Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
|
|
|
Ignore the ads above this line
News Gothi Services Weddings Articles Blog Hoard E-Lists Links Contact
What Is Ásatrú?
What is Ásatrú?
Ásatrú is a Norse term meaning literally a faith or belief in Gods, specifically the Old Norse and Germanic Gods known collectively as the Ćsir. Ásatrú has its roots in ancient customs and beliefs, although it is best known from the Viking age when the old world view and the emerging Christian faith clashed and which was the period that the stories and customs were written down. As with many other ethnic or folk religions there was no specific name for the religion, although Ásatrú, Vor tru, "our faith," or Forn Sed, "ancient customs/ways" are phrases/words that are used in the modern world to describe this faith. The religion was part of the culture, and the beliefs revealed not only in the mythology, but also in the customs, ethics, and laws, much of which has survived as a cultural ethos.
Who are the Gods and Goddesses of Ásatrú?
Some of their names may be familiar to many, others are less so. Odin, Thor, Frigga, Freyr, Freyja, Baldr, Tyr, Njord, Heimdal, Ullr, Loki, Aegir and Skadi are among the best known. They are from two tribes of gods, the Ćsir and the Vanir, who united after a war to become collectively known as the Ćsir (“the Gods” in Old Norse).
What are the beliefs of Ásatrú?
Ásatrú beliefs are rooted in the past and in the sacred mythos and cosmology of the Old Norse and Germanic people. As an ethnic or folk religion the authoritative source of belief that can legitimately be considered Ásatrú are the precedents found in the traditions, myths, folklore, literature, laws, customs, and cultural concepts which were shaped by belief in the Ćsir and other supernatural beings and powers. There is no historical founder or prophet who made revealed pronouncements of law or belief. There is no central authority that lays down dogma or tenets. There is no injunction to proselytize, or any precedent for intolerance of other beliefs. This deep respect for tradition and custom is based on a underlying concept, řrlög, that is central to the cosmology and belief system of the old Norse and Germanic people, as well as Ásatrú today. The word is a compound, 'řr,' something that is beyond or "primal" or "above/beyond the ordinary" and "leggja," "to lay," "to place," or "to do." It has the meaning of primal or earliest law, the earliest things accomplished or done. These things are sacred and provide the foundation of the Old Norse beliefs and rites of Ásatrú.
How is Ásatrú organized?
Ásatrú begins with individuals and families who may associate in small groups called félagiđ, or lagur (fellowships), godhordhs, kindreds, garths and hearths, among other historically based terms. They may be entirely independent or may be affiliated in or with a larger organization. A few larger organizations may be further allied with one another. The most common term for an Ásatrú religious leader is Gođi (masculine form) and Gyđia (feminine form), Gođar (plural). The word refers to a position comparable to that of a priest, but is translated from the Old Norse as chieftain, as are some similar terms such as Drighten that may signify essentially the same thing but with more administrative duties in larger groups.
What are the rites and ceremonies of Ásatrú?
The rites and ceremonies of Ásatrú are based on cultural observances of the old Norse and Germanic people, many of which continued in the culture and societies that followed without a recognition of the sacral aspect that they were imbued with in the beginning. One such ritual is the highly ceremonial toast following a formal meal, which parallels the sumbel (ON sumbl). The sumbel is a ceremony that includes drinking communally and offering up inspired speech that was binding in terms of oath and intent, as illustrated in Beowulf and other Norse/Germanic literature. A blót, sacrifice or blessing, is an offering to deity or other supernatural beings. The offering may be a simple sharing of food or drink by an individual to a more elaborate community ceremony. These ceremonies may be performed indoors, or outside in a natural setting. Additional ceremonies include the naming of a child and its acceptance into the family, burials, healing, blessings in time of need and divination among others.
Is there magic in Ásatrú?
Like many other ethnic or folk religions there are magical components in Ásatrú based on a perception of an interactivity and interconnectivity between the natural and supernatural world that can be affected by men as well as gods through various methods. In the Eddas, sagas, and other literature we find both men and gods depicted using and teaching galdr (magical chants and songs), seiđ (a shamanistic magic involving altered states of consciousness and communication with spirits and gods) and runes (referring to the Norse/Germanic alphabet which had magical associations). Divination and auguries were also an important part of the spiritual and religious views of the Old Norse and Germanic people. In modern terms, seidh, galdr, and runes are incorporated in various ways and to varying degrees in both personal and community practice of the religion. As in the past, many do not practice nor necessarily believe in magic or see it as a necessary expression of the faith today.
How does one become Ásatrú?
As with any religion, the answer to this question depends more on the individual asking it than anything else. Essentially, you are Ásatrú when you feel yourself to be Ásatrú. Others will recognize you as Ásatrú when you behave in a manner consistent with a belief in the Ćsir, and indicative of a desire to meet their standards for a "good person". Some feel that a rite of passage, an oath, or a formal renunciation of your previous life is necessary to indicate your new devotion. Others feel that this is not necessary at all – that the gods know the sincerity with which somebody claims to be Ásatrú. In general, if you can say "I am Ásatrú", and really mean it, you have become Ásatrú.
Want to know more?
Grastó Hearth - local Hamilton Ásatrú worship group - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gorething
The Troth - international Ásatrú organization (one of many) - http://www.thetroth.org
The Viking Answer Lady - internet site about Viking-era life and culture - http://www.vikinganswerlady.com
Squirrel.com Ásatrú page - links page to lots of Ásatrú information -- http://www.squirrel.com/asatru
Asatru-U - learning page with links for all basic elements of Ásatrú belief -- http://www.asatru-u.org
©2007 Gary Penzler
Ignore the ads below this line
bravenet.com