Last Updated on October 10, 2024
Heathenry refers to pre-Christian spiritual practices rooted in Northern Europe. This belief system honors ancient gods, goddesses, and the natural world. Heathens maintain a strong connection to ancestors and traditional values, emphasizing community, family, and personal honor. Asatru, a modern form of Heathenry, specifically revives the ancient Norse religious practices. It draws from sagas, the Eddas, and other historical sources to create a living tradition.
In Asatru, Heathenry serves as the spiritual foundation. It connects followers to the Æsir and Vanir, the Norse gods and goddesses. Followers also revere land spirits (vaettir) and ancestors, often through blóts (sacrifices) and sumbels (ceremonial feasts). These rituals affirm loyalty to the gods, family, and kindred (community).
Personal responsibility is a key aspect of Heathenry in Asatru. Individuals must live with integrity, guided by virtues such as honor, courage, and wisdom. This creates a focus on action over belief, where deeds define one’s worth. This ancient worldview is sometimes called a “deed-based” faith.
Heathens believe in a cyclical view of life, expressed through the concept of Wyrd. This idea represents fate as a web of interconnected actions. Everything you do affects others, your community, and future generations. This makes every choice in life carry weight.
Runes and Their Connection to Heathenry
The Elder Futhark runes, an ancient writing system, also play a vital role in Heathenry. Runes hold magical properties, most often used for divination, protection, and invoking the gods. Each rune has a unique meaning that can guide followers on their spiritual path.
A specific rune closely tied to the idea of Heathenry is the Ansuz rune. It represents divine inspiration, wisdom, and the power of communication. In Asatru, Ansuz is associated with Odin, the Allfather, who brought the runes to humankind. Odin’s wisdom and ability to channel divine knowledge make him central to Heathen practice.
Ansuz reminds Heathens to seek guidance from the gods and communicate with their ancestors. It embodies the belief that wisdom is earned, often through struggle and sacrifice. As followers of Asatru engage with the gods through ritual, the Ansuz rune serves as a symbol of divine connection.
Heathenry in Asatru keeps ancient traditions alive through community, ritual, and personal accountability. By honoring the gods, ancestors, and natural forces, Heathens strive to live in balance with the world. The Elder Futhark runes, particularly Ansuz, offer spiritual guidance, linking the past to modern practice.
