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The word "Ásatrú" literally translates as "faith in the gods," but it is best described as the modern rebirth of the indigenous, pre-Christian faith of the Nordic/Germanic peoples. It is a polytheistic faith, meaning that it honors a pantheon of numerous gods and goddesses. Many of the names of these gods and goddesses remain part of our modern culture.



One example is found in the days of the week, i.e. Wednesday is Woden's (Odin's) Day, Thursday is Thunar's (Thor's ) Day, Friday is either Frigga's Day or Freya's Day (scholars debate which). Ásatrú has been recognized officially in Iceland, but also has a large following throughout Scandinavia and in America, England, Germany, and other countries.



Ásatrú is focused on honoring the two families of gods and goddesses, the Æsir and the Vanir, but it also holds a belief in various other land spirits and a reverence of ancestors. Many follow a list of nine virtues, referred to as the Nine Noble Virtues, that have been culled from the Eddas (our primary sources) and the Sagas. These virtues are: Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Perseverance.



Ásatrú has a strong emphasis on individual spiritual experience, however, Ásatrú people often form small groups. These groups are variously known as kindreds, hearths, garths, felags, halls, etc. Some have a designated priest or priestess, while others rely on inspired volunteers to lead the celebrations. A priest is referred to as a Goði, a priestess as a Gyðja. There is a great deal of importance placed on the study of the literature, folklore, and history pertaining to the original religious and cultural elements upon which Ásatrú is based.



Ásatrú is open to everyone, and there are many different sorts of Ásatrú people. Anyone who wants to become Ásatrú can do so -- regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, sexual orientation, or other divisive criteria.



Our primary religious celebrations are called Blóts. They are essentially a ritual featuring a votive offering, usually in the form of libation. These Blóts are held at pivotal points during the year, the most important being Yule and Midsummer's Blót. There are various other Blóts that are also celebrated. Sumbels, consisting of rounds of ritual drinking and toasting, are also held occasionally. A typical calendar of celebrations is as follows:



Disablót-31 January Ostara-21 March



Valpurgis-30 April Midsummer-21 June



Freysfest-31 July Haustblót-23 September



Winter Nights-31 October Yule-21 December





Q. I've read that the Norsemen sacrificed animals and even humans as part of their religion. Is this still part of modern Asatru?



A. Human sacrifice is definitely NOT part of modern Asatru practice. Some groups, however, still do practice animal sacrifice; those groups tend to live in areas where farm or game animals are often killed for "mundane" reasons anyway. They see the sacrifice as a vital part of the religion, acknowledging that their food comes from living creatures and consecrating its death to the gods. (Unlike some cultures' version of animal sacrifice, which destroyed the whole offering by fire, the Germanic version was essentially a sacred meal: the edible parts were blessed and shared by the worshipers, and the rest was used or thrown away as it would have normally been.)



For the most part, however, modern Asatruar make only a "symbolic" animal sacrifice (consecrating an edible image of an animal, or a piece of meat) if they make one at all. Some reserve that practice for only the most important rituals; many more do away with the sacrificial animal altogether, offering only a drink.



Q. I've noticed that many Asatruar practice magic (especially rune magic); is this a requirement of the religion?



A. The religion does teach that magic is real and acceptable; and many people do indeed come to Asatru through an interest in runecraft. However, this does NOT mean that everybody is expected to study or practice magic. (Spell-working does not play as strong a role in Asatru as it does in Wicca, to name the most obvious example.) Conversely, a person can practice rune magic in some form without following the Asatru religion--as long as the magician is familiar with the Germanic gods, myths and symbolism, and takes the runes in their cultural context.