Sebastian Berg - Asatru: A Beginners Guide to Modern Heathenism

Asatru

A Beginners Guide to Modern Heathenism

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Introduction

H eathens, Pagans, and Norse Magic is just for the films and television, right? Well, it may surprise you to know that the old ways and ancient religions are having a resurgence. Modern religious practices are still prevalent, but some people are looking for a more natural way of connecting with their spiritual sides. Should religion be dominated by strict rules and condemnation? Pagans and heathens believe in a kinder way of living. They recognize that powers exist in the universe and beyond that can enhance our lives here in the mortal world.

You may believe that the Gods are out there and you may be interested in finding out more about an alternative way of living. No matter what your reasons, this book will help you understand the basic principles involved in Asatru practices and how they can influence your life. The Asatru people don't believe in preaching; they simply invite you to become involved. Understand what beliefs they uphold and the rituals they hold to celebrate their Gods. Come on in and consider what a simpler, more heathen existence could hold for you.

Chapter 1: What is Asatru?

T he first centuries of Icelandic history reveal that the primary religion of the area was Asatru. Followers embraced the Paleolithic characteristics, including the Shaman form of the god Odin and the Trickster aspects of his companion Loki. The religion focused on the two main ethics that were common among the warring communities, honor and shame. There was no middle ground for early followers of Asatru; they believed that the only honorable death was on the battlefield.

As settlers chose to traverse Europe before settling in Iceland, it became clear that they brought with them a different type of religion. Early Christian settlers brought a more humane aspect to religious practice, and the nation was divided. In the year 1000 AD, the Viking commonwealth decreed that Iceland was to become a nation that practiced Christianity but still recognized the ancient religion Asatru.

Two legal codes were put in place to allow the two sets of practitioners to live side by side to avoid a divided nation. Asatru followers, however, felt the need to practice in secret and the religion soon became an underground movement.

In other parts of Europe, the religion continued to flourish until the mid-14th century when Lithuania became the last surviving bastion. There were underground movements like the Odin brotherhood, but on the whole, Europe had chosen to embrace Christianity as the religion of its people.

Odin and Thor still managed to exert influence on other religions. They appeared in texts relating to Shiva and Indra in various forms and continued to be honored by practicing pagans worldwide. In Sweden, a site known as Trolls church was the site for pagan worship for hundreds of years after the nation converted to Christianity, but on the whole, Asatru remained underground.

In the early 20th century, Germanic pagan groups began to emerge and become popular with German citizens. This led to some early members of the Nazi party pursuing the members of Pagan groups with the intention to persecute them. Although the practice was discouraged by the party, it is believed that many members of such groups were captured and killed in the concentration camps.

In 1973 Iceland underwent a religious revolution, albeit on quite a small scale! A small group of people had been meeting for some time to practice the beliefs and virtues of Asatru and requested recognition by the government. This led to the momentous new holiday entitled "The First Day of Summer," which is celebrated to highlight the end of winter and the beginning of summer in a pagan form.

Although the original group numbered just 12 members, they began to attract attention from other Icelandic people. Their membership grew, and in the early part of 1992, they formed an official branch of their Pagan association. They held their first formal ceremony in June of that year to mark Midsummer Night.

It is currently Iceland's fastest-growing religion with a membership that exceeds 1% of the national population. Now, that may not seem like a huge figure, but the growth of Paganism has risen by over 240% in the past decade, which is pretty spectacular. Asatru is now the 6th largest religion in the region and is also the largest non- Christian doctrine.