Introduction to Asatru

 

The word Asatru, is a combination of the words: Asa – Meaning the Aesir and Tru – Meaning Faith, or faith in.

So, the word Asatru, actually means “faith in the Aesir” however many Heathens/Asatruar do not exclusively honor the Aesir tribe of gods.

At its core, Asatru is a polytheistic folk tradition, much like that of the indigenous Americans. So just what does this mean?

It means Asatruars have multiple traditional gods and goddesses, and they honor the land, nature, seasons, ancestors and their deities, as well as many other natural elements.

Asatruar have a list of holidays including:

• -         Winternacht
• -         Yuleblot
• -         Disablot
• -         Vali’s Blot
• -         Yggdrasil Day
• -         Sigerblot
• -         Ostarablot
• -         Haustblot
• -         Walpurgishnacht (also celebrated by Satanists)
• -         Freyfaxi and Midsummerblot.

These holidays are generally marked by seasons and yearly cycles. Most Asatru holidays were created to honor specific gods or goddesses, ancestors, or nature.

 

Heathens (one of the many ways in which one is to refer to people who practice Asatru) have two primary methods of celebrating. They are known as the Blot and the Sumbel.

 

If there is a such thing as a main ritual in Asatru, it is the Blot. Blots are a ritual sacrifice to spiritual powers. It is a gift-giving. Heathens give their gifts to the spiritual powers in hopes of receiving favor from the gods. Blots are held for many holidays and needs. The gifting cycle is the key to understanding Asatru.

 

Generally, mead, an alcoholic beverage, is what is sacrificed in what is called a libation. However, what is sacrificed is not important. The motives and intentions behind the sacrifice are what matters.

 

The gifts are intangibles. Asatru deities are given honor, loyalty, and respect in order to bestow wisdom, courage, strength, and so on upon faithful worshippers.

 

The second most important ritual is Sumbel. The Sumbel is ritual drinking. Members gather with their kindred (an organized group of Asatruars), raise their mead filled horn or glass, and hail (honor) an ancestor or deity. These beings are thanked for all they have done.

 

The purpose is to honor those gathered and their ancestors. It is a gathering of kinsmen. To remember them, and give them respect, and to learn from what they have done. After Sumbel, a feast commences.

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