For those that follow Asatru?

I've been interested in Asatru for several years and studied a lot of what I could find over that time, I had also read a lot of the things people were saying when then came into contact with one of the Gods or Goddesses and I got discouraged when I wasn't able to get that.

For those here that follow this path, what did you do to establish communication and how long did it take? I'm on my own where I am so anything I do is solitary, because of that I'm unable to participate in the group gatherings to perform blots like some are able to.
I feel the most drawn to Odin and Freya, if that makes a difference.
Dustin, the ones I have gotten the most our of were "Exploring the Northern Tradition" by Galina Krasskova and "Hammer of the Gods" by Swain Wodening.

I'm now reading "Our Troth" by Kveldulf Gundarsson.

Sorry, you don't allow email, so I'm posting in your answers. I was wondering if you could email me and recommend some good reading materials so I can learn more about Asatru. Thanks in advance.

They found me, not really the other way around.
I keep my communication open through ritual and reading and following the old ways. My harrow, my on line contacts and as much as I can the heathen community here. I blot alone at times, I am doing one tonight as a matter of fact. I hail the gods at random times.
I also have a close relationship with my ancestors, who *I* feel make communications with the gods easier.
But that's just me

that depends on where are you from. If you're from the states, northern Europe or UK, you'll have it very easy. there's dozens of contacts, organizations, on line groups and so on. All you need to do is a little go ogle research.

Now if you're from a tiny little backwards country like me, that's when it gets difficult.
I never had anybody to ask a question, I was growing up pretty much alienated and only recently here on Y!A I found some GREAT people who helped me more than they will ever know.

It took me years to get over my lack of information and contacts, and actually start being active. Now I've decided that if there's no contact, no sources and no kind reds in my country - screw that, I'm going to make the my own! I'll be the first one.
I already set up the website. I'm filling it with content now and soon I will start to advertise it.

We'll see how many more like me are our there.

Good luck with finding contacts! Mail me if you have any questions.

EDIT:
Oh dear.
I see that I managed to misread your question quite monumentally! LOL!
I thought you were asking about connections with fellow Heathens.
*feels stupid*

Now to answer the real question, LOL.
Gods have their own plans and their own schedule. You can't pick one. They pick you. Give it time, study, hon our them all. Then when you least expect, you'll realize one of them is trying to get your attention. It might not be what you expect or even want, but when it happens, you will know.

Just keep honoring them. You don't need to do ridiculously huge blots and symbols. A quiet offering on your own is just as good. Keep them in your thoughts. Talk to them.
One day, you'll realise they're answering - sending little signs, or even giving you quite obvious answers.
I can't tell you how it is, it's different for everyone. All I can say is - when it happens, you will know.

I am afraid it is the same with me, as with Heathen Princess. The Gods found me.

I was Wicca, working with a great group, one Samhain we had a scurrying session to contact our ancestors, and that is when I experienced my first UPG with Odin. Mirror scurrying & runic meditation is where I have the most activity in communicating with the Gods. I find meditation on the Asa rune, really brings it out. I also occasionally have very vivid dreams in which I feel I am experiencing UPG.

As for how long it took, I was interested in the occult & alternative religions since age of 12 and I did not experience UPG until I was 29.

At the moment I work alone as well, I have only ever participated in 5-6 community blots & fainings. I know there are several groups in my area, I just don't have the free time to devote to a group.

How about an Ordeal, like Odin's? I did an Ordeal, spending a day/night in the woods, no food for two days (but water, please), talking to no one. I stayed in the tent during the day, and walked all night to keep from falling asleep. Being awake for a couple of days, staring at the stars and fighting hunger and sleep is really showing them (and yourself) that you are quite serious about your intent. They notice!

Immediately after I came home, I took a nap, and my Goddess (I won't name her here) came to me and actually spoke to me and drew out on a blackboard what I was supposed to know and how it applied to my life. She explained everything I was supposed to know and do in my life. Believe me, this was not some dream: it was real.

That knowledge saved me from making a really stupid decision, and still guides me to this day. She still occasionally comes to me in my sleep.

Also She explained it in the form of a most beautiful story, one with many layers of wisdom to it. I couldn't have made it up myself!

So this is something you can do as a solitary, and it really worked for me, and maybe you too. But like I said, drink your water, and make sure you're somewhere you're safe, like in a camping area. Good luck.