Germanic neopaganism

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Germanic neopaganism is the modern revival of historical Germanic paganism.

Reconstructions of the Germanic Pagan traditions began in the 19th century Romantic movement. Later in the 1960s, various Neopagan groups emerged around the world, some of which based their beliefs on the pre-Christian Germanic faiths.

The terms Ásatrú ("Æsir faith"), Odinism, Forn Sed ("Old custom", Anglo-Saxon Fyrnsidu), (Germanic) Heathenry^[1][2] Theodism and other terms are used as descriptors for those who adhere to the belief system encompassed by the term Germanic neopaganism. Use of terminology varies by region as well as intent, much like denominations in other religions.

Attitude and focus of adherents may vary considerably, from strictly historical polytheistic reconstructionism to syncretist (eclectic), pragmatic psychologist, or even occult or mysticist approaches.

Contents 1 Terminology 1.1 Ásatrú 1.2 Forn Siðr 1.3 Heathenry 1.4 Odinism 1.5 Theodism 1.6 Odalism and Wotanism 1.7 Other terms 2 History 2.1 Romantic period 2.2 20th century revival 3 Distribution of adherents 3.1 Factions 4 Ethics and beliefs 4.1 Reconstructionism 4.2 Rites and practices 4.2.1 Blót 4.2.2 Sumbel 4.2.3 Seid 5 Artistic output and influence 6 Symbolism 7 See also 8 Notes 9 References 10 External links 10.1 Organizations

[edit] Terminology

Different terms exist for the various types of Germanic neopaganism. Some terms are specific in reference whereas other are blanket terms for a variety of groups.

[edit] Ásatrú

Main article: Ásatrú

Ásatrú is an Old Norse compound derived from Ása, the plural genitive of Áss, which refers to the Aesir, (one of the two families of gods in Norse mythology, the other being the Vanir), and trú, literally "troth" or "faith". Thus, Ásatrú is the "Æsir's faith." The term is the Old Norse/Icelandic translation of Asetro, a neologism coined in the context of 19th century romantic nationalism, used by Edvard Grieg in his 1870 opera Olaf Trygvason. The Icelandic form of the word is first recorded in 1945 in Heiðinn siður á Íslandi ("Heathen traditions in Iceland") by Ólafur Briem. Ásatrúar, sometimes used as a plural in English, is properly the genitive of Ásatrú.

Use of Ásatrú for Germanic paganism preceding 19th century revivalist movements is an anachronism. Likewise, use of Ásatrú as a synonym of Germanic neopaganism, while widespread in the USA, can be misleading. Organizations self-describing as Ásatrú cover a wide spectrum of belief and ideals ranging from Left-wing politics, New Age spirituality, Neo-Tribalism, reconstructionism, folkish, and neonazi currents.

[edit] Forn Siðr

Old Norse Forn Siðr, Anglo-Saxon Fyrnsidu and its modern Scandinavian analogues Forn Sed, all meaning "Old Custom", is used as a term for pre-Christian Germanic culture in general, and for Germanic neopaganism in particular, mostly by groups in Scandinavia. Old Norse forn "old" is cognate to Sanskrit purana, English far. Old Norse siðr "custom" (not to be confused with sīðr "late"), Anglo-Saxon sidu, seodu "custom", cognate to Greek ethos, in the sense of "traditional law, way of life, proper behaviour". In meaning, the term corresponds exactly to Sanskrit sanātana dharma, the native term for Hinduism. In contradistinction to Ásatrú, inn forni siðr is actually attested in Old Norse, contrasting with inn nýi siðr "the new custom", and similarly Heiðinn siðr, contrasting with Kristinn siðr, and í fornum sið "in old (heathen) times" [6].

[edit] Heathenry

Heathen (Old English hæðen, Old Norse heiðinn) was coined as a translation of Latin paganus, in the Christian sense of "non-Abrahamic faith". In Icelandic Sagas, the terms heiðni and kristni (Heathenry and Christianity) are used as polar terms to describe the the older and newer faiths. Historically, the term was influenced by Gothic *haiþi, appearing as haiþno in Ulfilas' bible as translating gunē Hellēnis, "Greek (i.e. gentile) woman" of Mark 7:26, probably with an original meaning "dwelling on the heath", but it was also suggested that it was chosen because of its similarity to Greek ethne "gentile" or even that it is not related to "heath" at all, but rather a loan from Armenian hethanos, itself loaned from Greek ethnos. The Miercinga Rice Theod and several other groups, narrow the sense of the word to Germanic neopaganism in particular, and prefer it over neopagan as a self-designation. [7][8]

Heathenry is used for strictly polytheistic reconstructionist approaches, as opposed to syncretic, occult or mysticist approaches. While some practitioners use the term Heathenry as an equivalent to Paganism, others use it much more specifically. It is used by those who are re-creating the old religion and world-view from the literary and archaeological sources, and describe themselves as "Heathen" in part to distinguish themselves from other pagans whose rituals come from more modern sources.

[edit] Odinism

The term Odinism was coined by Orestes Brownson in his 1848 Letter to Protestants.^[3] The term was re-introduced in the late 1930s by Alexander Rud Mills in Australia with his First Anglecyn Church of Odin and his book The Call of Our ancient Nordic Religion. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Else Christensen's Odinist Study Group and later the Odinist Fellowship brought the term into usage in North America. In the UK, the Odinic Rite has specifically identified themselves as "Odinists" since the 1970s, and is the longest running group to do so. Odinists do not necessarily focus on the worship of Odin and most honour the full pantheon.[9]

[edit] Theodism

Main article: Theodism

Theodism, or Þéodisc Geléafa seeks to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the Anglo-Saxon tribes which settled in England. þéodisc is the adjective of þéod "people, tribe", cognate to deutsch. As it evolved, the Theodish community moved past solely Anglo-Saxon forms and other Germanic tribal groups were also being reconstituted; Theodism, in this larger sense, now encompass groups practicing tribal beliefs from Scandinavia and the Continent, following in the model set forth by the Anglo Saxon theods founded in the 1970s. The term Theodism now encompasses Norman, Frisian, Angle, Saxon, Jutish, Gothic, Alemannic, Swedish and Danish tribal cultures. This relaxing of the original term "Theodism" functionally identifies Germanic neopagans who practice or advocate Neo-Tribalism. [10]

[edit] Odalism and Wotanism

Odalism (a philosophy of Green Social Darwinism) and Wotanism (a philosophy originally pioneered by Guido von List, but later appropriated by neo-Nazis such as David Lane^[4]) are two terms primarily focused on politics rather than religion.

When the F.B.I. identified threads towards the domestic security of the USA related to the turn of the Millennium in 2000 in the Project Megiddo report^[5], it stated that: "Without question, this initiative [i.e. Project Megiddo itself] has revealed indicators of potential violent activity on the part of extremists in this country. Militias, adherents of racist belief systems such as Christian Identity and Odinism, and other radical domestic extremists are clearly focusing on the millennium as a time of action." [Emphasis added]

However, the 'extremists' among germanic neopagans in the USA would refer to themselves rather as Wotanists than as Odinists.

On November 10, 1999 the International Asatru/Odinic Alliance (IAOA) (see: Odinic Rite) accused the F.B.I. of violating its First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, free speech, and peaceful assembly. The reason given for this accusation was the propagation of numerous false statements and innuendos in the Project Megiddo report.

[edit] Other terms

Some other less common terms often used interchangeably are the Northern Tradition and Elder Troth.

Irminism or Irminen-Gesellschaft is a distinctly Folkish philosophy, based on the writings of Hjuka Coulter's book Germanic Heathenry.^[2] The term Odian usually denotes one who subscribes to the philosophies of Stephen Flowers' Rune Gild which is not a religious organization, but is primarily focused on the esoteric study of the Runes.^[6]

The use of the term "Neopagan" to apply to Germanic reconstructionists is controversial. Some reconstructionist, ethnic and indigenous religious groups take great issue with being referred to as "Pagan" or "Neopagan," in order to distance themselves from aspects of popular Neopaganism, such as eclecticism, the practice of magic, and a tendency to conduct rituals within a Wiccan format, that they find irrelevant or even inimical to their religious practice.^[7]

[edit] History

[edit] Romantic period

Main article: Germanic mysticism

The first modern attempt at revival of ancient Germanic religion took place in the 19th Century during the late Romantic Period amidst a general resurgence of interest in traditional Germanic culture, in particular in connection with romantic nationalism in Scandinavia and the related Viking revival in Victorian era Britain. The last traditional pagan sacrifices in Scandinavia, at Trollkyrka, appear to date to about this time.

Organized Germanic pagan or occult groups such as the Germanische Glaubens-Gemeinschaft emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. Several early members of the Nazi Party were part of the Thule Society, a study group for German antiquity.

The connections of this movement to historical Germanic paganism are tenuous at best, with emphasis lying on the esoteric as taught by the likes of Julius Evola, Guido von List and Karl Maria Wiligut. While it is postulated that occult elements played an important role in the formative phase of Nazism, and of the SS in particular, after his rise to power, Adolf Hitler discouraged such pursuits. Point 24 of the National Socialist Party program, stated that the party endorsed "Positive Christianity." [11]

Some Germanic neopagans and occultists were subjected to persecution by the Nazi state. Friedrich Bernhard Marby spent 99 months in KZ Dachau and Siegfried Adolf Kummer was detained the same time as Marby (in 1935) and was never heard of again.^[8] The founder of the original pre-nazi Deutsches Ahnerbe, Herman Wirth was exiled and prohibited from writing or lecturing because his views of traditional Germanic religion were perceived as incompatible with the goals of the state. Another pioneer of the revival, Ludwig Fahrenkrog, founder of the Germanic Glaubens-Gemeinschaft was prohibited from public speaking or holding religious rituals because he refused to end his public lectures and personal correspondences with the obligatory "Heil Hitler". Dr. Ernst Wachler who built the Harzer Bergtheater specifcally for Germanic plays and operas was sent to KZ Auschwitz where he perished.^[9]

Several books published by the Nazi party including Die Gestaltung Der Feste Im Jahres- Und Lebenslauf In Der SS-Familie (The Celebrations in the Life of the SS Family) by Fritz Weitzel, as well as the SS Tante Friede blatantly portray the fact that the National Socialists thought traditional Germanic Heathenry was primitive superstition which needed reworking to better serve the state. Celebrating the traditional festivals like Jul and Sommersonnenwende were encouraged, but not in the context of traditional seasonal sacrifices to the Pagan Gods, but rather the veneration of the Nazi state and Fuhrer. One of the most frequently cited "Pagan" elements of the Nazi regime - their usage of the Armanen runes - were in fact nothing more than an ahistorical Weimar-era invention of Guido von List with no connection whatsoever to Paganism.^[10]

[edit] 20th century revival

A second revival began in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Ásatrú was recognized as an official religion by the Icelandic government in 1973, largely due to the efforts of Sveinbjörn Beinteinsson.

in the USA Around the same period, Else Christensen began publishing "The Odinist" newsletter and Stephen McNallen began publishing a newsletter titled The Runestone. McNallen formed an organization called the Asatru Free Assembly, which was later renamed the Ásatrú Folk Assembly (AFA) [12]. The AFA fractured in 1987-88, resulting in the creation of the Ásatrú Alliance [13], headed by Valgard Murray, publisher of the "Vor Tru" newsletter. Around the same time, the Ring of Troth (now just called the Troth) was founded by other former members of the AFA. [14].

In 1976 Garman Lord formed the Witan Theod, the first Theodish group. Shortly thereafter, Ealdoraed Lord founded the Moody Hill Theod in Watertown, New York. The Angelseaxisce Ealdriht formed in 1996 and was founded by Swain and Eric Wodening and Winifred Hodge. Theodism now encompasses groups practicing tribal beliefs from Scandinavia and the Continent, in addition to following in the model set forth by the early Anglo Saxon peoples.

The Odinic Rite was established in England in 1972, and in the 1990s expanded to include chapters in Germany (1995) [15], Australia (1995) [16] and North America (1997) [17]. A Netherlands section was added in (2006)[18].

In post-World War II Germany, the Artgemeinschaft Germanische Glaubens-Gemeinschaft (AG GGG) emerged in 1951 founded by Wilhelm Kusserow. The AG GGG has a distinct racialist belief (Artglaube). Later the non-political Heidnische Gemeinschaft (HG) founded by Géza von Neményi in 1985. In 1991 the Germanische Glaubens-Gemeinschaft (GGG),led by Von Neményiand, split off from the HG. In 1997 the Nornirs Ætt was founded as part of the Rabenclan and in 2000 the Eldaring was founded. The Eldaring is affiliated with the US based Troth.

In Scandinavia, the Swedish AsatruSociety formed in 1994, and in Norway the Åsatrufellesskapet Bifrost formed in 1996 and Foreningen Forn Sed formed in 1999. They have been recognized by the Norwegian government as a religious society, allowing them to perform "legally binding civil ceremonies" (i. e. marriages). In Denmark Forn Siðr also formed in 1999 and in Sweden Nätverket Gimle formed in 2001, as an informal community for individual heathens. Nätverket Forn Sed formed in 2004, and has a network consisting of local groups (blotlag) from all over the Sweden.

[edit] Distribution of adherents

Today, Germanic neopaganism is practiced throughout the world. Scandinavia, Germany, Britain, North America, Australia and New Zealand all have numerous Germanic neopagan organizations. Groups and practitioners also exist in Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and in Latin America, (Mexico, Brasil) and Russia.

The exact number of adherents worldwide is unknown, partly because of the lack of a clear definition separating Asatru from other similar religions. There are perhaps several hundred practitioners in North America, about 700 in Iceland, and a few hundred in both Scandinavia and Germany, with smaller groups scattered world wide, adding to a total of a few thousand.

As of 2001, the City University of New York estimated that some 140,000 people in the USA self-identify as "Pagan" [19] (excluding Wiccan (134,000), New Age (68,000), Druid (33,000), Spiritualist (116,000) and aboriginal religions (4,000)). The total number of neopagans worldwide is estimated at roughly one million [20] [21], of which about a third each are located in the UK, the USA, and over the rest of the world.

[edit] Factions

Germanic neopagan groups are generally organized into democratic and republican forms of church government, as inspired by the parliamentary Things of the Viking era and subsequent parliamentary systems of Britain and the Scandinavian countries.[22][23] They promote individual rights and freedom of speech reminiscent of the free jarls of Norse saga.[24][25]

Solitary practice, or practice in small circles of friends or family is common. These are often called kindreds or hearths, although often they are not formal.[26]Germanic neopagan organizations have been active since the 1970s, but most of these larger groups are loose federations and do not require committed membership comparable to a church. Consequently, there is no central authority, and associations remain in a state of fluidity as factions form and break up.[27] [28]

Despite a common Norse /Germanic cosmology and belief system, adherents of Germanic neopaganism hold a wide spectrum of political beliefs. Some groups - especially in Germany and the USA - exhibit racially-oriented philosophies while in Iceland, Ásatrú has left-wing associations.

In the USA, early Germanic neopagan groups such as Else Christensen's Odinist Fellowship held National Socialist philosophies, but later dropped these associations.

Mattias Gardell, reader for religious history at the University of Stockholm, categorizes Germanic neopaganism into "militant racist", "ethnic" and "nonracist" particularly in North America. In the militant racist position, Asatru is an expression of the "Aryan racial soul". The ethnic position is that of "tribalism", ethnocentric but opposed to the militant racist position. According to Gardell, the militant racist faction has grown significantly in North America during the early 2000s estimating that, as of 2005, it accounts for 40-50% of North American Odinists or Asatruar with the other two factions at close to 30% each.^[11]

Currently, the three largest Germanic neopagan groups in the USA specifically denounce racism and national socialism. The three largest American Ásatrú organizations have specifically denounced any association with racist groups.^[12] There is an antagonistic relationship between many neo-Nazis and the membership of most Ásatrú organizations in the USA, who view "national socialism as an unwanted totalitarian philosophy incompatible with freedom-loving Norse paganism".^[13]

In Scandinavia, Ásatrú has connections with the black metal subculture, notably Varg Vikernes who was responsible for the burning of several Christian churches in the 1980s and 1990s in Norway, in an attempt to restore Norway to its pagan roots.

[edit] Ethics and beliefs

Ethics in Germanic neopaganism are guided by an elaborate concept of 'soul' and 'self’, personal ørlög or Wyrd and even luck. The belief in Wyrd - a concept of fatalism or determinism, similar to some Graeco-Roman concepts of destiny is a commonly held belief amongst most Germanic neopagans.[29][30] People's personal destinies are shaped in part by what is past, in part by what they and others are now doing, by the vows they take and contracts they enter into.

The Germanic neopagan community is primarily bound together by common symbological and social concepts. Personal character and virtue is emphasized: truthfulness, self-reliance, and hospitality are important moral distinctions, underpinning an especially cherished notion of honour.[31]

Germanic neopaganism notably lacks any discussion of redemption, salvation, or perfection, as well as their conceptual precursors. The Germanic neopagan moral system parts ways with other religions in its' egoist foundations. Germanic neopaganism does not formalize restraint on individual behavior. For example, it is inimical to lists of wholesale injunctions against specific behaviors.

Comparison of the Nine Noble Virtues of modern Germanic neopaganism, which are loosely based on the Havamal can be contrasted with the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments. Such a comparison shows that it is not the actual behaviour (such as "thou shalt not steal") which are prescribed, but rather an emphasis on character traits, such as "truth", "self reliance" and "honour". It is left to the individual to figure out that stealing in most contexts will be in violation of such ideals. Consequently, some actions which other religions condemn wholesale, may be considered virtues by Germanic neopagans, as long as they are carried out shrewdly and in accord with personal honour, both in the eyes of the individual and the community. Individual pride is one such example.

Germanic neopaganism reveres the natural environment in principle; Germanic neopaganism opposes neither technology nor its material rewards. More mystical currents of Heathenry may be critical of industrialization or modern society, but even such criticism will focus on decadence, lack of virtue or balance, rather than being a radical criticism of technology itself.^[14]

[edit] Reconstructionism

Main article: Polytheistic reconstructionism

Germanic neopaganism (as opposed to neopaganism in general) is often defined as reconstructionist. Not all adherents subscribe to the reconstructionist philosophy, but follow more new age and individualistic self-empowering concepts, rather than attempting to restore or reconstruct the ancient beliefs of the original Germanic pagans.

[edit] Rites and practices

The primary deities of Germanic neopaganism are those of Anglo-Saxon religion and of Norse Mythology (see list of Norse gods). Germanic neopaganism also has a component of ancestor worship or veneration, as well as animism. In the simplest form, the gods are viewed as distant ancestors or progenitors who are honoured and revered, while in the adherent's personal practices, direct ancestors (referred to sometimes as Dis) are often praised and honoured during the rituals of sumbel and blót. Animism or land veneration is most evident in the rituals dedicated to the elves and wights.[32]

[edit] Blót

Main article: Blót

Blót is the historical Norse term for sacrifice or ritual slaughter. In Germanic neopaganism, blóts are often celebrated outdoors in nature, the celebrants sometimes clad in home-made Viking Age attire. A blót may be highly formalized, but the underlying intent resembles inviting and having an honored guest or family member in for dinner. Food and drink may be offered. Most of this will be consumed by the participants, and some of the drink will be poured out onto the soil as a libation. Home-brewed mead as the "Germanic" drink par excellence is popular.[33][34]

Offerings during a blót usually involve mead or other alcohol, sometimes food, sometimes song or poetry, specially written for the occasion or for a particular deity, is delivered as an offering. The blót ritual may be based on historical example, scripted for the occasion or may be spontaneous. Certain Germanic neopagan groups, most notably the Theodish, strictly adhere to historical formulaic ritual, while other groups may use modernized variants. Usual dress for a blót is whatever suits the seasons - many blóts are outdoors, sometimes at sacred sites. Some Germanic neopagans, most notably the Theodish, wear clothing modeled on those of the Anglo-Saxon or Norse 'Viking' during ritual, while others eschew this practice.

[edit] Sumbel

Main article: Symbel

Sumbel (also spelled symbel) is a Norse and Anglo-Saxon drinking rite in which an intoxicating drink (usually mead or ale) is passed around an assembled table. At each passing of the drink, participants make a short speech, usually following the pattern of "Toast-Boast-Oath", see Bragarfull. The Toast honors some mentor, revered relative, or favorite god of the participant. The Boast is an opportunity for the participant to honour himself in terms of some good work accomplished. The Oath is a promise to carry out some good work in the future. Participants are not required to say anything and may simply pass the drink along. Oaths made during Sumbel are considered binding upon the individuals making them. Another common pattern is to toast to a god or virtue, then a hero or ancestor, and the final round being either open, or else given to either a boast or an oath. [35]

[edit] Seid

Main article: Seid

Seid and Spae are forms of "sorcery" or "witchcraft", the latter having aspects of prophecy and shamanism. Seid and spae are not common rituals, and are not engaged in by many adherents of Germanic neopaganism. Usually seid or spae rituals are modeled after the ritual detailed in the Saga of Eric the Red: a seiðkona dressed in traditional garb will sit on a high-seat or platform and prophesize in a formulaic manner as women sing or chant galdr around her. In the UK, seidr relies less on formal ritual and more informal practices of healing (Blain, 2002b), protection, and for developing links with land and ancestors. It may be related - in past and present - to alterations of consciousness and negotiations with otherworld beings.

The berserkergangr may be described as a sort of religious ecstasy, associated with Odin, and thus a masculine variant of the 'effeminate' ecstasy of Seid.[36]

[edit] Artistic output and influence

Originally grown out of 19th century Romanticism, the Viking revival had associations with the Gothic novel and Romantic art such as the Pre-Raphaelites or the art nouveau. Also of note is the influence of Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle." Artistic taste of adherents are often related to the High Fantasy genre based on Germanic mythology. New Age currents are another influence, although not necessarily related. These elements may blend with traditional Germanic folklore.

Literature

• In literature, there have been several novels published by Heathens, particularly Diana Paxson and Kveldulf Gundarsson (under the name Stephen Grundy), both drawing on the Volsunga Saga and Nibelungenlied for inspiration.

Neofolk

• Neofolk music in particular, counts Germanic paganism as one of its largest and most obvious influences. Many of the instruments used are traditional and the music is largely acoustic, with Heathen themes.

Black metal

• The Black metal genre at the time of its formation in 1980s Norway was deeply anti-Christian, and had a stated goal of removing the influence of Christianity and other non-Scandinavian religions from Norwegian culture and to effect a return to the nation's Norse roots. The genre continues to be centered on Pagan (Pagan metal) or Satanic imagery, anti-Christian lyrics and occult themes. An example of this can be found in the song Thousand Years Of Oppression^[15] on the Album Versus the World by Amon Amarth.

There may also be traits of White supremacy movements, particularly in the National Socialist black metal subgenre. Other subgenres of heavy metal with neopagan connections include Viking metal and Folk metal.

[edit] Symbolism

Popular symbols of Germanic neopaganism are the Valknut, Mjollnir, the Irminsul, Yggdrasil and various other historical Germanic symbols. Depictions of Odin and Germanic deities are also common. Runes are popular, in particular the Odal, Tyr and Algiz runes.[37][38] The Odinic Rite additionally claims the Fylfot (Swastika) as an "ancient Odinist symbol".[39]

The Black Sun is a symbol used by Irminist groups, as well as various Neonazi & occult groups. Additionally, Armanen variants of historic runes, such as the "Gibor rune" and isolated uses of the "Sig" rune indicate a Von Listian and, sometimes, a possible Third Reich influence.[40]

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• BBC Article on heathenry written by members of the Association of Polytheist Traditions
• The English Companions - Ða Engliscan Gesiþas Historical society devoted to the study of the Anglo-Saxon period
• Nine Worlds Radio
• Northvegr the Northvegr Foundation, a non-profit educational foundation that hosts many texts relevant to Germanic paganism
• SPLC A critical report from Mattias Gardell, in an interview with the Southern Poverty Law Center
• Woden's Harrow Asatru - Norse Mythology - Art - Literature - Runes
• Woodharrow Institute Lectures on Germanic and Indo-European culture, language and literature

[edit] Organizations

Note: The following list is not meant to be all inclusive, but represent the large variety of extant Germanic neopagan groups. The list below, sorted geographically, includes associations with a certain amount of structure and stability.

Argentina Folkvang Kindred Comunità Odinista América Australia Odinic Rite Australia (since 1994) Belgium Werkgroep Traditie (since 1993) Brasil Forn Sed Brasil Aliança da Águia Visigoda América O Clã Falkar Brasil Britain Kith of Yggdrasil(since 2002) Association of Polytheist Traditions (since 2004) Odinic Rite (since 1973) Began in UK but now International Org. Chile Hermandad Odinista Drakkar Chile Germany Eldaring (since 2000) Germanische Glaubens-Gemeinschaft (1907-1964, reactivated 1991) Nornirs Ætt (since 1997) Italy Comunità Odinista Longobardic Odinism (since 1994) Mexico Alianza del Águila Visigoda América Comunità Odinista América Hermandad Odinista del Sagrado Fuego

Venezuela Clan Ara Alianza del Aguila Visigoda en Venezuela Netherlands Nederlands Heidendom Scandinavia Ásatrúarfélagið Iceland (since 1972) Åsatrufellesskapet Bifrost Norway (since 1996) Foreningen Forn Sed Norway (since 1999) Nätverket Gimle (since 2001) Nätverket Forn Sed Sweden (since 2004) Sveriges Asatrosamfund Sweden (since 1994) Spain Gotland Forn Sed (since 1994) Clan Wulfsahmeins Clan Falkon Galicia Alianza del Aguila Visigoda España Foro Clan Falkon Foro sobre Odinismo Visigoth en España Alianza del Aguila Visigoda en Barcelona Alianza del Aguila Visigoda en Asturias USA Asatru Folk Assembly (since 1994) The Troth (since 1987) Asatru Alliance (since 1988) Geleafawær Fyrnsida (since 2001) Þéodisc or Theodish Groups Normannii Thiud & Reik Norman Reconstructionism Miercinga Ríce Anglo-Saxon Heathenry Sahsisk Thiod Saxon Theodish Belief