All about Heathenry.

All About Heathens and Heathenry: Introduction

Exploring Heathens and Heathenry: A Journey into an Ancient Faith Reborn:

Heathenry, often referred to as “Heathenism,” is a modern revival of ancient pagan religions, specifically those practised by the pre-Christian Germanic peoples of Europe, including the Norse, Anglo-Saxons, and other related tribes.

Heathenry draws deeply from the lore, myths, and cultural practices of these groups. Indeed, it seeks to reconstruct and adapt these ancient beliefs for a modern world. In recent years, this faith has seen a resurgence, as many have an attraction to its historical roots, values, and strong connection to nature, ancestors, and community.

This article will provide an overview of what Heathenry is. Moreover, its historical context, its modern forms, and what it means to be a “Heathen” today.

Heathenry.

The term “Heathen” itself has an interesting etymology. In its original use, it referred to people who lived in rural areas, often practising non-Christian religions long after the cities converted to Christianity. The term came about by early Christians as a synonym for “pagan” or “non-believer.”

Over time, “heathen” came to have negative connotations, implying ignorance or godlessness. Today, many practitioners reclaim the word with pride. This is because it represents a return to ancestral ways and a rejection of modern, monotheistic religious dogma.

In the context of modern Heathenry, being a “Heathen” means following a polytheistic and nature-centred spiritual path. It is a belief system that honours the old gods, such as Odin, Thor, Freyja, and others from the Norse pantheon, as well as the spirits of nature, the land, and one’s ancestors.

Heathenry emphasizes personal responsibility, honour, loyalty to one’s community, and living in harmony with the natural world.

To understand modern Heathenry, we must first explore the ancient world from which it draws its inspiration. Heathenry has roots in the religious practices of the pre-Christian Germanic and Norse cultures. Of course, those cultures flourished in northern Europe during the Iron Age and early Middle Ages.

At the heart of ancient Germanic religion were the gods and goddesses known from Norse mythology. These deities embodied various aspects of life and nature. Some of the most well-known gods in Heathenry include:

  • Odin: The Allfather, god of wisdom, poetry, war, and death.
  • Thor: The protector of humanity, god of thunder, storms, and agriculture.
  • Freyja: A goddess associated with love, fertility, war, and death.
  • Loki: A trickster god, known for both causing trouble and helping the gods in difficult situations.

These deities were worshipped not only through formal rituals but through daily acts of respect and offerings, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the seasons.

Beyond the gods, Heathenry also involves veneration of ancestors, spirits of the dead, and the land itself. Ancestors were seen as protectors and sources of wisdom, and maintaining a connection to them through rituals and remembrance was considered vital for one’s wellbeing.

Similarly, the land was inhabited by spirits, often referred to as landvættir, which played a significant role in the lives of ancient Heathens. The natural world was alive with spiritual forces, from rivers and forests to animals and mountains.

By the 10th and 11th centuries, the Christianization of Europe was in full force. Kings and chieftains converted to Christianity, often as a political move, and gradually, the old pagan practices were suppressed. The conversion process, however, was not immediate or complete, and in some areas, Heathen practices survived for generations.

The sagas and poems written by Christian scribes in later centuries preserved much of the old mythology, albeit sometimes through a Christian lens. It is from these texts, such as the Eddas and the Icelandic sagas, that modern Heathens draw inspiration for their faith.

The revival of Heathenry is part of a broader resurgence of interest in pagan religions, sometimes called “neo-paganism,” that began in the 19th century and flourished throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In particular, the Romantic movement’s fascination with ancient cultures, mythology, and folklore played a significant role in sparking interest in pre-Christian religions.

Modern heathenry.

There are two broad approaches to modern Heathenry: reconstructionism and modern adaptation.

  • Reconstructionist Heathenry seeks to recreate the religion as closely as possible to how it was practised by the ancient Germanic peoples. This involves a scholarly study of ancient texts, archaeology, and folklore. Followers of this path attempt to reconstruct rituals, ethical systems, and beliefs that align with what is known of historical practices.
  • Modern Adaptation, on the other hand, embraces a more flexible approach, allowing for innovation and personal interpretation. Modern Heathens in this camp might incorporate contemporary values such as environmentalism, social justice, and egalitarianism into their practice, even if these were not central to ancient Germanic cultures.

Because Heathenry is decentralized and non-dogmatic, there is a wide range of beliefs and practices within the community. Some Heathens are strongly polytheistic, believing in the literal existence of the gods, while others see the gods as archetypes or metaphors for natural forces and psychological states.

Rituals vary greatly but may include:

  • Blóts: Offerings to the gods, land spirits, or ancestors, often involving food, drink, or symbolic sacrifices.
  • Sumbels: Ritual drinking ceremonies where participants honour the gods, ancestors, and make personal boasts or vows.
  • Seasonal Festivals: Celebrations tied to the natural cycle of the year, such as Yule (Winter Solstice), Ostara (Spring Equinox), and Litha (Midsummer).

One of the most compelling aspects of Heathenry for modern practitioners is its ethical system, which emphasizes personal honour, integrity, and responsibility.

Many Heathens follow a set of moral guidelines called the Nine Noble Virtues, which were developed in the mid-20th century by early modern Heathens. These virtues are loosely based on the values found in the sagas and other ancient texts. They include:

  1. Courage: Facing challenges with bravery and perseverance.
  2. Truth: Being honest and sincere in word and action.
  3. Honour: Upholding one’s commitments and reputation.
  4. Fidelity: Being loyal to one’s family, friends, and community.
  5. Discipline: Exercising self-control and responsibility.
  6. Hospitality: Being generous and kind, especially to strangers.
  7. Self-Reliance: Valuing independence and personal strength.
  8. Industriousness: Working hard and contributing to society.
  9. Perseverance: Seeing tasks through to completion, even when difficult.

Heathenry often gets the description as a “folkish” or “community-based” faith. It is not just about personal spiritual development but also about one’s relationship with the wider Heathen community (often referred to as a kindred or tribe) and one’s responsibility to ancestors and future generations.

The idea of Frith, or harmonious relationships, is central to Heathen ethics. Maintaining peace and trust within the community is of paramount importance.

The revival of Heathenry in the 21st century comes with both challenges and opportunities.

One major challenge is the misappropriation of Heathen symbols and ideas by extremist groups. The swastika, once a sacred symbol in many ancient cultures, has been distorted by white supremacist movements.

Similarly, Norse symbols such as the Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer) and runic inscriptions have been co-opted by hate groups. However, many Heathens work hard to reclaim their symbols and disassociate their faith from such ideologies. Most Heathens emphasize inclusivity and reject racism, viewing their faith as a spiritual path open to all, regardless of ethnicity.

Many modern Heathens find in their faith a deep sense of environmentalism. The veneration of the land and natural forces, along with the belief in spirits inhabiting the natural world, aligns closely with modern ecological concerns.

Heathens often see themselves as stewards of the Earth, striving to live in harmony with nature. Indeed, this is a value that resonates deeply in today’s climate-conscious world.

New Age Heathenry.

Heathenry is a living, evolving tradition that allows modern individuals to connect with the spirituality of their ancestors while addressing the challenges of the contemporary world. It offers a rich, complex faith that values honour, community, nature, and personal responsibility.

Whether one approaches Heathenry from a historical reconstructionist perspective or adapts it to modern sensibilities, it remains a path deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the wisdom of the past.

As Heathenry continues to grow and diversify, it will undoubtedly continue to adapt. It will also look to balance reverence for the old ways with the realities of the modern world. For many, it is not just a religion but a way of life. Moreover, it is a journey toward deeper connection with the gods, the land, and one’s community.

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