Monday, 02 November 2009 06:37 | Written by Kelly Richan |
Following the precedents of the past there is no central or over-riding authoritive body. Ásatrú begins with individuals and families who may associate in small groups called félagið, or lagur (fellowships), goðorðs, kindreds, garths and hearths, among other historically based terms. They may be entirely independent or may be affiliated in or with a larger organization. A few larger organizations may be further allianced with one another. Assemblies or “things” are held to discuss issues and hold communal religious rites.
The most common term for an Ásatrú religious leader is Goði (masculine form) and Gyðia (feminine form), Goðar (plural). The word refers to a position comparable to that of a priest, but is translated from the Old Norse as chieftain, as are some similar terms such as Drighten that may signify essentially the same thing but with more administrative duties in larger groups.
Who are the Gods and Goddesses of Ásatrú?
Monday, 02 November 2009 04:27 | Written by Kelly Richan |
Then spoke Gangleri: "Which are the Æsir that men ought to believe in?" Hárr said: "There are twelve Æsir whose nature is divine." Then spoke Jafnhárr: "No less holy are the Asyniur, nor is their power less."
These are the words that introduce some of the gods and goddesses of the Norse and Germanic people to King Gangleri in Snorri Sturluson's Edda. Here we find a brief listing of the Æsir (gods), Asynjur (goddesses) and other beings of the Norse mythology and brief stories presented from the ancient mythology in an account written down at the end of the Viking Age. First named is Odin, his son Balder, Thor and his wife, Sif; Tyr, Njord and his son and daughter, Frey and Freya, Bragi, Heimdall, Hod, Vidar, Ali, Ullr, Loki, Aegir and his wife, Ran. Also named are many of the goddesses, who include, among others, Frigg, Freya, Lofn, Var, and Skadi The mythology also preserves an account a story of two warring groups of deities, the Æsir and the Vanir who pledged a truce with one another and are referred to now collectively as the Æsir.
The sense of divinity differs from that of Western monotheistic religions as it does in other primitive, culturally based native religions. An understanding of the faith is incomplete without recognizing the many other supernatural beings such as the dísír, landvættir, elves, dwarves, giants, trolls that are an integral part of the worldview as well as man’s place in that interactive spiritual landscape.
Last Updated (Monday, 02 November 2009 04:29)
What are the rites and ceremonies of Ásatrú?
Monday, 02 November 2009 04:22 | Written by Kelly Richan |
The rites and ceremonies of Ásatrú are based on cultural observances of the pre-Christian Old Norse and Germanic people, much of which continued in the culture and societies that followed without recognition of the sacral aspect that they were imbued with in the beginning. One such ritual is the highly ceremonial toast following a formal meal, which parallels the sumbel (ON sumbl). The sumbel is a ceremony that includes drinking communally and offering up inspired speech that was binding in terms of oath and intent, as illustrated in Beowulf and other Norse/Germanic literature.
A blót, sacrifice or blessing, is an offering to deity or other supernatural beings. The offering may be a simple sharing of food or drink by an individual to a more elaborate community ceremony. These ceremonies may be performed indoors, or outside in a natural setting.
Additional ceremonies include the naming of a child and its acceptance into the family (ausa vatni), burials, healing, blessings in time of need and divination among others.
Do you have to be Scandinavian to be Ásatrú?
Monday, 02 November 2009 04:18 | Written by Kelly Richan |
You do not have to be of Scandinavian or Germanic descent to be Ásatrú.
While the religion is specific to a time and place it is the culture, ethics and place in the community that is essential.
As with other ethnic or primitive religions an individual of another ethnic background can be accepted into the “tribe” or community depending on the individual’s own acceptance and practice of the community ethos.
For many who are of Scandinavian or Germanic descent Ásatrú does seem to be an instinctive expression of personal belief and ethics.
We believe this is the result of family hamingja, that part of an individual or family that is a literal spiritual heritage, and not a matter of race.
What is a patron deity? How does one choose one?
Monday, 02 November 2009 00:26 | Written by Kelly Richan |
A patron deity is a God or Godess that one feels especially close to, and has such decided to centralize their faith around.
Choosing a patron is a very important (but not necessary) choice.
It doesn't, however, have to be a difficult one.
One will most likely choose a deity that they feel personally close to.
This does not mean that they are refusing to acknowledge any other deity, just that they are deciding to focus their faith on the worship of one God or Godess. For example, Frey is my patron, but I still worship and honour all of the deities.
I have previously mentioned that it is not necessary to choose a patron. Many Heathens choose not to dedicate themselves to one particular deity.
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Monday, 02 November 2009 06:37 | Written by Kelly Richan | 
