What are your beliefs on the Norse pagans? Are you a follower of their beliefs? I know this is kind of a vague question but i want to know if anyone who believes in Asatru can give me a perspective on their religion.
I think it is a really cool type of Paganism. It's basically the ancestral religion of Northern Europe and Iceland. Luckily Iceland kept records of these beliefs. I follow similar beliefs and read about Asatru often enough.
Yes, I am an Asatruar. (So obviously I love Asatru) What would you like to know. :-)
Asatru is an independent faith. Its tenets are belief in the ?sir and Vanir; the exchange of gifts with the Gods and ones kinfolk, and living ones life in accordance with Nine Virtues of Asatru. The Havamal, also referred to as "The Sayings of The High One (Odin)", has several translations, and are words of wisdom, to help guide one in their daily life. Asatru has no ties to any Judeo-Christian religion, nor is it a part of any New Age or "neo-Pagan" belief system, including Wicca. Yes, my fellow Asatruar below is correct, we prefer to be called Heathens, not Pagans.
Though Asatruar welcome those who wish to enter the Asatru community, Asatru makes no claim to be a universal religion for mankind. Asatru's adherents, however, are found in all parts of the United States and all walks of life. In many cases, a strong interest in the customs and culture of their ancestors led them to Asatru.
What is unique about Asatru is : It is a religion of complete spiritual freedom . The entire experience is one of learning your own individuality and independence . Also , an understanding of your own self worth is realized .
The Asatruar is not slave to the Gods. We do not beg or grovel before them . We honor our deities as our kin for they are part of us as we are part of them .
Actually, we prefer to be called "heathen" for the most part.
We believe that we are responsible for ourselves. That is key to us. We honor our Gods and Goddesses just as we would honor any other member of our family. We do not 'bow down and worship', nor are we expected to do so. Honor, and family, are very important to us. So is hospitality (never know where the All Father will turn up!) and a host of other virtues.
Asatru, like most other religions, is very complex. I would recommend you visit http://www.asatru-u.org to get a good overview of the religion. It's mainly a series of links that will give you several takes on the Asatru faith.
We also do not proselytize, so don't be scared! Questions, of the sincere variety, are answered in a sincere and decent manner without ulterior motive.
Forget about all that silly stuff. If you have to have a religion get one that has had a long walk with fantasy and all ways comes out on top. Try Christianity.
What little I know about Norse beliefs I find very interesting and am very interested in runes. But the idea of a person of African ancestry following a Norse belief is a little loopy!
I do believe in the Gods of Norse pantheon. However, L?k?senn? and marooned answered very nicely with what you might call a brief overview or a perspective, so I will humbly not attempt to word it again. I doubt I could do it as well, let alone better.
Asatru. Norse beliefs?
