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June 19, 2025  

Why Strict Reconstructionist Norse Paganism Is Roleplay—Not a Living Spiritual Practice for Most

In the world of Norse Paganism, there’s a growing tension between two very different approaches: strict reconstructionism and modern spiritual adoption. At first glance, both claim to honor the gods and revive ancient ways—but scratch the surface, and their core intentions begin to sharply diverge.

Strict reconstructionists attempt to practice Norse Paganism as close as possible to how it was performed over a thousand years ago. Their goals are often academic and historical in nature—following archaeological records, scholarly interpretations, and surviving lore as strictly as possible. From the type of mead poured in ritual to the precise reconstruction of Iron Age clothing or burial rites, the focus is often on reenacting history with accuracy. In truth, this approach has more in common with living history roleplay than with a living, breathing, evolving spiritual path.

And that’s not inherently a bad thing. Some people do connect deeply with the spiritual dimension through historical reenactment. For them, reconstructing ancient rituals and customs may feel reverent and grounding. But it’s important to acknowledge that this is not the only, nor the most accessible, way to walk a spiritual path rooted in the Norse tradition.

Reconstructionism as Spiritual Roleplay

Let’s be clear—roleplay is not an insult. It is a legitimate form of expression. Historical reenactors often feel transformed when donning the clothes and manners of a bygone time. But that transformation is often theatrical and symbolic, not existential. The strictest forms of Norse Pagan reconstructionism fall into this category. They aren’t really meant to function as a religious practice that addresses modern human needs—emotional healing, personal growth, mystical connection, or guidance through trauma, anxiety, or love. They’re meant to recreate the past as closely as possible. In this, they function more like immersive theater or participatory anthropology.

To the average person seeking spiritual depth, comfort, insight, or healing, this “museum exhibit” approach offers little. It risks becoming a cage of historical fetishism, where one’s personal gnosis is dismissed because it didn’t come from a 13th-century Icelandic manuscript. This strict gatekeeping often stifles the organic, transformative nature of religion, which has always adapted to new cultural contexts throughout history.

The Need for a Living Spiritual Practice

Living spirituality is not frozen in time. It grows with the people who walk it. Modern Norse Paganism must be allowed to breathe—to evolve in the hearts of those who embrace it, integrating the ancient with the modern, the mythic with the mystical, and the historic with the intuitive. After all, the gods themselves are not dead cultural relics. They are living autonomous spiritual beings, beings of great power, meaning, and presence that people can still feel, dream of, and be transformed by today.

The modern world brings different needs than the Viking Age. We wrestle with urban alienation, ecological collapse, neurodivergence, spiritual longing in an age of disconnection, and a search for meaning beyond corporate modernity. We don’t need a historically perfect blot in a longhouse to find sacredness—we need connection, authenticity, and soul-level truth.

A living Norse Pagan practice honors the spirit of the old ways without being enslaved to their letter. It welcomes offerings from today’s world: meditation, trancework, modern rituals, cross-cultural influences, even VR temple spaces or AI rune readings—if they bring the seeker closer to the divine. It dares to believe that Odin, Freyja, and the spirits of the land are not frozen in the Viking Age, but walk beside us now, adapting with us.

There’s Room for Both—But Let’s Be Honest About What They Are

There is nothing wrong with practicing Norse Paganism as living-history roleplay. It can be fun, educational, and even meaningful. But it should not be confused with a universal path to spiritual transformation. Most people today are not looking for perfect historical reenactment—they are looking for purpose, power, belonging, and divine connection. That calls for something alive, not just accurate.

In the end, both paths—strict reconstruction and adaptive spirituality—have their place. But for the majority of spiritual seekers, the gods do not demand authenticity to the 10th century. They ask for sincerity of the heart, integrity of intent, and the courage to meet them here and now, in the sacred space of this age.

March 16, 2023  

ADHD and the Viking Warrior Brain

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 6.1 million people in the United States. ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. People with ADHD often find it difficult to stay focused, organize tasks, manage time, and prioritize activities. While ADHD is often associated with negative traits and difficulties, recent research has suggested that ADHD may be linked to the Viking warrior kind of brain.

The Viking warrior kind of brain refers to the idea that certain traits associated with ADHD were necessary for survival in ancient times. This idea suggests that individuals with ADHD may have a unique set of skills and strengths that were essential for hunting, gathering, and surviving in harsh environments. These traits include impulsivity, creativity, risk-taking, and a heightened sense of awareness.

One of the main characteristics of ADHD is impulsivity. While impulsivity can be detrimental in certain situations, it can also be beneficial in others. For example, in ancient times, a quick decision could mean the difference between life and death. Individuals with ADHD may have been able to react quickly to dangerous situations, allowing them to survive in harsh environments. Similarly, ADHD individuals may have been more creative and able to think outside the box when it came to problem-solving. This kind of creativity could have been crucial in coming up with new strategies for survival.

Another trait associated with ADHD is risk-taking. While risk-taking can also have negative consequences, it can be advantageous in certain circumstances. For example, hunting and gathering in ancient times required taking risks in order to obtain food and resources. Individuals with ADHD may have been more willing to take these risks, allowing them to succeed in their hunting and gathering efforts.

Finally, individuals with ADHD may have a heightened sense of awareness. This heightened sense of awareness could have been crucial in detecting danger and avoiding threats in ancient times. Individuals with ADHD may have been more attuned to their surroundings and more able to detect subtle changes in their environment. This heightened awareness may have allowed them to anticipate danger and avoid potential threats.

In conclusion, while ADHD is often associated with negative traits and difficulties, recent research has suggested that ADHD may be linked to the Viking warrior kind of brain. This theory suggests that certain traits associated with ADHD, such as impulsivity, creativity, risk-taking, and heightened awareness, were necessary for survival in ancient times. While it is important to address the challenges associated with ADHD, it is also important to recognize the strengths and unique set of skills that individuals with ADHD may possess. By doing so, we can better understand and appreciate the diversity of human cognition and behavior.

December 23, 2022  

Embracing Cultural Diversity in Spiritual Practice: The Importance of Cultural Appreciation and Learning the Context of Barrowed Ideas

It is important to recognize that everyone has the right to practice their religion or spirituality in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. It is not appropriate for anyone to try to limit the religious practices of others or to impose their own beliefs and practices on others. The idea of “closed practices” or “cultural appropriation” can be problematic because it suggests that some people are not entitled to practice certain religions or traditions based on their background or identity. This can be harmful and exclusionary, and it is important to recognize that spirituality is a deeply personal and individual experience. It is also important to be mindful of the impact your actions may have on others and to be respectful of the beliefs and practices of others. However, it is not necessary to seek permission to practice your own religion or spirituality, and it is important to follow your own path and listen to your own spiritual calling.

It is important to respect the beliefs and practices of others, especially when it comes to matters of religion and spirituality. However, it is not appropriate to impose one’s own beliefs and practices on others or to try to limit their religious practices. It is also important to recognize that spirituality is a deeply personal and individual experience, and that everyone has the right to practice their religion or spirituality in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. It is important to be mindful of the cultural significance of certain practices and to be respectful of the traditions of others. It is also important to be mindful of the history and origins of certain practices and to be respectful of the cultural context in which they are used. It is not appropriate to misrepresent or mock the practices of others or to claim credentials or relationships that you do not actually possess. It is also not appropriate to attempt to limit the religious practices of others or to speak on behalf of a deity or spiritual tradition without the appropriate authority or knowledge. Ultimately, the most important thing is to be sincere and respectful in your own spiritual practices and to be open to learning and growing from others who may have different beliefs and practices.

One of the main ways humans learn is by observing what other people are doing and then incorporating that knowledge into our own experience and belief system. This process is natural and necessary for human development and growth. For example, children learn language by observing their parents and other people around them speaking and then mimicking those sounds and words. They also learn social norms and values by observing the behaviors and actions of the people around them. In this way, humans are constantly learning and adapting based on the observations they make of others.

This process of learning through observation is not limited to childhood, but continues throughout our lives. We learn new skills and acquire new knowledge by watching and learning from others. For example, when we want to learn a new hobby or skill, we may seek out someone who is experienced in that area and observe how they do it, asking questions and getting feedback along the way. This process of learning through observation and imitation is a natural and necessary part of human development and helps us to grow and evolve as individuals, and as a species.

This process of observing what other people are doing and then incorporating that knowledge into our own experience and belief system, is known as cultural transmission, is a natural and necessary part of human development and has played a significant role in the evolution of human societies. It is through cultural transmission that we learn important skills, behaviors, and beliefs that are necessary for our survival and well-being.

This process of cultural transmission is also tied into borrowing ideas from other cultures, including spiritual and religious ideas. Humans have always been curious and open to learning from others, and this has led to the exchange of ideas and knowledge between different cultures and societies. For example, the ancient Egyptians learned about the gods and goddesses of the Nubians and incorporated them into their own pantheon, and Hinduism has absorbed the beliefs and practices of Buddhism and Jainism. In this way, cultural transmission has played a significant role in the development and evolution of spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.

This process of cultural transmission is an ongoing one, and it continues to shape the way we think and behave today. Whether it is through observing and learning from the traditions and practices of others or by borrowing ideas and incorporating them into our own belief systems, cultural transmission is an important part of human experience and helps us to better understand and appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions that make up our world.

Cultural transmission is the process by which cultural ideas, behaviors, and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. It is an important aspect of cultural appreciation because it allows for the continuation and evolution of cultural traditions, as well as the exchange of ideas and knowledge between different cultures. For example, when a person learns about a new tradition or belief system, they may choose to incorporate some of those ideas into their own belief system, creating a new, hybrid belief system that incorporates elements from multiple cultures. This process of cultural transmission and exchange allows for the growth and evolution of different cultures and traditions, and it is an important aspect of cultural appreciation. By being open to learning and adapting to new ideas and traditions, we can better understand and appreciate the diversity of human cultures and experiences.

We should be focused on cultural appreciation, when we borrow ideas from other cultures. One way to understand cultural appreciation is through the concept of syncretism. Syncretism refers to the merging of different beliefs and practices, often resulting in the creation of a new belief system. This process has been a part of human history for centuries, and it has played a major role in the development of many modern religions.

Cultural appreciation and syncratic belief systems are important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they allow for the growth and evolution of religious and spiritual practices, as well as the exchange of ideas and knowledge between different cultures and traditions. This can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures and traditions, as well as a greater understanding of the human experience as a whole.

For example, the ancient Egyptian religion was heavily influenced by the religion of the Nubians, who lived in what is now modern-day Sudan. The Nubians worshiped a number of gods and goddesses, including Amun, the god of the sun. The ancient Egyptians also worshiped Amun, and over time, the two religions began to merge. As a result, the Egyptian pantheon of gods and goddesses came to include many of the deities worshiped by the Nubians.

One of the most compelling examples of a syncratic belief system is the development of modern Hinduism. Hinduism is a complex and diverse religion that has evolved over thousands of years and has been influenced by a wide range of cultural and spiritual traditions. This includes the influence of ancient Vedic religion, Buddhism, Jainism, and a variety of other spiritual traditions. As a result, Hinduism is a unique and diverse religion that incorporates a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions.

Another example of a syncratic belief system can be found in the development of modern Christianity. Christianity, like Hinduism, has evolved over time and has been influenced by a variety of cultural and spiritual traditions. This includes the influence of ancient Roman and Greek religions, as well as the teachings of Jesus and the writings of the Bible. As a result, Christianity is a complex and diverse religion that incorporates a wide range of beliefs, practices, and traditions.

In the context of Norse-Paganism, cultural appreciation and syncratic belief systems can be seen in the way that contemporary practitioners draw upon the beliefs, practices, and traditions of the ancient Norse and Scandinavian cultures. Many modern practitioners of Norse-Paganism seek to honor and preserve the cultural heritage of the Norse and Scandinavian peoples, while also incorporating elements from other spiritual traditions and practices that resonate with their personal beliefs and experiences.

It is important to recognize that all modern religions have developed due to a syncratic process, as they have all been influenced by a variety of cultural and spiritual traditions. This is a testament to the importance of cultural appreciation and the value of syncratic belief systems. By embracing and appreciating the diversity of different cultures and traditions, we can better understand and appreciate the human experience as a whole.

In conclusion, cultural appreciation and syncratic belief systems are important because they allow for the growth and evolution of religious and spiritual practices, foster understanding and tolerance among people from different backgrounds, and contribute to a greater understanding and appreciation of the human experience. It is essential to respect and appreciate the diversity of cultures and traditions, and to recognize that all modern religions have developed through a syncratic process. By embracing cultural diversity and understanding the value of syncratic belief systems, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society.

December 23, 2022  

Rokkatru, a Path To Avoid

Rokkatru, also known as the “Right Way,” is a dangerous and destructive path that should be shunned by all Norse Pagans. This modern interpretation of Norse Paganism emphasizes individualism and the worship of deities associated with chaos, mischief, and trickery, such as Loki. While it may be appealing to some individuals who have a strong animosity towards modern society and wish to see the current social order destroyed, Rokkatru is incompatible with the values of traditional Norse Paganism and should not be welcomed within the Norse Pagan community.

The literal translation of Rokkatru is “twilight faith,” which refers to the belief that certain deities, such as giants, can only exist within the twilight hours of the Nine Worlds. This emphasis on chaos and destruction is incompatible with the values of traditional Norse Paganism, which emphasizes community, honor, and loyalty.

Some of the deities and types of beings worshiped in Rokkatru include:

Loki: Loki is a deity known for his trickery and betrayal, causing chaos and destruction in Norse mythology. He is responsible for the death of the god Baldr and has betrayed his fellow Aesir on multiple occasions. Loki cannot be trusted and is a dangerous and destructive deity.

Giants: Giants, or jotnar, are often depicted as chaotic and destructive beings in Norse mythology. They are frequently opposed to humans and their societies and are known for causing destruction and death. Worshiping giants as deities would align with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism.

Hel: Hel is the goddess of death and the underworld in Norse mythology. While she is often depicted as being cold and unforgiving, it is important to recognize that she serves a necessary function in Norse mythology by watching over the dead and ensuring that the cosmic laws are upheld. In this way, Hel can be seen as a positive force, as she follows the rules and serves a needed function in the cosmos. However, it is also true that Hel is unyielding in her strict adherence to the rules of the dead staying dead, and this can be seen as a negative trait. Some traditional Norse Pagans may choose to worship and trust Hel, recognizing her important role in the cosmos, while others may view her as a deity that should not be trusted or worshiped due to her cold and unforgiving nature. Her overall nature seems to be neutral, and unbiased, despite her being born from Loki.

Jormungandr: Jormungandr is a giant serpent that is said to be so large that it surrounds the entire world. It is a destructive and dangerous being that is associated with the end of the world, Ragnarök. Worshiping Jormungandr would align with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism. At Ragnarök, Thor manages to kill Jormungandr, the giant serpent that surrounds the world, but dies in the process.

Fenrir Wolf: Fenrir is one of the deities that is worshiped in Rokkatru. Worshiping Fenrir Wolf, a giant wolf in Norse mythology, aligns with Rokkatru’s focus on chaos and destruction. Fenrir Wolf is known for his immense size and strength, and is said to be destined to kill the god Odin during Ragnarök, the end of the world. 

Worshiping Fenrir Wolf, Jomungander, or any being that is responsible for the death of a Norse god, goes completely against the values and beliefs of Norse Paganism. In Norse Paganism, the gods are revered and respected, and their deaths are seen as a tragic and significant event. Worshiping a being that is responsible for the death of a god, such as Fenrir Wolf, or Jomungander, would go against the values of respect and reverence for the gods that are central to Norse Paganism.

The deities worshiped in Rokkatru, such as Loki, are not benevolent or supportive of human society or stability. In fact, Loki is known for his trickery and betrayal, causing chaos and destruction in Norse mythology. This goes against the values of loyalty, honor, and community that are central to traditional Norse Paganism.

It is also important to recognize that Loki, in particular, is not a deity that can be trusted. In Norse mythology, Loki is responsible for the death of the god Baldr, one of the most beloved and virtuous deities in the pantheon. He also betrayed his fellow Aesir on multiple occasions, causing chaos and destruction in the process. In this way, Loki goes against the values of trust, loyalty, and honor that are central to Norse Paganism.

Furthermore, Rokkatru’s emphasis on the destruction of modern society and traditions completely disrespects the ancestors and their achievements. Respect for the ancestors is a key pillar of Norse Paganism, and the destruction of all that they have built and established is a grave disrespect to their memory and legacy.

In Norse mythology, the giants are often depicted as opposed to humans and their societies. These giant beings, also known as jotnar, are often depicted as chaotic, destructive, and malevolent, and they frequently attempt to work towards the destruction of human society.

One example of this is the giant Fafnir, who was originally a mortal man but was transformed into a giant after acquiring a cursed ring of power. Fafnir became consumed with greed and used his newfound strength and size to terrorize his community, hoarding gold and killing anyone who stood in his way.

Another example is the giant Hrungnir, who was known for his immense size and strength. Hrungnir fought against Thor, the god of thunder, and was ultimately killed in the battle. However, before his death, Hrungnir caused significant damage and destruction, including the death of Thor’s servant, Thjalfi.

Additionally, the giant Surtr is depicted as the leader of the fire giants and is said to be the bringer of the end of the world, Ragnarök. Surtr is often depicted as wielding a sword of flames and is associated with the destruction of the world and the death of the gods.

These examples demonstrate the giants’ hostility towards humans and their societies and their desire for destruction. While some Norse myths may depict giants in a more neutral or even positive light, it is clear that the giants are often portrayed as being opposed to humans and their societies.

It is important to recognize that not all giants in Norse mythology are evil or destructive. Some giants, such as Skaði, are depicted as being allied with the Aesir and Vanir deities and are even married to some of them. However, it is also true that many giants in Norse mythology are depicted as being opposed to humans and their societies and are known for causing destruction and death.

It is certain that Rokkatru, a modern interpretation of Norse Paganism that emphasizes the worship of chaotic and destructive deities, would focus on the worship of the evil and destructive giants in Norse mythology rather than the more neutral or positive giants. This aligns with Rokkatru’s emphasis on chaos and destruction, but goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism, which emphasizes community, loyalty, and honor. While it is true that not all giants in Norse mythology are evil or destructive, the giants worshiped in Rokkatru are those that embody the destructive and chaotic nature of the tradition. These giants, such as Fafnir and Hrungnir, are known for causing destruction and death and are opposed to humans and their societies. Worshiping these giants goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism and should be avoided.

In summary, Rokkatru is a dangerous and destructive path that goes against the values of traditional Norse Paganism. Rokkatru should not be considered the “right way” or a legitimate interpretation of Norse Paganism. It should be shunned by all Norse Pagans and not welcomed within the community. While there may be aspects of modern society that need to be changed and improved, this should not be done through the destruction of traditions and foundations, but rather through respectful and meaningful dialogue and action.

September 17, 2018  

The Prevalence of Christian-tru in Heathenism

The Prevalence of Christian-tru in Heathenism

Many people who take more of a rigid and highly dogmatic approach to Asatru and Heathenism, are not actually practicing Asatru at all, they are practicing Christian-tru; the dogmatic dualistic mindset (I am right, you are wrong thinking) of Christianity, with Norse Heathen trappings thrown on top of it. Sadly these Christian-tru types are the louder more preachy sorts (just as is typical of Christians) and thus their ideas tend to get more distributed into the Heathen/Asatru community because of this. To truly practice Heathenism, we need to get back to the mindset of the ancient Heathens. Just simply imitating the ritual practices of the ancient Heathens, hardly makes us Heathen. It is the thinking patterns of a group of people that is the heart of who they are.

The outer practices of all Heathens were never universal, since Heathens were a variety of people scattered around a large area, mostly living in small groups isolated from one another, without the modern level of global communications, so most traditions and practices would have been more local based. Every clan probably had their own family traditions that had been passed down for generations. People did not use books to learn things, all knowledge was passed down orally. It is the Christians that brought book based culture to Europe, and book based culture introduces standardization of ways of thinking.

The whole only one God is valid concept creates a whole different way of thinking, since if only one God is valid then only one way to be is valid, according to this monotheistic approach to spirituality. The whole concept of “religion” only exists within monotheistic religions. It was the spread of the monotheistic religions that created the idea of religions.

Pagan/Heathen religions are polytheistic, thus many Gods/Goddesses, which translates to there being many valid approaches to things in terms of thinking.

This is why the monotheistic religions were able to convert most polytheistic religions, since Pagans/Heathens didn’t see the God of the monotheistic religion as being the one only God, just another God. Thus at first when converting Pagans/Heathens the monotheistic preacher would use this difference to get people to start to worship their God and over time work on making them understand the monotheistic way of thinking. This did not happen overnight. For a long period of time people would just continue to be polytheistic but add the new God from the monotheistic faith into the list of deities they were worshiping.

Most people who take more of a Christian-tru approach to being Asatru or Heathen, came directly from a monotheistic Christian background, and didn’t yet learn to actually think like a polytheist. It can take time for a person to learn a totally different way of thinking. The other side of this is people that came to Asatru or Heathenism from the background of having first been either Wiccan or Neo-Pagan. They tend to have an easier time understanding polytheistic thinking. But often times the Christian-tru person is jealous of people who were Wiccan or Neo-Pagan before coming to Asatru or Heathenism, thus why the common insult of calling people Wicca-tru within the community. I can almost guarantee the vast majority of those acting this way are Christian-tru, people who came from a monotheistic Christian background, and didn’t learn to stop thinking like a judgemental dogmatic monotheistic Christian yet.

To better understand the difference between the Heathen and Christian mindset in regards to the idea of spirituality and “religion” here is a good video that explains more about this.: