As I sit here, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, I’m struck with the enormity of the subject matter and the wide-ranging views held therein. What follows are my views (Stuart’s views ‍♂️) on Heathenry / Heathenism and what it means to us here at Wyrdraven. Of course, not everyone will agree, and that’s a good thing, for there is no definitive answer.

The term reconstructionist faith means precisely that—no ifs, buts or maybes. The matter is – we know very little. What little information we have was written after the event and (nine times out of ten) written by Christian scholars who may have projected their own proclivities. 

Seeing as the Pre-Christianised Norse and, to a lesser degree, Anglo-Saxon peoples were oral-based societies, we have no direct writings. Thus, modern Heathens have little choice but to fill the gaps with whatever feels right. Of course, depending on how one views the world, our experiences denote what shape our personal Heathenry takes. 

Some might say that the Saga’s or Edda’s are good enough. In fact, I have known some Heathens to take the word of the Edda’s as “truth”, but to me, that makes little sense and bears striking similarities to the Christian belief in the Bible. Again, the cold hard fact is that we don’t know and likely never will. 

Hence, this lends credence to my idea that Heathenism is individualistic in its structure. Ask fifty different Heathens the same question, and I’m willing to bet money you get at least thirty different answers. Who’s to say who is correct? Not I, for as I always say – there are no experts when it comes to Heathenry, only personal opinions.

In my opinion, to call Heathenism a “religion” is to negate the real-world application and everyday impact it has, especially in today’s fast-paced modern world. Some might even have the misconception that Heathenry is a “male-dominated” belief system based on the principles of machoism and misogyny. However, nothing can be further from the truth, as, within the pantheon of deities, the female divine is venerated highly and, some may argue, held higher than that of the male counterparts. 

In my opinion, this is because not only were women the keepers of the home and purse strings, but child bearers and some may advocate fierce warriors in their own right (a topic for another time). Not to mention the wielders of magic, sorcery, and the secrets of the runes themselves. 

I personally view Heathenry as more of a “philosophy”, a grounded and pragmatic way of approaching life and its struggles. Religion to me seems restrictive and subjugating when such beliefs and practices should enlighten, help one grow, and improve one’s life. Not hinder, smother, and eradicate any semblance of autonomy and joy. 

It is, in essence, about the “here and now”, not some utopian paradise granted to us should we live on our knees before an all-powerful “God”. Yes, I have my gods and goddesses to whom I pay homage, but I kneel before none of them; I walk shoulder to shoulder with them. Nor do I beg their assistance to bring resolution to any problem I may be facing. Instead, I ask them to offer advice. What I choose to do with such advice is down to me and me alone. The onus is on me.

The history and spiritual beliefs are obviously linked in academia, and I have on occasion given talks to Pagan groups and at The University of Cheltenham & Gloucester. If you’re interested in A Brief History of the Vikings you can find it in our blog.

However, I am no historian, nor do I hold qualifications in such topics. In fact, my “historical” knowledge is average at best, but that isn’t important to me. What I hold sacrosanct is that I strive to be a better version of myself tomorrow than I was today. Of course, being human, I stumble, fall, make mistakes, and have my own demons, but that’s not to say I should give up. Far from it. Am I perfect? – Hell no. Do I profess to have all the answers? – No way. 

At the end of the day, I do what I do, and what I do is right for me. Of course, that’s not to say I don’t like to engage with others, to learn and explore. However, validation from others holds little sway over my reasoning or opinion.

It’s hard to be precise, especially with a limited word count, when dealing with such a complex subject. But if my words on Heathenism have resonated with you, no matter how small, then check out my book HEATHEN WARRIOR. In it, I give my thoughts, experiences, and reasoning regarding modern Heathenism in a light-hearted, informal way. Some like it, others don’t. Make your own mind up. If you don’t, no worries. After all, we are all individuals. For further reading, check out our range of books covering Asatru / Heathenism from a multitude of authors.

In my humble opinion, Heathenism is individualistic. If you agree with everything I say or everything anyone says, for that matter, you’re missing the point. My advice is to read ferociously and devour as many books and articles as possible. Talk with as many Heathens as you can. Then, when you feel you are making headway, discard what feels “wrong” and utilise what resonates with you. Only then can you forge your own path.

And most importantly, never let anyone tell you you are doing it wrong. Because, as we’ve already discussed – there is no wrong way. Only your way. Write down what Heathenism means to you in the comment section below and let’s get a discussion going.

Thanks for reading.