Frequently Asked Questions

Ásatrú, sometimes referred to as Heathenism, is the practice of worshipping or having trust in the ancient gods of old world Scandinavia. While the original form of practice is more difficult to define, archeological findings date the practice of Ásatrú as early as the Stone Age. It began as a hunter/gatherer spirituality and evolved with time. Ásatrú is the combination of the Norse word, áss (god, spirit pl. æsir) and the word trú (belief). Ásatrú as a word, therefore, means belief in the æsir. A practitioner of the faith is called an Ásatrúar, often referred to as Heathen.​ 

The word Heathen originally identified an individual as someone from the commons. The commons were a community tribal territory where anyone could come or go as they pleased, indicating that a Heathen was one who followed tribal community customs and traditions.  With the emergence of Christianity, the meaning translated to being an “outsider” or “non-believer”.

The practice of Ásatrú as we know it today can be traced to the mid-18th century. The original practice began to die out for several hundred years in 1100 CE during the forced conversion to Christianity. During the conversion, untold amounts of practices, beliefs, and potentially texts were lost to the winds of time by hands of oppression.  

Despite this, investigation into Ásatrú by Danish and Swedish scholars renewed interest in the religion between 1500-1800 CE. Several cultures began to latch onto the idea of reconstructing the lost practice, resulting in an emergence of neo-paganism in the 19th century. This renewed faith in the Norse gods splits the practice into two main denominations today, Universalist and Folkist. In recent years, evolution of each main branch of Ásatrú has established a third denomination, Tribalist.

 
Universalist belief is the most common belief today in the United States. Gaining popularity in the 1970’s via Wiccan reconstruction, Universalists believe that anyone can worship the Norse gods regardless of any variable traits humans possess. Essential reconstruction into Universalist Ásatrú began in the 1990’s, parting ways with Wicca influencers to establish Universalist Ásatrú as a sovereign religion. The current recognized national organization of Ásatrú in Iceland is Ásatrúarfélagið.

  
What began as a search for the essence of the folk soul in late 19th century brought Germanic Folkist belief more prevalence. It did not have a uniform belief system; Folkist belief rose in opposition to the modernization of national identity that Germanic nations were experiencing. This opposition grew into a focus on maintaining integrity in national and racial identity. During this time, there was a pronounced distancing from other identities, Jewish in particular. Thinkers of the time began to feel that their identities had been tainted by this influence and began to call for harder separation between German identity, and all other identities at the time. Folkists believe that only people who have an ethnic connection to Scandinavia are allowed to practice Ásatrú or be considered Ásatrúar. Folkist practice is best represented by organizations like the Ásatrú Folk Assembly (AFA). 

      
Tribalism is a modern evolution and emulsification of the prior two denominations. Practice and consideration is limited to a few strict parameters. Tribalists believe one may be allowed to practice in earnest as an Ásatrúar if they can either: claim European ancestry or be sworn into membership by an organization that identifies as Tribalist. This recreates the tribal mindset of belonging after passing many strenuous tests of ancestry and commitment.

People have many reasons for identifying as Ásatrúar; some of the most common reasons in the United States are to express a favorability to community/tribal customs and tradition prior to American colonization, or to proudly exhibit an absence of faith in the Abrahamic religions. Many customs and practices are shared in beliefs to other neo-pagan groups like Wicca. Since the beliefs of Ásatrúar, Norse Heathens, and Norse Pagans are more similar than they are different, some practitioners use these terms synonymously. ​

As the practice of Ásatrú continues to evolve, the relevance of living the age-old principles found within the Sagas and Eddas cannot be overstated. Ásatrú today promotes such values as moderation, personal accountability, honor, and unbending care for one's own wellbeing and the wellbeing of one's family. 

Ásatrú as a belief system is rooted in community practice. While solo practice is acceptable, we cannot ignore the wisdom of the Hávamál:

"I was young once, I walked alone, and I became lost on my way.

I felt like I was rich when I met another traveler - people's joy is in other people."

At the Blóðravn Kindred, we are dedicated to establishing a uniform community and shared values for Ásatrú. It is our hope that this community will flourish and grow strongly; becoming a warm hearth for those maybe lost on their way, or simply people searching to share in the joy of other people. 

Ásatrú as a whole is an open practice that welcomes all who seek to share in honoring the old ways of the north in the 21st century. However, to keep good form and reputation, there is a vetting process for all who are interested in joining kindred membership. The first step is to complete your membership request here. We appreciate your patience as we get back to you!