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The Heathen Kinship of Houston Area Asatrúar
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What is Asatrú?
Asatrú
is the native religion of the people of the Northern European area; lands that
include the Orkney Isles to Northern Italy, and France to prussia, and possibly
beyond. The word Asatrú means True or loyal to the Aesir. The term Aesir is used
to collectively refer to the gods whom our ancestors honoured. You may
have heard this tradition referred to as Norse Paganism, Heathenry, or the
viking religion. Our groups are called Kindreds and are something like a
clan or extended family. Some of the gods we honor (notice I did not say
worship) are Odin, Thor, Freyja, Heimdal, Frigga, Sif, Idunna, Frey, Tyr, Bragi,
Vor, Aegir, Njord, Skadi, and more.
Asatrú
is a very old tradition/religion, dating back to prehistoric times. Opinions vary
on just how far back it goes, but I think it's safe to say that it goes back to
at least 3500 B.C.E. and possibly much further.
WHY ASATRU?
As
with any religion, different people are attracted to Asatrú for different reasons,
but I'll try to touch briefly on a few of the reasons that I've heard said more
than a few times. Since every person is multifaceted, I doubt there is ever any
ONE reason why people believe as they do, but here are some of the reasons:
Asatrú values ideals of individual honour and virtue. It
is the natural religion of our ancestors. It is a very simple, straightforward,
natural set of beliefs, that nevertheless contains complex mysteries and hidden
knowledge that would take many lifetimes to completely understand. Many people
are drawn to Asatru through personal
experiences with the gods. The gods, known as the Aesir and the Vanir, are undeniably
REAL. Many people tend to have visions, dreams, or other esoteric type experiences
with the gods. Experiences that years later, still seem powerfully real and
actual. I like to say that Asatrú is the only religion which requires NO faith.
Your knowledge of the gods is based on your personal experiences with them,
not on what you read in some book! Asatrú encourages us to be who we are, and
to grow toward being the best that we can be. Asatrú teaches that we are AWESOME
spirit beings full of magnificent potential without having to alter the core
of who and what we are. The gods expect our civility and respect. They do not
expect nor desire our servitude! The Aesir and the Vanir wish for you to grow
on your own, and take responsibility for your own actions. They desire their
people to be free and mature, not dependent and helpless. Asatrú explains and
accepts so many things that our people naturally believe in... Asatrú can explain
the "gremlins" that steal your keys, the "closeness" that
one can feel with a dead relative, the reason why your spirit "soars"
when you hear of heroic feats, the pride and honour you feel about your ancestors
-or deeds done by ancient heroes, the "harmony" you can feel with
the natural world, etc. etc. It accepts the fact that we are sensual beings,
and that our sexuality is NOT an evil thing! Asatru doesn't make any specific
statements about what is Right or Wrong to do. It let's each individual person
or couple decide for themselves what is right or wrong depending on their own
understanding of honour, loyalty, courage, and truthfulness. If these things,
and the other noble virtues are fulfilled to your satisfaction, then you are
individually responsible for the result of your actions. There is accountability
in Asatru. We are each responsible for our own actions and if we do wrong,
we must make up for it.
Links
to articles about Asatrú
(Use your Back button on your
Browser to return)
informational FAQ -Frequently Asked
Questions.
Also, check our Informational Page
for links to Asatru Resources!
For more information:
Email vithar @ goheathen.org
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