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Asatru, Odinist, heathen - how do you define them?

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    Asatru, Odinist, heathen - how do you define them?

    Hello. I am interested in Norse mythology and work with a few Norse deities; I also read Elder Futhark runes. However, I'm an eclectic neo-pagan and have never worked with any groups that are specifically Norse-based. I think I understand what the term "asatru" refers to in terms of spiritual practice, but what is its meaning in terms of social groups? And what about "Odinist" or "heathen"? Are they mutually exclusive? If not, where do they overlap? Are there any of these terms that are rude to use without being part of a particular path or group? I'm mostly interested in the sociological classifications and relationships, but anything else you want to add is good too. Although I want to stay eclectic, the Norse elements of my practice are very important to me. Does anyone know of a directory or listing that might point to Norse-based groups in my area? I'd love to attend a sumble or other [Asatru? Heathen? Odinist?] event.
    OO

    Book of Spirals is my author site.
    The Sentient Hillside is my blog.
    Spiral Tree is an ezine for pagans I co-founded.

    #2
    Re: Asatru, Odinist, heathen - how do you define them?

    This question is a little loaded, because there's still some internal debate as to where all the lines are drawn and what sort of overlap exists.

    I personally think one of the first things to understand is the difference between reconstructionst traditions and those that aren't reconstructionist, because that is fundamental to the practices and values of a group. It is also probably the one thing that will most define whether a person fits into any of the individual groups or not, and whether the use of the name is appropriate or appropriation. Reconstructionists aim to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of our Northern ancestors as faithfully as possible, though there is some variation as to how strict some groups are and what acceptable sources to base one's practices on are. Non reconstructionists create a modern path that may have foundations in the practices of our ancestors, but which is not limited to them (or even to typically Northern practices).

    In general, 'Heathenry' is an umbrella term for the reconstructionist groups who work with the deities of the North (Germanic, Frankish, Norse, Scandinavian, Danish, Anglo Saxon etc). Some Heathens wont agree with me here, because this is still a controversial point and there is some disagreement within the community at large. Personally I support 'Heathen' = reconstructionist and 'Northern Tradition' = not reconstructionist.

    As a Northern Traditioner, I'm not an active part of any specifically reconstructionist community, so I can't really speak for them in any reliable sense or give exact details about the nuances of each of the individual groups. I wouldn't do them justice if I tried to define Asatru vs Forn Sidhr vs Odinism vs any other group. I just know that there are more than most people realise and that they have some differences based on area of origin and area of focus. Some of them are culturally specific to the country in which they are based (Swedish vs Danish for example).

    Personally I do feel that it is rude and disrespectful to use the name of a group if you are not a part of that group wholly. I'm a bit of a purist in that sense. I don't feel that way to offend anyone, just that I don't like to appropriate labels that aren't mine. That's why I don't personally use the term 'Heathen'.

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      #3
      Re: Asatru, Odinist, heathen - how do you define them?

      As a generalization the followers of asatru are the publicly acceptable pagans of the Nordic traditions. The followers of Odinism and even more so in wotanism tend to be but not always white national socialist racists aka neo-Nazis it is popular among racist prison gangs. It is a blight upon the Nordic tradition that it has been to a certain extent mixed together with Nazi ideology, though there are groups working hard to reform the religion. On the other hand you will find much deeper theology from the odinist sects. I assume you are familiar with the nine noble virtues, in Odinism there is the additional the Aesirian code of nine, the fourteen codes of Aryan ethics and the rede of honor for Odinism. who the holy nation of Odin has writen some very deep theology of a mystical nature and avoids white supremacist ideas for the most part. also the book temple of Wotan: holy book of the Aryan tribes has some good info if you can ignore the politics.

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        #4
        Re: Asatru, Odinist, heathen - how do you define them?

        Rae'ya, thanks for the insightful comments. I do avoid using in-group terms (at least, whenever I'm aware that I'm doing so) since I'm an eclectic. But I always intend the utmost respect.


        nihilist666, although I'm aware of a few historical connections, I don't think of the Norse part of my practice as being related to racism at all. I feel the Nazis twisted the ancient ways, just as they twisted the true goals of socialism and a lot of other things. I was delighted to hear, about a month ago, of a black couple joining in a sumble. It made me feel that the misconceptions of the Nazis are starting to fade.


        I am aware of the system of nine virtues, but I don't follow them in particular (although there is a decent amount of overlap between my own code of ethics and this system).
        OO

        Book of Spirals is my author site.
        The Sentient Hillside is my blog.
        Spiral Tree is an ezine for pagans I co-founded.

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