Asatru is the Pre-Christian Folk religion of the Northern European and Scandinavian peoples. The members of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred do not practice Wicca, Vana-Tru, Norse-Wicca, Wicca-Tru, or any other politically correct “mixed” religion.
http://www.hammerofthorkindred.org/kindred/kindred.html
Is Asatru a reconstructionist religion?
Yes. Modern Asatru is a reconstructionist religion based and modeled on archaeological and historical records and procedures that have survived in various sources through the years in both Northern Europe and Iceland. Even though,I might add, the early Christians did their best to eradicate it. Asatru has come a long way since the re-awakening and re-birth of the religion starting in the early 70′s.
During this time period multiple groups across the world, all independent of each other, started building Asatru organizations. In 1971 Stephen McNallen started one of the first here in the United States called The Viking Brotherhood. The purpose was to emulate the ideals of the Aesir and Vanir. The first Asatru publication, called The Runestone began in 1972. Else Christensen founded The Odinist Fellowship in late 1971, early 1972, and John Yeowell’s Odinic Rite started in England about 1973. The Icelandic Islenka Asatruarfelagi was formed in 1972 and received the recognition and state support of the Icelandic Parliament due to relentless effort of Icelandic farmer and poet Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson.
What is a reconstructionist religion?
A reconstructionist religion is one based on actual historical traditions and customs. But because much of the actual procedural details have been lost or destroyed, it necessitates the need toreconstruct a modern version of an old spiritual pathway. But at the same time striving to remain true to it’s historical and spiritual roots and beliefs. Asatru is being reconstructed and restored based on a complex process of research, synthesis, and enactment.
Is Asatru a polytheistic religion?
Yes. In Asatru we believe in the various Gods and Goddesses of our ancient ancestors. Odin, Thor, Frey, Freya, Tyr, Balder, Frigga, Heimdall, etc.
How does one practice Asatru?
People who practice Asatru usually describe it as “coming home” or “Returning to my ancestral roots.” Asatru can be practiced alone or with a group of other like minded individuals in what’s called a “Kindred,” or by other names like hearths, Garth’s, Stead’s, Sippe’s, or tribes.You practice Asatru by communing with the Gods and Goddesses and your ancient ancestors. By working with the runes, reading the lore, keeping the High Holy days, Bloting and holding Sumble.
Practicing Asatru can be a way of seeking self-empowerment and inner-realization and self growth. The AlFather teaches us to always be a seeker of knowledge and information. That’s why Asatru is sometimes referred to as “The religion with homework.” Another way of practicing Asatru is by attending and participating in local or regional gatherings celebrating a particular seasonal holiday like Ostara in the spring or Yule in the winter.
What is the difference between Asatru and Odinism?
The difference between the two is minimal and basically just depends on who you talk to or ask in the Heathen community. Some Asatruar’s will claim that there’s a big difference between the two and state in no uncertain terms that they’re “Asatru but not an Odinist.” While others will claim there’s no difference at all. My good friend Heimgest, who is the leader of the U.K.-based Odinic Rite, has stated: “Asatru is basically just another name for Odinism. There are in fact a number of different names used, Odinism and Asatru being the most common, but Forn Sed is another term used by some, so is Germanic Heathenism and various others. But all this is basically a matter of semantics and essentially they are the same religion”
Some Asatruar’s shy away from the term Odinist because some white supremacist groups call themselves Odinist and they’re afraid of being linked to them. But then you have Heathens who even refrain from calling themselves Asatru because there are some groups who blend elements and rituals of Wicca or Voodoo with traditional Asatru and call it “Asatru.” They prefer not to be associated or linked to these groups so they just call themselves Heathen.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hmph.
I’m not Aryan.. er… Northern European for the Aesir to notice me, according to the site.
ah well.