The Kindred of Ravenswood
Our Faith Eddas and Sagas Asatru Links E-Mail the Godhi by Gunther Hraefngrim
In the viking age, a man was
advised to never be more than two steps from his spear, a wise
injunction in what was a very dangerous period of history. The
practice of magic was alternately revered and feared - as much a
weapon as a tool. One may well ask, what place do these things
have in today's Asatru? We've all been guilty of it, parading
around in Viking panoply, carrying a sword/axe, or playing the
wizard/witch. The purpose of this essay is to place these elder
tools and practices in proper perspective.
Clearly, in the modern world one seldom needs chain mail, and guns are significantly more efficient for self protection. The answer to this question is more closely linked to the psychological than the physical needs of Asatruar. Wearing the clothing our ancestors wore satisfies the need to externalize our beliefs - it sets us apart, and tells the world a little about our ways. It also underscores the antiquity of this path, and reminds us of our heritage. When we practice the trades and arts of our ancestors, we show that we value how they lived. This honors our ancestors, which is a central tenet of our religion. In addition, the effort of learning an archaic skill usually requires more dedication than learning a modern one, and thus strengthens the spirit. Lastly, it's fun, and it creates a very real link between the past and today, as well as between kindred members.
Having established some of the positive benefits of this practice, it behooves us to look at some potential negatives as well. An argument currently making the rounds in Asatru circles today is whether one should dress in Viking fashion for religious observances. It has been suggested that wearing period clothing may give the impression that Asatru is not a religion for today, or that it's just a form of play-acting. Because one of our basic beliefs is that Asatru is relevant today, this may be a powerful argument against "acting the part". Misunderstandings are possible between heathens and non-heathens about many of our practices. A significant example is the practice of magic. The fear of magic is fairly universal to mankind, and so, the magical arts are unlikely to receive widespread acceptance in the near future. One could take this as a caution to down play the role of magic in Asatru today. A final example is a caution on use of swords and axes - it's a good idea to be friendly with one's neighbors, because the sight of ten or fifteen people waving swords around can result in a visit from the police. That same practice could be a powerful source of interest, however, and is a tool Asatruar can make judicious use of today.
There are many trades/arts/practices from the Viking period that usually receive immediate acceptance with the non-heathen community. An emphasis on these skills helps a great deal in achieving respectability with other people. Examples include wood carving, brewing, metal working, sailing, and weaving. A focus on these crafts emphasizes the beauty and practicality of the northern peoples, and de-emphasizes the violence associated with the stereotypical "Viking". Most Asatruar today know that we have much more in common with our non-heathen neighbors than they realize. In discussions with non-heathens, it is imperative that we demonstrate as much of this commonality as we can. Because, the only way we can achieve respectability and acceptance is by being a part of the community, and not being outside it. Most neo-pagan groups today are effectively out-dwellers, which makes them objects of fear and ridicule. It is a matter of honor that Asatru become respectable today, so that our children may have more freedom in choosing it than we did.
The Kindred of Ravenswood
Our Faith Eddas and Sagas Asatru Links E-Mail the Godhi