Greetings,

I am Asatru, which is commonly referred to as Heathenry.

The spiritual way of the North is known by many names and traditions. Asatru, Heathenry, Vor Si?ur, The Elder Troth, Northern Way, Forn Sed, Theodism, and many others.

Asatru (OWs-ah-true), means ?true to the ?sir.? True in the sense of family loyalty. This defining personal loyalty is commonly found amongst ?satr?ars as well as a deep respect for our Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage. Open to worthy folks regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation, Asatru celebrates our religious and cultural heritage, rather than promotes political, racial, or social agendas.

Although descended from the culture of the Norse, Germans, Anglo-Saxons, and others, Asatru today is no more ?European? than Hinduism is ?Indian,? Christianity is ?Jewish,? or Islam is ?Arabic.?

?satr?ars are polytheististic, considering themselves the spiritual kin of the gods of the North which consist of the tribe of the ?sir: Odin & Frigg, Thor & Sif, Tyr & Zisa, and others, and the Vanir: Freyja & Freyr, Njord & Nerthus, and others. Most also honor the spirits of the ancestors and of the land and home.

Asatru groups are known as Kindreds, Hearths, Garths, and by other names. Most ?satr?ar prefer to work in groups but many live too far away from others to do so while others choose to remain solitary. Traditionally, a community leader or clan chieftain acted as gothi/go?i (priest) or gythja/gy?ja (priestess) at public feasts. They hosted feasts and lead rituals. In the home, heads of the household led rituals, everyone was his or her own priest or priestess. Today, the gothi or gythja is dedicated to the study of our ancient lore and strives for inspiration from the gods of the North, yet everyone is still their own priest or priestess. The gothi or gythja is the host who provides the place for the Kindred to gather and makes sure the feast is in order and that there will be mead and ale. They are known not only by their leadership but also by their generosity and hospitality.

A modern convention popular with modern Heathens, is The Nine Noble Virtues as the standard they will be judged by Courage, Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Hospitality, Discipline, Industriousness, Self-reliance and Perseverance.

Now, most of this is words from other writers better then I, but they are my beliefs also.

if anyone is interested there is more posted on my personal web site http://www.kimhowg.com

Thanks for reading this,
Red


My name is Rev. Amy Long and I've been a minister with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since its inception. I've been a member of ULC for many years and my site has created a terrific ULC Forum. We are also members of the ULC Minister's Association and have the most extensive catalog of Universal Life Church materials.