Heathen Tradition

Our Mission

At Heathen Tradition, we strive to create a welcoming environment for all who are interested in exploring and practicing Heathenry. Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich traditions, beliefs, and values of pre-Christian Scandinavian paganism.

We aim to:

1. Educate and Inform: Our mission is to offer accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the rich history, mythology, and practices of Heathenry. We strive to provide educational materials that encompass a wide range of topics, including detailed accounts of worldview concepts, in-depth explorations of various rituals and festivals, and insights into the spirits that we venerate. By doing so, we hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Heathen traditions among our communities.

2. Provide Resources: We are dedicated to developing and sharing a diverse array of resources, including books, articles, and online content, to support both newcomers and experienced practitioners in their spiritual journeys. Our offerings aim to foster a deeper connection to and understanding of Heathen practices and beliefs, helping you to navigate and enrich your spiritual path. Our carefully curated resources are designed to inspire, educate, and guide individuals as they explore the traditions of Heathenry.

3. Cultivate Community: Our goal is to foster a strong sense of community among Heathens by organizing events, workshops, rituals, and encouraging online discussions. While we are based in the far northeastern corner of Oklahoma, near the Kansas and Missouri borders, our commitment to community extends far beyond. Over the years we have traveled across the Midwest to meet with and cultivate bonds with other Heathens, reinforcing our dedication to creating a cohesive and inclusive community for all practitioners.

4. Promote Authentic Practice: We are committed to encouraging the authentic practice of Heathenry by honoring its historical and cultural contexts while embracing personal interpretation and adaptation. Our approach balances a deep respect for the rich traditions of the past with an understanding of the needs and realities of the present. By promoting an informed and flexible practice, we aim to help individuals create meaningful connections with Heathen traditions that resonate with their contemporary lives, ensuring that these ancient practices remain relevant and vibrant today.

Our Core Beliefs

Heathen Tradition emphasizes key aspects of Scandinavian pagan beliefs and practices, including:

1. Reverence for the Gods: We deeply revere the pantheon of Germanic deities such as Odin, Thor, Frey, Freyja, and Frigg through meticulously conducted rituals, heartfelt offerings, and dedicated personal devotion. Our practices are carefully crafted to forge meaningful and enduring relationships with these powerful divine figures. While our primary focus is on pre-Christian Scandinavian reconstructionism, we understand and emphasize the importance of learning from and integrating the broader spectrum of pre-Christian Germanic practices. This holistic approach allows us to draw from a rich and diverse cultural tapestry, ensuring that our spiritual practices are well-rounded and deeply rooted in historical authenticity. By learning from the entirety of Germanic traditions, we aim to create a vibrant, inclusive, and comprehensive spiritual experience that honors both our ancestors and the gods.

2. Connection to Ancestors: Ancestor veneration is a cornerstone of Heathenry, embodying a profound respect and reverence for those who came before us. We incorporate ancestral honoring into our rituals, ceremonies, and daily practices, creating a continuous and living connection with our forebears. By seeking guidance, wisdom, and strength from our ancestors, we acknowledge their enduring presence and influence in our lives. Our practices aim to celebrate their legacy, preserve their memories, and ensure that their spirit remains an integral part of our spiritual journey. Through this deep connection, we strive to honor the past, enrich our present, and inspire future generations to maintain this sacred bond.

3. Community and Kinship: We place a strong emphasis on community and kinship bonds, cherishing values such as loyalty, honor, and reciprocity in all our interactions. Our gatherings, events, and shared activities are designed to provide ample opportunities for strengthening these ties and supporting one another on our spiritual paths. Despite being based in the far northeastern corner of Oklahoma, we are committed to fostering connections across the four-state area and beyond, traveling widely to meet and engage with the broader Heathen community. By nurturing a spirit of unity and mutual support, we aim to build a resilient, inclusive, and vibrant network of individuals dedicated to the principles of Heathenry. Our efforts to cultivate these relationships reflect our belief in the importance of kinship and community as foundational aspects of our spiritual practice.

4. Harmony with Nature: Recognizing the profound spiritual power of the natural world, we strive to live in harmony with our environment. Our practices are deeply attuned to the rhythms of the earth, including seasonal celebrations and rituals that honor the cycles of nature and the land spirits. We engage in mindful stewardship of the land, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through these practices, we seek to cultivate a deep respect and reverence for the natural world, fostering a harmonious relationship that reflects our commitment to sustainability and ecological balance. By honoring the changing seasons and the spirits of the land, we aim to align our lives more closely with the natural world, drawing inspiration and strength from its enduring beauty and wisdom.

5. Adoption of the Pre-Christian Germanic Worldview: In our practice we strive to fully adopt and integrate the pre-Christian Scandinavian worldview, which serves as the foundation for our beliefs and practices. This ancient perspective encompasses a holistic understanding of the cosmos, the interrelationships between gods, humans, and nature, and the ethical and moral principles that guided our ancestors. We study historical texts, archaeological findings, and surviving folklore to reconstruct this worldview as accurately as possible.

By immersing ourselves in this ancient worldview, we aim to cultivate a deep sense of continuity with our ancestors, understanding the world as they did and seeing our place within the broader tapestry of existence. This adoption is not merely an intellectual exercise but a lived experience that informs our daily lives, decisions, and interactions. We believe that by aligning our modern lives with these timeless principles, we can create a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling existence that honors the wisdom of the past while addressing the challenges of the present.

On the Issue of Racism in Heathenry

To those who would twist the symbols and traditions of our ancestors to promote their bigotry, I say this: You do not speak for the gods, you do not speak for the ancestors, and you most certainly do not speak for me and mine.

Our rituals and beliefs are founded on the understanding that all humans are part of a larger cosmic order. The concept of wyrd, the interconnected web of fate and destiny, recognizes that every individual's actions impact the world and those within it. This interconnectedness is incompatible with the divisive ideologies of racism and nationalism, which seeks to segregate and devalue individuals based on superficial characteristics.

We rejoice in the diversity of Midgard and do not discriminate against our fellow humans based on such nonsensical modern concepts as the color of their skin or their country of origin. The idea of “kinship” based on nothing but a handful of physical traits makes no sense in a Heathen context and is completely laughable- the color of your skin no more makes you my brother than a white goat is. Thor is not the guardian of Norway, Iceland, or all of Europe- he is the guardian of all Midgard, the world of men, and the idea of petty national borders must mean very little to the might of the holy powers. We judge people by the measures a Heathen should- by their words and their deeds.

To those who would use the runes to spread hatred, I say: You defile their history and their use among our ancestors.

To those who would invoke the names of Thor, Odin, Frey, and the other gods to justify their bigoted nonsense, I say: You blaspheme their holy power.

We stand united against the forces of chaos, both within and without, as our people have since the slaughter of Ymir and the first breaths of Ask and Embla. We will not allow the poison of racism to infect our worldview or our communities- we will continue to honor the old ways, while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the new. We are the people of the heath and the hearth, of the mountains and the seas, and we will not be defined by the narrow-minded bigotry of a few.

Get Involved

Heathen Tradition invites you to join us on this enriching journey of rediscovery and revival. Whether you are new to Heathenry or a seasoned practitioner, we warmly welcome your participation and contributions to our vibrant community. Explore our website for detailed information on upcoming events, a wealth of educational resources, and various ways to connect with us.

By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we aim to keep the spirit of Heathenry alive, honoring our ancestors while adapting to the needs of modern times. Join us in this meaningful endeavor and become part of a legacy that bridges the past, present, and future. Together, we can preserve and celebrate the rich tapestry of pre-Christian Germanic paganism, ensuring that these ancient traditions continue to thrive and inspire future generations.