Seek and ye shall find; Ask and it is given; Knock and it shall be opened unto you...

Call me crazy. Hi how ya doin'? Nice ta meet ya.
     But it seems to me, that Religious knowledge should be freely accessed. Maybe not all bits --Remember: the Kabbalah was only intended to be known about and studied by the VERY Learn'ed Rabbis, ONLY-- But the information that would (or SHOULOD) be known by the "lay-person" should be as readily available as oxygen... Sure Odin gave his right eye for knowledge, but then he distributed that knowledge among the AEsir, Vanir and Midgard (not indiscriminately, but freely).
     I am willing to wage a similar campaign. I am willing to take on the cost of gaining the information from the various sources, and then (putting said information into my own words so as to avoid plagiarism concerns) redistributing to the people. Of course there are plenty of people who already know, who are content with the way things are; with the status-quo. I AM NOT one of those people. I have long considered myself a self-proclaimed Medjai; a warrior of the Gods; a defender of all Faiths. I have always thought maybe I would simply be one who defends "your" right to believe what you will, so that I may enjoy the same luxury. Now, I see a different Wyrd lay itself before me. I still have the ability to chose my own path... but maybe. Just maybe, life has always been directing me towards this course...
     I am NOT necessarily concerned with starting my own church, leading a "Spiritual Revolution," or DRASTICALLY changing the world. However, I do apparently have a strong sense of duty, and feel like this is my charge. Maybe I am no more than a pesky fly, buzzing at the tail of a great bull. But then again, maybe I am the one little Ant who had "High, Apple Pie in the Sky hopes..." (Oops! There goes another rubber tree plant) [my thanks and apologies to Frank Sinatra].
     Of course The Glittermonster brought up a sound point the other day: A good missionary is not one who shoves the Gospel down others' throat, but rather LIVES in such a way as to be a shining example that others will want to follow...

~Keeper

Diversity without Unity...

So far in my search for better understanding of Asatru (the Belief in the "old" Gods--specifically the North Germanic/Nordic Gods) I have come across some major groups:

The Asatru Folk Assembly
The Asatru Alliance
The Troth

There are many other groups, but these three seem to be the "prominent ones" at this point in time. I find it interesting that while they are all promoting the same agenda, they continue to not be unified. All three groups discuss wanting to bring Asatru to a point in the world where it is recognized as a faith as legitimate as any other. I sit here as a couch potato quarterback, thinking that if these groups REALLY want to achieve that end, they should coordinate. Unify. Come together for one common goal.

I am not saying that Asatru should follow the path of The Church, but maybe to come together and put forth a unified  thought. So that new seekers, aren't quite so overwhelmed... Even while respecting the various "Denominations" (This kindred hails Odin, while another hails Thor, and still yet another Tyr, or even Freya, etc. so on and so forth...).

I don't know. Maybe I am cracked and look at things to... Optimistically? (Some days I think it goes beyond Optimism... beyond Even rose tinted glasses... To downright Naïveté...)

Bibliophiles Unite!

So today we went to the Library here in downtown Chattanooga. We got our Library cards. We then asked the librarian how many books we could check out on our first visit... (Most libraries we have been familiar with let you check 6 out on the first time, and then you have a limit of 10-20) We were told we could (each) check out a maximum of 100 books. So we asked, "Next time, right? Since this is our first visit, how many can we check out today?" To which he responded, "I told you, 100. And as long as there isn't a hold (someone else wanting the same book), you are free to renew each of those books up to 99 times...

TROUBLE!!!

So my wonderful wife and I went and RAIDED the library... While we could have left with 200 books... we kept it conservative and only ran away with 55 books...

As I continue to read through the books we got, I realize the majority of the books are better for someone wishing to reenact Viking life... Most of them only briefly mention the spiritual elements... So far I am still finding more pertinent information in the Poetic Edda. I still want to find a copy of the Prose Edda...

One day I will take Raven to Egypt. Also to Teotihuacan. And together we will go see the ruins of Cuzco, Machu Pichu and Ankorwatt...

Sorry... random ramblings... I'm thinking it may be nearing bedtime... It IS 10pm after all...

Holy Days...

For those of you who are tired of the Mainstream Holidays, want some more reasons to celebrate, OR are Genuinely interested in observing the High Holy Days of the Asatru/Nordic believers (reposted from The Asatru Alliance):


Runic Era Calender

Feast Days and Days of Observance
This Asatru Calendar has been prepared to aid members of the Asatru Faith properly schedule Feast Days and days of mandatory ritual observance. Some Feast Days may be observed on the nearest Saturday to the actual observance. However, the High Feast days of Ostara, Midyear, Winter Finding, and Yule must be observed on the listed dates because of their solar significance. NOTE: This is year 2012 CE

Snowmoon / January
Snowmoon 3,
Charming of the Plow: This is the date of an agricultural ritual performed in Northern Europe from ancient times. Grains and cakes were offered for the soil’s fertility, and the Sky Father and Earth Mother were invoked to that end. Meditate upon your dependence on the soil, and crumble upon the earth a piece of bread as you call upon Odin, Frigga and the Land Spirits to heal the Earth and keep it from harm.

Snowmoon 9,
Day of Remembrance for Raud the Strong: Raud was a landowner in Norway who was put to death by (St.) Olaf Tryggvason for his loyalty to Asatru by having a snake forced down his throat. Rauds lands were then confiscated in the name of the king and his monks. Raise a horn in honor of Raud and all of his kinsmen who gave their lives, rather then submit to the enforced love of the kristjan empire.

Snowmoon 14,
Thorrablot: This holiday began the Old Norse month of Snorri. It is still observed in Iceland with parties and a mid-winter feast. It is of course sacred to Thorr and the ancient Icelandic Winter Spirit of Thorri. On this day we should perform blot to Thorr and invite the mighty Asaman to the feast.

Horning / February
Horning 2,
Barri: This is the day we celebrate the wooing by Ingvi Freyr of the maiden Gerd, a symbolic marriage of the Vanir God of Fertility with the Mother Earth. It is a festival of fertility, the planted seed and the plowed furrow. For those of you who garden, this is the time to plant seeds indoors, to later be transplanted in the summer garden.

Horning 9,
Day of Remembrance for Eyvind Kinnrifi: Olaf tortured him to death by placing a bowl of red-hot embers on his stomach until his body burst open. Eyvind’s crime was a steadfast loyalty to the Old Gods. A good day to reflect on kristjan kindness.

Horning 14,
Feast of Vali: This feast originally celebrated the death of Hothr at the hands of Vali. This late winter festival relates to the triumphant return of the light of the sun over the dark days of winter. Today it is traditional celebration of the family. A time for the customary exchange of cards and gifts with loved ones. It is also a time for the renewal of marriage vows and an occasion for marriages.

Lenting / March
Lenting 9,
Day of Remembrance for Oliver the Martyr: He was an adherent of Asatru who persisted in organizing underground sacrifices to the Gods and Goddesses despite decrees by St Olaf the Lawbreaker forbidding such activities. Betrayed by an informer, he was killed by Olaf’s men while preparing for the Spring sacrifice in the village of Maerin Norway. Many other men whose names are lost to us were also killed, mutilated, or exiled for taking part in such sacrifices.

Lenting 20,
High Feast of Ostara: This is the Spring Equinox. The end of Winter and the beginning of the season of rebirth. Today we honor Frigga, Freya and Nerthus with blot and feast. Pour a libation of mead onto the Earth; celebrate the rebirth of nature, Asatru, and the new hopes of our Folk.

Lenting 28,
Ragnar Lodbrok Day: Ragnar was one of the legends most famous Vikings. On this day in Runic Year 1145 he raided Paris. It just happened to be Easter Sunday. Today toast Ragnar and read from his Saga.

Ostara / April
Ostara 9,
Day of Remembrance for Jarl Hakon of Norway: As ruler of the western part of the realm, Hakon restored the worship of the Old Gods and cast out the alien religion. In the process, the common folk regained political liberties which were erased under the kristjan yoke, and the flame of our Troth burned brighter in an era of gathering gloom. It may be that Hakon’s defense of our ancestral ways helped encourage the survival of our traditions in Iceland, where they eventually became the seeds of modern day Asatru. On this day reflect on how the actions of the individual can impact world events and the future of Odinn’s Nation.

Ostara 15,
Sigrblot/Sumarsdag: Today we celebrate the first day of Summer in the Old Icelandic calendar. In Iceland it had strong agricultural overtones, but elsewhere in the Nordic world, it was a time to sacrifice to Odinn for victory in the summer voyages and battles.

Ostara 22,
Yggdrasil Day: On this day we realize the great significance that the World Tree plays in our culture, heritage, and native spirituality. It is from the World Tree that we came, and it shelters and nurtures the Asatru today, and will offer refuge to the Folk come Ragnarok. Trees are the lungs as well as the soul of Midgard. Plant a tree today, nurture it, and protect it. In this act the Folk must abide.

Ostara 30,
Walburg: this is better known as Walpurgisnacht or May Eve. Walberg is a goddess of our folk combining some of the traits of Her better-known peers. Reflect on this day on Freya, Hel, and Frigga as the repository of the glorious dead, and you will have an idea of Wulburg’s nature. On this day pour a horn of mead upon the earth in memory of our heroes.

Merrymoon / May
Merrymoon 1,
May Day: The first of May is a time of great celebration all across Europe, as the fields get greener and the flowers decorate the landscape with colorful confusion. Freya turns her kindly face to us after the night of Walburg. Celebrate the birth of Spring and the gifts of Freya on this day.

Merrymoon 9,
Day of Remembrance for Guthroth: One of the upland minor kings. Guthroth had to the audacity to make a speech opposing the policies of Olaf Tryggvason, who at the time was busy killing people who did not want to become kristjans. For exercising his Gods given rights to worship his tribal Gods, Guthroth was captured and his tongue was cut out. Use your tongue for the Gods today! Sing their praises and recite some heroic poetry, tell someone of the Gods glory, and call a kinsman to keep in touch.

Merrymoon 20,
Frigga Blot: Today we rejoice in the warmth and splendor of Spring. A traditional time for a Kindred campout, perform blot to honor the AllMother and thank Her for the health and vitality of the Family, Kindred and Tribe.

Midyear / June
Midyear 8,
Lindisfarne Day: On this day in the year 1043 Runic Era (793 CE) three Viking ships raided the Isle of Lindisfarne, officially opening what is the Viking Age. Toast these brave warriors who began the noble resistance of the alien invasion of the Northlands and sought rightful revenge for the slaughter of the Saxons by Charlamange.

Midyear 9,
Day of Remembrance for Sigurd the Volsung: He is the model Germanic hero. His wooing of the Valkyrie Brynhild, the winning of the treasure of the Nibelungs, and the constant theme of Odinic initiation that weaves itself throughout his story are priceless parts of our Asatru heritage, that provide endless material for contemplation and inspiration for action.

Midyear 19,
Asatru Alliance Founding Day: On this date 2238 R.E. seven Kindreds of the former Asatru Free Assembly joined together by ratifying a set of By Laws to preserve and continue to promote the cause of the AFA and Asatru in Vinland. On this day reflect on just what YOU can do to preserve our Folk Ways.

Midyear 21,
Midsummer: This is the longest day and the shortest night of the year: Now Sunna begins its ling decline, sliding into the darkness which will culminate six months from now at Yule. Identifying the sun with the brightness of Baldur, we celebrate in honor of both. Hold blot to Baldur and High Feast. This was the traditional time for holding the AlThing in ancient times.

Haymoon / July
Haymoon 4,
Founder’s Day: On this day we honor the unselfish personal sacrifice and unswerving dedication to our Folk exemplified by the founders of modern era Asatru, H. Rud Mills of Australia, Sveinbjorn Beinteinsson and Thorsteinn Guthjonson of Iceland. On this day reflect on just what YOU can do to promote the growth of our ancestral religion and protect our sacred heritage and traditions.

Haymoon 9,
Day of Remembrance for Unn the Deep Minded: Unn was a powerful figure from the Laxdaela Saga who emigrated to Scotland to avoid the hostility of King Harald Finehair. She established dynasties in the Orkney and Faroe Islands by carefully marrying off her grand daughters. As a settler in Iceland she continued to exhibit all those traits which were her hallmark-strong will, a determination to control, dignity, and a noble character. In the last days of her life, she established a mighty line choosing one of her grandsons as her heir. She died during his wedding celebration, presumable accomplishing her goals and worked out her orlog here in Midgard. She received a typical Nordic ship burial, surrounded by her treasure and her reputation for great deeds.

Haymoon 29,
Stikklestad Day: Olaf the Lawbreaker (“St. Olaf”) was killed at the battle of Stikklestad on this date in the year 1280 R.E. Olaf acquired a reputation for killing, maiming, and exiling his fellow Norwegians who would not convert to Christianity, and for carrying an army with him in violation of the law to help him accomplish his oppression. Today honor the Asatru martyrs who died rather then submit to gray slavery. Also honor the warriors who brought justice to the Lawbreaker.

Harvest / August
Harvest 9,
Day of Remembrance for Radbod: On this date we honor Radbod a king of Frisia what was an early target kristjan missionaries. Just before his baptism ceremony, he asked the clergy what fate his befallen ancestors who died loyal to Asatru. The missionaries replied that Radbod’s Heathen ancestors were burning in Hell-to which the king replied: “Then I will rather live there with my ancestors than go to heaven with a parcel of beggars.” The baptism was cancelled, the aliens expelled, and Frisia remained free. Drink a horn this day in memory of Radbod.

Harvest 19,
Freyfaxi: Freyfaxi marked the time of the harvest in ancient Iceland. Today the Asatru observe this date as a celebration of their harvest with blot to Freyr and a grand Feast from the gardens and the fields.

Shedding / September
Shedding 9,
Day of Remembrance for Herman of the Cherusci: Few mortals have privileged to serve our Folk as did Herman, a leader of the tribe called the Cherusci. We he defeated Varus’ three Roman Legions in 9 C.E. he blocked our amalgamation into the Mediterranean morass. Herman was very aware of his duties not only as a member of his tribe but also as an Asaman - indeed the two were probably inseparable with him. Shedding is the ideal time to give him praise, because the crucial battle for which he is remembered was fought during this month.

Shedding 23,
Winter Finding: The Fall Equinox; Summer and Winter balance for a moment and the cold, old man wins - for now. Brace yourself for longer nights and the onset, eventually, of the cold and darkness of Winter. Do blot to Odin for inspiration to get through your personal lean times, whenever they may strike. This is the traditional time for Fall Fest and the Second Harvest Feast.

Hunting / October
Hunting 8,
Day of Remembrance for Erik the Red: Praise the stalwart founder of Greenland, and father of Leif, the founder of Vinland. Erik remained loyal to Thor even when his wife left the Gods and refused to sleep with her Heathen husband. Pause in memory of Erik today; drink a toast to his honor. No doubt he gets enough warmth in Har’s Hall to make up for his wife’s coldness.

Hunting 9,
Day of Remembrance for Leif Erikson: this is a day that even the U.S. Government admits who should dedicate to the man who beat Columbus to the shores of Vinland by over 500 years. Don’t let it slide quietly - write your local newspapers and share the word of the Norse colonies with neighbors and friends.

Hunting 14,
Winter Nights/Vetrablot: In the Old Icelandic Calendar, winter begins on the Satyrday between Hunting 11th and 17th. Winter Nights celebrates the bounty of the harvest and honors Freya and the fertility and protective spirits called Disir, that She leads (often the Disir are seen as our female ancestors). Give glory to Freya and pour a libation of ale, milk, or mead into the soil an offering to the Disir and the Earth itself.

Fogmoon / November
Fogmoon 9,
Day of Remembrance for Queen Sigrith of Sweden: When Olaf the Lawbreaker had been king of Norway for three years, he asked Queen Sigrith of Sweden to marry him. She agreed, but when he insisted that she give up her ancestral Gods Sigrith replied, “I do not mean to abandon the faith I have led, and my kinsmen before me. Nor shall I object to your belief in the god you prefer.” As usual Heathen tolerance was met with kristjan imprecations and a blow to the face. The wedding was off - depriving Olaf of political power that could have sped the christianization of Scandinavia. As it were, history tells us that the Heathens held on for over 300 more years in the Northlands. Hail Sigrith, defender of Asatru, and women of stubborn virtue!

Fogmoon 11,
Feast of the Einherjar: The chosen heroes who sit in Odin’s Hall are the Einherjar. Today we honor those dead kin who gave their lives for Family and Folk. If you have friends or family who died in battle, visit their graves today, if that is not possible, drink a libation in their memory.

Fogmoon 23,
Feast of Ullr: The Feast of Ullr is to celebrate the Hunt and to gain personal luck needed for success. Weapons are dedicated on this day to Ullr, God of the Bow. If your hunting arms were blessed by the luck of the God of the Hunt, your family and tribe shared the bounty with a Blot and Feast to Ullr.

Yule / December
Yule 9,
Day of Remembrance for Egil Skallagrimsson: Odin was his God, and the blood of berserks and shape-shifters ran in his family. His lust for gold and for fames was insatiable. Yet the same man was passionately moved by the love of his friends and generously opened handed to those who found his favor. The same brain that seethed with war-fury also composed skaldic poetry capable of calming angry kings. Can it be by accident that Egil worshipped Odin, the great solver of paradoxes and riddles? Indeed all Asafolk - but especially those who follow the one-eyed God of battle and magic - can learn much from the life of this amazing man.

Yule 21,
Mother Night: As the night before the Winter Solstice, this is the time when the New Year is born. We honor the beginning of Sunnas return and the breaking of Winter’s spell. This is a time to honor Thor and Freyr, celebrate by Blot, Sumbel, and High Feast. Burn a Yule Log and jump the flames for luck and purification.

Yule 22,
High Feast of Yule - Beginning of Runic Year - Sacred to Thorr and Freyr

Yule 31,
Twelfth Night: This culminates the traditional twelve days of Yule. Each day of which is a month of the preceding year in miniature. Reflect on the past year. Take stock and lay a course for the future. Make New Years resolutions in the old way by swearing your oath on Freyr’s boar or on your Hammer.

This Runic Era Calendar is made available to the Asatru Community by The Asatru Alliance of Independent Kindreds Post Office Box 961, Payson, AZ 85547 USA / Vinland
Copyright © Asatru Alliance, 2012. Designed by Longship Studio.

Asatru

I have long considered myself a "Religious Studies Student." I have studied MANY different Religions (some more in depth than others...). I have studied Christianity, Islam, Judaism, as well as Egyptian, Nordic, Native American and Indian Myths. I have read about VooDoo, and the Loa. I have dived into the waters of Zen and Buddhism. I have even looked into the beliefs of the Neo-Pagan.

I have attended church, under VARIOUS denominations. I have been to Baptist worship, as well as Episcopalian Easter service. I have attended Anglican service, and even a number of Catholic Masses.

In everything I have approached faith from the stance of a knowledge seeker; one searching for "Truth." I have while at "Church" not felt anything of any noteworthiness  Though at Mass, I could tangibly feel the presence of the Divine. I could feel it wash over me, crash over me, like a tidal wave. It was a happy, and joyful experience, but it didn't fill me, like I know the divine fills others. It was as though it was happy to see me, and welcomed me into it's home, but knew that I was not one of it's people, and therefore acted as a gracious host, but not a family member.

When Raven's Mom had to put her "Methusa-Pug" in the earth (after having lived an AMAZINGLY LONG life), I was the one who had the honor of interring the family member. As I was digging the hole, I was very much aware of the presence of Anubis (and slightly further off, Bast). I had a long "conversation" with the Egyptian God of the underworld, much as you would talk to an old friend. We discussed the nature of death, and afterwards, I came away with a different perspective on Death and Dying. But I did not feel like I was being brought under the wing of the Egyptian Gods. Again, it was more like welcoming an old friend, having a talk over a pint at the local pub. We would afterwards go our separate ways, to our own homes.

I have (for the Day of the Dead, and other "sacred times") dressed as Baron Samedi (also Known as Papa Gede). Which, according to VooDoo practitioners, is a sure fire way of inviting the Baron to "Skin Ride"... Maybe he did, maybe he spent time near me, maybe he Knew (like Anubis, and the Christian God) that I was not a believer, but merely a respectful student, a visitor...

Long before I began my "journey" to find spirituality, I envisioned the "Grand Architect" as being a Great Warrior (though not necessarily a warmonger--Like Aries). I had always held a belief that there would be more than one god, though there would be one who sat as the Supreme, All-Father; that there would be a Consort for the All-Father, for there must always be balance of Male and female energies. I have likewise ALWAYS believed that no matter what path I ultimately found myself walking, there are as many paths as there are individuals journeying. While one path may be right for me, that does not mean that it is the ONLY way... In more recent times, given my experiences with various Divine energies, I can say with even more certainty they all exist, they all are valid for different peoples.

What follows next does NOT exist in my brain in any given sequence of time... Kind of like the Chicken or the Egg question, I'm not sure which even happened first (though I think the event in the restaurant came second...)

On March 3rd of 2013, History channel aired the season/series premier of Vikings. I'm not sure what day it aired the episode (I could go research it on IMDB.com, but I'm lazy); The aired on episode that talked about the beliefs of Viking afterlife. (I THINK it was that night, or the next) We took the Glittermonster out for Mexican at Los Potros. Somehow, the conversation turned to dietary restrictions placed upon Jews, why Christians did not follow the Kosher diet (that arguably they SHOULD by ALL religious law). In the process of this discussion, the conversation turned to the diet of the Vikings, and the fact that not only did the Gods approve of the eating of pig/pork, but when the Fallen Brave reached Valhalla  they would be REWARDED with a wild boar Feast EVERY day until Ragnarok... I spoke that night with the vehemence of a true believer, using phrases like "Odin wants US to be happy, and encourages US to eat these foods, to drink mead..."

After that night, I began a more in-depth study of the Nordic Myths. I had previously read some of the Myths. But not many, certainly no more than a simple perusal. A cursory glance as it were. However, I began to look deeper. The more I look, the more I find, causing me to want to look deeper (The first time a mythology/religion has stirred this feeling in me...)

As I studied another first happened: During one of my readings, I was able to take the "lesson" taught within the story, and apply it as a "How to Live"... Throughout my studies, through Greek myth, Abrahamic faiths, and other faiths, I have NEVER seen the stories as more than a cultural tale. SOMETIMES I have been able to interpolate how the stories would guide their followers in how to live, but never before had they had any sens of applying to my life. HOWEVER, after reading the tale of how Odin lost his eye, and how Tyr lost his hand/arm, I came to the IMMEDIATE conclusion as to the "moral of the story" and it felt VERY much applicable to my life...

I have since acquired a Mjolnr pendant, which has brought me a sense of inner peace that I have not felt with any other religious jewelry that I have worn previously...

My quandary then arises here: Am I truly finding the path that makes sense to me? Or has my imagination (like it has done with MANY other movies and shows) once again taken me for a joy-ride? The more I read and study, the more I DO NOT feel this is just my imagination, but rather TRULY a spiritual epiphany...

Later (after the "how to Live" realization), I had a discussion with one of my Christian Co-workers to which I was open minded to hear her beliefs (as I always have been), but for once, I felt a conviction burning in me that gave me a strength I had not known before...

I want nothing more than to share my discovery... but at this point I am still discovering and so do not know that I have anything yet to share...

I dunno... stay tuned for more info...

~Keeper