Vidar's Gothi

I read an article about an group claiming to be Asatru who were meeting in a public park. Concerned citizens thought they looked suspicious and called the authorities. They were kicked out of the park and told not to come back. After they protested to the park administration, they were told that the person who made such an order was in the wrong and that they were allowed to peacefully practice their religion in the park. I thought that would be great to point out as an example of law trumping religious oppression. Then the article went on to describe the group's "folkist" ways.

This Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day in the United States. What started as a day to honor Union Troops from the American Civil War expanded to honor all troops who have fallen in defense of freedom. Since freedom of religion is one of the freedoms that makes it easier for us to get on with our faith, we should participate in this too.

Reader Astrid asked about the practice of Faring Forth. This is where we visit the other of the Nine Worlds without having to die first. It is an interesting activity and others may want to know about it, so this is what you need to know to get started.

I went to the Quiet Place and there sat in commune with the silence.

Most Asatru people have an inclination to help those who need it. That's why I am saddened by the plight of the non-combatants stuck in the war-stricken areas of the Middle East and Africa. Religious extremists wage war on everybody, and the families who just want to live suffer.

We have a long history of not getting along with Christians. Frankly, the members of that religion have earned the animosity we feel. Between treachery and open hostility over the centuries, they have sought to destroy us. However, the average Christian doesn't really understand that. Put simple, they aren't all bad.

We hear a lot about fundamentalist Christians wanting to assert themselves over the running of the United States. This makes it a surprise when a state legislative body invites a pagan to offer up a blessing to start its work session. This is exactly what happened in the Iowa House on April 8th.

In the Asatru religion, we often focus on personal issues rather than worldly ones, but the Eddas tell us that the World will suffer greatly in the Final Battle. They talk of how Surt the Fire Giant will cause the World to burn. The fires only end when the rising seas quench them and those who sheltered underground emerge to rebuild. What if this is a longer game and not the flash fire typically assumed?

Today, March 20, 2015 is the Vernal Equinox; that day in Spring when the daylight hours and the night-time hours are equal. In the United States, and other places, this is the official start of Spring. What does it mean to an Asatru person? That varies.

The resent poll about Daily Rituals and Affirmations prompted a question from reader Astrid. The request was that I elaborate on these topics as they relate to Asatru. That sounded like a good idea, so here we go.