The Rites of Odin

[riverwind]

Among the many books I refer to from time to time on my...eclectic path, is a book titled The Rites of Odin, by Ed Fitch. Now, I have read several reviews on this book, and none of them good. This book has been much maligned in the Asatru community, at least from what I have seen.

I personally find a certain value in this book. As I have mentioned before, I have a rather unique, if I may be so arrogant, set of beliefs in that I follow the Heathen path, but also "blend" in some Wicca and also have some Zen leanings. Asatru/Heathenism is, in my experience, rather thin in the spells, herbalism, ritual area. While this book doesn't cover herbalism or spells, it does present many rituals beyond the traditional Blot or Sumbel found elsewhere. My point with this post? I'm curious what you, gentle reader, think of using tradition specific methods in a tradition that doesn't, well, traditionally, use them and can be, in fact, openly opposed to such practices. And I know the usual argument, if it works for you, use it. So you can't use that one. I would point to my current studies in Reiki as an example. There is much controversy between the traditional and non traditional camps concerning teaching methods, degrees, monetary issues and the biggie, Symbols.

I want to know what YOU think about this and how it figures in your life path.

I'll start. Personally, I give a crap what other people think of my own path and how I choose to walk it. Whether I use herbcraft in Asatru, or give thanks to The Triple Goddess in the same breath as Ullr and Sif ( my patrons) has no bearing on anothers belief system and I certainly don't feel that I am offending any of the Gods or Goddesses by doing so. I understand the traditionalists, but I don't necessarily agree with them.

[mamalaiste]

Well, you mentioned Ed Fitch and immediately I was hooked. I have studied that man's teachings since the early 70's. Yes, my very first Wiccan teacher and mentor, Ruth, would make me read the newsletters that were sent out from The Crystal Well. I had to read them, learn the rituals and/or teachings and then she would quiz me and take the newsletters back. Shortly before Hurricane Katrina hit (about a month before) Ruth gave me a box with some of her private writings, several issues of The Crystal Well newletters, and some books she felt I need to further study. Along with a few very special tools-- her very antique mortar & pestle, a crystal pyramid box thing made by Pete Adams in 1988 and other things. And just as a side note, her home was just 3 blocks straight up Hwy 49 off the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi......... which was all destroyed.

Ok-- back to the original question:

I personally feel that each tradition is valid and should be used as a foundation for learning. I don't believe we should ever be boxed into just that one thing tho. I feel that Spirit wishes for us to expand and learn all we can about other traditions and belief systems and incorporate what we feel led to incorporate with our personal path. That tells me that it's ok for me to Thank Bacchus and Diana at the same time as I am walking deosil with a hawk feather and a snake staff with a panther walking next to me. It 's what I am guided to do to honor my own sacred path.

I think I answered your question, but if not-- please ask me.

[riverwind]

perfectly well.

[summerhawk]

Like Mama - I also think that each "tradition" is a foundation. But being the person that I am, I will not be locked into the idea that any one "tradition" has all the answers. And like you, River - other people's opinion of my path isn't worth a crap.

[Catherine]

I've never really worried about what other people thought. I do what I do based on how I feel. I do look to people that I respect for information. But at the same time, I've never taken another's opinion as the end all, be all of anything. I don't think there is any "one way" or "right way". We're all individuals.

I think it's important to have a solid foundation to build your practices on, but you should still build. If you don't branch out and look for new and different ways of doing things, then you just stagnate.

Part of the reason I've never gotten involved with any local groups (with one exception that I'd just as soon forget) is because I can't stand all of the "you must always" or "you must never" stuff that you hear so often from people. That whole attitude of "I'm the witchiest witch of all, and you have to do it my way or else..." really bugs me.

And, just because someone has written a book, or several books, doesn't mean they know everything there is to know about a subject. Just look at Ravenwolf...

So, unless you're going down the reconstructionist path, I wouldn't worry about it.

[riverwind]

Nope, not worried in the slightest. Just wanted to get peoples opinions on the whole thing. Your comment about some people being the witchiest witch of all and having to do it their way or else is pretty much the point I was trying to make. Ed Fitch, from what I've read, has taken a lot of crap for that book, and I for one don't really understand why. Purists and the like certainly seems as plausible an explanation as any. I understand tradition and "purity", it just seems like a pretty uptight attitude to me.

[mamalaiste]

But River-- the people he has gotten flack from are from a different time than him. Gotta remember that he has been a witch for longer than most of them have been alive. He's pretty damned comfortable in his own skin, with his own spiritual path and really, I don't think he gives a shit either about what other people think. He is telling *his* truth, as he knows it. And that's all that matters in life-- living out our own truths.

[summerhawk]

I understand tradition and "purity", it just seems like a pretty uptight attitude to me.

More than just uptight - it can also be dangerous. Lets remember that Hitler was a "purist". Anytime someone mentions that word it gives me shivers.

[riverwind]

Yeah, well, Hitler was a lot of things, most of them too vulgar to mention here. I happen to believe that people are entitled to their beliefs, regardless of what they are or how idiotic they may be, so long as people and animals are not hurt by those beliefs. I happen to like Ed Fitch, and it irritates me that he's gotten flak for the book. I guess I just don't understand.

[summerhawk]

Maybe it's just the "reconstructionists" that are getting their panties in a twist. That being the case - let them run off at the mouth, if it makes them feel better. I'm sure he knows that the loudest are not always the majority!!

You could always contact him, and let him know how you feel. I'm sure he'd appreciate it.