1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Theodism is a modern term for a branch of Germanic neopaganism located in North America. The theodists are based on German tribal religions. This is in contrast to the Odonists which are based on Viking age religious beliefs. Theodism uses historical research to recreate the religious practices and social structure of ancient Germanic tribes. A Theodist uses the precepts of honor, wisdom, and generosity to build a moral and social structure. Each individual must strive to reach a personal reputation that will survive death to benefit his family.

In 1976, Garman Lord formed the Witan Theod in New York. This is the first Theod group. Other groups formed as offshoots from this original branch. Decendants of this branch were successful in lobbying the US Army to recognize pagan religions and specifically Theodism.

The beliefs in Theodism revolve around the Germanic traditions. Wisdom, generosity, and honor are the guiding principles. Since Theodism is tribal in nature, the individual is important to the community. The community is bound together by interconnection via oaths or promises to cooperate. If two individuals argue, they must agree to the judgments of the Thing which is a council. The judgment is binding on all parties. Each individual strives to build their personal honor to such a level that their reputation will survive their death. This brings honor and value to the family.

The society is hierarchal in nature. The group views those that do not belong to them as outsiders. The responsibility of an individual is to the family, the community, and to those bound by oaths of support. Outsiders have no standing in this society, although hospitality is an important aspect of the culture. Theodism doesn't recognize inherited positions of power. The individual must prove their worth through their deeds. No on is automatically important by right of birth.

There are several aspects that are common in Theodism: oaths, ritual feasts, ritual toasting with drink, sacrifice, and treating each other with goodwill and honor. Oaths are binding and not to be taken lightly. Unfulfilled oaths bring bad fortune to the community. The oaths are sworn over the sacred drink at a Symbel, the term for ritual drinking after a sacred feast.

In Theodism, a sacrifice of an animal is termed a Blot. The animal is sacrificed as a gift to the gods. However, in this tradition, after the sacrifice the animal is used in the sacred feast which feeds the community. Any meat left over is burnt for the gods. The sacred feast is called a Husel. A Husel is a formal ritual. It opens with three toasts, one to a specific god or goddess, then a memory toast, and finally a leader's toast.

After the meal is consumed, those present begin the ritual drinking which consists of more toasts. This event, a Symbel, has rounds of drinking and toasts. Usually, the host decides on three formal rounds of drinks. After that the Symbel is closed so that the religious nature of the event doesn't degrade to a drunken party. The first round is to the gods and goddesses. The second round is to ancestors. The third and final round is for personal boasts. These boasts would be about deeds that the individual or family has accomplished in the past or about things that the individual plans. The boasts that deal with the future are moderated. No one is allowed to over do it as an unreasonable or impossible boast would cause harm to the community.

In conclusion, Theodism is a pagan belief system that deals with personal honor. It is practiced in a community due to the importance of the oaths and feasts. Sacrifices can be animals or other goods. Feasting as a community is very important in this belief system.

Learn more about this author, Mary Paliescheskey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Introduction to theodism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!