I am a Wicca and My son (in his 20s) has indicated an interest in Asatru and/or Odinism. How can I help him on this path? What books should he use for study. I have a copy of "Northern Magic" By Edred Thorsson in my personal library. Would that one be good for him? How does he make sure that when he is ready to contact a like minded group that he isn't accidental contacting some kind of white supremacy group masquerading as an Odinist or Asatru group? He is concerned about that. We live in the north west US and there are alto of these types of groups around. Any help would be appreciated.
Beware Justastr, Don't mess with a Momma who can cast spells. I follow "harm none" but when it comes to my children, I have NO sense of humor.
With the summer solstice fast approaching you'll need to choose a proper sacrifice to Abughdadien. Your son, obviously a virgin, would suffice. One kidney must be carved out using a bejeweled letter opener, sealed in a Ziploc bag, and left in your mailbox for pickup.
You're a nut ball. Cast whatever "spells" you want. I feel sorry for your kid that you poisoned his mind with this nonsense.
As an Asatruar I'll answer as best I can.
Books for study:
The Poetic Edda (Hollander translation is most commonly found, but I like Thorpe... it's more accurate).
The Icelandic Sagas (Egil's Saga, Saga of the Jomsvikings, etc... Njal's Saga is probably the weakest, but most popular).
Teutonic Religion by Kveldulf Gundarsson.
A few websites are good, too:
WNW.asatru.org
WNW.runestone.org
WNW.thetroth.org
White supremacist groups are pretty easy to spot, really. The anti-nonwhite propaganda is injected into every part of what they say in regards to the religion.
You should also be aware that there are several types of Asatruar in regards to this matter. There are the full Universalists who feel that anyone can choose any religion.
There are the Tribalists who feel that there is a calling by the blood because Europeans are literally descended by blood from the Gods (borne out in the Eddas and Sagas). But that adoption into the tribe connects a person by their Wyrd and Orlog to the Gods and the Folk.
There are the Folkish who feel that only a blood connection to the Gods (in other words, European, and specifically Northern European ancestry) suffices for a person to follow the Gods.
And then there are the supremacists who twist and pervert the words of the Gods to fit their idiotic idealogy while ignoring portions of the faith that don't fit with their views.
Good luck to your son! And hail the Gods and the Folk!
First, ignore the post by justest....obviously another blight on the earth.
Second, I endorse the comments made by the UN-named responder. He appears to be well read and well versed in the Asatru ways; I would add one website to the list he has already given you: http://www.northvegr.org/phpBB2/index.php
They seem to be legitimate, and not into the WS crap that some groups are.
Edred's books are OK for initial light reading, but (IMHO) are not a serious study of Asatru practices and beliefs.
I have a good amount of information on Asatru. E-mail me via Answers and add you regular e-mail address. I'll send you enough info to let him understand some of the realities and responsibilities of becoming one of the Asatru.
Ah Hildulf already gave an excellent answer. He's right, it is pretty easy to spot white supremacists, they twist the meaning of honoring ones ancestors into hatred of others, which is completely the opposite of the spirit of Asatru. In order to make sure he's not accidentally contacting, just look at the literature they put out.
Here's a list of books about Asatru.
These are classic must haves:
The Poetic Edda
The Prose Edda
The Sagas of the Icelanders
Here are some modern books about Asatru and Heathenry:
Our Troth: Volume 1: History and Lore by Kveldulf Gundarsson (This is one you'll want to get)
Essential Asatru: Walking the Path of Norse Paganism by Diana L. Paxson
Taking Up The Runes: A Complete Guide To Using Runes In Spells, Rituals, Divination, And Magic by Diana L. Paxson
The Runes Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Learning the Wisdom of the Staves by Leon D. Wild
Living Asatru by Greg (Dux) Shetler
Northern Magic: Rune Mysteries and Shamanism (Llewellyn's World Magic Series) by Edred Thorsson
Runecaster's Handbook: The Well of Wyrd by Edred Thorsson
Runelore: A Handbook of Esoteric Runology by Edred Thorsson
The Nature of Asatru: An Overview of the Ideals and Philosophy of the Indigenous Religion of Northern Europe.
by Mark Puryear
The Whisperings of Woden: Nine Nights of Devotional Practice by Galina Krasskova
Freyja, Lady, Vanadis: An Introduction to the Goddess
by Patricia M. Lafayllve
Germanic Heathenry: A Practical Guide by James Hjuka Coulter
Exploring The Northern Tradition: A Guide To The Gods, Lore, Rites And Celebrations From The Norse, German And Anglo-saxon Traditions (Exploring Series) by Galina Krasskova
Odinists or Asatru believers only please?
