by Steven P Robinson

Created on: January 03, 2009

The word, Asatru, is a fairly modern literary construct, first appearing in the 1870 opera "Olaf Trygvason" by Edvard Grieg. It was cobbled together from the old Icelandic words for Gods and Loyalty. So the word has the meaning of being loyal (or true) to the Gods. It first appeared (in modern times at least) during the era of 19th century romantic nationalism.

Asatru movements have been arising since this period of "Germanic Reawakening," the more notably recent of which started in Iceland, Scandinavia, Australia, Britain and the US in the late 1960's - early 1970's. As of today, most anywhere on the globe that has a population descended from people of Germanic or Scandinavian descent has an Asatru movement to some degree.

I am Asatru, that is, I follow a modern reconstruction of the faith/beliefs and worldview/ethos of my northern European ancestors. In other words, I am a Germanic Pagan aka Heathen; who believes in and honors the Norse-Germanic gods and goddesses: Odin, Frigga, Thor, Sif, Frey, Freya, Uller, Skathi and the others.

We have no central authority; so individual conscience, knowledge and wisdom are one's main guides, along with community consensus. The faith is not, however, anarchic, as there are men and women upon whom many look to as elders and wise counselors. Plus, many people do come together in groups, which are larger than individual families (or hearths). These intentional groups are very often called Kindreds.

Basically, this is the way I approach my faith. Give due honor and worship to the Holy Aesir and Vanir. Love your Kin and Kith, have pride in your heritage, without hatred of others. Do your best each day to do the right thing; for family, friends and community. Live a good life in wisdom, generosity and trustworthiness.

What I believe is, in many aspects, a modern revival of the "Old Religion" of the Scandinavians and Germans, where Druidism is that of the Celtic peoples. Lithuanians have Romuva, Italians and other Latinate peoples have the Religio Romana, Greeks have Hellenismos (sp?), my Mohawk and Miqmaq relatives have their Traditions...every people on earth have in their background deities and beliefs, with an accompanying religion and world-view.

Within Asatru we have 3 methods of worship: Blot (sacrificial offering), Husel (sacral commmunity feast) and Sumbel (sacral rounds of toasts, boasts and oaths).

Opinion of the nature of the gods and goddesses worshipped historically and currently is very wide-ranging. We have atheistic

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