God Loki

Loki is the “problem child” of the Gods. He is known for both creative and destructive powers, and he is always getting into trouble. He has been called the calumniator of the Gods and the contriver of all fraud and mischief. Loki is either mischievous, insane, or angry and brings many trials to the other Gods and Goddesses. Because he is a blood-brother of Odin, the Gods and Goddesses put up with him until he arranged for the death of Balder. He has since been bound so that painful poison drips into his face in retribution.

Books in PDF format to read:

Anonymous - Potentialities Of Loki
Franz Bardon - The Golden Book Of Wisdom
Aleister Crowley - Rosa Coeli

Laguz Rune

Laguz means lake. This Rune actually represents water in all its forms, so it can signify a sea, ocean, lake, river or marsh. All these water surfaces are under the rule of Njord and his wife Ran, which meant mysterious and dangerous regions to the old Germanic peoples. They imagined that the waters were inhabited by terrifying creatures like the serpent Jormundgand, but also beautiful creatures, but no less deadly, like Lorelai. What is, then, the point of Laguz? In the occult, water has always been the symbol of emotions, intuition, but also of the unconscious, the depths of which are like the depths of the ocean. Dreams, fantasies and hallucinations fall under Laguz's domain, but also illusions which we consider to be real, but are nothing more than projections of our subconscious. Laguz thus has the meaning of something mysterious and unknown, something which needs to be explored, something we should face and so prove our courage. For when we know our flaws, frustrations and fears, the mysterious waters of Laguz we dreaded can become a healing spring. Water is also a symbol of fertility and female qualities in general.

Divination:

Positive meaning: fertility, development through self-examination, psychism.

Negative meaning: illusions, fear, madness, perversion.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Charles Webster Leadbeater - Clairvoyance
Karl Hans Welz - Armanen Runes
Stephen Flowers - Black Runa
Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes

God Thor

Thor, the thunder God, is known for his exceptional strength and for his war hammer, Mjollnir. Son of Odin and the Earth Mother, he is known for his friendship for humanity and crafts people. Thor is the strongest god, son of Odin and Jordh, the Earth. He rules over the realm of Thrudheim, and his mansion is named Bilskirnir. He drives a chariot pulled by two flying goats, Tanngniost and Tanngrisnir. He is god of the rain (and as such is also a god of the crops), and the thunder, and the lightning. He is the protector of gods and men alike, and is the eternal enemy of the jotunns (giants), thurses, etins, and trolls, who seek ever to destroy the lands of gods and men. In fact Thor has a piece of whetstone imbedded in his forehead from a particularly great battle with a giant armed with a whetstone club. Tales told of Thor often involve his travels to the lands of these beings, for purposes of adventure and slaughter. A companion in his travels is often Loki, and there is a mystery in this, for Thor is the only power Loki really respects (fears) and as such is the natural counterbalance to him. (This also works in reverse as well, for Loki's sharp wits and wily ways are often of benefit to Thor as well, and serve in ways brute strength cannot.) Thor's wife is Sif, who is looked at as a Goddess of the crops. Thor possesses three chief treasures; the hammer Mjollnir, which is the lightning, and it never misses (almost) and nothing can stand before it, and it returns to its wielder's hand after being thrown, and he also possesses the iron gauntlets needed to handle the great heat and power of the hammer, and he possesses a magic girdle that doubles the strength of the wearer. Thor is often pictured in modern sources as slow of wit, something of a redneck of a god. This shows a certain lack of understanding of him. He is a very wise and intelligent being. After all, he was able to keep a dwarf he could not kill for social reasons in conversation about deep cosmic matters for an entire night, until the sun arose. It is just that Thor's wisdom is a practical kind of wisdom, rather than the showy kind seen in Odin. Thor was perhaps the most popular of the gods, and while Odin's people are jarls (noblemen) or wargs (outlaws), Thor's people are carls, freemen, the ordinary people who loved him best. Thor is god of farmers, and common folk, as well as fighters. One would pray to Thor for strength, and protection, and for land, and for rain. It is also said that mere mention of Thor's name aloud can cause the god to take notice, and suddenly appear. More on Thor is available in the section on runes, under the Thorn rune.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Songs Of The Spirit
Franceska De Grandis - Goddess Initiation
Aleister Crowley - World Tragedy
Aleister Crowley - Clouds Without Water
Aristotle - On The Soul

Myths Of Northern Lands

Book: Myths Of Northern Lands by Helene Adeline Guerber

The aim of this handbook of Northern mythology is to familiarize the English student of letters with the religion of his heathen ancestors, and to set forth, as clearly as possible, the various myths which have exercised an influence over our customs, arts, and literature.

As Norwegians, Danes, Swedes, Icelanders, Germans, English, and French all came originally from the same stock and worshiped the same gods, so these tales formed the basis not only of their religious belief, but also of their first attempts at poetry. They are the classics of the North, and deserve as much attention at our hands as the more graceful and idyllic mythology of the South.

The most distinctive traits of the Northern mythology are a peculiar grim humor which is found in the religion of no other race, and a dark thread of tragedy which runs throughout the whole woof. These two Characteristics, touching both extremes of the scale, have colored Northern thought, and have left their indelible imprint upon all our writings even to this day. The mythology of Greece and Rome, growing as spontaneous and luxuriant as the tropical vegetation, came to its full fruition and began to decay before the Introduction of Christianity. But Northern mythology, of slower growth, was arrested in mid-career before it had attained its complete development.

A glossary, and complete index have been added to adapt this book for general use in libraries and public schools. Author and publishers sincerely trust that little work will be as kindly received and as well appreciated as has been the case with its predecessor, “Myths of Greece and Rome,” the first volume of this series.

Download Helene Adeline Guerber's eBook: Myths Of Northern Lands

Books in PDF format to read:

Tuesday Lobsang Rampa - The Cave Of The Ancients
Eleanor Hull - The Northmen In Britain
Nicolas Schreck - Demons Of The Flesh
Emilie Kip Baker - Stories From Northern Myths
Helene Adeline Guerber - Myths Of Northern Lands

Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

Book: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide by The Troth

The Troth is one of several International organizations that promote the ancient religion of the Northlands, known as Asatru, Heathenry, and by other names. We are incorporated as a non-profit religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt Religious organization.

The Troth publishes a quarterly magazine, Idunna, along with other writings on Heathen belief and practice. We serve as a networking organization for individuals and kindreds, and we try to assist our members to form local groups to practice our religion and make it more widely available. Once a year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which members and interested folks conduct workshops and ceremonies, and discuss and demonstrate their many skills and practices. The Troth also conducts a certification program for clergy, incorporating training in lore, theology, ritual, and counseling.

The Troth believes that the Gods call whom they will—regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation. To hear their call is a joy, an honor, and also a duty. If you hear that call, and you are willing to live by our values and honor our Gods, then we invite you to take your place among friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to our ancient Heathen faith.

Download The Troth's eBook: Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Leo Ruickbie - Imbolc Festival Of The Goddess Brigid
Judy Harrow - Exegesis On The Wiccan Rede
Reformed Druids - Anthology 09 The Books Of The Latter Day Druids
The Troth - Gods Of The Heaten Way A Brief Guide

Folkish Vs Universalist Odinism Or Odinism Vs Asatru

An important line is drawn within the Odinist community. The ideas of Universal Odinism and Folkish Odinism matter very much, both to the practitioners of the religion and those studying it. Along with this is the idea of Odinism verses Asatruism. Gardell writes about the distinction. “Nonracist Asatru is a polytheistic Spiritual Path that welcomes and genuinely interested person irrespective of race or ethnicity. Dismissing nonracist Asatru as an effeminate New Age Corruption, the racist position defines Asatru/Odinism as an expression of the Aryan racial soul and hence an exclusive creed open to whites only.”

Universal Odinists (“Nonracist Asatru”) tend to reflect the more “new age” tenants of the faith, holding the view that anyone who believes or “is called” (Generally by Odin) can be an Odinist without respect to heritage or ethnicity. This is not to say that they are not serious about their faith and practices, nor that their beliefs do not reflect their heritage, only that they do not see this as a prerequisite to their faith. It is important to note that this belief was probably more closely shared with the original Odinists than what the Folkish Odinists believe. Race is mostly a social construction, and Vikings tended to be very good at assimilation, as well as apt to for relationships with people who were not Norse themselves—their religion would not have been exclusively for other Vikings (Gardell). A good example of this attitude is “Ufheddin the Odinist”, who responded to a short survey asking about his beliefs. When asked about who can become an Odinist, his answer was short and sweet. “Anyone drawn to the path with the strength and will to endure it.” “Osgot the Odinist” shared this belief, “Anyone can become an Odinist if they truly understand what that means, and accept both the belief and the way of life that accompanies it. Being an Odinist is a personal choice. You do not need to be inducted or invited to a community. You simply decide to be so, and begin.” Although reliable numbers are hard to find, this stance seems to be the view of most Odinists. Many Odinists and Odinist groups take measures to distance themselves not only from overtly racist Interpretations of their faith, but also from any indication that race or ethnic heritage has any part in their religion.

“It has been the sad fate of Asatru to have had our faith highjacked by some subhuman maggots who are trying to hitch their sick and twisted political wagon to our faith.It is the position of The Raven Kindred, Asatru Today, myself personally, and all legitimate Asatruar that race and ethnicity are completely irrelevant to Asatru and Norse Paganism. Asatru is a religion. It is open to anyone who wishes to join it. Those persons who would limit its membership on the basis of race, sex, sexual preference, or other such criteria are not only mentally challenged, but are traitors to the Gods. If the Gods call someone to their service, it is not our business to deny them based on their genetic origin. To do so is to go against the Gods, and thus is to commit treason against Asgard.”

The flipside of this view is the Folkish Odinists. This is the group that believes Norse blood is required to legitimately worship the Old Norse gods. This is where the line between religion and racism becomes blurred—especially given the fact that many people may not “look the part” but may in fact have more Norse blood in them than someone with blonde hair and blue eyes (genes can be tricky like that). These are generally the people who will point to the fact that (almost) every culture has its own pagan or heathen ancestral religion to be perused.

Even within Folkish Odinism there exists a division, one that is made both by Odinists themselves and academics. Some (classified as “Ethnic Odinists”) define Odinism as a heritage—their ancestors somehow link them to this set of spiritual beliefs. Of course, this contains an odd logic jump somehow connecting genetics to spirituality. Other Folkish Odinists are overtly racist. One estimate states that it is probably no more than fifteen percent of practicing Odinists who take an overtly racist approach to their Interpretation and practices, although the number of “ethnic” Odinists is probably much higher.

Timothy G. Baysinger, in the Journal of Homeland Security Affairs, further describes the distinction, and classifies those who are more right-wing and white-supremacist as “Odinist” while allowing the title of “Asatru” to those who take a nonracist approach. Unlike most other scholars, Baysinger does not seem to make much of a distinction between “ethnic Odinists” and “racist Odinists” seemingly because the only real feature that distinguishes one group from the other is the level of action. Baysinger discusses important differences in theology and interpretation between the two groups. Baysinger's Odinism vs. Asatru:

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Odinism
Rejection of Christianity in favor of Norse gods—attracts followers using the promise of fraternal relations and a flexible belief system
Right-wing and white-supremacist
“Accept the validity of conspiracies [especially involving Jews] when viewing the events of history.”
Use of the “warrior principle” in ideology—leads to (attempted or planned) retaliation for “perceived past injustices.”
“Hold racist feelings and opinions…merge[d] with racial mysticism”
“Oversimplification of complex information associated with the revitalized tribal ideas of the Vikings.”
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Asatru
Rejection of Christianity in favor of Norse gods—attracts followers using the promise of fraternal relations and a flexible belief system
Rejection of white-supremacist ideology
Most do not embrace conspiracy theories of history
May or may not believe in/embrace the “warrior principle” but generally will not apply it to revenge for past events
Rejection of racist ideas
“Do not accept efforts to simplify their reconstruction of the communal, magical, and religions practices as they apply to modern society.”
----------------------------------------------------------


Betty A. Dobratz offers another criterion for differentiating between Odinists who use their religion to further racist or white nationalist goals and those who simply believe in following one’s own heritage. “The development of racial pride is key in distinguishing whites who belong to this movement from whites who do not.” She quotes research done in the 1970’s which points out that most white supremacists are unable to see the distinction between culture and race, an essential difference for most people. Of course, the definition of what constitutes “race” has also changed dramatically over time, moving from largely being viewed as something innate that really did separate people to a purely social construction to something that is somewhere in between, although now scientific studies of race may group people who look nothing like each other based purely on genetics. Dobratz points out the tricky nature of pinning down a definition, especially among white supremacists. “The sociopsychological view of racism ‘has in fact ignored the most central feature of racialism, namely the meaning of race to the racialist.” White supremacists tend to view the terms “racism” and “racist” as positive ones—simply as someone who loves his race (here we see the confusion between race and culture). “It in no way means hate for any other race, it simply means love for my own race,” said one man she interviewed. She is also careful to note that the distinction between racial and nonracial Odinists is often blurred—how do we tell the difference between pride and racial mysticism?

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Gottfried De Purucker - Occult Glossary A Compendium Of Oriental And Theosophical Terms
Stephen Mcnallen - What Is Asatru
Anonymous - Worship And Spirituality During And Between The Asatru Holidays
Anonymous - Odinism And Asatru
Hermes Trismegistus - Book Ix A Universal Sermon To Asclepius

Inguz Rune

This Rune is connected to Frey, the God of fertility, i.e. with the king Ing, who started the Ingling dynasty. According to legend, during king Ing's rule his lands were more fertile than ever, so Ing, i.e. Frey, was deified after his death, and became a fertility God. Therefore, Ingwaz is connected to fertility, but this fertility – unlike Pertho's – is connected most of all with the creative power of a man. The shape of Ingwaz bears an uncanny resemblance to a seed, and as such this Rune can symbolize at the same time a sperm as well as a plant seed, but as well as a seed, that is a beginning of an interesting idea, a beginning of a good business project. In Ingwaz a person fortifies his or her position and directs to the final goal – Othala. Just like Frey lead his warriors, so Inguz leads a person towards self-realization and enlightenment. Passing through the whole Futhark a person has accomplished a lot and now all that remains is to gather the fruits of one's labour and rule his kingdom like Frey in Upssala. All goals in life are now realized and one is in perfect harmony with the world.

Divination:

Positive meaning: male fertility, growth, accomplishment, pregnancy.

Negative meaning: impotence, lack of goals, abilities that have not yet been awakened.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Aleister Crowley - Rodin In Rime
Bernard King - Meanings Of The Runes
Karl Hans Welz - Armanen Runes
Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes