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Introduction |
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This is intended as a basic introduction to the beliefs and practices of the Folk of the northern way. We do not pretend to be experts and won't act as if we were. Rather we are simply believers in the Old Gods seeking to share our practice and research with others who are true to the Aesir. Our aim is to present a simple guide which will allow easy understanding of the principles behind nordic paganism and to give hints for further study and exploration. |
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While we attempt to be historically accurate to our religion's roots, it's important to note that there are many things that we simply don't know or which aren't written in stone. It is very important to us to stay as true to the ways of the old Pagans as is possible. While we occasionally need to flesh out our systems where we don't have direct evidence of historical precedent, we are not likely to simply make up things. In those places where the various myths, legends, and folklore are not clear. |
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The most important thing for modern people to remember about the northern way is that it is a religion. It is not a system of magick or spirituality or New Age Practice. which can be grafted onto something else or onto which other systems can be grafted wholesale. To be a Nordic pagan is to be bound by loyalty and troth to the Old Gods of the North. While we may believe in the deities of other religions and peoples, and even respect them, these are not our Gods. While we may take part in rituals dedicated to other Gods at Pagan festivals or ecumenical gatherings which encompass many other religions, we must not forget that Nordic is our religion and our primary concern. One simply does not collect membership in the northern way (or any other religion) as if one were collecting stamps. Our Gods are real and worthy of our respect. For modern norse pagan, troth also means being loyal to the ways in which our religion was practiced in the past; thus we are not eclectic and tend to focus on learning about historical ways of worshipping. We do not present our way as the only one.But we do feel that we should be solidly connected to our roots in ancient Norse practice. Where we do not know the certain answer to a question, there is room for exploration, but not for simply making something up out of whole cloth. While inspiration from the Gods is an important part of our movement, this is not make believe and any additions to the historical system should be made with respect to our ancient roots. |
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Asatru is not a path for everyone. We are true polytheists and see the world as encompassing a rich multitude of religions which worship many Gods. We do not deny the beliefs of others, and we also do not confuse them with our own. The idea that it is all one is anathema to the true Heathen. To claim that Odin is the same God as Zeus is madness. Would one claim that green and red are the same merely because they are both colors? If one disagrees with this perspective or finds it limiting so be it. Since our belief is that Nordic paganism is not a path for everyone. |
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In saying this I would reiterate that we do not put down any religion for its beliefs. We merely ask for the integrity of our own. We are not rejecting other systems because they are wrong or because we think ill of them, we are rather choosing the northern way because of our love and devotion to the Gods/ess. |
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Next Chapter: Rituals |
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Return to Table of Contents |
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