I came across the following most fascinating folk-poem, related to Heathen practices held on the Swedish mountain Trollkyrka. It is dated to the early 17th century, having been collected by Bertil Gösta Carlshult, and many of the lines seem to reflect and build on what we know from earlier lore about how religious ceremonies were… Continue reading The Trollkyrka Folk-Poem
If you look to the left menu, you’ll see a section entitled “Downloads”. The first offering (of many, hopefully) is a booklet entitled “Rites of the Heathen Household”. The idea is that while Theodsmen approach the Gods corporately– that is, on a tribal level– individuals, families, and rooftrees should be approaching more local spirits such… Continue reading Rites of the Heathen Household
Son of Jarl Rognvald Eyesteinnson!Follower of Sigfred, harrower of Paris, scourge of Burgundy!Karl’s man, who would not stoop a foot to kiss, a duke self-won!Strode he on the banks of the Vire, the boundaries of Normandy did spread!O! HrólfR, O! Rollo, O! Robert! O! First Duke of Normandy!Your kin removed by many years remembers you… Continue reading A toast to HrólfR the Dane
I sing of All-Father Odin,slayer of Baugi’s thralls, son of Borr,who sacrificed the soul’s window to be counted among the wise,giver of battles won, grandson of Buri,who breathed life into Ask and Embla on the sea-flecked strand,best-steed-rider, father of slain Baldr,who whispered Vafthrudnir’s doom ‘ere Hyrroken’s burden set sail;and so hail to you, Hanged God,giver… Continue reading A Toast to Odin
Pity about the poor fox, of course, but interesting in its own way. A man who decided to take home a fox he hit on the road wrecked his SUV after the animal he thought was dead revived. Tommy Fox ran over the fox last Wednesday near Dover, Tenn., as he returned home from work,… Continue reading Fox Trifecta!
The two most significant rituals that we as Theodsmen undertake are blót and sumbl. Blót, of course, is the ritual offering of an animal and its blood to the Gods. When a non-animal offering is made, it is referred to as a fórn, but the significance is similar for purposes of this essay. The function… Continue reading Blót and Sumbl