I focused on this one aspect already, but now I want to explore this a bit further not so much what is not Heathen, but rather what is Heathen, and how you can better align yourself with the Heathen world and way of life.
This is more than just knowing and following the Nine Noble Virtues or other similar lists, or even going right to the source in the Havamal or the Sagas. All of those sources, when taken as a whole, can be boiled down into core themes and values that are found in the Heathen heart, where the heart is fertile enough for such values to take root. Self-reliance, hospitality, and courage are all excellent examples that can be found in the existing lore, and also can be found codified into modern lists like the Nine. Some values, like frith (roughly, it means “peace”, but more complicated, including security, kinship, and productive associations), are uniquely Heathen. These values shape how we behave with our families and friends, and the community. As we are judged by our adherence to these classic, Heathen values by those within the community, we are also judged as a community by those on the outside of our community.
As important as these values are to who we are as a folk, it is important not to neglect the physical world. For too many Folk, being a Heathen means drinking mead and joining an internet chat group. Maybe posting some pictures of Vikings with quotes from the Edda, or “The 13th Warrior”. The most ambitious of these type focus on outing racists and being lore-Nazis, but do very little to further Heathenism beyond running a blog. (yea, I know… Keep reading.) Writing a book or blog is not a bad thing. In fact, I encourage it greatly, regardless of its form, because what we write today will become the lore of our descendants, and that is important. Remember to include some pictures! However, this cannot be the limit of what we do, or our modern history is all subject to being lost by a simple electronic failure. What is more important is that we remember to interact with other Folk, and that includes those who don’t necessarily share the exact same views as ourselves. There is room for SOME interpretation in the lore. Focus on the similarities, and the differences won’t seem so insurmountable. This doesn’t mean that there should be a mentality of anything goes, all views equal hug-fest. Any argument should be able to withstand some criticism, after all.
To quote Lord Tomas Macaulay, “The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.” Also, President Abraham Lincoln, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Petty differences need to be put aside in favor of a more united Heathen front. What I propose is that for unity sake, Heathens agree on a general definition of what is Heathen. This could be as simple as acceptance of the Edda as the source of faith, as well as the yearly celebrations. More on this in a moment. As for personal interpretations, leave that to your kindred, or tribe, or whatever denomination you use. There is nothing wrong with kindred ways and traditions, but there needs to be links to the larger community if communal growth is to occur. Also, putting an end to petty quarreling for the peace, security, and overall benefit of the greater community is Frith, a Heathen virtue!
It is my hope that such interactions will result in an exchange of and spread of Heathen traditions. With that spread comes more shared cultural experience for Heathens everywhere. As a cultural and ethnic identity strengthens, the brighter the future of our folk. For that to happen, however, there needs to be more consensus on what it is to be a Heathen. For now, a basic definition will do. A Heathen follows the Heathen religion based soundly in the Edda and Sagas. In this, I include Snorri, because whether your view is that he was a Christian writing about the pagan past, or if he was one of the last holdouts in a hostile world, his information is still valid. Ideally, a Heathen should participate in the community. Try not to spend the holidays alone, but try and find some Heathen company, and at least once a year, save up a few dollars and go to any of a number large scale Heathen events. There are several around the country that have several hundred Heathens from around the country at different times of the year. Read the Edda and at least the major Sagas. Any translation will do.
Most importantly, Heathens need to support one another. I find trade and barter to be useful for this. Turn a productive hobby into a means of trade. Trade mead for soap, cheese for mead. Create a micro-economy based on Heathen production and trade. This kind of industriousness and trade is also a Heathen tradition straight out of the existing lore. Vikings were not all pirates, but craftsmen, merchants and traders also! What a tradition to embrace and carry on!! Not to mention, the more industrious you become, the more self-reliant you become! This includes art, from poetry and song to painting, inspired by the lore, old and new.
My personal favorite is the food end of things. At a blot feast, don’t be contrary and exotic, preparing things like sushi or curry. Instead, try and create dishes that are classic, like turkey, chicken, ham, or fish. Instead of sushi, go to a farmers market and buy some fresh salmon and make gravlax. I’m quite fond of medieval recipes, like real mincemeat pie for Yule, or local classics like pork and sauerkraut for twelfth night. There is nothing wrong with enjoying Chinese food, but during holiday feasts, the focus should be on our own traditions, not on having African food because it’s different and exotic. Save that for a date night.
Ultimately, it is the community that makes the distinction of Heathen and Non-Heathen, not the individuals of which it is comprised. I hope my ramblings have left you inspired to reach out beyond your computer screen. Pick a friend, and in frith, become industrious and self-reliant!
Go in Frith!