ASATRU! WHAT IS IT?
ASATRU Is the modern version of the religion that was practiced by the peoples of Northern Europe. Who followed the Norse and Germanic gods. It gained its current name in Iceland during the 1970s when it was finally allowed to come out in the open prior to that it had been outlawed by the church as well as the government.
(note there is some evidence that the term ASATRU was used much earlier but it was not as widely used as it is today)
It has spread around the world and in the process has formed itself into many different groups and traditions. There is no one main leading body to govern ASATRU so each group has its own leaders and rules. Most groups are divided into Hearths and Hofs and several Hofs make up a group. There are several titles to refer to a group but Kindred is the most commonly used term for a group.
The Hearth is the smallest unit this is a family unit. A Hof is a group of families who if lucky enough have there own building which is also called a Hof and is built facing North to South. If they have a existing building the Stalli is placed facing North and South. Ok what’s a Stalli you say that’s the Altar which can be dedicated to a single God or to all the Gods of the ASEIR and VANIR.
The clergy of ASATRU are known as Gothi(Priest) or Gythia(Priestess). Being called Gothi does not mark any administrative or religious power or rank within ASATRU as a whole. The Gothar are those who have chosen to take on more responsibilities. Anyone in ASATRU can reach the Gods through their own prayers or blots without being a Gothi. The requirements vary from group to group. Some might have written tests, while others might leave it up to the persons heart. The true test of a Gothi is not one of credentials, but of whether the Hof takes one seriously or not.
Note many ASATRUAR prefer the term Heathen over pagan when referring to themselves.
So to sum it up ASATRU is a very old religion as well as a modern one and its practiced in one form or other around the world. I hope you will learn the very basics about our faith.
