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