Ask a Pagan

[Skadi]

I’m curious as well as to what made you become interested in Germanic paganism. I understand there is a modern drive to resurrect interest in it.

Allegra:

What does Germanic paganism entail and what led you to believe it is true?

well I think my previous responses cover these pretty well, but yes, there is alot of activity now bringing back several old religions including ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Sumerian, Slavic, Celtic, and German religion. Wicca is also in a group with these but it is (unlike what some Wiccans may claim) a 100 year old tradition that combines alot of folk magic, ceremonial magic, Celtic Paganism, and a dash of Germanic aswell.

In terms of lifespan Germanic paganism long outlived the other pagan faiths of Europe, remaining dominant in Scandinavia until the 1200’s, and being practiced in secret there after for centuries. The last sect of old German paganism was in Iceland and finally died out in the 1800s, but thats a much smaller gap between the old practices and the 20th century revival than you will find with the other pagan reconstructions.

 

[LivingWaters7]

The main god I give most focus is Tyr, God of Single Combat, Honor, and Glory. Female god would be Skadi, Goddess of Skiing and the Hunt. They were my two main dietys during my time in Wiccan and i have kept the focus on them my whole time through Paganism.

I chose the Germanic pantheon because im Ethnically German and wanted to show some reverence for the gods of my ancestors. Being soft-poly and believing that all pantheons are just faces f the true divine i figured that would be the one to go for.

Thanks for participating! Questions:

So you believe that the gods are “real entities”, yet they are also “just faces of the true divine”? Could you clarify? What is “the true divine”?

Also, have you had experiences with the deities that you worship that point you to believe that they do in fact exist? Do your gods interact with humans? Where did they come from?

Perhaps related to my first question-So you being a “soft polytheist”, does that mean that you don’t believe that there is a “one true religion”? Now that I think about this, this is an interesting thought: I wonder how polytheists, “soft” or “hard”, view the existence of gods outside of their own pantheons. How does that work? Perhaps that’s a more pertinent question for a “hard polytheist”.

 

[Skadi]

I would ask that we begin with a basic definition of pagan. What does that mean to you? For example, I have seen the following terms used interchangeably - pagan, heathen, hedonist, infidel, polytheist, idol worshipper, unbeliever, etc…

I think it would behoove us to ensure we apply a consistent meaning to words here.

Yes, the word pagan has alot of meanings, and conjures up alot of different images, so let me explain what Im referring to when I say pagan.

Paganism isn’t a religion itself but a group or religions of similar origin and whom often work together or even practice together. it began as a blanket term for non-Abrahamic religions used by Christians in ancient Rome. Pagan roughly translates to “Country Dweller” or in modern terms “Hick”.

Modern Paganism is generaly refers to the following groups, based on European pre-christian religion (or Egyptian).

-Greek Paganism
-Roman Paganism (very similar to Greek)
-Slavic Paganism
-Germanic Paganism
-Khemetic Paganism (Egyptian)
-Druidism
-Celtic Paganism
-Wicca

All of these have varying creeds, gods, and morality, but because of a shared source and a mutual feeling of having been swept aside by Christianity they together form the pagan community worldwide.

On one end you have Celtic and Wicca, which are the largest and by far have the most 12 year old girls who want to play witch and generally are overwhelmingly female. on the other you have Germanic and Slavic paganism, which don’t have that magical allure to young girls and are the two groups that actually have more men than women. Although the pagan community as a whole is probably 65-35 female Germanic is esentialy a warrior religion and as such dosn’t have that hippy nature allure that Celtic or Wicca do.

there is no Vatican, no bible, no central authority. These people practice alone or in groups however they see fit, and it covers alot of different beliefs.

 

[John_Savage]

Why is Paganism correct and all other religions, wrong?

 

[Lisa1967]

Yes, the word pagan has alot of meanings, and conjures up alot of different images, so let me explain what Im referring to when I say pagan.

Paganism isn’t a religion itself but a group or religions of similar origin and whom often work together or even practice together. it began as a blanket term for non-Abrahamic religions used by Christians in ancient Rome. Pagan roughly translates to “Country Dweller” or in modern terms “Hick”.

Modern Paganism is generaly refers to the following groups, based on European pre-christian religion (or Egyptian).

-Greek Paganism
-Roman Paganism (very similar to Greek)
-Slavic Paganism
-Germanic Paganism
-Khemetic Paganism (Egyptian)
-Druidism
-Celtic Paganism
-Wicca

All of these have varying creeds, gods, and morality, but because of a shared source and a mutual feeling of having been swept aside by Christianity they together form the pagan community worldwide.

On one end you have Celtic and Wicca, which are the largest and by far have the most 12 year old girls who want to play witch and generally are overwhelmingly female. on the other you have Germanic and Slavic paganism, which don’t have that magical allure to young girls and are the two groups that actually have more men than women. Although the pagan community as a whole is probably 65-35 female Germanic is esentialy a warrior religion and as such dosn’t have that hippy nature allure that Celtic or Wicca do.

there is no Vatican, no bible, no central authority. These people practice alone or in groups however they see fit, and it covers alot of different beliefs.

I heard that many Germanic pagans want to be called heathens rather than pagans. Where do you stand on this?

 

[JMJ_coder]

The main god I give most focus is Tyr, God of Single Combat, Honor, and Glory. Female god would be Skadi, Goddess of Skiing and the Hunt. They were my two main dietys during my time in Wiccan and i have kept the focus on them my whole time through Paganism.

I chose the Germanic pantheon because im Ethnically German and wanted to show some reverence for the gods of my ancestors. Being soft-poly and believing that all pantheons are just faces f the true divine i figured that would be the one to go for.

What do you do to worship/honor these these deities? Do you sacrifice animals or dance around a fire in sheepskin (e.g., the Dragnet stereotype) or by some other means?

And what makes these deities worthy of your adulation?

 

[ChurchSoldier]

I was raised catholic and went k-12 in the catholic school system, learned catholic doctrine and apologetics, and understand Catholicisms teachings pretty well. So I look forward to any questions you may have or discussions that may come.

It sounds like you have the average American Catholic level of knowledge of the faith.

But, since you “understand Catholicisms teachings”, would you reflect on 1John5:12 (12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. [NIV]) and John 3:36 (36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. [NIV]) as it pertains to your former and current belief systems?

Thanks.

 

[Skadi]

Why is Paganism correct and all other religions, wrong?

Nothing, Im a soft polytheist, I believe that MOST (there are obvious exemptions that are man made like Mormonism and the Church of Satan) religions are just the ultimate-reality/God (who is everywhere and made up of all life) revealed in culturally relative ways.

This dosn’t mean religions cant be changed or corrupted by man, but i do believe most deities are faces of the ultimate reality and most religions reflect common theams (IE. Theft is wrong).

So there is nothing to make my beliefs “More right” than anyone else’s.

 

[Skadi]

I heard that many Germanic pagans want to be called heathens rather than pagans. Where do you stand on this?

Personally I don’t care, I am what I am regardless of what I am called.

 

[Skadi]

What do you do to worship/honor these these deities? Do you sacrifice animals or dance around a fire in sheepskin (e.g., the Dragnet stereotype) or by some other means?

And what makes these deities worthy of your adulation?

Personaly because the area my college is in dosnt have a local group so I am limited to basically observing holidays and trying to live my life according to the 9 noble virtues.

Larger groups will hold Blots on traditional holidays such as Yule, but because of laws in most western nation animal sacrifice is often out of the question. If it was legal I think most groups would probably slaughter a goat or something similar on major holidays. Currently though sacrifices are generally just flowers, herbs, and possibly some harvested foodstuffs. Also, holidays involve alot of feasts and drinking, usually from a traditional horn.

 

[jamesjoseph72]

My understanding of German Paganism is informed by the practices of those within the Ásatrú movement. Since the mid-1980s there have been those within that movement that have argued for an ethnically identified Ásatrú that celebrates the same genetic determinism of the Nazis. Since you have already stated that your own ethnicity was part of your decision to worship Germanic Pagan gods, how do you differentiate yourself from those racist Ásatrú/Germanic Paganism followers? Is your belief system most relevant to those that have the same ethnic background? The Catholic (universal) church does not discriminate based on ethnicity; do you know of any other followers of Germanic Paganism in your own circle that are not of Germanic Ancestry?

 

[Casey123]

What sort of Pagan do you consider yourself? In other words, are you a Celtic Pagan, a Wiccan, et. al.?

What gods/goddesses do you incorporate into your practices?

Do you find it difficult or easy to locate fellow Pagans? Do you practice in a group or are you solitary?

One of my best friends is a Wiccan, born and raised, so I like to think I’m somewhat more informed than the average man off the street on the subject, but I’m always eager to hear about other people’s spiritual experiences.

Best,
Casey

 

[Publisher]

My understanding of German Paganism is informed by the practices of those within the Ásatrú movement. Since the mid-1980s there have been those within that movement that have argued for an ethnically identified Ásatrú that celebrates the same genetic determinism of the Nazis. Since you have already stated that your own ethnicity was part of your decision to worship Germanic Pagan gods, how do you differentiate yourself from those racist Ásatrú/Germanic Paganism followers? Is your belief system most relevant to those that have the same ethnic background? The Catholic (universal) church does not discriminate based on ethnicity; do you know of any other followers of Germanic Paganism in your own circle that are not of Germanic Ancestry?

I’m not a pagan…but I do have Wiccan friends…they are raising the forth geneeration of pagans as they had Pagan parents who had Pagan parents.

Ethinic deities are easier to contact and work with than those deities that are foreign to one’s ethnicity. The Gods “call” to you…and are more easily accessible since their “Befores” are also connected to the Deities of one’s ethnicity.

I would think he differentiates from those “racist” Asatru the same way you would differentiate yourself form Catholic racists…I’m sure there are some…especially in the South. When I lived in the South I certainly met a great many “Christian”…Catholic and Protestant racists…they are everywhere of course…I’ve even met Quaker racists in the “evangelical” branch of Friends.

My Wiccan friends are of Celtic ancestory and therefore call on the Old Ones of Celtic myth. The Old Ones accept any who seek them out.

Paganism has no issues with the various pantheons of various peoples. The Old Ones of the various pantheons are all aspects of a Divine Reality exhibited in Nature. In Roman times for instance, each hosehold had a Patron Deity as did each city and region…Paganism sees no conflict in multiple pantheons like many Christians do with multiple “denominations”. Pagans tend not to proslytize as it is believe those who are “Called” by tho Old Ones will eventually find their Path to Them.

 

[joe371]

So, seeing as there are a couple other threads thrown up by people of various faiths for questions on their religion i figured id do it too.

“Ask a Pagan” is a very broad term though and Paganism is not itself a religion but a blanket term for many who form a sort of community. In addition, various Pagan faiths are very eclectic and there is no Bible or Catechism to outline beliefs, but I have a good general knowledge of paganism (and the occult sense I know the questions are coming) and I’ll do my best to answer any questions.

I was raised catholic and went k-12 in the catholic school system, learned catholic doctrine and apologetics, and understand Catholicisms teachings pretty well. So I look forward to any questions you may have or discussions that may come.

Stay classy Catholics

Anchorman…You stay classy…youtube.com/watch?v=MgGCIZi1UjY

 

[Lord_Keynes]

What is your opinion on theists who see you as an atheist who is just “messing around with ‘magic’ and very symbolic philosophy?”

I’ve noticed many theists, especially Christians, deny that Pagans’ beliefs are legitimate.

 

[Skadi]

My understanding of German Paganism is informed by the practices of those within the Ásatrú movement. Since the mid-1980s there have been those within that movement that have argued for an ethnically identified Ásatrú that celebrates the same genetic determinism of the Nazis. Since you have already stated that your own ethnicity was part of your decision to worship Germanic Pagan gods, how do you differentiate yourself from those racist Ásatrú/Germanic Paganism followers? Is your belief system most relevant to those that have the same ethnic background? The Catholic (universal) church does not discriminate based on ethnicity; do you know of any other followers of Germanic Paganism in your own circle that are not of Germanic Ancestry?

Yes, there is sadly quite a few Asatru folks who are part of the white supremacist movement, largely in part to Nazism’s incorporation of old Germanic symbolism. The Swastika was used for centuries as a symbol of eternity and the sunrise before being perverted by the Nazis (In fact the swastika was the roundel used on planes by the Finnish air force from 1918 to 1944 and had no connection whatsoever to the Nazis).

A while back there was a large spit in the main Asatru organization in the US, the Asatru Free Assembly, underwent a schism between the Folkish and Unilateralist camps. There are now three major groups of Kindreds in the US; The Troth, the largest who dont discriminate based or racial or ethnic basis whatsoever, The Asatru Folk Assembly, who also denounce racism but stress Germanic culture and heritage, and The Asatru Alliance which includes the white supremacist element of the religion.

Personally i harbor no racism towards anyone, and see no racist inclination in the writings left behind by ancient sources. Infact, Besides the occasional Arab or Mongol trader encountered in Russia or Inuit in Greenland, Vikings and the Germanic tribes had contact almost exclusively with other Europeans.

I felt a strong connection to the Germanic Pantheon because my ancestors are German, but I would have no problem celebrating a blot with people of any race or ethnicity.

 

[LivingWaters7]

Thanks for participating! Questions:

So you believe that the gods are “real entities”, yet they are also “just faces of the true divine”? Could you clarify? What is “the true divine”?

Also, have you had experiences with the deities that you worship that point you to believe that they do in fact exist? Do your gods interact with humans? Where did they come from?

Perhaps related to my first question-So you being a “soft polytheist”, does that mean that you don’t believe that there is a “one true religion”? Now that I think about this, this is an interesting thought: I wonder how polytheists, “soft” or “hard”, view the existence of gods outside of their own pantheons. How does that work? Perhaps that’s a more pertinent question for a “hard polytheist”.

wondering if you saw this.

 

[Skadi]

What sort of Pagan do you consider yourself? In other words, are you a Celtic Pagan, a Wiccan, et. al.?

What gods/goddesses do you incorporate into your practices?

Do you find it difficult or easy to locate fellow Pagans? Do you practice in a group or are you solitary?

One of my best friends is a Wiccan, born and raised, so I like to think I’m somewhat more informed than the average man off the street on the subject, but I’m always eager to hear about other people’s spiritual experiences.

Best,
Casey

Im a Germanic Pagan, although i was a Wiccan for a time and it still has some influence on my beliefs.

Im from a very rural area and attend college in a even less populous one, so there isnt exactly a surplus of other people to meet with. My home county is Catholic land USA. I practice solitary, but I keep up with others via the Internet. If there has been one thing that has helped people revive paganism its the Internet, as it allows incredible communication and access to huge amounts of information.

Personaly the dieties i venerate most are Tyr, God of war, single combat, Victory, and Honor, and Skadi, Goddess of Skiing and the hunt.

 

[jamesjoseph72]

Ethinic deities are easier to contact and work with than those deities that are foreign to one’s ethnicity. The Gods “call” to you…and are more easily accessible since their “Befores” are also connected to the Deities of one’s ethnicity.

My Wiccan friends are of Celtic ancestory and therefore call on the Old Ones of Celtic myth. The Old Ones accept any who seek them out.

But from your post, Ancestry is a determinate factor in who the “gods” call out to, though they accept “others” too.

Paganism has no issues with the various pantheons of various peoples. The Old Ones of the various pantheons are all aspects of a Divine Reality exhibited in Nature. In Roman times for instance, each hosehold had a Patron Deity as did each city and region…Paganism sees no conflict in multiple pantheons like many Christians do with multiple “denominations”. Pagans tend not to proslytize as it is believe those who are “Called” by tho Old Ones will eventually find their Path to Them.

I would disagree with defining a singular paganism with an authority to define the movement. There are many separate pagan tendencies, and some of these are ethnically exclusive by dint of creed or being the objects that are “called upon” by specific pantheons.

Thank you for replying from an outsiders perspective on pagan tradition regarding what pagans may or may not believe. I too have associates that are pagan, but their notions of paganism are almost exclusively ethnicity based. That, to me, is a problem.

James

 

[Casey123]

Im a Germanic Pagan, although i was a Wiccan for a time and it still has some influence on my beliefs.

Im from a very rural area and attend college in a even less populous one, so there isnt exactly a surplus of other people to meet with. My home county is Catholic land USA. I practice solitary, but I keep up with others via the Internet. If there has been one thing that has helped people revive paganism its the Internet, as it allows incredible communication and access to huge amounts of information.

Personaly the dieties i venerate most are Tyr, God of war, single combat, Victory, and Honor, and Skadi, Goddess of Skiing and the hunt.

In what ways, if any, do you run into prejudice in your life?