Vidar's Gothi

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.

One source of stress for new Heathens is that the Christians will belittle your religion. They will tell you that you are just connected to some fringe group and that you will eventually need to grow up. That's just a tool they use to make themselves seem normal. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs would disagree with them.

There is good news in the Heathen world. The Heathens in Iceland (Ásatrúarfélagið) are building a Heathen Temple. Construction begins in March on the building near Reykjavik. This is an excellent thing for Heathens everywhere and the worship of the true Gods grows.

You've made it to the last night of Yule for this year. By now, you have spent evenings praising the Gods, your ancestors, your spouse/partner/lover, your offspring (real or hoped for), the Elves, and all the things you've eaten or plan to eat. So, what's next?