The Nature Of Asatru

An introduction to Ásatrú, also called Odinism, the native religion of the Teutonic peoples, discussing the basic philosophic and moral ideals of this ancient belief system.

Ásatrú (AH-sa-troo), also called Odinism, is the native religion of the Teutonic peoples as embodied in the fundamentals of their cultural expressions. Much more than just a belief system, it encompasses every aspect of ancient Northern European society. This book is an attempt to explain the basic philosophic and moral ideals of this ancient way of life, while seeking to eliminate many of the misconceptions surrounding it. Demonstrated here is the nature of a faith that has existed for centuries, in spite of numerous campaigns to suppress or destroy it by various powers. Once the reader learns the core values found within this creed, it is easy to recognize how it coincides with our notions of civilization and its evolution. It teaches inner strength and courage, as well as kindness and compassion. In introducing the positive, ethical standards Ásatrú has to offer, the aim here is to rekindle the primal spirit within us all. "The author provides an in-depth introduction for those new to the folkway, yet gives much food for thought to the experienced practitioner. Sure to inspire deeper investigation of the various aspects of Ásatrú. Highly recommended." -Hengest Thorsson, The Odinic Rite

From the ashes arises the sacred lore of the North, the ancient stories and proverbial wisdom of the satr religion. Mighty Gods and fierce Giants battle in the never-ending struggle between order and chaos, while men seek honor and glory in the eyes of their beloved deities. After many years of research and piecing together sources, now comes the first known holy text ever presented for the satr faith. Giving these ancestral accounts in their true, epic form, The satr Edda is designed as a religious work by and for the men and women of this path. In reconstructing this sacred epic, the idea is to create a living storytelling tradition that will honor the legacy of the ancient Teutonic peoples, while providing an in-depth source of satr wisdom for our modern world.

In Essential Asatru, renowned author and priestess Diana Paxson demystifies an ancient, rich, and often misunderstood religion, and offers a practical guide for its modern followers. A Journey to Fulfillment and Renewal Filled with clear, concise instructions on living Asatru every day, this truly accessible guide takes you on a journey from Asatru’s origins in Scandinavian and German paganism to its recognition as an official religion in the 1970s and its widespread acceptance today. Essential Asatru also includes: · A complete history of Asatru gods and goddesses, including Odin, Thor, and Ostara · The life values, such as honor, truth, fidelity, and hospitality, that shape Asatru’s tenets · Indispensable information on rituals, rune casting, ethics, and divination Essential Asatru is an elegant and splendid introduction to a centuries-old religion that continues to enrich and fascinate its followers today. Praise for Essential Asatru “This mainstreamed book on Asatru offers a thorough grounding in both history and the present and shows how those values—the true heart of any religion—are expressed in the lives of its faithful. This book is recommended for personal education, library shelves, and world religion classes.” —Facing North “A solid and thorough yet concise introduction to the religion, its history, the gods and goddesses, and the basics of modern practice.” —Idunna

Asatru, the Nordic Indigenous Religion of Europe, is one of the world's most ancient ethnic and cultural traditions. It is a rational, positive and empowering religion, which complements science and allows for freedom of expression. Asatru fosters the concept of critical thinking, self-empowerment and knowledge over blind faith. Asatru values honour, gender equality, representative government, personal accountability and tradition. Profoundly allegorical and deeply philosophical, Asatru is about the importance of the family and connection to nature. The Nordic tradition does not fear its gods, has no devil, and no concept of eternal sin. On the contrary, Asatru fosters the natural interaction within nature and challenges its kin to live active and responsible lives. Although a religion with a deep and powerful ancestral heritage, Asatru is as much about the present and future as it is about the past.This book provides a definitive guide to Asatru, the Nordic Indigenous Religion of Europe - its development, its unyielding history, major events and military victories. Inclusive of the Klovekorn Asatru Rituals, gain an insight into Germanic myths, sacred sites and cultural heroes. Be inspired by a revelation of Nordic philosophy, symbols and ancient cultural practices. Understand the Nordic deities and allegories of Odin, Freja, Tyr, Thor, the Nordic Easter and Yule Festivals. Learn how to read, write and use runes, the ancient ancestral language of the Germanic Peoples. If you have Germanic or Anglo-Saxon heritage, this book reveals the faith and tradition of your ancestors and bloodline - rediscover what you have lost and what your internal spirit yearns to regain, your true and natural religion. This is a must read book for all Europeans and persons of Anglo Saxon heritage. It will become a life-long reference companion. Although Thors mighty hammer, one of the symbols of our tradition, hangs from the necks of only an exclusive few, being replaced by an alien religion some thousand years ago, its grasp on the European imagination and folk soul remains unshaken. Rediscover your true natural ancestral pedigree.

Norse Revival offers a thorough investigation of Germanic Neopaganism (Asatru) through an international and comprehensive historical perspective. It traces Germanic Neopaganism’s genesis in German ultra-nationalist and occultist movements around 1900. Based on ethnographic research of contemporary groups in Germany, Scandinavia and North America, the book examines this alternative Neopagan religion’s transformations towards respectability and mainstream thought after the 1970s. It asks which regressive and progressive elements of a National Romantic discourse on Norse myth have shaped Germanic Neopaganism. It demonstrates how these ambiguous ideas about Nordic myth permeate general discourses on race, religion, gender, sexuality, and aesthetics. Ultimately, Norse Revival raises the question whether Norse mythology can be freed from its reactionary ideological baggage.

From the ashes arises the sacred lore of the North, the ancient stories and proverbial wisdom of the Odinist religion. Mighty Gods and fierce Giants battle in the never-ending struggle between order and chaos, while men seek honor and glory in the eyes of their beloved deities. After many years of research and piecing together sources, now comes the first known holy text ever presented for the Odinist faith. Giving these accounts in their true, epic form, The Odinist Edda is designed as a religious work by and for the men and women of this path. In reconstructing this sacred epic, the idea is to create a living storytelling tradition that will honor the legacy of the ancient Teutonic peoples, while providing an in-depth source of Odinist wisdom for our modern world.