Book Review: Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic

For the past few weeks, I've been reading Futhark: A Handbook of Rune Magic by Edred Thorsson. I've brought this book because I feel connected to sign magic, I don't really do long flowing poems, and sign magic just seems...simpler. You draw a sign, bless it, imbue it with the forces and it'll do what it does.

With that in mind, I picked up this book, and first off let me say that there is a lot of good information in the book. I felt that Mr. Thorsson chapter on the History of the runes and the chapter describing what each runes means, etc. was well written and thought out. The first two chapters is something that can be used by anyone interested in The Runes and Rune Magic.

Then Mr. Thorsson gets into rune magic itself, and while I do employ a lot of what he has talked about (rune circle, The Hammer Rite, etc.) the chapters on Rune Magic itself may make some Heathen Recon sqemish, since it does have some Neo-Pagan element in it.

This book, while perfect for someone like me, who has studied (and continue to study) the lore, and the history of Heanthenry, it's is decidedly not for beginners. Without the knowledge of the lore, and history of Pre-Christian Northern Europe, one may have a hard time separating what is a modern influence and what is a historical influence. One thing I will say, is that I believe Mr. Thorsson does have the right idea of using Galdr (a chant spoken by the magician) along with the Rune Magic.

I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking into becoming more proficient in the runes, and in rune magic, however this book shouldn't be read without a good understanding of what is considered lore and what is historical. I don't have a problem with Mr. Thorsson introducing new ideas, as I believe new ideas will keep the faith fresh and relevant, I just think he could've at least said “Ok, this is based on Lore/History, and this is my own idea/new idea, based on UPG/whatever."

I give this book 8/10.

Thor

Came across this video "Clash of the Gods" by the History Channel on Thor. Although they did get three things wrong, them being that Freya is NOT Thor's sister, Loki is NOT Thor's servant, and some gods DO survive Ragnarök, it's a pretty good film on Thor, the god of Thunder.

So Enjoy!

Interfaith Relationship

I honestly believe that interfaith relationships can work, however there does need to be some rules before the two people commit to one another in a relationship. This is base off of my own personal experience, so your mileage may vary.

1. Respect: Every relationship need respect, that is pretty much a given. When I say respect, I mean don't belittle your partner's faith, or don't ask your partner to hide evidence of his faith when the family comes around, your partner's faith deserve as much respect as yours.
2. Understanding: Too often, people don't take the time to learn about other faith, they're safely wrapped in the cocoon of their own. However, if you're in a relationship of someone who has a different faith than yours, then learn about it. Ask your partner to teach you, or better yet, pick up a book and surprise your partner by showing your eagerness to learn. You don't have to convert to your partner's faith, but at least learn about it.
3. Do Not Convert: This is a big one, your partner has a reason for belonging to the faith that they have, they do not need you to guide them to the “light” or to the “right” religion. They are already in a religion that they feel is right for them. Which also has to do with respect.
4. United Front: Your family may not approve of your partner's faith, I've run into this myself, and let's be honest, a good way to end a good relationship is to ask your partner to hide his faith just so you can avoid temporary rough waters. It's insulting and demeaning. Have a sit down with your family and teach them about the faith, have an exchange of ideas in a calm and relaxing environment. Beside, hiding things when you're both adults is just....childish.
5. Happiness: Finally make sure that you're both happy in the relationship, because if one of y'all isn't happy, then the relationship isn't going to last long.

Interfaith relationship can work, and they do work, but they do require some work, just like all relationships do. If a Satanist and a Christian can build a happy and everlasting relationship together, then anyone can.

Fundamentalism in Paganism

I won't lie, one of the reason I left Christianity was because of the fundamentalism in the religion. I didn't like the idea of everyone claiming that they are the only ones who was correctly worshiping the White Christ, and everyone else was going to Hell. However, I've seen the same fundamentalism in Paganism, especially when it comes to Reconstructionism. The popular war cry for the Recons is the “scholar” argument.

Every ritual, every holiday, everything that has to do with lore has to be based on a scholarly article or works. If it's not backed by lore or scholarly work, then it's denounced at Wiccatru, or Wicca. Which brings up another negative point about the sickening infestation of Fundamentalism in Paganism. The division between the people.

It's no secret that Recons do think less of Wiccans. I'm sure there are some Recons and Wiccans that are friends, but by and large there is that division between the two groups. The fact that being called Wiccan is seen as some kind of insult really just boggles the mind. So a group of people don't follow the “Source?” way of thinking, who cares, and I've never heard of any Wiccans who tried to pass their religion off as anything even close to what the Recons are doing.

It's not that I have a problem with Recons, I just have a problem with the fact that they are bringing Christian Fundamentalism into Paganism and re-branding it as Authentic Paganism. It's remarkably similar to the whole “My grandma was a witch” thing that Wiccan use to try to give their practices some legitimacy. Who cares if you're first generation or second? Who cares that it's something the ancient would've or wouldn't have done. In case you haven't noticed the ancients are dead.

Now I do agree that one should do their homework when it comes to the gods and lore, so that you can properly worship the gods, you should get familiar with all aspect of the gods you call to your ritual space, otherwise you're just going to piss them off and insult them. However, I do believe there is room for UPG (Unverified Personal Gnostic) and for bringing in new ritual ideas or new ideas to worship the gods.

Fundamentalist Pagans also seem to forget that in ancient times, there was no universally set ways of doing things like today. Rituals, holidays, Hel even name of the gods varied from tribe to tribe. Hel even the Lore will be forever incomplete, and Hel even the “holy” Lore was (and is) a UPG.

My point is this, stop taking yourself so seriously and have fun with it, I mean c'mon, you're sitting around a fire and drinking Ale.

Statement of Beliefs

1. I am a Hard Polytheist; I believe that the Gods and Goddess of Continental Germania are separate entities with their own beliefs & their own goals and desires. I do not believe they are the God and Goddess aspect of a divine, I do not believe they are Archetypes.

2. I do not believe in belonging to a National or International organization. Paganism and Heathenism are tribal religions. I have seen what happens when religion becomes organized under a National or International banner, and I do not believe that is the best course of actions. I do believe in Alliance with other tribes, but that is it.

3. Because I believe in a tribal structure, I believe that each tribe should be autonomous in their worship and practices regarding the gods.

4. I am not a Reconstructionist, Reconstructionist has turned what is supposed to be a living, breathing relationship with the gods into cut and dry academia. How do they think that the lore came about? It was handed to them by the gods through various methods. There forth, while I think that academia and lore are a good foundation, a religion such as ours can only grow through shared experiences.

5. I do believe in proper understanding of the Lore, and the history of the Germanic people, however I also believe in Eclecticism. I believe everyone should approach the gods in their own way. Who are we to tell the gods how they should be worshiped?

6. I am a worshiper of Thor, Freyja, and Holda. I have given them my patronage.

7. I believe that Thor was a Vanir god before he was a god of the Aseir.

8. I am Vanatru (True to the Vanir). The Vanirs are gods of nature and animals. Since I spend most of my time around animals and the outdoors, they are the gods I feel called to.

9. While I do believe in UPG, when it comes to Lore vs. UPG, Lore will always win out.

10. I believe that I will add to this list, as my understanding of the gods and the worlds around me continue to grow and deepen. So check back!