Thoughts on "Ásatrú"

Our organization, Skylands Ásatrú Fellowship, has a somewhat unusual term at it’s center, “Ásatrú.” For many, the term is completely foreign—unknown. For others it may stir up certain connotations that they don’t like. Various organizations have used —and continue to use—the term Ásatrú to describe themselves. Some of these may be made up of fine, upstanding, honorable men and women, others, perhaps not so. But other organizations are not Skylands. Their merits, or demerits as it may be, have nothing to do with us.

Is the term, “Ásatrú” perfect? Likely, not. Is it suitable? Most certainly! “Asatru” is a relatively modern Icelandic term describing an ancient faith. It is a compound of Ása meaning “of the Aesir Gods” and trú meaning “trust.” Combined then, the term means “trusting in the Aesir.” We should understand then that trust is built upon personal experience. While this word describes an ancient faith, its origins are not actually so ancient. The first record of its use was by the great Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907) who included the word in his 1870 opera Olaf Trygvason, about the life of the Norwegian king who was an important factor in the conversion of heathen people to Christianity. The term has been embraced in Iceland, where Ásatrú has been recognized as a religion since 1972.

One issue that I have personally with the term is that its Scandinavian origin may be misleading to beginners. It evokes ancient Norway and Iceland. One is tempted to call it the religion of the Vikings and slip into a fantasy world of LARP. In fact, ours is a religion that predates the Vikings (their's being a late and stirring “last stand” of the pre-Christian religion). We often think of, and turn to, the Scandinavians because our two primary texts, The Poetic Edda and The Prose Edda are of Scandinavian / Icelandic origin. We also have other exciting texts including, The Saga of the Icelanders and Egil’s Saga among others that tell of the adventures of various Viking heroes.

It would be more accurate to say that our religion is of Germanic origin — and it spread, along with the Germanic tribes, all across Europe. Well before the Vikings, Publius Cornelius Tacitus, the great first century Roman historian recounted a description of the Germanic peoples for his Roman readers in his Germania. In this first century work, Tacitus describes the German people, their way of worship, their culture, and their society —all in Roman terms, for his Roman audience. He tells us of these ancient German people that, “They consecrate woods and groves and they apply the names of gods to that mysterious presence which they see only with the eye of devotion.” He tells of many tribes that made up the Germany of antiquity. Among the immortalized names are the Goths, Langobards, Ostrogoths, Visgoths, Vandals, Marcomanni, Alamanni, and Franks.

As scholars seek to better understand ancient origins, many have pointed to a common origin of what today is generally called the Indo-Europeans. Already by the 18th century it was learned that the languages of Europe, Iran, and India derived from a common ancestor. Such discoveries led to significant research throughout the 19th and 20th centuries to look not only for the origins of language, but that of an Indo-European people. Such analysis has also included genetics and spirituality. Several authors have highlighted the similarities between Germanic heathenry and Vedic paganism.

So what does it all mean? Ours is an ancient belief system. It’s adherents certainly practiced it in different ways, throughout a broad expanse of geographies, and over a breathtaking span of time. Guido von List called the ancient religion Wihinei —but that’s a story for another day. The people themselves would have had no term for their religion. It was one and the same as how they lived their lives. Religion was not separated into some specialized category. Religion was merged with science, art, culture, and magic. The world of that time was a spiritualized world. One may say that all things were spiritual.

While there can be no doubt that peoples from India, Iran, Scandinavia, Germany, Russia, and England had different names for their Gods — there was also a commonality — one that eventually, while overcome by the spread of the Abrahamic religions, embedded the old ways deep into the new practices.

Returning to my original thoughts — there are undoubtedly issues with the term Ásatrú. But there are also issues with “Norse Paganism,” “Odinism” and other terms. At its heart, Ásatrú means "trust in the Gods" —based on experience. There can be little doubt that our ancient ancestors held that trust. And that is why, while imperfect as it may be, I remain happy to use the word Ásatrú to describe what we do.

Honoring Nature

We have a very special relationship with Nature. We frequently make offerings to the Land Spirits. In fact, we often interact with the spirits of the land on a more frequent basis than the Gods themselves. We recognize that we too are a part of Nature –an equal part. We do not rule or have dominion over Nature but rather seek to co-exist with it.

In the origin story of our universe, the great primeval frost giant Ymir was formed from the melting drops of rime resulting from the collision of Niflheim and Muspell. In the first act of divine will to establish the cosmic order, the grandsons of Ymir, Odin and his brothers Ville and Vé slaughtered Ymir and shaped our world from his corpse. The sacrifice of Ymir was the first creative magical act. Snorri Sturluson tells us, 

“The earth was made of the flesh and the rocks of the bones, stone and scree they made out of the teeth and molars of the bones that been broken.” He continues, “out of the blood that came from his wounds and was flowing unconfined, out of this they made the sea with which they encompassed and contained the earth, and they placed this sea in a circle round the outside of it.”

The Grimnismal also reveals:

“Of Ymir’s flesh the earth was shaped of his blood, the briny sea, of his hair, the trees, the hills of his bones, out of his skull the sky.”

It is then of great significance that the first man and woman, Askr and Embla were not created out of nothing by God but rather manifested by Odin and his brothers. Askr and Embla had life as trees –-the very hair of Ymir. Odin, Ville, and Vé gave them spirit, breath, consciousness, movement, as well as the senses of speech, hearing, sight, etc. In this way, we are one with nature and trees of the forest –for it is into such trees that Odin breathed the spirit that makes us human.

Neither is Odin or the other Gods separate from the universe and nature, rather they too are a part of it. The great coming together of worlds at the timeless and spaceless void that was Ginnungagap resulted in life. It is through Odin, Ville, and Vé representing that great combination of Spirit, Will, and Sacredness, that the world and everything in it was manifested in a divine act –-not created.

The trees, stones, springs, and rivers are all formed from that great primal, ur-frost giant. We ancestors of Askr and Embla sense the spirits that inhabit these aspects of Nature. At full moons, and new moons, at our holiday celebrations, at our blóts in the woods, we leave various different sorts of offerings. These “local” spirits relate much easier to us than the Gods for they are very near.

As Ásatrúars we understand the importance of being good stewards of the land. We seek not only to conserve, but to honor the Nature that surrounds us. We don’t subdue or rule over the Earth but rather recognize our shared origin. Therefore, it is only right that we honor the Earth and all the spirits that live within.

Who is the Goddess Ostara?

Who is the Goddess Ostara who seems to have survived even the conversion to Christianity? She is often depicted in paintings and drawings wearing white. Many associate her with the Goddess Frigga for she is considered a goddess of the Earth – and of nature’s resurrection. In various parts of Germany there remain today stone altars known as “Easter-stones” said to have been dedicated to this goddess. People decorated such stones with flowers and even today dance around them by the light of great bonfires. While the symbolism is strong, our historical knowledge is weak – in fact quite limited.

One of the few references to Ostara comes from the eighth century work De Temporum Ratione (The Reckoning of Time) by the Northumbrian monk known as the Venerable Bede. Bede wrote:

“Eosturmonath has a name which is now translated “Paschal month,” and which was once called after a goddess of theirs named Eostre, in whose honor feasts were celebrated in that month. Now they designate that Paschal season by her name, calling the joys of the new rite by the time-honored name of the old observance.”

Following this brief passage by Bede, there is little written that recalls the goddess Ostara – until 1835 when Jacob Grimm wrote of her in his Deutsche Mythologie. Grimm was quite sure that the name of the holiday as celebrated in Germany, “Ostern” was derived from Bede’s Goddess Eostre. Grimm was the first to reconstruct the Goddess’s name as Ostara. It is worth also noting the etymological similarity of her name to the Greek Goddess Eos and the Roman Aurora who arise each morning in the east announcing the new dawn. While some Ásatrúars are reluctant to recognize Ostara as there are no references to her in the Scandinavian Eddas or Sagas, most choose to mark the coming of spring with a celebration that honors her.

It may be fitting indeed or the working of wyrd that this ancient Goddess was all but wiped out by the conversion to Christianity. Perhaps in the Church’s attempt to convert through appeasement of the English and German folk, Ostara’s name became immortalized as that of the highest of Christian holidays. That one slip up on the part of the Church provides us with enough of a fragment to recall her in the collective unconsciousness of our people.

As Pagans and Asatruars gather each spring to give witness to nature’s return, we should recall and honor Ostara for she represents, perhaps most of all, a return – a resurrection - of the old gods after a long and harsh winter.

What Are Our Rituals Like?

The first great ritual of Ásatrú is known as blót (blessing). Historically Heathen rituals were bloody affairs. Oftentimes an animal was sacrificed to the Gods or to a specific God in order to win favor for a good crop or perhaps victory in battle. At times other times, food was used as an offering; this would have been an offering of crops or even ale or mead. It is said that there were also human sacrifices; most prominently offered to Odin and that such offerings may have occurred at the temple at Uppsala in Sweden. Today, typically an offering of mead or food is made.

The second great ritual of Asatru is sumbel, a Germanic term for “feast” or “banquet.” It is called sumbl in Old Norse and symbel in Old English. Some have dismissively called it “ritualized drinking,” but it is in fact much more than that. Performed properly, Sumbel is a powerful and magical ritual filled with transformative impact.

When we sit down to sumbel, we reenact a spiritual ritual that our ancestors performed. Our words, spoken over the horn, reanimate those self-same ancestors and Gods. The past and the present merge in the swirling depths of the mead horn as it is passed and all are transformed by the combined might and main. When we participate in sumbel, we celebrate with our friends in the hall, but also with our ancestors and our Gods whose deeds have been recorded deep in Urd’s well.

How Do I Become an Ásatrúar?

Ásatrú isn’t just about rituals; it’s about who you are inside–-it’s about how you live your life. Members of our Fellowship live their lives by the virtues of: Courage, Discipline, Fidelity, Honor, Hospitality, Industriousness, Perseverance, Self-Reliance, and Truth. The outward forms, the myths and the names, can be learned, but if Ásatrú is right for you, it will click with your innermost self, and you’ll know you’re home at last.

But, being human, we also need closure of old ways, and starting a grand new endeavor is an occasion worth marking. Once you’re ready, you can go somewhere quiet, outdoors in nature if possible, and recite the following prayer:

Odin, God of wisdom and wanderers, I am coming home to you.

Frigg, Goddess of family and hearth, I am coming home to you.

Freyr, God of prosperity and plenty, I am coming home to you.

Freya, Goddess of love and war, I am coming home to you.

Thor, God of thunder and protector of mankind, I am coming home to you.

Land-spirits and house-spirits, bringers of luck and weal, know that you have a new friend, I will learn your ways and mind them, I am coming home to you.

Ancestors of old, who watch over me and mine, know that you are not forgotten, I have remembered you, and your Gods, I am coming home to you.

Hail the Gods and Goddesses!

Remember that this is just the first step. Once you have announced yourself to the Gods and your ancestors, reach out to us if you haven’t already. We’re here to help. We’ll help you learn, and we’ll welcome you into our Fellowship, our halls, and our homes.

And you’ll be home at last!

What is the Meaning of Our Flag?

The basic design of the flag of Skylands Ásatrú Fellowship was modeled after that of Scandinavian countries in general and Norway in particular. The first distinctive characteristic is the colors themselves. While the red, white, and blue theme is similar to that of the Norwegian flag, the exact colors specified in the Skylands flag are those of the United States of America. The precise tones of red, white, and blue exactly match those of the American flag—for we are after all an American Heathen kindred. We recognize both the significance and the challenges associated with being so.

Many Scandinavian flags feature Christian cross designs. It was clear however that this frequently-used design identified the modern-religious affiliation of many Scandinavian people, or at least that of the 19th Century when they were originally designed. Our flag features a symbol that predates the conversion to Christianity –the rune Elhaz. The esoteric definition of this rune emphasizes the relationship between man and the Gods. It signifies our constant striving toward the spiritual all the while being conscious of our roots and destiny.

At the heart of the blue Elhaz rune is a circular design that depicts the great Nordic hero Sigurd (also known as Siegfried in Germanic lore) engaged in his legendary battle with the dragon Fafnir. The tales of Sigurd are featured throughout our lore and especially in The Poetic Edda. Sigurd, with his great sword Gram ultimately slays the dwarf turned dragon, Fafnir. Sigurd’s mighty sword stabs directly up –symbolically North—into Fafnir on our flag. Fafnir, a symbol of greed and terror is designed in the image of an ouroboros –-a dragon eating its own tail –although our ouroboros has his ferocious fangs turned and directed toward the hero Sigurd. Here, the dragon Fafnir represents a cycle of challenge and struggle –-an eternal battle against the mythic hero –or those who gain inspiration from the old heroes, the old Gods, and the old ways.

The design therefore merges distinctly American colors with a Scandinavian design. It emphasizes our Ásatrú religion and our relationship with the Gods. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of history and the struggle and ultimate victory of heroes against figures of terror, chaos, and oppression. It is the ultimate symbolic representation of who we are.

A Brief Introduction to Ásatrú

What is Ásatrú? 

Ásatrú is the modern expression of the ancient indigenous religion of the peoples of Northern Europe. It is the worship of the gods of Asgard; Odin, Thor, Freya, and many more. It is also the worship of the spirits of the land, who dwell in springs, stones, trees, and rivers, as well as the honoring of our ancestors, who help make us who we are.

The Gods

We worship those gods who were worshiped by our ancestors prior to the conversion of the North to Christianity. Odin is the leader of the gods; he is the All-father and patron of kings, poets, and magicians. Thor is a famous enemy of the evil giants who want to destroy the Earth and return everything to the state of primal chaos. Freyr is a god of fertility and prosperity, while his sister Freya is known not only for her great beauty, but her ferocity as well. There are many other gods besides these; Heimdall, Balder, Frigg, Tyr, and others.

The Land-Spirits

Where the Gods are the beings that we honor on special occasions, the spirits of the land are the ones we interact with on a much more frequent basis. They inhabit trees and stones, springs and rivers. Since the land-spirits are much more “local”, they can relate to us much easier than the gods, as they are much closer to our level. Thus, for everyday problems we turn to them, establishing strong bonds of friendship with the spirits that dwell around us. A special type of such spirit is called the house-wight; sometimes called the Tomte or Nisse. These are spirits that dwell in our homes, and are also the focus of a special friendship, as they help the household run smoothly.

Our Ancestors

We also honor our ancestors, going back through the generations as far as we can go. We believe that a part of each of our ancestors lives on in us, and we honor them with shrines and prayers. Family is very important in Ásatrú, which is why we feel a special closeness to all of our relatives, both living and dead.

Ethics and Morality

Ásatrú provides a strong moral code. One’s personal and family honor is very important, as are the bonds of family in general. Oaths are literally sacred; one of the worst things an Ásatrúar can do is to break an oath. We value strength and independence, but loyalty to someone or something, once given, is sacred as well. It is a simple but effective code; family, honor, honesty, independence, and loyalty.

Holidays

Different Ásatrú groups will observe different holidays, sometimes based on traditional Scandinavian, German, or British holidays, sometimes including modern observances as well. Most groups will celebrate four major holidays, however. Yule celebrates the middle of winter, and is the origin of many modern Christmas customs such as the Yule log and wassailing. The coming of spring is observed on one or more of several holidays, as are Midsummer and the autumn harvest. Many of these holidays are observed in traditional fashion; bonfires on Midsummer, Yule trees, May Poles, and so forth.

The Afterlife

We believe that there are many different possible homes for us after we die. Not only does a part of our soul live on in our descendants, but it is also possible for one’s spirit to live on in the earth as it did in life. Those who are specially chosen by Odin will dwell with him in Valhalla, while the vast majority of people will reside in Hel (with only one “l”); a place of peace and rest. The especially wicked – murderers, adulterers, and oath-breakers – will be condemned to the Corpse Shore, where they are tormented by venomous serpents.

Is Ásatrú for Everyone?

Ásatrú is a native European spirituality. Those of us who practice tribal religions believe that people of every ethnicity and every race should have the exact same opportunity to practice the religion and spirituality of their pre-Christian and pre-Muslim ancestors.

Thus, there are indigenous African religions like Yoruba and Hausa animism, Asian religions like Shinto and Chinese folk religion, American Indian tribal religions, and so forth. We would like to see a world in which the freedom of all peoples, no matter their race or ethnicity, to practice their ancestral religion without interference or appropriation by outsiders, is recognized.

If you’re not of European ancestry, yet still feel a strong pull towards Ásatrú or the Gods of the North, we strongly encourage you to explore the faith of your own ancestors before trying ours. If you still believe Ásatrú is your chosen path, you’re welcome to join us at one of our upcoming events.

Come home to Ásatrú!

Ásatrú means “belief in the Gods.” It teaches honor, loyalty, family, wisdom, and bravery. More than a religion, Ásatrú offers a way of living that is deeply fulfilling – honoring the Gods, the Earth, and our ancestors.

New to Ásatrú?

 

Do you have a friend whom you trust well, 

from whom you crave good? 

Share your mind with him, 

exchange gifts with him, 

Visit with him often. (Hávamál, verse 44)

Whether you’re new to Ásatrú in general, or Skylands Ásatrú Fellowship in particular, we want to make your experience with us a positive one.

Ásatrú

Although it’s been around in its modern form for more than forty years, most people today don’t know much about Ásatrú. If that describes you, you might want to consider coming to one of our “Ásatrú 101” classes. They’re designed for beginners (or old-timers who would like to sharpen up on things), and are a perfect way to ask questions, learn the basics, and get to know the most important part of Ásatrú – the people who practice it. Short version – Ásatrú is the modern version of the ancient religion that was practiced by the northern and western Europeans before they were converted to Christianity. Ásatrúar honor many Gods and Goddesses, and value family, honor, and courage.

Slightly longer version – Ásatrú (pronounced ow-sah-troo) is the modern form of the ancient pre-Christian spirituality of Northern Europe. It was the faith of the Angles and the Saxons when they conquered England, and the faith of the Vikings as they explored the world.

Ásatrú emphasizes the bonds of family and tribe, personal honor, and courage. When you become an Ásatrúar, you are entering into a community where we take care of our own. Ásatrú honors the ancient Gods and Goddesses of the North; Odin, Thor, Freya, and many more. We also recognize that the land itself is alive, and honor our ancestors as those that have made us who we are today.

Ásatrú emphasizes the bonds between people. When you come home to the faith of your ancestors, you’ll be joining a tribe of like-minded people who’ll stick with you through thick and thin, and who expect the same of you. You’ll never find a better person to have at your side, or at your back, than a fellow Ásatrúar.

We have a series of short articles dealing with various topics, the basics of Ásatrú and also the sorts of things that modern people expect to get out of a religious experience (although the answers you find might not be the sort of thing you’re used to!). Bear in mind that Ásatrú isn’t much for dogma, and it’s hard to find something that applies universally to every Ásatrúar out there, but what we’ve collected generally applies to Ásatrú as we practice it in Skylands Ásatrú Fellowship.

Ancestry

We believe that ancestry is relevant to our faith. As such, we honor our ancestors, going back through the generations as far as we can go. We believe that a part of each of our ancestors lives on in us, and we honor them with shrines and prayers. Family is very important in Ásatrú, which is why we feel a special closeness to all of our relatives, both living and dead.

Loki

While we understand that some Ásatrúar are comfortable with Loki, as an enemy of the Aesir who leads the giants against them at the final battle where most of the Gods will be slain, we do not offer him praise or worship, nor any other enemy of the Gods, such as Fenrir, etc. and we ask that our guests and members honor that choice at our events.

Worship and other meetings

Unlike most Christian churches, we don’t have regular weekly services, with sermons and so forth. We do hold monthly offerings to the local land-spirits, and celebrate the major heathen holidays together, but most of the time we spend with one another isn’t focused on religion so much as it is on social and educational get-togethers.

We don’t yet have a permanent dedicated space, so we meet in various public facilities and private homes.

What should I wear?

While people are welcome to wear “ritual garb” for one of our major gatherings such as Yule or Midsummer, it’s not required. If not, you should wear casual, clean clothing (ripped or dirty clothing would be considered disrespectful). Casual clothing is appropriate for classes, meet-and-greets and the like, where no ritual activity is going on.

Are children welcome?

Children of all ages are welcome at our events, and are expected to participate in rituals with their parents. Just be aware that you are responsible for your children, and often our events take place at private homes. If your children are disruptive or destructive, you will be expected to control them and/or pay for any damage they might inadvertently cause.

Am I expected to make a donation?

Voluntary donations are always welcome, but only really expected if your host has provided snacks, a meal, soda, etc. (and even then, we completely understand that it may not always be possible). Except for major gatherings, those are not paid for out of membership dues, but are provided on a volunteer basis. If you want, you can also make a donation online.

What about “Pagan Standard Time”?

Except in extraordinary circumstances, events will begin when they are scheduled to begin, and we will not hold things up because you are running late. If you will be late, it is customary and polite to let someone know. If you are so late that you arrive in the middle of a ritual, you are asked to please remain outside until the ritual is over (unless you have made arrangements ahead of time). Coming into a ritual in the middle is not only rude, but it is disrespectful.

What about drugs?

Illegal drugs of any sort are strictly forbidden at all Skylands Ásatrú Fellowship activities. We also ask that people not arrive to our events under the influence of such substances. Anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave. Anyone violating this policy twice will be asked to never return.

What are the Skylands?

“The Skylands” refers to the five counties in northwest New Jersey: Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. Together, the Skylands is one of the most beautiful and “natural” regions of the Garden State, with mountains, forests, farmland, rivers, and lakes. Our Fellowship was founded in this region, but people from all over are welcome, as long as you can make it to events.