Description and History of Asatru Magick
This article provides a general description of Asatru, a modern neo-pagan religion based on Norse mythology. It is primarily a votive religion, with academic roots. The main difference between Asatru and Wicca is its focus on the role of the gods in modern society. This article covers the basic beliefs and practices of Asatru magick, along with its history.
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Asatru is a modern neo-pagan religious reconstruction
Asatru is the fastest growing religion in Iceland, with approximately 3,000 members. This religion does not have an official founder, sacred texts, or members who practice their faith on a daily basis. Despite its modernity, many Asatru practitioners see the Norse myths as rich with symbolism. Some believe these myths are based on real events, while others believe they are merely a fantasy.
The most notable branch of this religion is Asatru, which has many distinct differences from other neo-pagan groups. Unlike some other neo-pagan branches, Asatru is a modern reconstruction of Nordic pre-Christian beliefs. Among its followers are individuals who self-identify as Heathens and practice their religion largely without any religious dogma or central authority.
The religion is based on Old Norse myths and is a modern neo-pagan re-construction of the ancient Norse religion. The core element of Asatru is Blot, which derives from the Old Norse word for sacrifice. Blot is often performed outside and involves alcohol, but it can be performed as many times as desired. Historically, pre-Christian Germanic and Norse people rarely if ever worshipped nature.
While Asatru does not bear any resemblance to Christianity, there are some similarities. Asatru teaches a capricious pantheon of gods whereas Christianity teaches a single, holy creator. Asatru also teaches an afterlife. Those who follow its teachings go to heaven if they honor the gods and go to hell if they do not. This belief system is also based on the idea that gods live in humans.
It is mainly a votive religion
Asatru is a modern manifestation of an ancient Germanic religion. As such, it emphasizes the importance of respecting the ancestors, whether they are literal forebears or dead figures who inspired a Heathen. Though there is no centralized authority or governing body, national Heathen organisations do exist to help facilitate networking and community among heathens. One such national heathen organization is Asatru UK, which has over 2500 members and is run by a nine-person kindred council.
It is based on Norse mythology
Asatru is a Nordic religion that is based on ancient paganism of the Viking age. Its name literally means “belief in the gods” and refers to the gods of the Norse pantheon known as the AEsir. Neo-paganism has exploded in recent decades, and Asatru is one of the newest manifestations of this popular tradition.
Founded in Norway, Asatru is a religion that emphasizes community and individual benefit. During the 19th century, Asatru was embraced by wealthy individuals as a hobby and a religion. During this time, there have been numerous studies on Asatru, including links to Neo-Nazism and far-right political parties. But it is not without its own pros and cons.
The gods of the Norse pantheon include Odin, the one-eyed God, and Freyja, the goddess of beauty, sexuality, and love. She leads the Valkyries and escorts warriors to Valhalla when they die in battle. Other gods include the gods Frigg and Thor, who are responsible for the elements and the world. The gods of Asatru are divided into Kindreds and these can be local worship groups. Kindreds are also sometimes affiliated with national organizations. Those members of an Asatru kindred are related by blood or marriage and are considered to be related to each other.
The gods of Asatru have many roots in Norse mythology, with a strong focus on reincarnation. In pre-Christian Scandinavia, the runes played a prominent role in religious and magical activities. They were used for divination and were incorporated into poems and stories. They even were used to create magick. Among Asatru magick, the rune poems are used as guiding lines.
It is more academic than Wicca
The differences between Wicca and Asatru are not so obvious, however. Wiccans are usually of middle class origin and their beliefs reflect their economic status. Wiccans are also typically college educated and hold professional jobs. Despite this, many Wiccans disdain capitalism and its practices. However, Asatru is not a religion based on such values. It has many ties with the working class and is also a viable spiritual practice.
Wicca’s central cosmology is similar to that of Asatru, but it also includes the Horned God. The deity framework in Wicca is centered on a Goddess of many names complemented by the Horned God. In many ways, this framework emphasizes balance and conflict between the two deities. Wiccans also use geometrically perfect icons, including the pentagram.
Asatru draws on ancient Germanic cosmology. It revolves around preparing for Ragnarok, a final battle between Gods and evil entities. Ultimately, this battle will destroy the world and kill the majority of Gods. While Wicca emphasizes the importance of staying attuned to the natural cycles, Asatru’s connection to the past is more indirect, relying on historical research.
The Wiccans have also made an effort to learn languages, such as Gaelic and Welsh. However, their numbers are small compared to those of Asatru. Many Asatruars have learned languages, such as Old English and Icelandic. Wiccans often believe in a god, but this isn’t the case. Moreover, Wiccans often accept revisionist information without question.
It is a network of “Germanic” practitioners
Asatru is a form of Old Norse religion that has grown out of the Icelandic revival of pre-Christian religious practices. As a practice, Asatru draws on elements of Norse mythology and pre-Christian Germanic religions. It is difficult to draw direct parallels to the practices, however, because the myths were written down hundreds of years after the events actually occurred.
Asatru has been criticized by both white supremacists and Neo-Nazis, despite being based on mainstream Germanic tribes. Neo-Nazis and white supremacists have used Asatru symbolism to promote their agendas, placing the Nordic people at the top of the racial hierarchy. However, a strong subset of Asatru maintains a folkish stance, limiting their worship to their ancestors and their culture.
The rise of Asatru in the early 1990s began as a counter-cultural prank. The group began as a student subculture with general interest in occult and Paganism. The group attempted to gain official recognition as a religion and held occasional rituals, but in the end, the activity died down. However, there is a long history of Asatru groups.
Heathenry is a form of pagan religion that recognizes many different Gods. Some of them are most closely associated with Norse mythology and are known by their Anglicized names. Heathens outside of Scandinavia may honour some of these Gods. The early Germanic tribes called the God Wodhanaz, later becoming Odhinn. In Old Norse, this God was also called Wuotan, which eventually became Odin. Asatru UK is the national heathen organization with over two hundred members. Its members include Heathens across the country and is run by a kindred council of nine practitioners.
It is based on historical knowledge
Wicca and Asatru both draw their inspiration from Germanic cultures. Both have central cosmologies centered around the Goddess of Many Names and the Horned God. These deities are often represented in contexts of balance, and the conflict between them is often predetermined. Both use the pentagram as an icon, geometrically perfect in shape. Asatru also draws upon historical knowledge, including the stories of ancient Norse civilizations.
The term Asatru was originally used to describe a pagan religion based on historical knowledge. The word itself translates as “true to the gods of the Aesir” or “true to the gods of the AEsir.” It has also become a name for a pre-Christian Scandinavian pagan religion centered on the AEsir tribe of gods. Many studies on the AEsir religion have shown that some elements of the practice are rooted in a more racist, nationalistic and violent culture.
In addition to focusing on the historical roots of the Asatru religion, Asatruars have studied Wicca and other earth-spiritual traditions. The two religions share many similarities, however. In Wicca, the earth is often referred to as Gaea. Asatruars and Wiccans believe the spirit of the earth is buried deep within it. In fact, both religions place a high regard on the earth.
