May 18th
11:08 AM
11:08 AM
May 7th
12:16 PM
12:16 PM
Twilight and Fire: Madness, Loki and the Lessons Therein.
People who openly worship Loki are often accused of being sociopathic, or at the very least, “having issues.” While this assessment is often based on a general dislike of Loki and anybody who gives Him honor, as with every ugly stereotype, there exists an unfortunate grain of truth in it. I am not saying that all of Loki’s people are mad, but that a good percentage of us seem to be, judging from the admissions of people I’ve met who also honor Him. This is, in my opinion, neither coincidental nor merely attributable to the likelihood of already messed-up individuals being attracted to a “rebel” like Flame-hair.
In my own case, I suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), a condition that has, not to put too fine a point on things, fucked up my life in ways I deeply regret and cannot always repair. This was an ongoing problem which I was able to deny and suppress for years before Loki came into my life. Afterward, in typical fashion, He would not allow me to ignore that part of myself any longer. My choice was to change, or die. It frightens me now how close I really came to dying, which would have meant throwing my life (and the love of my god) away for stupid reasons.
All of my feels <3
12:12 PM
(I decided to answer this publicly because it’s a good question!)
Hmmm. I’m trying to remember. I suppose, from one point of view, I contacted him first. Except… maybe not. Maybe it’s all of the above.
Back when I was a baby pagan (and was definitely more into the eclectic neo-Wiccan variety of paganism) I had a particular interest in Trickster figures in general. At first (before I understood that cultural appropriation was not cool, and also while I was still a baby therianthrope) I was focused on Coyote in Native American myths. After I “discovered” Ásatru and then heathenry (I didn’t understand, at first, that there was a difference, but that could have been that this was a decade ago and the internet was a smaller place back then) I immediately fell in love with Loki. Mostly I think it’s because, before studying anything specifically about heathenry or Ásatru, the very first collection of Norse myths that I read was The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland, a modern re-telling that paints Loki in a more complex, human light than the older Christianized tellings that turn Loki into a one-dimensional malicious devil.
So anyhow, fast-forward a bit, during which time I spent a few years as an Angry Atheist™. I had given up on paganism and heathenry, convinced that the entire community was full of a bunch of racist woo-woo New Agers who would believe anything some long-hair tells them about ~crystal magick~ without even a second thought. And then suddenly a couple years ago some part of me became interested in witchcraft and paganism again. Some door was broken down (I think it was that my location changed and I was no longer around an obnoxious hippie community) and when I saw posts about witchcraft or paganism pop up amongst my usual stream of pretty nature photos, I started thinking more about it.
And then suddenly, this was when I think Loki was the one who contacted me. It felt like he was telling me, “Good. You’ve spent many years questioning everything. Now, come with me. We have work to do.” I think the first time I tried contacting Loki, I was not ready. I had no idea what I would be getting into. But (pardon the cliché) I am also pretty sure that he never left me, just remained covert until the time was right.
May 3rd
11:08 AM
11:08 AM
12:00 AM
A Letter to the Editor
[snipped to avoid too much repetition in posts]
Raven Kaldera seems extraordinarily invested in projecting an image of himself as some kind of ~misunderstood visionary pariah~ in basically every demographic he belongs to. Like, yeah, sure there’s heathens & Ásatruar who do believe in that kind of “good vs. evil” dualism he’s talking about, but the way he acts like he was just ~too edgy~ for their ~small-minded ignorance~ is just like how he talks about EVERYTHING ELSE IN HIS LIFE, including the times he’s been called out for misogyny and transphobia directed towards trans women.
Add this to the list of “reasons I hate Raven Kaldera”. I swear, the man is not capable of writing something without pissing me off.
His ‘holier than thou” bullshit is, well, just that. Bullshit.
But I really hate the term “Northern Tradition” the way he uses it. “I’m a Northern Tradition Pagan because I’m not racist” (paraphrase- he does say that “northern tradition pagans” don’t tolerate racism, despite at least one book he wrote (Urban Pagan) containing racism), even though labeling the Norse/Northern Europe/Germanic part of the globe “Northern Tradition”, erasing THE ENTIRE REST OF THE WORLD THAT IS NORTH- he’s erasing a lot of indigenous traditions, I’m pretty sure the Sami in Scandinavia have different deities and traditions, even if they’re similar, than most Heathens. Russia, North ‘America’, all of these places count as “Northern” and have very distinct traditions.
He is just a typical white trans dude. He really is. Not ALL white trans men do this- but so many “Activists” do. They pull this shit, they act like being trans makes it so that they’re ~so oppressed~ so they don’t put any effort into checking their privileges. So they pull bullshit transmisogynistic moves like using the t-word and going “But I’m trans, too! Those silly women just don’t understand reclaiming and politics with their silly female brains! They should shut up because the Men are talking” whenever a trans woman goes “That is NOT your word”, or being racist/refusing to check their white privilege because “But trans people are so oppressed! I can’t have privilege! I get weird looks in Jo-Ann Fabrics! You black people are oppressing me with your cis privilege because all black people are clearly cis!”. I’m just really damn sick of it. I am SO fucking sick of bigoted white trans men.
Because they’re the ones who are given the most voice in activist spaces, and that fucking needs to stop. Bigots like that do NOT represent me.
I actually refuse to buy anything written by him at this point, I don’t even want to read it. Yeah, that means that I won’t read a bunch of Jotunbook even though it’s allegedly a great resource- but you know what, I don’t really enjoy the thought of supporting a racist, trans misogynistic, cissexist douchefuck. And I’d spend the entire time noticing his infuriating little holier-than-thou bigoted bullshit, and I won’t be able to go “hey, it’s just a little slip up, no big deal” because I KNOW it’s part of this giant deluge of fuckery.
…
/rant that went a bit of topic but whatever.
perfect post is perfect.
May 2nd
7:27 PM
7:27 PM
A Letter to the Editor
I figured I would post a letter I wrote to the editor of Witches&Pagans magazine. As some of you may know, their latest edition was all about Heathen and Northern Traditions, which was overall, very well done. The article in which I was responding to was one by Raven Kaldera entitled “Why I am not Heathen”, which in a nutshell, explained how he came to found Northern Tradition Shamanism. However, I took issue with some of his comments. Civil, but to the point, I think.
Dear Witches & Pagans,
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on a job well done with issue #24, Heathen and Northern Traditions. It presented a very balanced and well researched collection of articles and interviews, which is a feat with such a complex and deep topic.
That said, when I came to the article by Raven Kaldera in “My Path”, I have to say I was disappointed with a couple of the statements he made:
But in the mainstream of the Heathen community, being a dedicant to Hela was considered in poor taste at best, and, at worst, a sign of outright evil.
One of the many growing differences between Pagan and Heathen culture was that there were “good” gods and “evil” gods, and Hela was definitely on the “evil” side as far as they were concerned.
I understand that everyone that comes into contact with Heathenry has a different experience. As a heathen myself however, I have never known it to have a “Good versus Evil” dichotomy, let alone to have good or evil deities, merely chaos and order. This perception, to me, reeks of monotheistic dogma. Further, any heathen who has done their homework knows that it is inherently impossible for Hel to be considered evil. According to the lore, anyone who dies of sickness, old age etc, goes to Hel’s realm. In fact, Odin’s own son goes to her halls when he is killed by accident. I doubt Odin would let Hel have dominion over our (and his) beloved dead if he thought her evil!
It is unfortunate that Kaldera seems to have met some rather misinformed members of the heathen community. However, it is equally unfortunate that he doesn’t seem to realise the reality of the situation, or if he does, says nothing to suggest so.
Hail Hel!
What do you all think of this?
Very well-written, as always; fair observations, as well.
I wholeheartedly back your calling Kaldera out on his shit, so this letter is quite gratifying.
Raven Kaldera seems extraordinarily invested in projecting an image of himself as some kind of ~misunderstood visionary pariah~ in basically every demographic he belongs to. Like, yeah, sure there’s heathens & Ásatruar who do believe in that kind of “good vs. evil” dualism he’s talking about, but the way he acts like he was just ~too edgy~ for their ~small-minded ignorance~ is just like how he talks about EVERYTHING ELSE IN HIS LIFE, including the times he’s been called out for misogyny and transphobia directed towards trans women.
May 1st
9:49 PM
9:49 PM
My latest offerings on my altar. Home-baked chocolate-chips muffins and some herbal tea for Hel, Loki and my ancestors.
The picture of the man in the back of the altar is my grand-dad. I loved him very much. What made me smile with this offering is that his picture doesn’t lean like that normally. I think he wanted to say that he was happy with the offering :’D (he was a sweet-tooth, just like me)
(via rokkatru)
April 30th
11:25 PM
11:25 PM
Walpurgisnacht (Walpurgis Night) - April 30
The festival is named for Walpurga, a Christian saint, who spent a number of years as a missionary in the Frankish empire. Over time, the celebration of St. Walpurga blended with the Viking celebrations of spring, and Walpurgisnacht was born.
In Norse traditions - and many others - this night is the time when the boundary between our world and that of the spirits is a bit shaky. Much like Samhain, six months later, Walpurgisnacht is a time to communicate with the spirit world and the fae. Bonfires are traditionally lit to keep away malevolent spirits or those who might do us mischief.
Today, some Pagans in central and northern Europe still celebrate Walpurgisnacht as a precursor to Beltane. Although it is named for a martyred saint, many Germanic Pagans try to honor the celebrations of their ancestors by observing this traditional holiday each year. It is typically observed much like May Day celebrations - with lots of dancing, singing, and ritual around the bonfire.
(via spectralradiance)
7:48 PM
“And if you have a favour to request,
Upon Walpurgis Night just mention it.”Mephistopheles to the witch;
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Faust (tr. Philip Wayne, London, 1949)(Walpurgisnacht, by Norman Lindsay)
(via graveyarddirt)
April 27th
2:44 PM
2:44 PM
Being Queer-identified and Heathen: Safe Spaces
Let me first say thank you to everyone who submitted their experiences to me, you were an excellent help! They were a great inspiration and though they will remain anonymous, this post is built on their personal experiences from the perspectives of Heathen and Reconstructionist LGBTQ+ people. I will write this solely from a Heathen perspective as well. Let me also say, before anyone proceeds that there is going to be a:
(Trigger Warning: Instances of homophobia and bigotry, mention of)
Now we shall continue,We live in 2012. Lots of people are out as LGBTQ+. Contemporary Heathenry exists in this era with us. Many people are raising their children as Heathens or any myriad of other Reconstructionist ethnic traditions. Many of these children may grow up to be LGBTQ+ Heathens and yet, there was one constant running thread through every submission to my inbox that caught my eye and that was the worry of not having a safe space with Heathens to feel safe and safely associate with others like themselves. I am going to write about safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people(though there is some cross over for POCs as well) as my topic of real life experiences in Heathenry and real life applications because this is something that is at the forefront of the lives of many and it should be considered with practical applications.
This is a problem, a huge one, especially since contemporary Reconstructionism has gotten to the point where there are more than one generation growing up Heathen and there is the possibility that many of them will grow up to be LGBTQ+. As if the outside world wasn’t already hard enough for queer-identified folks to exist in the world without being of an “alternative religion” but we even have among our ranks certain individuals who would aim to make it unsafe for LGBTQ+ folks to practice their own religions and cultures in peace. We have racists and homophobes and misogynists in our midst, and that is just the reality with any group but as Heathens, we have to worry about what mingling our Wyrd with theirs will do to us.
We must “keep frith” inside the frithyard, inside spheres where it is required that we “drop our weapons” and keep civil but unfortunately this is not always easy to do in certain public spaces, especially the internet. Many of these people want to force their bigoted opinions on innocent folks and fill the space, take power of it and ultimately remove that safe-space and power from the people they are trying to marginalise, and in this case, that is often LGBTQ+ people. We need to make safe spaces for everyone, especially the marginalised. Luckily there are sources out there that will provide safe-spaces for queer-identified people, be they gay, asexual, trans* or anything else they identify as.
When looking for a group to connect with(we are social animals and Heathenry and Recon are often very social-driven practices) we need to be aware of those who are in the group. We need to be aware of who we are going to be mingling our Wyrd with. We also need to have the courage to speak up for those who can’t against those who would seek to hurt them. This is not about politics, or one’s personal UPG. It is about providing a SAFE SPACE and the full rights to enjoy a space and feel safe in it, and the right to refuse to share a horn or mingle Wyrd with someone who would seek to poison it or otherwise hurt you.This bigotry is not based on the lore and it isn’t based on historical views of our Ancestors on “queerness”. They lived in a different time, their views depended highly on their own experiential knowledge and lived experience in a very different society. Besides that, we see many instances in the lore where the Gods genderbend or otherwise commit “ergi” acts(Odin’s practice of seidr, Loki’s many instances of changing sex and giving birth, Thor’s genderbending to get mjöllnir back(depicted above)). That being said, I will not be quoting much lore as this is not a “What is Heathenry 101” blog and that is not the purpose of this post. Our Ancestors had very many different beliefs and “ergi” is just one but it cannot and should not be compared to modern society and how we view things. We live in a different world. Plain and simple. It is perfectly acceptable to be LGBTQ+ and a Heathen or Hellenist or Gaulish Polytheist, or whatever else you may be. Not only is it acceptable but it is encouraged that one embrace who they are and stand up for it. Anyone who thinks otherwise is definitely not worth mingling Wyrd with. In many societies, bisexuality was encouraged. Any modern views imposed upon a Reconstructionist religion should be scrutinised quite highly. Today, being LGBTQ+ can alter the relationship one has with no just their kin and kith but with their gods as well. It fully encompasses their lived experience as a queer-identified Heathen. Being able to relate to not just your gods but your people is spiritually healthy. It is part of growing up, growing into yourself, accepting who you are and feeling safe to do so.
Everyone deserves a safe place. Everyone deserves to practice in peace, be social in peace, and to fully embrace who they are in peace. No one should ever have their experiences erased, whether they be gay, trans*, a woman, a transwoman, or a person of colour, or of mixed race. Everyone deserves a space where no one is going to screw with that. There is a reason we have Heathens Against Hate and Caorann. I won’t hyperlink those just yet. If we are at the point of raising children in these religions, we need to make sure we provide a place to mingle Wyrd with non-toxic people. The name of my blog is Seledreamas. The word describes a concept in Anglo-Saxon Heathenry, particularly in the context of symbel wherein a space is considered a safe space, a place of peace. It is translated simply “hall joys” but the word goes much deeper than that. It speaks to a very social aspect of Heathenry and to the importance of keeping people together and keeping your people safe. Today, that includes LGBTQ+ people in our modern practice.
It is important that one know where to go to keep safe in Heathen spheres. If anyone expresses bigotry, report them to whoever is leading the space immediately. If you are leading a space, make sure those entering it know exactly how to behave(do not out someone who wishes to remain anonymous for their own safety for example) and remove anyone who expresses bigotted ideas. They have no place in a frithyard and you can expect people to refuse to drink from the horn of a bigot, especially if they have a history of spewing vitriol. This is typical Heathen etiquette and it should be upheld for everyone. Expressing bigotry or vitriol violates a very basic and very important code in Heathenry, and that is the one to make Luck and healthy Wyrd with your kin and kith. If one does this, they are essentially poisoning the collective well of their people and it should never be expected or accepted. Be aware of the groups individuals are organised and affiliated with, the basic accepted etiquette of a social forum. Check the main websites of Heathen organisations and read their manifestos. Look for key words or symbols that strike you as unsafe(nazi code, rightwing “family” rhetoric). Many of these groups are not Heathen at all but use it as a veneer for bigotted views. I should leave a disclaimer. If an individual is conservative in their views of the lore, or with reconstructing from historical documents, it is NOT the same as expressing bigotted and dangerous views towards marginalised people. From a Heathen point of view, making accomodations for bigotted people is unhealthy spiritually, physically and for your Wyrd and the health of your people and their future. It is downright dangerous on many levels.
There are safe spaces, and there are decent people who wish to nourish you spiritually and keep you safe physically. When you have a safe space to socialise in, you will be able to speak with your gods and have a healthier social and spiritual life, and you deserve it. Period.
I am going to leave some “safe space” links for people to look at with explanations about them below:
CAORANN(Celts Against Oppression, Racism and Neonazism. Run by Celtic Recon elders)
Heathens Against Hate(An organisation that seeks to speak out against oppression and bigotry)
A Gay Rant from a Gay Heathen(A great post by Freyrsman)
AsatruQ Yahoo Community(A safe space for LGBTQ+ Asatruar. Must have a yahoo account)
Queer Heathens(closed facebook group. A safe space)
Pagan Hot Showers(an organisation wherein people offer “hot showers” and shelter to Pagans in need, including those who need shelter from abuse or trans* folk who need somewhere to go. Excellent group and very helpful. Definitely a safe space. Reconstructionist friendly.)
GLBTPagans Meetup Page (currently seems to only be in America)
Homosexuality from a Hellenic POV(article written by a Hellenist, deals with contemporary and Reconstructionist views on LGBTQ+ issues)
A Heathen View on a Touchy Subject(a Heathen perspective on transgender issues)
I will reserve my own blog as a safe space, as I wrote in my disclaimer. Again I would like to thank the people who bravely shared their experiences with me and gave me the inspiration to write my post for the individual who asked for it. I have not quoted anyone or named anyone except freyrsman as his post is already public. Everyone else is remaining anonymous, including their details for their own personal safety.Gods preserve this post and heap blessings everywhere for it. This is fucking amazing. Thank you for writing this.
(Source: wyrdwulf)
2:04 AM
Call someone out on their racism, and get called a bigot. Wat.
THIS IS WHY I DON’T FREQUENT MANY FACEBOOK HEATHEN PAGES.
I can’t. It’s making me sick. That is not a person.
White supremacy never ceases to terrify me, and I’m someone who is fucking privileged by the institution of racism. I fear for the people of color and those who aren’t het and cis in this person’s life. I fear for the fucking legitimacy of polytheism in the US. People like this make me want to never go outside again. This is why we can’t have good things, this is the fucking problem. If you know people like this, do me a favor and make it painfully clear to them that racism is not our path, that bigotry is not our religion, and that is it not fucking ok to hide their prejudice behind a veneer of machismo and pseudo-warrior bullshit.
April 23rd
2:13 PM
2:13 PM
… No but seriously. I have no idea how to deal with Loki that well. Help? Please?
First, read this: http://lokisbruid.wordpress.com/dont-panic/ If you still need more help, then I had a conversation about this the other day that might be relevant- http://loveoflopt.tumblr.com/post/21632171635/heathenqueer-loveoflopt-heathenqueer
It’s kind of short, just some back and forth. I’m not an expert, but it may help. If you have more questions that that didn’t answer I’m happy to try to help, I just didn’t want to go over the same thing again. ^^;
I’ve been learning that Loki doesn’t seem to mind whether you get everything absolutely right the first time (also that there is no absolute “right way” either), but… he will teach you some pretty harsh lessons at times. That just comes with the territory. The key is to not give up. In my experience, the most important thing is to learn from the spankings you receive from Loki, rather than give up and find an “easier” Being to follow.
April 21st
11:08 AM
11:08 AM
Hel or Hela is the goddess of the underworld in Norse mythology and ruler over the dead who do not go to Valhalla. This includes those who die of natural causes and old age.
She is the daughter of Loki and Angrboda, and the sister of Fenrir the wolf and Jormungandr the Midgard Serpent.”
(Source: iamladyloki, via earthmagick)
April 2nd
12:20 PM
12:20 PM
Witchy Ways: So I was reading an article thingy today.
I won’t identify it, as that really isn’t the point. But it made many points, hell, most of them were just general statements that the author assumed everyone would agree with, that made me think angry things. Here are some of them, mostly because I feel bad about not making any OC for a loooooong…
I don’t know what the author of this article was on when they wrote it, but I see huge problems with conflating various very different religions together and mixmatching them as seems to be implied here. I also see you making very dire conflations, that, if you’re interested in Heathenry, you should probably make efforts to avoid. I don’t see how honouring Dísir has anything to do with your modern conception of patriarchy. Furthermore, there is an issue with you not linking to this article because you may be misunderstanding something very crucial here. I am not going to nitpick on points but this conflation of Saxon, Norse and Celtic Recons is frankly extremely disturbing. I am not sure what you were reading but we generally don’t take kindly to people telling us they’re our kings and furthermore, there are very very specific specialised branches of sacral groups but other than that, this is pretty much not the case across the board.
I also think when you mention boasting and the Dísir you are missing out on something very important to the spirituality of Germanic Heathenry when you discount it. These are deeply spiritual acts and not manly show-offs or the manz forcin’ patriarchy at us or something…(I’m failing to see where this connection comes from, you didn’t clarify). I also think it’s disturbing when you conflate religions by acting as if they all practice the same things(mentioning tuaths in the context of Saxon gielps).
I highly doubt this article was written by anyone with any sense, to be perfectly honest. I sure would like to know who is being considered an “authority” to spiritual seekers though.
You know what the part of this that bugs me the most is? Anyone on tumblr can reblog this as “gospel”(lol) truth and think it’s an accurate representation of Recon in any aspect. That, is the biggest shame I can think of.
So on the other hand, I can totally see what you’re saying here as well.
But I think I’ll bring up an important point: with some regularity, I’ll see a person critiquing/complaining/venting about some fucked up thing that a (neo-)pagan group has said or done, and folks will come out of the woodwork to say, “but my coven/kindred/working group isn’t like that! stop judging all [x] practitioners!”
And okay, the thing is, those fucked up/oppressive/you-fail-history-forever voices are the loudest, most common, and easiest to find. It is difficult to find good information (but thank the gods for historians and archaeologists and the books that they write!) and especially difficult to find like-minded local folks to practice with. I guess I just kind of have a pet peeve with people who are like “but my group isn’t like that!” but don’t make their group known in any way — so how is anyone else even supposed to become aware that all pagans/heathens/recons of a certain path aren’t “like that” (meaning, messed up in the way that witchyways was talking about in the OP) if 90% of the available material is “like that”?
I mean, yes, it does obviously involve a lot of work on the part of the seeker. I’m currently in the process of doing a whole fuckton of that work and I’m nowhere near done, but it’s still a pain in the ass, and yeah, I guess I just have a pet peeve regarding expectations of my supposed psychic powers, heh.
Anyhow, I’m also in the process of working out ways to incorporate anti-oppression into Heathen practice without twisting things into unrecognizable forms or throwing in so much UPG it’s pointless — basically, I do think that even a super-strict reconstructionist Heathen path (because obviously “Heathen” does not have to mean “Ásatru”) can absolutely be used to deconstruct oppressive structures (and I don’t just mean in a “warrior” throwing-chairs-through-shop-windows sort of way). But more on that at another time, since I’m still researching, researching, researching.
(via wyrdwulf)
