, the authors
incidentally provide a helpful overview of the different "factions"
of Asatru.
How to Find a Heathen Group You Can Trust
by Arlea Anschütz
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/groups.html
You are encouraged to read this article
before attempting to contact an Asatru group, much less find one to
ultimately join if that is your goal. It suggests the best way to approach
a group, explains that there are ideological differences between some of
the groups that fall under the "Asatru" umbrella, and gives
advice on how to find a group that will suit you.
The Differences and Similarities with Wicca
by Arlie Stephens
http://ansuz.worldash.org/asatru/articles/intro/wicca_compar.html
This article compares and contrasts
Asatru and Wiccan ideologies. It may be of interest if you have previously
been involved with Wicca, as there are differences which are more profound
than some people realize.
Wordhoard: A Glossary of Heathen Belief
compiled by Winifred Hodge Rose with additions by Swain Wodening
http://www.ealdriht.org/glossary.html
See also,
Irminsul Aettir Glossary
compiled by Haukur Þorgeirsson
http://www.irminsul.org/arc/011ht.html
As you work through the materials in
this course, if you find some specialized terms that you don't know and
can't find in your dictionary, these glossaries may be of help. The "Wordhoard"
gives both Old Norse (ON) and Old English (OE) terms, as well as some
modern terms, while the "Irminsul Aettir Glossary" confines
itself primarily to Old Norse.
Note: You may be unfamiliar with
the characters eth (uppercase=Ð, lowercase=ð) and thorn
(uppercase=Þ, lowercase=þ). Some authors of materials
suggested by this course use them to spell words of Old Norse or Old
English origin, the names of modern Icelanders, and Heathen "faith-names."
Both characters are pronounced "th"; usually eth (ð) is the "voiced"
version while thorn (þ) is the voiceless version. For example, if
you were using these letters to write the words "other" and "thin"
you would write them "oðer" and "þin".
Various authors transliterate these characters in different ways: either
may appear as "th", but eth also shows up as "d" or "dh".
(Thus, Óðinn = Odin.)
The concept of Wyrd formed a major part of our Heathen ancestors' world view and is fundamental to Asatru. It can be a complex concept to get your mind around, but the article at the end of this section does a good job of setting it forth.
Action: After
reading and thinking about the article below, identify nine people who
have strongly influenced who you are today-- ancestors, friends, teachers,
anyone who has fulfilled this role for you. Think about how they
have helped to shape the person you have become and how you in turn
influence other people in your life. Consider: are there other connections
between the nine influential people besides their effect on you? Have they
affected one another?
When you have thought through the pattern of connections and influence from as many angles as you can discover, make a concrete representation of some kind of the web of connections. This might be a diagram, a picture, a model, an essay-- whatever works for you.
The ash [Yggdrasil] is of all trees the biggest and best. Its branches spread out over all the world and extend across the sky . . . . The third root of the ash extends to heaven, and beneath that root is a well which is very holy, called Weird's well.
---The Prose Edda, Anthony Faulkes translation, p. 17.
Gæð a wyrd swa hio scel! (Wyrd ever goes as it shall!)
---Beowulf, line 455.
What is Wyrd?
by Arlea Æðelwyrd Hunt-Anschütz
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/whatwyrd.html
The following documents list and describe
the main Heathen deities. Notice that the spheres of influence of the gods
overlap-- they cannot be described simply as "goddess of X, god of Y,"
and they do not come in matched pairs. Also understand that while some
Heathens have a special relationship with one of the gods, a "patron,"
many others do not. Take note of which of the gods are "Æsir,"
which are "Vanir," and which are neither-- this will help you
get a handle on their natures as you read the stories about them later on.
After finishing this section, you should
know something about the major goddesses and gods and at least some of the
minor ones. You should also know at least some of the stories about them.
Action: After reading these general materials, begin to read supplemental material on one or more of the deities that interest you. A suggested reading list is below in Part 6 of this outline. Most people will find that The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland is the best place to start. As Arlea Anschütz admonishes in an article later in this course, don't skip the endnotes!
Hail to you, gods! Ye goddesses, hail!
Hail to the holy throng!
---The Prose Edda, Lokasenna; Bellows translation.
Gods and Goddesses of the Troth
http://www.thetroth.org/ourfaith/gods.html
An extensive list of the Norse gods,
that includes alternative spellings of their names in Old Norse,
Anglo-Saxon, etc. In some cases, the meanings of their names are also
given. The list includes attributes of the various gods and in some cases
provides short reminders of stories connected with them.
List of Norse Beings
by Nicole Cherry
http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~cherryne/list.html
This list is shorter than the one
above. However, it has much longer summaries of stories associated with
the gods that it does include. It also discusses which names are probably
alternative names for other gods, and even identifies one god, Sataere,
that some modern scholars argue is not in fact a Norse god at all. (The
page includes a link to an updated page with a prettier design, but the
content of the original is preferred.)
Gods of the Ealdriht
by Swain Wodening
http://www.ealdriht.org/gods.html
List of holy beings from the Ealdriht
(Anglo-Saxon) perspective. This list differs from lists of "Norse
Beings" in that there are some omissions, such as Balder, and some
additions, such as Forseti. Many Heathens believe that the Anglo-Saxon and
Norse deities are generally the same, differences in spelling and
surviving lore notwithstanding.
Germanic Goddesses
by Arlea Æðelwyrd Hunt-Anschütz
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/goddesses/
Information on thirty-four different
goddesses with a javascript index. The creator of the page has taken the
trouble to provide public domain images of the goddesses. This site is
particularly valuable because the author has included lengthy quotations
from primary sources (in translation) about many of the goddesses, plus "question
and answer" pages for them. Unfortunately, the architecture of the
page makes it difficult to print out for offline study, so plan to spend
some time online reading it. Don't forget to read about the unfamiliar
goddesses-- you may be surprised.
Unlike some pagan religions, Heathenry involves more than having a relationship to the gods. After reading the articles below, you should have some understanding of who the Idises, Elves, Dwarves, Land-Wights and Huldfolk are and what humankind's relationship to them is. In some cases, it is hard to distinguish them from gods.
Kveldulf Gundarsson once wrote, with respect to the importance of cultivating a relationship with holy beings other than the gods, the following much-quoted passage:
I recently was published in IDUNNA [an Asatru magazine] as comparing a Heathen's period relationships with wights and such as thus: a Viking Age Scandinavian would go to the wights (di'sir, a'lfar, landwights) on a daily basis, as s/he would to a neighbor; to the god/desses occasionally, as to a chieftain (and much more often if the two were close friends); and to the greater beings (such as Earth) very rarely, as to a king or queen. This is a very class-oriented analogy, which may beg a lot of argument on specifics, but I think it makes my general point.
(Listserv posting to asatru-FORN_SED 11/15/1998.)
Matrons and Disir: The Heathen Tribal Mothers
by Winifred Hodge
http://www.friggasweb.org/matrons.html
An extremely interesting and
informative article on a topic that is seldom addressed in popular culture
but is a highly significant part of Heathen belief. The Heathen tribal
mothers were venerated by ancient Europeans for more than 500 years until
the practice died out under the influence of Christianity.
Alfs, Dwarves, Land-Wights, and Huldfolk
by Kveldulfr Hagan Gundarsson, Alice Karlsdottir, and the folk of
Hrafnar
http://www.thetroth.org/resources/ourtroth/alf.html
Note that these beings are not
necessarily as one might think of them after experiencing modern sword &
sorcery fantasy literature, or even early modern folklore. This article is
Chapter 22 from a large on-line Asatru compendium published by The Troth.
Landtaking and Leavetaking: Rituals for Moving House
by Ann Gróa Sheffield
http://medoburg.org/heresies/landtaking.asp
Describes the early Icelandic ritual of
land-taking. Relying primarily on information extracted from Landnámabók
(a 13th century history of the original settlers of Iceland), the author
explains how this ritual can be adapted to the needs of modern Asatruar by
giving two examples of rituals of this type in which she has participated.
These materials will help acquaint you
with what to expect at a Heathen blót in solitary and group
settings, with blót etiquette, with some other features of Heathen
celebrations and ceremonies, and with instructions on writing prayers.
However, none of these articles should be taken as prescribing the "right"
way to do a blót -- different groups have different styles.
However, all blóts are based on a Heathen understanding of
hospitality and generosity. A blót is not "magic," but
rather a way of honoring the gods. No amount of reading can teach you how
best to do this-- ultimately, you must do it yourself.
Action: After reading this section, write a Heathen invocation of your own, perhaps requesting that one or more deities aid you as you learn about Asatru. (Don't worry-- if you don't feel comfortable doing so yet, you need not actually use the invocation.)
Hail to the Æsir!
Hail to the Asyniur!
Hail to the bounteous earth!
Words and wisdom give to us noble twain,
and healing hands while we live.
---The Poetic Edda, Sigrdrifumal; Thorpe translation, stanza 4
Do-It-Yourself Ritual Kit
by Manny Olds
http://www.reeves-hall.org/diy.htm
This "kit" consists of
several pages on Asatru ritual and sets out very clearly the elements of
each. Included are the skeleton of a blót and descriptions of
specific religious ceremonies (e.g. for different holidays) which you can
easily flesh out yourself.
Worship: The Húsel or Sacred Feast
by Swain Wodening
http://www.ealdriht.org/haligwaerstow/blot.html
This article gives more detailed
information on the historical basis of the húsel (Old English term
for blót). The article includes an outline of the rite as drawn
from early writings and archaeological evidence and is followed by an
outline for a version suitable for use today.
Worship: Bedes or Prayers to the Gods
by Swain Wodening Canote
http://www.ealdriht.org/prayers.html
This article gives information on
historical Heathen prayer and includes two prayers in Anglo-Saxon-- one
historical, and one a modern reconstruction-- both with full translations.
The article also sets out the structure common to the prayers which you
can easily use as an outline for creating your own. Also note what Mr.
Canote writes about the physical attitude in which prayer was performed.
Both the nature of the human soul and its fate after death are of great interest to Heathens, but there is no clear consensus about either, and Asatru makes no promises of "eternal reward." The only certainty is:
Cattle die and kinsmen die,
thyself too soon must die,
but one thing never, I ween, will die, --
fair fame of one who has earned.
---The Poetic Edda, Havamal; Olive Bray translation
Part of this ambiguity comes from the fragmented nature of the sources. There are hints that Heathens did not think in terms of a single, unified "soul," but instead saw human beings as complexes of biological, intellectual/emotional, and spiritual components. Some modern Heathens have suggested various descriptions of this "soul complex," but none has yet been widely accepted. Similarly, the lore describes many possible fates for the dead, from feasting in Valhall to living on in the grave-mound to meddling in the affairs of one's descendants. The article below provides a first introduction to some of these concepts about the self and death.
Soul, Death and Rebirth
by Stephan Grundy, Alice Karlsdóttir, and Swain Wodening
http://www.thetroth.org/resources/ourtroth/soul.html
This is Chapter 26 from a large on-line
Asatru compendium published by The Troth.
Now that you have the general background,
it is time to branch out into some more specific material on different
approaches to the modern religion of Asatru and on historical cultural
attitudes. The first article in this section concerns how to do one's own
research well, and the second article gives some context for the pre-1300
CE Germanic source materials we rely on. In a religion like ours, which so
depends on solid historical research and yet which also requires the
leavening of personal religious insight to be a living faith, it is
essential to have well-developed skills in critical thinking.
The materials below will also explain that Heathenism has boundaries concerning the right way to act and has codes of conduct (although exactly what they are is not universally agreed upon).
One brand takes fire from another, until it is consumed,
a spark's kindled by a spark;
one man becomes clever by talking with another,
but foolish by taciturnity.
---The Poetic Edda, Havamal; Caroline Larrington translation, stanza 57
Reliable Sources of Information on Germanic Religion
by Arlea Æðelwyrd Hunt-Anschütz
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/sources.html
This article explains how to
distinguish reliable sources from unreliable sources and discusses how to
assess the different levels of reliability within those categories.
Heathenry and Historical Reconstruction
by Arlea Æðelwyrd Hunt-Anschütz
http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/reconstruction.html
A short explanation of the historical,
social, and literary context of early medieval Germanic literature, such
as the eddas and sagas, which are relied upon in reconstructing
Heathenism.
The Nine Noble Virtues for Kids (and Other Interested Parties)
by Annette Hinshaw
http://www.friggasweb.org/nvirtues.html
Don't be put off by the word "Kids"
in the title of this article, go ahead and read it anyway. It is a nice
explanation of what the Nine Noble Virtues are and what they mean to many
Asatruar.
Homosexuality in the Viking Age
by Gunnora Hallakarva (The Viking Answer Lady)
http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/gayvik.htm
Not only an interesting article on an
unusual subject, but a fine example of well-done research. The Viking
Answer Lady explains that based on materials written by Christian writers
200 years after the fact, it appears that male homosexuality was
disapproved of during the "Viking age." However, she goes on to
explain that the reasons for disapproval were not what one might expect:
it was seen as a form of cowardice, a lack of self-reliance, or a refusal
to reproduce in a time and place where having children was important to
survival. Among other sources, Viking age insults are examined for the
clues they offer on this topic. Some of the insults quoted are awesome in
their comprehensiveness.
In the article she also considers
attitudes toward female homosexuality and "unmanly" practices in
connection with the gods, priests, and magic. After you read this, the
story of Loki taking the form of a mare and giving birth to Sleipnir will
take on another dimension.
The Tectonic Plates of Asatru
by Karl Donaldsson
http://www.geocities.com/svalich/faults.html
mirrored at
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/8798/faults.html
By now, you will have realized that
there are a number of conflicting "theological" positions that
fall under the Asatru umbrella. While one or another may be right for you,
it probably won't be right for everyone. This essay is a subjective
attempt to identify and categorize some of these positions. Even though it
is subjective, it provides an excellent overview of the different
attitudes held by many Heathens. You are likely to find it a helpful
source of information even if you don't agree with the author on every
point.
The Role of Gothis In Modern Asatru
by Manny Olds
http://www.reeves-hall.org/role_of_gothi.htm
An illuminating article examining the
role of gothis (priests) in ancient and modern Heathen religion. The
article compares the historical role of gothis to modern expectations of
Christian ministers and describes the method of handling the function of
minister used by Quakers. It ultimately reaches some conclusions about
what the current role of gothis is in Asatru and what it should be.
"Frith," meaning something like "peace and security," is important in the Heathen religion as it is to everyone-- even though it is the very opposite of what is associated with "Vikings" in the view of popular culture. After reading these articles you will understand what it is and why it is important. The model for frith is sharing between members of a kindred: among families, among associations, and between humankind and the gods. As Dirk Mahling (author of the Four Bedposts, above) once wrote, "Share your loot with your band."
The withered fir-tree which stands on the mound,
neither bark nor needles protect it;
so it is with the man whom no one loves,
why should he live for long?
---The Poetic Edda, Havamal; Caroline Larrington translation, stanza 50
On the Meaning of Frith
by Winifred Hodge, and the Frithweavers’ Guild
http://www.friggasweb.org/frith.html
Explains that frith is not peace,
rather peace is often an outgrowth of frith. It exists in the relation
between members of a kindred, between leaders and their followers, between
the gods and the folk. The article describes the medieval "frithguilds,"
which took the place of kin groups during a time of great social upheaval,
and explains what the frithguilds can tell us about the earlier concept of
frith.
The Word Frith
by Eric Wodening
http://wodening.ealdriht.org/eric/frith.html
Begins with an etymological discussion
of what the word means and where it came from. The article continues with
a discussion of frith in conjunction with the rule of law and considers
what happens when things don't work together as they should. Finally, the
author theorizes about what this tells us about how Heathens should act.
Living Ásatrú Today: Musings on Community, Frith and
Responsibility
by Ragnheid
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/2171/opinions/respons.html
Written for an audience of Heathen
clergy but understandable by a layperson, this article discusses how the
interrelations between members of the Heathen population are changing and
why this is good and bad. The author, who is a professional
anthropologist, suggests ways Heathens can and should strive to become
more of a community.
These articles will acquaint you with what
a sumbel is and what to expect at one. A sumbel is not just a formalized
drinking party. It is a way to build kinship between the human
participants of the sumbel and between humans and the gods, and it is also
a way to tie those bonds and our deeds more strongly into the web of Wyrd.
The first article explains sumbel in
general. The second article describes an Anglo-Saxon style sumbel, which
contains elements which are less commonly seen in the other styles of
Heathenry. If you attend a sumbel, avoid awkwardness by making sure you
find out in advance from the hosting group how they tend to do things, as
sumbels can vary considerably while retaining the same basic elements. It
is considered bad form to get drunk.
Action: After reading the materials in this section, compose your own toast or boast to a deity, an ancestor, or your own deed (either done or to be done).
I had a fixed purpose when I put to sea.
As I sat in the boat with my band of men,
I meant to perform to the uttermost
what your people wanted or perish in the attempt,
in the fiend's clutches. And I shall fulfil that purpose,
prove myself with a proud deed
or meet my death here in the mead-hall.
---Beowulf, Beowulf's formal boast; Seamus Heaney translation (lines 632-638)
The Basics of Sumbel
by Erich Campbell
http://www.erichshall.com/asanew/sumbel.htm
A very short explanation of what sumbel
is and how it is commonly performed.
An Anglo-Saxon Symbel
by Eric Wodening
http://wodening.ealdriht.org/eric/symbel.html
The author examines examples of sumbels
in historical sources, particularly Beowulf, and offers
suggestions on how one might be reconstructed.
Belief in or practice of magic is not
required of Heathens, and there are more than a few who have followed our
religion for many years without ever having attempted "magic."
Nevertheless, some Heathens do believe in and practice magic. The
following articles present a description of various magical practices
which are attested to in Germanic lore and how they are adapted for modern
Heathenry.
Of the magical concepts described, the runes are probably the most used, and even some Heathens who do not believe in magic have a passing familiarity with them. Runes are sometimes used for marking religious items rather than for magical purposes. Even if you have not the slightest interest in "magic," you may find it an interesting and useful exercise to determine how to transliterate your name into runes. Warning: do not rely on Ralph Blum's books on runes.
Runes wilt thou find, and rightly read
of wondrous weight,
of mighty magic,
which that dyed the dread god,
which that made the holy hosts,
and were etched by Odin.
---The Poetic Edda, Havamal; Lee Hollander translation, stanza 142
Norse Magic
by Lewis Stead and the Raven Kindred
http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/RBMagic.html
Excellent, one-page introduction to
Heathen magic. It places magic within the framework of the Heathen
religion; introduces the runes (Elder and Anglo-Saxon Futharks),
divination and active rune magic; mentions Wyrd and Orlog; gives a concise
explanation of Seidr; and even mentions galdr. This article does not
discuss spae-craft (but see Paxson's article below). This page is a
chapter from the Ravenbók, which is an online Asatru reference book
published by the Raven Kindred.
The Runic Journey: An Online Exploration of the Norse Runes
by Jennifer Smith
http://www.tarahill.com/runes/index.html
The first page of this elegant and
well-written site will give many beginners all they want to know about the
runes, in that it is an introduction of the Futhark as a tool for writing
and magic/divination. Those who wish to go further may easily navigate to
pages on history, rune meanings, magic and divination.
The Elder Futhark With Sound (RA Format): Pronunciations of the
Runes
Rune names by Klaus Düwel, pronunciations by Answin. Site by Óðindís
http://www.angelfire.com/on/Wodensharrow/elderfuthark.html
Included because of the high quality of
Wodensharrow. This site includes a sound recording of each individual
rune, which is particularly helpful for those who don't have access to
face-to-face contact with other students of the runes. Warning: because of
the sound files (as well as heavy use of graphics), the site may cause
some older web browsers to crash. This site has a lot of interesting
material including the Prose Edda, the Poetic Edda, the Rune Poems, etc.
Runes, Seiðr, Spæ
by Swain Wodening
http://www.ealdriht.org/runes.html
A comprehensive introduction to the
runes prepared by a very learned Heathen. Includes brief interpretations
of the runes as well as basic information on their use in divination and
magic. The spae ritual as performed in Erik the Red's Saga is also
described.
The Return of the Völva: Recovering the Practice of Seið
by Diana L. Paxson
http://www.vinland.org/heathen/hrafnar/seidh.html
A user-friendly article written for the
periodical Mountain Thunder, this essay introduces Seidh as a form
of "Norse Shamanism" and takes the reader on a guided journey
according to the procedure used at Hrafnar. The article ends with a
statement on the purpose of Seidh and ways that it can be used in modern
society. (For additional Mountain Thunder articles, see
http://www.vinland.org/heathen/mt/.)
Spae-Craft, Seiðr, and Shamanism
by Kveldúlfr Gundarsson
http://www.thetroth.org/resources/kveldulf/spaecraft.html
Written by a Ph.D. in Norse studies,
this article is scholarly and very well-researched. It includes numerous
quotes from primary sources (with translations) and was originally
published in Idunna, The Troth's magazine.
Asatru Chronology (up to 1992)
Taken from Teutonic Religion by Kevldulf Gundarsson,
additions by Grimnir Svithrirsson
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/4178/asatru/chronology.html
This is a timeline of Heathen religion
from the earliest days to its modern rebirth.
You can only go so far with material printed out from the internet or read online. In particular, many of the public domain translations of the Eddas that are available on-line are not especially accurate even if they are stylistically pleasing to read. For the purposes of religious study, you want the most accurate translation you can get; we think the ones below are among the best. Similarly, much of the best modern professional scholarship on the Heathen religion and its lore is also not available online either. Crossley-Holland's retellings of the myths are excellent, much better than anything you are likely to find for free online. Finally, Simek's dictionary is a useful reference. You probably won't need it immediately, but it will be helpful in your future studies. The course committee believes that all five of the books below are well worth buying and reading.
The following organizations may be contacted for further information on various aspects of Heathenry. They are presented in reverse alphabetical order. Listing does not constitute endorsement by any member of Asatru-U. Please be aware that the organizations listed represent a wide range of theological and political opinion within Heathenism. Descriptions were taken from the organizations' own web pages and therefore reflect the opinions of their authors and not necessarily those of the Asatru-U Committee or its members.
The Troth
http://www.thetroth.org
The Troth is dedicated to exploring,
practicing and promoting the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic
peoples, who include the English, Norse, Icelanders, Swedes and Germans,
among others. This religion is known by various names, including Ásatrú,
Heathenry, the Elder Troth, and others. Although there are many variations
in beliefs and practices within this faith, and many ways of describing
and classifying these differences, we all share a defining personal
loyalty to, or "Troth" with, the gods and goddesses of the
Northlands, such as Odin, Thor, Frigga, and many others; a deep respect
for our Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage; and a strong
determination to practice the moral principles followed by our noble
predecessors, including Courage, Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Discipline,
Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Steadfastness.
Theodish
http://www.geocities.com/theodish_belief/index.html
Gering Theod is a group devoted to the revival and practice
of Theodish Belief. Theodism is Retro-Heathenry, which means that we are dedicated
to practicing the religion of our ancestors in an authentic, traditional tribal
form which is as close to the elder ways as possible. Our main goal is to offer
worship to our great Germanic gods and goddesses in ways that are not just what
we prefer or think is easiest, but rather, in forms which will be the most pleasing
to the gods themselves. We seek to re-establish the tribal form of heathenry
which our ancestors practiced, and to serve the cause of the gods by providing
quality lore study materials and essential aspects of Germanic culture to the
heathen community.
Stav: A Norwegian Family's Teachings
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/pbrough/stav/index.html
Stáv is a Northern European
mind, body and sprit system. The basis of Stáv is Runes,
specifically the Danish or Younger Futhork. There are several aspects to
Stáv, which can be equated to other better-known systems. The first
aspect is the stances, these are at the core of Stáv; they are the
embodiment of the runes on which they are based. The stances bring many
benefits including low impact exercises, promoting healthy natural
breathing, improved posture and relaxation. In addition to the physical
benefits the stances promote the flow of megin (life force). In this
aspect Stáv is a lot like Tai Chi. As well as the stances Stáv
also includes a martial art aspect and a healing aspect but also many
other aspects. Stáv is not only all of these but it is also a way
of life and outlook.
Northvegr
http://www.northvegr.org/
The Goals of the Northvegr site: 1. To act as
a freely available resource for adherents of the Northern spiritual faith of
the Northern Way and for all those who live by the pre-Christian spiritual faiths
of Northern Europe also known as Heithni. The goal of the Félag, which
hosts this site, is the creation and promotion of a viable and healthy community
of genuine Northern faiths in which member kindreds and tribes support each
other in an environment of mutual cooperation. 2. To promote, in general, Northern
European cultural heritage. 3. To act as a freely available resource for Northern
European and Indo-European studies, by providing an extensive online library
of texts.
Frigga's Web
http://www.friggasweb.org
Frigga's Web is an organization established to
honor the goddess Frigga. Frigga's' Web promotes the activities, purposes and
benefits that are within Frigga's domains of power and interest, and is designed
to support Frigga's aims of building a strong, multi-faceted, viable Heathen
community in the modern world, and provide a space that is focused on peace,
frith, and the practical arts and skills of running and living in that community.
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://www.runestone.org/
Long before Christianity came to
Northern Europe, our ancestors there had their own, native religions. One
of these was Asatru. It was practiced by the Scandinavians, Anglo-Saxons,
Germans, and related peoples for thousands of years. Today, that religion
is practiced, promoted, and further developed by their descendants in the
Asatru Folk Assembly.
We at the AFA believe that the faith of
our forebears best expresses our innate spiritual impulses, and we seek
personal and collective fulfillment in this ancient yet ever new path. We
strive to realize not merely a religion in the narrow sense, but a
comprehensive way of looking at the world, in harmony with Nature, with
our innermost essence, and with our kin.
Asatru Alliance
http://www.asatru.org/
Ásatrú means true to the
Old Norse Gods. Ásatrú is the Ethnic Religion of indigenous
Northern European People. It is the religion of our ancestors, one of the
oldest still in practice, dating back to the beginning of this branch of
the human race, some 40,000 years ago.
Angelseaxisce Ealdriht / Anglo-Saxon Eldright
http://www.ealdriht.org
Thaet Angelseaxisce Ealdriht or
Anglo-Saxon Eldright (as it is called in modern English) is the ancient
and modern religion of the Germanic tribes that invaded what is now
England in the 400s CE. It is related to the religion that produced the
Old Norse myths about such gods as Odin, Balder, and Frigga. As such it is
a part of the modern religious movement known as Ásatrú or
Heathenry.
Many people, especially those who have little direct contact with other Heathens, have found online discussion groups to be an excellent way to gain information, build contacts and relationships and enrich their spiritual growth. The following cover a wide variety of interests and viewpoints. With the exception of the entry for A.R.A. (alt.religion.asatru), descriptions are taken from the groups themselves. The descriptions do not reflect the opinions of the Asatru-U Committee or its members.
Internet Terms
http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/listterms.htm
Read this short page for abbreviations
commonly used in posts on Heathen mailing lists.
(In reverse alphabetical order)
Saxontroth
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/saxontroth
This list is a place where Germanic Pagan folks
can discuss various topics of relevance to our religion. Continental and Anglo
Saxon heathenry are topics that are especially encouraged on Saxontroth. Discussions
of the Eddas and modern runology and Norse heathenry are welcome, but the main
focus of this list is Anglo Saxon and Continental Germanic. Racialists and other
persons who seek to distort Germanic paganism into an excuse to promote hatred
towards those of other races are not welcome on this list.
Our_Meadhall
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/our_meadhall
A Hall where Heathens & other folk talk
about anything in Life. Joining this list, *DOESN'T* mean that you accept
*ANYTHING* anyone else writes. Give such regard, as you would want to
gain. Be pleased to note that we have Folk here from many Lands, not just
Lower or Upper Vinland (USA & Canada).
Asatru isn't for the faint of heart; it
is for Men & Women who respect Freedom, of Association and
Disassociation, of Speech and Belief, of Self and Kinfolk. You don't have
to accept anyone herein, based upon their ideas of Troth, ethnic
identity, body type or features, personal ideology, sexual orientation,
wealth (or lack), hair (or lack), modernist or antiquarian nature.
All are welcomed, but the door IS
guarded. No anonymous profile will gain entry, until the Hall Wardens can
vouchsafe you... Heathenry is our everyday FOLKWAY, the Lore of Life. No
one is due a seat in the Hall, even after you get in. We earn our place
day by day, through our words of wisdom, wit and worth. We are neither
sages nor fools, just men and women speaking our piece and, hopefully,
listening to the other end of the conversation. The Hall is Warded.
Norse Course
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/norse_course
A course in Old Norse for beginners.
The teachers will post lessons with exercises for students to complete.
Your teachers here are two young Icelanders with interest in languages and
Old Icelandic studies. This is exclusively a language group. There are no
religious or political strings attached. Everyone is welcome. Course
materials are available at http://www.hi.is/~haukurth/norse/.
Heathenbooks
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Heathenbooks
Heathenbooks is a private book club
that extends a welcome to all. We are not a teaching facility, nor do we
claim any special expertise. Posts reflect only each member's opinion.
The moderators take turns selecting a
book, which is then read and discussed one section at a time. It is asked
that posts pertain to the book being discussed. We hope to be of benefit
to people new to Asatru and those who wish to read and compare notes and
thoughts with others while taking responsibility for deciding what to
believe.
We also encourage the posting of book
reports (including fiction) and reading lists of interest to Heathens.
Heathenbooks is interested in what you
think of a particular book.
Heathen Herbs
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeathenHerbs
Appropriate topics for this list are
growing and using herbs in a Germanic Heathen / Asatru context, from
practical uses to folklore, magic, crafts, etc.
Heathen Parents
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeathenParenting
Started this list to connect Heathen
Parents around the World. To Share Ideas and to nurture the role of the
parent. Focus on children and their heathen upbringing/education. In
Asatru, Norse or Germanic Heathenism, the Elder Troth, the Old Way.
Asetro, Vor Sidr (our way), Forn Sidr (Ancient way), Forn sed (the old
custom), Nordisk sed (Nordic custom), or Hedensk sed (Pagan custom).
Odinism or Folkish Ásatrú. Norse Wicca is also related but
distinct (see WICCA).
Hammers and Attitudes
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HammersandAttitudes
HammersandAttitudes is a forum for
Thorians and those interested in the Big Guy to ask questions and make
comments about Thor as well as Asatru in general. This is a straight
talking, no nonsense group with strong opinions and a practical
perspective.
Galdrabok
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/galdrabok
This list is designed for those who
have an understanding of the Runes and Runic Magick (or those who wish to
learn). It is a place where Runic magicians can come together to swap
spells, formulas, insights and anything else they feel they need to
express in regards to the Runes.
Futhark
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Futhark
This is a forum for the discussion of
the Runes.
Asynjur List
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/asynjur
This list has been created as a forum
for discussing the goddesses, disir, and other female aspects of the
Northern tradition (Asatru, Norse Wicca, etc). It is meant to bring more
focus on the feminine aspects of the past and present. Everyone is welcome
to join. Discrimination on basis of gender, sexuality, race, or any other
arbitrary designation is not accepted nor will it be tolerated in any
form.
ASHMAIL
http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ashmail
Welcome to Anglo-Saxon Heathen Mail! Anglo-Saxon
Heathen Mail is a list dedicated to the discussion and study of Anglo-Saxon
Heathenry and Asatru in general. It is sponsored by the Anglo-Saxon Ealdriht,
a tribal community dedicated to the worship of the ancient Gods of England and
continental Saxony.
[Note, this is a new listserv provider as of May 2001. List archives from before
that date are still available in the old location, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASHMAIL.]
The Asatru Daily Quiz
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asatru-Daily-Quiz
The Asatru Daily Quiz mailing list is a
list in which your quiz masters (Q.) at Asatru-DQ will quiz you each day
onyour knowledge of the lore, culture and history of Asatru. Each day a
question will be presented. Do you have the knowledge it takes to answer
the question? Some questions will be easy some will be hard. There will be
something for the experienced Asatruar as well as the newcomer.
The Asatru List [a/k/a "Janna's List"]
http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/asalist.html
The Asatru list is an internet mailing
list for the communication of ideas and information between Asatru folk
and interested parties. Posts on any topic connected with the practice of
Asatru are welcome.
Asatru-U
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Asatru-U
This group will discuss development and implementation
of Asatru (Germanic Heathen) courses for different kinds of students; for different
levels of rigor and abstraction; and for directed and independent study. The
group will also develop introductory materials that can be distributed offline.
A.R.A
http://groups.google.com/groups?oi=djq&as_ugroup=alt.religion.asatru
Usenet: alt.religion.asatru
A.R.A is the only public Newsgroup
devoted to Asatru. The group is open to anyone whose Internet Service
Provider is configured to support newsgroups. Periodically this newsgroup
becomes more or less useless because of the large amounts of spam (or
worse) that are posted to it, as well as the endless flame wars that it
seems to foster. The archives (on Google Groups at
http://groups.google.com) may be
more helpful than the current postings, but please take everything you
read with a boulder of salt.
Links to various Asatru resources which might be helpful.
The Viking Answer Lady
(Not an Ásatrú site as such, but a great source of
historical information.)
http://www.vikinganswerlady.com
Squirrel.com Ásatrú Page: Many Ásatrú
Links
http://www.squirrel.com/squirrel/asatru/
Asatru Basics - Keeper of the Seasons Hall
http://www.erichshall.com/asanew/newtotru.htm
Vituð ér enn, eða hvat?
Would you know more, or what?
-- Poetic Edda, Voluspá
Last update: 10/23/2003.
In the interest of
pursuing our goal of disseminating information about Asatru:
On or before May 31, 2002, this text
may be copied in its entirety only and freely distributed, on
the mandatory conditions that: no fee may be charged, credit must
be given to Asatru-U, and the copyright notice
must be attached to all copies. This permission specifically
does not include the right to repost on the Internet or to
distribute via an e-mail list or newsgroup. Adaptation, or
republication in any other form, by any entity other than Frigga's Web or
Asatru-U is strictly prohibited. Updates of the course will be posted
at the Asatru-U website at http://www.asatru-u.org.
Please check back!
Update history:
10/18/2001, updated entry to update Asatru_N_Action to Our_Meadhall.
10/17/2001, updated links to material at Frigga's Web site.
8/28/2001, updated links to material found in Our Troth, corrected typo.
10/22/2003, updated links to material found at Erich's Hall, Medoburg Kindred, The Troth,
Skvala, The Viking Answer Lady, and Eric Wodening's Page, replaced defunct link to Wednedbury Theod with Gering Theod, updated Midhnottt Sol entry to Northvegr, removed defunct link to CIAK.