- Their local religious communities are called Kindreds, Hearths, or Garths. Male priests are called Goti; priestesses are Gytja.
- The Blot: (pronounced "bloat" or "boat;" sources differ) This is their most common religious ritual; it is a sacrifice to the Gods. In olden days, as with almost all ancient religions, an animal was consecrated to the deities and then slaughtered. This was not seen as a bribe or as a method of capturing the power of the dying animal. It is simply the way in which the ancient Norse shared their bounty with a gift to the Gods. Currently, the animal sacrifice has been replaced by the offer of beer, juice or mead. Afterwards, those present are either sprinkled with the liquid, or drink it in sequence.
- The Symbel: This is a ritual drinking celebration, in which a horn filled with a drink is passed around the group. Each person delivers a greeting; a toast to the Gods, ancient heroes, or one's ancestors; or a story, song or poem. He or she then drinks from the horn.
- Profession or Adoption: This is the act of making a commitment to Asatru to the exclusion of other faiths, by solemnly giving an oath of allegiance and kinship to the Gods of Asgard, the AEsir and Vanir. It is a simple ceremony usually done in the presence of a Godi or Gydja and the rest of the Kindred, Hearth or Garth. It is taken on an oath ring or some other sacred object. Some followers of Asatru believe that only those with Norse ancestry should be eligible to join.
Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):
Miac - Asatru And OdinismAndrew Lang - Myth Ritual And Religion
Frater Fp - Sigils In Theory And Practice
Aleister Crowley - Ritual Viii Practical Notes
Anonymous - Wicca Beliefs And Practices
