When does one become a true Asatru Norse Pagan follower?

I'm guessing the answer is when you join a kindred and perform Blots and such?

I've recently bought a Mjolnir pendant because I have such a deep respect for the old ways, Asatru and Paganism in general and I don't want to seem like a poser.

Basically, nothing about me really says that I am of Viking heritage, although Scotland was invaded and Vikings did settle here.

Well, I know that even Canadians and Americans, pretty much all ethnic groups could follow the ways of Asatru.

I'm pretty much limited by age and I seriously doubt there is any Kindred in my small town full of Christian commoners.

Say, if someone asked me "Are you a Pagan? Worshiping the Aesir and Vanir gods?" I'd probably say "I'm not in an Asatru community but I read a lot about it on line and I'm looking into the Prose and Poetic Edda's"

So...basically, would I be a joke to the elitists out there? I can understand why but I would think that the way to solve this is to find a Kindred/Community and practice the ceremonies....since I have nothing apart from my Mjolnir pendant to show my appreciation and love for these ways.

Between you and your religion, as long as you have Troth to the Gods, you're good and Asatru.

Between you and the Community, you should be up front about your newbie status.

IMHO, if you are not part of a kindred then you are not getting the most out of the religion.

Perhaps search for them in your area? I'm sure a go ogle search might help. I get surprising amounts of results when looking for Hellenic Pagans. I've also had luck on Wilcox.com (I know it may not be the best place to look XD) and the ULC Minister forum...

If one want to join a group or not is completely optional, it is your religion and you choose how you want to participate. One can divide it up into two groups: those who want to follow the old traditions and those who want to adapt it to the present. I belong to the last part. I feel it should be functional in everyday life and be able to adapt to the future. It is not necessary that you come from former Viking areas or have Viking blood ... Anyone can believe in Astra if they want. Look around for information and see if this is something that suits you. I would ask you to be careful with some of the information, there are some groups that use Astra to discriminate against others. This is not the appropriate groups for learning about Astra. If you search for information in Scandinavia, you should feel pretty safe.