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About the Runes

The runes are an alphabet of symbols that were used by the ancient Norse people for writing, divination, and magic. In the Norse Pagan Asatru tradition, the runes are seen as powerful symbols that can be used to connect with the gods, ancestors, and the natural world.

There are many different systems of runes, but the most commonly used system consists of 24 runes, known as the Elder Futhark. Each of these runes has a unique meaning and symbolism, and can be used for divination, meditation, and personal growth.

Here is a detailed overview of the 24 runes of the Elder Futhark

Fehu: Fehu represents prosperity, abundance, and wealth.

Uruz: Uruz represents strength, power, and vitality.

Thurisaz: Thurisaz represents protection, boundaries, and challenges.

Ansuz: Ansuz represents communication, inspiration, and guidance.

Raidho: Raidho represents movement, travel, and change.

Kenaz: Kenaz represents creativity, passion, and transformation.

Gebo: Gebo represents generosity, gift-giving, and balance.

Wunjo: Wunjo represents joy, happiness, and contentment.

Hagalaz: Hagalaz represents transformation, change, and adversity.

Nauthiz: Nauthiz represents need, necessity, and constraint.

Isa: Isa represents stillness, patience, and endurance.

Jera: Jera represents harvest, abundance, and prosperity.

Eihwaz: Eihwaz represents protection, stability, and strength.

Perthro: Perthro represents mystery, the unknown, and hidden knowledge.

Algiz: Algiz represents protection, guidance, and the divine.

Sowilo: Sowilo represents success, honor, and victory.

Tiwaz: Tiwaz represents justice, law, and honor.

Berkano: Berkano represents fertility, growth, and rebirth.

Ehwaz: Ehwaz represents partnership, trust, and harmony.

Mannaz: Mannaz represents the self, humanity, and community.

Laguz: Laguz represents the unconscious, the natural world, and emotions.

Inguz: Inguz represents fertility, growth, and new beginnings.

Dagaz: Dagaz represents breakthrough, enlightenment, and clarity.

Othala: Othala represents inheritance, heritage, and family.

The runes can be used for divination by casting them on a cloth or surface and interpreting their meanings based on their positions and relationships to each other. They can also be used for meditation and personal growth, by focusing on a particular rune and its symbolism to gain insight and guidance.

It is important to remember that the meanings of the runes are not set in stone, and may vary depending on the context in which they are used. The runes are a tool for connecting with the divine and understanding the mysteries of the universe, and their meanings and symbolism will change and evolve over time. May the blessings of the gods be upon you.

About Norse Paganism

Norse Paganism, also known as Heathenry, is a polytheistic religion that is centered around the worship of the gods and goddesses of Norse mythology. It is a reconstructionist religion, meaning that it is based on the practices and beliefs of the ancient Norse people, as recorded in texts such as the Eddas and the Sagas. Within Norse Paganism, there are several different traditions, each with its own unique practices and beliefs. 

Asatru is the most well-known tradition of Norse Paganism, and it is focused on the worship of the Aesir gods, such as Odin, Thor, and Frigga. Asatru practitioners often follow the Nine Noble Virtues as a guide for living an honorable and virtuous life, and they celebrate the major holidays of the Norse calendar, known as blots.

Vanatru is another tradition of Norse Paganism, and it is focused on the worship of the Vanir gods, such as Freyja, Njord, and Freyr. Vanatru practitioners often follow the Vanic Virtues, which are similar to the Nine Noble Virtues but with a focus on the values and beliefs of the Vanir. They also celebrate the major holidays of the Norse calendar, as well as a number of lesser holidays known as tides, which are associated with specific Vanir deities.

Form Sed is a tradition of Norse Paganism that focuses on the worship of the Disir, or female ancestors, and the landvaettir, or land spirits. Form Sed practitioners often follow a set of guiding principles with a focus on personal responsibility and living in harmony with the natural world. They also celebrate the major holidays of the Norse calendar, as well as a number of lesser holidays known as tides, which are associated with the Disir and the landvaettir.

Anglo-Saxon Paganism is a polytheistic religion that centers around the worship of the gods and goddesses of Anglo-Saxon mythology. It is a reconstructionist religion, similar to Norse Paganism, and it is based on the practices and beliefs of the ancient Anglo-Saxon people. Anglo-Saxon Paganism has several different traditions, each with its own unique practices and beliefs. Some Anglo-Saxon Pagans follow various thews as a set of guiding principles. Anglo-Saxon Pagans also celebrate the major holidays of the Anglo-Saxon calendar, as well as a number of lesser holidays known as tides.

While each of these traditions may have some differences in their focus and practices, they are all part of the larger umbrella of Heathenry and share a common connection to the gods and goddesses of Norse mythology.

Overall, Norse Paganism is a diverse and inclusive religion, and practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. It is a religion that emphasizes personal responsibility, self-reliance, and living in harmony with the natural world. Followers of Norse Paganism may follow a particular tradition or may draw from a variety of different sources and practices to create their own unique path.

Norse Wicca, is a modern tradition that combines elements of Norse mythology and Wicca. It is not recognized as a traditional Norse Pagan faith, as it has been created in recent times and does not have the same historical roots as other Norse Pagan traditions such as Asatru or Vanatru. Norse Wiccans may incorporate deities, symbols, and rituals from Norse mythology into their practices, but they may also incorporate elements from other pantheons and traditions. Some Norse Wiccans may also follow a form of the Wiccan Rede, which is a code of ethics that emphasizes the importance of doing harm to none and living in balance with the natural world.

The Norse pantheon consists of several deities, each with their own unique characteristics and attributes. Odin is the All-Father and the chief god of the Aesir, the principal pantheon of Norse gods. He is associated with wisdom, magic, death, and war, and is often depicted as a one-eyed old man with a long beard. Thor is the god of thunder and the protector of the Aesir. He is known for his strength and bravery, and is often depicted with a hammer. Freya is the goddess of love, beauty, fertility, and war, and is associated with the Vanir pantheon of gods. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with long, golden hair and a chariot drawn by cats.

In addition to these major deities, the Norse pantheon includes many other gods and goddesses, such as Loki, the trickster god; Heimdall, the god of vigilance and protector of Asgard; and Baldur, the god of light and beauty. Each of these deities has their own unique stories and characteristics, and they all play important roles in Norse mythology and the Asatru faith.

In Asatru, some practitioners follow the Nine Noble Virtues, a set of values that are seen as the foundation of a good and honorable life. These virtues are: courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance. However, it is important to note that not all Asatru practitioners follow the Nine Noble Virtues, as they are a modern invention and not necessarily in alignment with the beliefs of all Norse Pagans. 

Some practitioners of Norse Paganism, particularly those who follow the traditions of the Vanir pantheon, may follow the Vanic Virtues instead. These virtues may include compassion, generosity, and a strong sense of community.

Anglo-Saxon Pagans, who follow the traditions of the Anglo-Saxon culture, may follow a set of values known as thews. These values may include courage, honor, loyalty, and hospitality, among others.

Regardless of the specific virtues that a practitioner follows, it is important to remember that the values and beliefs of Asatru and other forms of Norse Paganism are diverse and varied. It is up to each individual to decide which values are most important to them and how they wish to live their life in accordance with their beliefs. 

Norse Pagan practitioners often celebrate the major holidays of the Norse calendar, including Yule (the winter solstice), Eostre (the spring equinox), Midsummer (the summer solstice), and Autumn Equinox (the fall equinox). These holidays, also known as blots, are typically marked by rituals, feasting, and offerings to the gods. These celebrations serve to honor the deities and to align oneself with the natural rhythms of the world.

Norse Pagan practitioners also celebrate a number of lesser holidays throughout the year, known as ‘tides.’ These tides are typically associated with specific gods or goddesses, and are marked by rituals and offerings. These celebrations serve to honor the specific deity associated with the tide and to seek their blessings and guidance.

Norse Paganism is a diverse and inclusive religion, and practitioners come from a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. It is a religion that emphasizes personal responsibility, self-reliance, and living in harmony with the natural world. Followers of Norse Paganism seek to live in accordance with the values and virtues of the ancient Norse people, while also recognizing the importance of individual interpretation and personal growth. Norse Paganism provides a framework for understanding the world and one’s place within it, and offers a sense of community and connection with the gods and the natural world. May the blessings of the gods be upon you.

True Vikings Avoid Politics! The Viking Spirit is One of Freedom For All!

In the dark days of yore, when the Norsemen roamed the lands,
They sought not to harm, but to explore and to trade.
Their hearts were full of love and acceptance,
For all people, no matter their differences in views.

But in these modern times, people dwell on political stuff,
And it brings them only anger and obsession.
No matter the stance, it only breeds hate in the world.
Those who claim to want peace, only create intolerance.

True spirituality brings love and tolerance,
For all people, no matter their beliefs.
To overcome hate, we must love diversity,
And share our ideas without greed or possessiveness.

The Vikings were not hateful or intolerant,
They sought treasures, not to kill or harm.
They loved to trade and adopt new ideas,
And to experience the world and its cultures.

They also loved women of all lands and ethnicities,
And took them as sex slaves, to love and cherish.
They were not racist or xenophobic,
But stood up for their freedoms and their tribe.

And so, let us follow the example of our ancestors,
And focus on spiritual love and acceptance.
Let us overcome hatred and intolerance,
And build a world of peace and harmony.

About Heathenism 2

Heathenism, a religion of old
Honoring the Norse gods and goddesses bold
The same deities the Vikings did adore
A path open to those who feel a connection to their lore

To follow Heathenism, one must seek within
For the mind knows what is nearest the heart
Each person their own judge, their own kin
Finding their own way to worship and chart

The gods and goddesses of Norse lore
Are many and varied, each with their own domain
Odin, Thor, and Freya are just a few more
And each person may choose their own deity to claim

Heathenism is a path of individuality
No one way to practice, no set beliefs to follow
But all who walk this path are united in their loyalty
To the ancient gods and goddesses, their stories and their hollow

So if you feel a connection to the gods of old
If the stories of the Vikings speak to your soul
Then join the ranks of Heathens, a path to behold
And let the gods and goddesses guide you on your journey whole.

About Heathenism

Heathenism, a religion of ancient times
Honoring the gods of Norse, Saxon and Germanic lines
Open to those who feel a connection divine
To the gods of warriors, fertility and wisdom divine

Individualistic, each path unique and divine
Worshiping the gods and goddesses of old
Honoring Odin, Thor and Freya with love and pride
Building a bond of friendship, offering gifts with pride

Blots and sumbels, rituals of old
Offering drinks and gifts, toasting to the gods
Honoring ancestors and those held dear
Balance and fairness, always being truthful and clear

Magick and runes, practices of old
Galdoring and carving, chanting and writing
Heathen cosmology, magickal in nature
Odin and Freya, masters of this art

Heathenism, a way of life and a path to follow
Honoring the gods and goddesses, living in harmony
Individualistic and free, with a sense of unity
Heathenism, a religion of ancient times.

About Norse Paganism

In the land of Norse and Anglo-Saxon lore
We honor the gods of old and more
Heathenism is our path divine
Honoring gods and goddesses with love and pride

Asatru and Vanatru, Odinism and Theodism too
All variations of Heathenism, each with their own view
Worshiping the gods of war and fertility
We offer them gifts in blot and sumbel rituality

Magick is also a part of our belief
Runes and seidr are the tools we use to achieve
We practice our faith with heart and mind
And each person is their own judge, as Havamal reminds

Heathenism is a religion that is open and free
To anyone who feels a connection to the gods of the sea
We honor our ancestors and uphold their legacy
In the old ways of the Norse and Anglo-Saxon,
Heathenism is our destiny.

The Norse Viking Concept of Right vs Wrong..

The Norse Viking concept of bad wasn’t so black and white as many people nowadays tend to think. It is more the idea of someone either being in frith with their family/tribe/group, vs going too far and being too wild in their actions and being outlawed and considered dangerous basically. Loki is a good example of this. He isn’t evil really, just sort of one who was all about testing the limits of social order and bringing in new ideas. For a long time he was a mix of both positive and negative in regard to his value to the Aesir, until he eventually went too far and also by this taunted his wyrd to go down a darker path that threw him out of being in frith with the Aesir. Norse concepts of right and wrong and righting wrong are more about balance and restoring balance, than about moral judgment or condemnation, which is a Christian cultural influence and way of thinking. Sadly many Heathens are still far too tainted by Christian thinking and this creates a environment of discord and a general lack of frith in the Heathen scene in general. Generally speaking proper Heathen way of thinking is very open minded and accepting that others outside ones family/tribe/group will have different ways of thinking. The greatest value for historical heathens when it came to actions was to take actions that upheld the frith within their family/tribe/group. Even frith between groups was important as addressed by the codified system of weirguild, and addressing actions with similar counter actions when actions throw out of balance frith. A good example of how what is considered proper differs between each family/tribe/group is that for the Vanir it is considered proper and normal for sisters and brothers to have sex with each other, and even the Aesir do not judge the Vanir for doing so within their own group as they see that as what is proper Vanir behavior, but the Aesir would not allow that kind of behavior by members of the Aesir as that is not proper Aesir behavior. This concept of differences of what is considered proper behavior I feel also applies with regards to those who follow different gods or goddesses as their patron. Like what is proper behavior for an Odin follower, I feel is not the same as what is proper behavior for a Tyr follower, or a Freyja follower. I feel that this concept of proper behavior for each depending on whom they connect with spiritually applies not only in regards to types of actions not allowed or considered taboo, but also in regards to types of behaviors that should be done. For example Odin followers should be into runes and should study magick, and a male follower of Odin having sex with women outside of his marriage (so long as his wife is ok with him doing so) is also acceptable as that is part of honoring the ways of Odin. One who follows a god or goddess that has a more strict code of conduct has to be more strict about their actions and behaviors as this reflects the values of the god/goddess they follow. Acting in ways that respects the value of the god/goddess you follow is the act of staying in frith with your patron and respecting the concepts they stand for. Of course I feel that when you are part of a group you should honor the rules the group has for actions when dealing with the group, it’s members, or doing any activities which represent the group; this is staying in frith with the group. Staying in frith with your group as well as with your patron god/goddess is very important I feel. Actually it would be considered more worse in the Norse concept of morality to harshly judge others as this is harmful to frith. Unless the other person is directly living within your family/tribe/group it would be considered wrong to judge someone else unless that person takes some action which causes harm to your family/tribe/group/friends/allies/gods/goddesses. judging others without cause is actually harmful to the frith of your own family/tribe/group/friends/allies as that invites conflict that often times will have a negative impact on all those you hold troth with. The most important thing for proper actions in all cases is to act in ways that uphold frith, honors your troth connections with others, and upholds any oaths you have made. If you keep in mind these three things then you should be making the best possible actions for all situations.

This is what Wikipedia has to say about frith:

Frith is an Old English word meaning “peace; freedom from molestation, protection; safety, security”.

In terms of Anglo-Saxon and post-Anglo-Saxon culture, the term has a considerably broader scope and meaning. Frith has a great deal to do not only with the state of peace but also with the nature of social relationships conducive to peace. Moreover, it has strong associations with stability and security.

The word friþgeard meaning “asylum, sanctuary” was used for sacrosanct areas. A friþgeard would then be any enclosed area given over to the worship of the gods.

Frith is also used in the context of fealty, as an expression of the relationship between a lord and his people.

Frith is inextricably related to the state of kinship, which is perhaps the strongest indicator of frith. In this respect, the word can be coterminous with another significant Anglo-Saxon root-word, sib (from which the word ‘sibling’ is derived) – indeed the two are frequently interchanged. In this context, frith goes further than expressing blood ties, and encompasses all the concomitant benefits and duties which kinship engenders.

Frith also has a legal significance: peace was effectively maintained in Anglo-Saxon times by the frith-guild, an early manifestation of summary justice.

Wikipedia page about frith

Troth means loyalty to all those you hold relationships with. Loyalty means to stay by them and to maintain a tie with them and to keep any promises you make towards them.

Here is an online defination of troth:

troth
/trôTH/
Noun

1. Faith or loyalty when pledged in a solemn agreement or undertaking.
2. Truth.

Synonyms
fidelity – faith – allegiance – faithfulness – loyalty

This concept of faithfulness does not mean sexual faithfulness _unless_ it has been specifically agreed that this is part of what it means between both parties. For example Odin is marries to Frigga, yet he has many lovers. He would never consider wishing to leave his marriage to Frigga or having a greater overall connection to other women than he does to her. His other sexual interactions are kept in the context of being not something that competes with the unique relationship he holds with Frigga. Many of the Norse gods/goddesses have sex with others outside their marriages. For some of them this is alright as that is part of the agreed or implied arrangement for those relationships. As well some of the gods/goddesses are sexually monogamous. This really depends on what is the agreed relationship.

Merrian-Webster definition of troth
Freedictionary definition of troth

As you see part of troth is also to keep ones word. Most important is to uphold oaths. Oath breakers are the one type of person in the concept of Viking Norse culture that are totally unforgivable; at least those who intentionally break oaths. Those who purposely break oaths with intention to cause harm are called nithlings and are considered to be worth less than dirt. What this means is that it is important you keep your word. Of course if something happens that you cannot keep your word then you need to own up to this and talk about it with the ones you made the promise to and see if another arrangement can be agreed upon. Keeping ones word does not mean being a inhuman robot, sometimes circumstances do come up that don’t allow someone to keep their word, the point is that the person does their best and communicates with the others involved when they cannot and is responsible for their actions in this way.

In modern heathenism there is something called thews, this it a codified set of principles that it is considered good (by some people) to follow. None of the existing modern thews are actually something written down as principles that one should or has to follow, from the Viking times. They are all modern creations. Many of them are good ideas (at least for some people). The most popular thew in current day Heathenism is the Nine Noble Virtues, but this is not the only one. There is others such as the Anglo-Saxon related Heathenism one called the The Twelve Æþeling Þews. There is also a very nice one associated with the Vanir, the Vanic Virtues (the one I personally follow). None of these thews are in any sense required for anyone to follow who is Heathen. Like mentioned earlier the only basic principles that must be followed by everyone is respect for frith, troth, and keeping oaths (ones word). Really as was discussed earlier, if one does or does not follow one of other more than one of these thews or some other thews of guiding principles should be determined by what agreements any groups you have troth with wish, in combination with and most important of all; what your patron gods/goddesses wish you to follow. For those not connected to any Heathen group than following what your patron gods/goddesses wish is the only factor that matters in deciding which, if any, of the lists of thews is right for you to follow.

Very insightful video on elves…

The elves and related being are a very important part of Heathenism. They represent a large variety of beings. The Norse term used for spiritual beings in general is wights.

Video on the Heathen Nine Worlds

Though I disagree with the haphazard lack of directions and levels at which she places the worlds and realms, the overall information is excellent.