Portal:Heathenism/Intro

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Heathenism or Heathenry (also known as Germanic Neopaganism) is the modern revival of historical Germanic paganism. Precursor movements appeared in the early 20th century in Germany and Austria. A second wave of revival began in the early 1970s, variously under the branches of Asatru, Odinism, Forn Sed, Fyrnsidu, and Theodism.

Attitude and focus of adherents may vary considerably, from strictly historical polytheistic reconstructionism to syncretist (eclectic), pragmatic psychologist, occult or mysticist approaches. Heathen organizations cover a wide spectrum of belief and ideals.

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. Heathen 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.

There are several possibilities to analyse Germanic Neopaganism into individual currents or subgroupings. One common approach is the classification by notions of ethnicity ("folk"). This may range from ethnic nationalist to moderate "tribalist" notions of ethnicity as based in tradition and culture, and to "universalist" approaches which de-emphasize differences between ethnic traditions (e.g. Seax Wicca).

The Asatru Folk Assembly and the Odinic Rite encourages recognition of an ethical code, the Nine Noble Virtues, which are culled from various sources, including the Hávamál from the Poetic Edda.

Germanic Neopaganism reveres the natural environment in principle; Heathenism 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.

Theodsmen operate under specific "thau". Thau is defined as the customs and beliefs of a specific tribe, and each Theodish tribe has their own thau which may or may not be mirrored in other Theodish (and indeed some non-Theodish) circles.

Heathenism/Heathenry means "teaching/practice of the men of the heath". Heathen ("man of the heath"), originally used by Christians as an insult, is today proudly used by Germanic Neopagans because of its emphasis on connection with nature and the Earth.