"Every speaker of English is an inheritor of a culture shaped by a Germanic (the Anglo-Saxon) world-view." - Kveldulf Gundarsson

The spiritual way of the North is known by many names and traditions. Asatru, Heathenry, the Elder Troth, the Northern Way, Forn Sed, Theodism, and others.

Asatru, pronounced "AY-sah-true," means "true to the Aesir". "True" can be understood as both family loyalty and a deep respect for the Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage. Asatru strives to celebrate this religious and cultural heritage, rather than to promote political, racial, social or other agendas. Although descended from the social and religious culture of the North, it is open to worthy folks regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation. Asatru today is no more "European" than Hinduism is "Indian," Christianity is "Jewish," or Islam is "Arabic."

Most Asatruar are polytheists who consider themselves the spiritual kin of the gods and goddesses of the North which consist in part of the tribe of the Aesir: Odinn and Frigg, Tyr and Zisa, Thorr and Sif, and others, and of the Vanir: Freyja and Freyr, Njord and Nerthus, and others. They also work with the spirits of the ancestors as well as the spirits of both the land and the home. Asatru is a living and constantly evolving religion. It is the reconstructed pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples practiced openly until the close of the Viking age. Asatru grew out of the same Indo-European source as the Celts, Greeks, and early Romans. All were influenced by the religious traditions of their common ancestors. This shared ancestry has resulted in superficial similarities to other religious movements.

Holydays

Nine Noble Virtues

Rituals

Asatru Links

Timeline

FAQs

Wordhoard

Bookhoard

Traditionally, the chieftain of a clan or the leader of a community acted as gothi (priest) or gythja (priestess) at public feasts. They hosted the feasts and lead the rituals. In the home, heads of the household led family rituals. Everyone was his or her own priest or priestess. Today, in a group setting, the gothi or gythja is the one who has dedicated themselves to the study of the ancient lore and strives for inspiration from the elder kin, the gods of the North. They are the hosts of a Kindred who provide the place for them to gather. A gothi or gythja is known by his or her generosity and hospitality as much as by his or her leadership. Yet still today, every man and woman is still his or her own priest or priestess.

Asatru groups are known as Hearths, Garths, Kindreds, or by other names. Most Asatruar prefer to work in groups but many live too far away from other Asatruar to be able to join with a group while others choose to remain solitary.

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