Your Views

[riverwind]

Ok, let's open this new forum with an idea of where everyone stands on the Nordic Traditions. We'll start off with this one question and go from there. Once I get an idea where everyone is at, I'll have a better idea of where to go with this.

As I have mentioned in the Celtic forum, I'm blending my Celtic and Nordic beliefs, which I will admit is somewhat challenging. My heart lies within both paths and I struggled for quite some time on which direction I was being pulled the strongest. I have been drawn to Wicca/Witchcraft/Paganism for as long as I can remember and when I was introduced to Asatru several years ago, I was torn on what to do. I finally thought, about 5 months ago, why can't I have both? Granted, Asatru, or Heathenism as it is sometimes referred to ( among others) doesn't have that special pull that Wicca does, but there are many things that I believe from Asatru as well.

[mamalaiste]

I think maybe you could give us some general definitions of those paths. Some of us really have had very little exposure to some of the Asatru and other teachings.

I was gifted with the book "Falcon Feather & Valkyrie Sword" by D.J. Conway last week and it seems to be somewhat a combination of some of the Nordic paths. I like it so far, but my personal path has been so geared toward metaphysics and Wicca for so many years that I am almost overwhelmed with some of the other paths.

I do look forward to this~~

[riverwind]

I will certainly do that. By the way, I also recommend The Poetic Edda ( I have the Bellows translation) and The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson. Both give an excellent view, in my opinion, of Norse mythology and the Gods and Goddesses place in them. Also, find online (links to follow when it isn't almost midnight) a copy of The Havamal. This is a moral code by which all of The Folk were expected to live. It's my intention to go through a recommended reading list, post links for information and give a definition of the different aspects of Asatru, etc. as the Forum progresses. I will get some definitions up tomorrow night.

I haven't heard of that Conway book, I'll have to find it.

[summerhawk]

This is really good, River. I have very little knowledge of any of these paths.

[mamalaiste]

I haven't heard of that Conway book, I'll have to find it.

Just a mild cautionary note here-- that book has a slight Feminist slant to it. Not man-bashing at all, just reclaiming the Feminine Mysteries.


(and you all know how I feel about the Female Leadership roles)