Amateur archaeologists are celebrating discovering another prehistoric stone circle on Wharfedale's moors. The identification of the previously undocumented cairn on Ilkley Moor (West Yorkshire, England) marks the latest in a series of signficant finds made by a small team of local volunteers over the past year.
Paul Bennett, Michala Douglas and Paul Hornby stumbled upon the circle, which they believe is an ancient burial site, along with another smaller monument while searching the moor earlier this year. It follows previous discoveries by the group and their friends, which included the finding of a large tomb and several other cairns at Snowden Crags and Askwith Moor in 2010.
"The circle is upon Ilkley Moor, though we want to keep its exact location quiet until we've done more work on the site, which is going to take months. This is the third previously undiscovered, prehistoric circular monument we've found on the moors north and south of Ilkley in the last few months" Mr Bennett said. "This one seems to be another burial circle. Its edges are defined by at least 25 small stones, but a very minor, non-intrusive excavation seemed to indicate that there are numerous smaller stones all round the edge, making it structurally similar to the Snowden Moor cairn circle," he added.
"There's a cup-marked stone on one of the stones on its eastern side. Most of the other stones are buried or just beneath the surface so we need to carefully examine it and see what more can be found. The circle measures roughly 27 feet from north to south, and 24 feet east to west. The site seems to be at least Bronze Age, perhaps earlier," Mr Bennett concluded, criticizing the area's professional archaeologists for being slow to respond to such discoveries or pay them due attention.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
'Incredibly exciting' rare pre-Ice Age handaxe discovered on Orkney
A Palaeolithic handaxe has been found by a local walker on an Orkney beach.
A Palaeolithic handaxe has been found by a local walker on an Orkney beach.
An “incredibly rare" pre-Ice Age handaxe which may have been used to kill woolly mammoths, has been found on an Orkney beach.
The Palaeolithic - or Old Stone Age - tool, which could be anything between 100,000 and 450,000 years old, is one of only ten ever to be found in Scotland. The axe, which was found on a stretch of shore in St Ola by a local man walking along the beach, is the oldest man-made artefact ever found in Orkney.
The stone tool, which is around five-and-a-half inches long, has been broken, and originally would have tapered to a point opposite the cutting edge, but at some point in time, the point broke off and someone reworked the flint to its present straight edge.
Orkney-based archaeologist Caroline Wickham-Jones, who has studied the axe, described its discovery as "incredibly exciting".
Ms Wickham-Jones, who a lecturer in archaeology at Aberdeen University, said: "This axe is definitely older than 100,000 years - so old it's become geology.
"It was made and used an incredibly long time ago - pre-Ice Age - and whoever made it would have been familiar with animals long since extinct - the woolly mammoth, for example.
“I find that really mind-blowing.
"If it really comes from Orkney, it would change our understanding of the whole of Scotland. It would set back our known history from 14,000 years ago to at least 100,000 years ago.
"The problem is that we cannot tell if it in fact is from Orkney or Scotland. As it was found on a beach, without anything else from that era, there are several options on how it got here.
"It might have been ballast of a sailing ship --which could have come from anywhere and which could have dropped it here last week, or 200 years ago.”
“As Britain wasn't an island at that time - nor were the Orkneys - and the conditions in Scotland were much the same as anywhere else, I find it very likely that people were living here.
"The problem is that glaciers of the later ice-age have changed the Scottish landscape and therefore it is much harder to find any proof of their existence here than it is for instance in England, which wasn't covered in ice.
"I don't think the axe is made on the islands as there is not enough flint here to produce such a big block of stone. But it would be possible that they had taken with them from somewhere else, or traded it with other people.
“That would explain why it was reworked after it was broken.
"I fear we're never going to be able to give the definite answer to this question, but it is absolutely worth doing more research on it.
"A site visit will be first on the agenda.”
Julie Gibson, County Archaeologist for Orkney, said she had never expected to find "such an incredible thing" in Orkney.
She said: "As it was found by itself on a beach, we have to remain sceptical. We cannot just assume it was dropped by a local guy following a mammoth.
"There is always a corner of doubt - just because we don't have any proof of Stone-Age people living here, it doesn't mean they didn't.
"We're definitely going to take a careful look at the shore bank to see if we can find any proof that the axe could be made and used here."
The Palaeolithic - or Old Stone Age - started about 2.6 million years ago and lasted till the end of the Pleistocene around 10,000 BCE.
It is a long period of tiem in which hunter-gatherers gradually evolved from early members of the genus Homo such as Homo habilis - who used simple stone tools - into fully behaviourally and anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens).
In Britain, the earliest evidence of human activity dates from about 700,000 years ago. The earliest proof of people in Scotland dates from 14,000 years ago.
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Discovered: The tool could potentially 'set back our known history'. |
A Palaeolithic handaxe has been found by a local walker on an Orkney beach.
An “incredibly rare" pre-Ice Age handaxe which may have been used to kill woolly mammoths, has been found on an Orkney beach.
The Palaeolithic - or Old Stone Age - tool, which could be anything between 100,000 and 450,000 years old, is one of only ten ever to be found in Scotland. The axe, which was found on a stretch of shore in St Ola by a local man walking along the beach, is the oldest man-made artefact ever found in Orkney.
The stone tool, which is around five-and-a-half inches long, has been broken, and originally would have tapered to a point opposite the cutting edge, but at some point in time, the point broke off and someone reworked the flint to its present straight edge.
Orkney-based archaeologist Caroline Wickham-Jones, who has studied the axe, described its discovery as "incredibly exciting".
Ms Wickham-Jones, who a lecturer in archaeology at Aberdeen University, said: "This axe is definitely older than 100,000 years - so old it's become geology.
"It was made and used an incredibly long time ago - pre-Ice Age - and whoever made it would have been familiar with animals long since extinct - the woolly mammoth, for example.
“I find that really mind-blowing.
"If it really comes from Orkney, it would change our understanding of the whole of Scotland. It would set back our known history from 14,000 years ago to at least 100,000 years ago.
"The problem is that we cannot tell if it in fact is from Orkney or Scotland. As it was found on a beach, without anything else from that era, there are several options on how it got here.
"It might have been ballast of a sailing ship --which could have come from anywhere and which could have dropped it here last week, or 200 years ago.”
“As Britain wasn't an island at that time - nor were the Orkneys - and the conditions in Scotland were much the same as anywhere else, I find it very likely that people were living here.
"The problem is that glaciers of the later ice-age have changed the Scottish landscape and therefore it is much harder to find any proof of their existence here than it is for instance in England, which wasn't covered in ice.
"I don't think the axe is made on the islands as there is not enough flint here to produce such a big block of stone. But it would be possible that they had taken with them from somewhere else, or traded it with other people.
“That would explain why it was reworked after it was broken.
"I fear we're never going to be able to give the definite answer to this question, but it is absolutely worth doing more research on it.
"A site visit will be first on the agenda.”
Julie Gibson, County Archaeologist for Orkney, said she had never expected to find "such an incredible thing" in Orkney.
She said: "As it was found by itself on a beach, we have to remain sceptical. We cannot just assume it was dropped by a local guy following a mammoth.
"There is always a corner of doubt - just because we don't have any proof of Stone-Age people living here, it doesn't mean they didn't.
"We're definitely going to take a careful look at the shore bank to see if we can find any proof that the axe could be made and used here."
The Palaeolithic - or Old Stone Age - started about 2.6 million years ago and lasted till the end of the Pleistocene around 10,000 BCE.
It is a long period of tiem in which hunter-gatherers gradually evolved from early members of the genus Homo such as Homo habilis - who used simple stone tools - into fully behaviourally and anatomically modern humans (Homo sapiens sapiens).
In Britain, the earliest evidence of human activity dates from about 700,000 years ago. The earliest proof of people in Scotland dates from 14,000 years ago.
Religious Bigotry
Bigotry, the intolerance, fear, and hatred of those different from ourselves, is still a far too common occurrence in the world today. Bigotry is now almost universally considered wrong because it robs others of their rights as human beings through discrimination and persecution. Here in the United Kingdom and the western world in general when we think of bigotry we tend to think of it in terms of ethnicity, and surely bigotry against those not of European origin is still the most common form of bigotry to be found in the United Kingdom, America, Canada and other western nations. Bigotry can take other forms however, and one can be bigoted against others because of their religion, culture, political beliefs, and opinions, as well as their ethnicity.
Indeed, religious bigotry may well have been the most common form of bigotry for much of Europe's history. Most of us are familiar with the persecution of Christians in ancient Rome, in which they were fed to the lions in the Coliseum and even blamed for the burning of Rome. During the Middle Ages, the Jews were persecuted to no end, not simply because they were another ethnic group, but another religion as well. Religious bigotry still exists in the world today and one need look no further than Bosnia or Ireland. Both are places where religion has cost more lives than any Britainn war prior to 1860.
This sort of religious bigotry and persecution is nothing new. It dates as far back as 1180 BCE when the monotheistic Hebrews exterminated the polytheistic Canaanites. However, religious bigotry did not become common until rather late in Mankind's history. One of the worst cases of religious persecution took place in 70 CE when the Romans put down a Jewish Revolt. While this situation was largely political, it was partly the Jews refusal to give into emperor worship that lead to the Romans taking the lives of over 100,000. Later persecutions would come such as the forced conversion of the pagan Saxons to Christianity by Charlemagne (when 3,000 were massacred), the Spanish Inquisition, and the Mormon Wars of the last century. Perhaps the worst however was the Holocaust when over "6 million" Jews were put to death at the orders of Adolph Hitler in a fit of "Christian" nationalism.
There are more subtle forms of persecution resulting from religious bigotry. These may involve character assassinations and harassment of members of minority religions. Often members of minority or alternative religions find themselves in the position of the outsider and are refused jobs and even mocked. Sometimes religious bigotry will be cloaked with false accusations that members of minority religions are lazy or insane or a criminal element. The most common form of persecution is to accuse the minority religion of being a cult or Satanic in nature. Another means of persecution is to accuse the persecuted of being the persecutor, such as was the case in pre-WWII Germany when the Nazis accused the Jews of hoarding the nation's wealth. Such means of persecution is nothing new. Early Christians were accused of sacrificing babies, cannibalism, and one piece of ancient Roman graffiti shows Christ with a donkey head. No one would accuse Christianity of such things now. There was a time when out of religious bigotry such accusations were made.
A term for such behavior is religious intolerance. The Ontario Centre for Religious Tolerance defines religious intolerance as: "spreading misinformation about a group even though the inaccuracy of that information could easily have been checked and corrected; ridiculing an entire group for their sincere beliefs and practices; attempting to force religious beliefs and practices on others." Such behavior from a single individual towards a member of a religious minority may not seem like much, but coming from dozens of individuals each day, what were single instances of off-hand remarks becomes a tool for persecution and oppression. Such intolerance in the name of religious bigotry actually says more about the persecutor(s) than the member of the minority religion.
After all, bigotry of any kind seems to stem from the same source. Sociologists early in the 20th century developed the theory of the authoritarian personality. An authoritarian personality has strong feelings of inadequacy, dependency, and hostility, particularly toward those in authority or those they view in authority, even though they may be an authority on their own. Because of this, the authoritarian personality tends to displace their own sense of low self esteem and their own feelings of self hatred to another group. The individual who expresses hatred for another ethnic, religious, or cultural group, or attempts to stereotype them in some way, or even goes so far as spread lies about this group is then simply expressing feelings about themselves.
According to the theory of the authoritarian personality, then, not only is bigotry wrong because it hurts others, but because from a psychological standpoint it is damaging to the one who practices it. After all, self hatred lies at the root of many mental illnesses and unless one deals with one's own self hatred, they cannot prevent the development of any mental illnesses they may have in times to come. Obviously, as long as the bigot insists upon transferring their own self loathing to another ethnic, religious, or cultural group, they are not dealing with that self hatred. In addition, such self hatred directed outward can result in the low self esteem of the persecuted, causing such line of thought to escalate, when the persecuted tries to defend against the persecution. In most parts of the world, through-out history, bloodshed soon follows.
While religious bigotry of that sort is seen in Ireland, Bosnia, or the Palestine, it is very rarely seen in the United Kingdom of today. Still, the more subtle forms of intolerance are ever present. According to the Ontario Centre for Religious Tolerance a photographer in the Four Corners area of New Mexico came upon a group of Boy Scouts with chisels and hammers, chipping away ancient Native American petroglyphs. When the photographer asked why, a scout master responded that the petroglyphs were pagan symbols of Satanic origin and that it was their duty to destroy them. At the "Wild Magick Gathering" held Sept. 20-22, 1985 in Yellowwood Forest in Brown Co., Indiana, participants were harassed by the police and fundamentalists. Once sheriff's deputy claimed to have seen blood drinking, a goat sacrifice, and consumption of raw meat. None of these events occurred. What did occur was a typical Wiccan ritual, a shamanic meditation, and a scarecrow party (a costume party where everyone shows up as a scarecrow).
Another such case is that of the Church of Iron Oak. The Church of Iron Oak is a Wiccan congregation in Palm Bay, FL. In August 1994, members of the church were cited by city zoning officials for holding services in their back yard. Then later that year, the city's Code Enforcement Board ruled they could continue to hold services in their homes. Nonetheless, the church decided to file a civil lawsuit against the city, alleging their civil rights were violated when they could not hold services between the time they were cited by the inspectors until the time the hearing took place. Since the church first filed the lawsuit, their have had several incidents of harassment by the Religious Right. When performing the invocation for the City Council of Titusville, Florida, Fundamentalists turned their backs on the priests and priestess, and then accosted the members of Iron oak outside after the meeting. Illene Davis, the Councilwoman that invited the Wiccans to give the invocation has since received death threats. Had the situation been reversed, and the Fundamentalists had performed the invocation for the City Council of Titusville, they certainly would not have appreciated similar treatment by non-Fundamentalists. What was meant to be an act of religious diversity and equality by the City of Titusville was used by a relative few to persecute a religious minority. But then such is the way of religious bigotry.
In a multi-religious nation like the United Kingdom where the practice of the religion of one's choice is protected, there is no reason for religious bigotry of any kind. Nearly all religions teach one should be kind to their fellow man and believe in some form of sin or karma. The very practice of religious bigotry by anyone defeats the purpose of most religions. If as individuals we truly wish to extend tolerance to all others and if we wish for members of our communities to be mentally healthy, loving individuals with high self esteem, then we must take steps to end religious bigotry and religious intolerance. The first step is to educate ourselves about other religions. One may not believe in the Hindu concept of karma, but if we understand that it encourages the same kind of moral behavior as the Christian concept of transgression against God, one can at least respect the belief and those that adhere to it.
The Fine Art of Disinformation From A Heathen View
It is a sad but true fact that any religion, culture, or for that matter, any group of more than three humans is likely to fall victim to disinformation. Often this is mere accident, other times it is deliberate. Such is the case in modern Heathenry with the Foklish/Tribalist/Universialist views. Folkish Asatru is not innately racist. There are racist individuals that are part of the Folkish Asatru community, just as there are members of AIM and the NAACP that are racist. This does not make those organizations racist however, and nor do a few racist Folkish Asatruar make the Asatru Alliance (AA), Asatru Folk Assembly (AFA), and Odinic Rite (OR) racist. I do not personally agree with the beliefs of these organizations on the need for Nordic ancestry. At the same time however, I have never found solid evidence that these organizations are racist. Indeed, I have found the opposite to be true, that they are open to individuals not of Northern European descent if they marry into or are legally adopted into a Folkish Asatru family.
Yet, there are several folks within the greater Heathen community that would mislead folks to believe Folkish Asatru is a racist branch of the religion, and attempt to place the AA, AFA, OR, and smaller Folkish Asatru organizations alongside obviously racist or racialist organizations such as Wotansvolk. I am not going to discuss why they do this. I have no insight into what motivates these folks outside of a suspicion it is some form of religious intolerance (read "Religious Bigotry for insights into this mentality)". However, I will point out some of the methods used in disinformation, and how not to be taken in by such disinformation.
The disinformant has at his or her means many tools with which to disinform people. Innuendo, character assassination, and a general failure to provide solid evidence are all tools used by the disinformant. Briefly, when looking for attempts to disinform the general community look for the following:
1) False accusations without solid evidence. Often you will see someone claim "It is clear such and such is linked to such and such a racist organization." And then they will proceed NOT to give you the solid evidence you need to make a connection. When this happens, ask, "Where's the hard copy?" "Do you have video tapes, tapes, signed statements to the effect this is true?" Never accept ANYONE's word on someone else's associations, reputation, or activities. Unless you can confirm something first hand, IT IS NOT FACT.
2) Innuendo. An innuendo is "an indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication." Disinformants love innuendo. By making insulting remarks hinting that certain members of the Folkish Asatru community are racist, they believe they can make it true. In truth however, all innuendoes serve to do is further emotionalize the debate. Disinformants do not operate on hard facts; they try to appeal to the emotions with all sorts of bad rhetoric. Innuendoes are just one tool they can use to rouse an emotional response in someone, and shut down the logical thinking processes.
3) Taking statements out of context. Another favoured tool of the disinformant. Taking a statement out of context is when someone misquotes or attempts to portray a statement by someone else as meaning something other than it does. For example, were I to state "Wotansvolk is the only racist organization to rank in the top 20 on Google search for the term Asatru," and someone says "Swain says Wotansvolk is the only racist organization," they have taken my statement out of context.
Often researchers are cited as evidence to back claims of racism in folkish Asatru. An example of this is the recent (4-21-2001) interview by the SPLC with Mattias Gardell called the "New Romantics." Many have attempted to show that Folkish Asatru is racist using this interview. Yet it is clear from Professor Gardell's clarification, that he does not include ethnic (Folkish) Asatru in with the militant racist organizations. Indeed he makes a clear distinction. Below is his clarification of the matter:
Clarification concerning the article THE NEW ROMANTICS in the spring 2001 issue of Intelligence Report.
1. I was NOT talking about the whole neo-pagan community in the United States. The interview focused on the racist interpretation of Asatrú often referred to as Odinism. I also tried to make clear the distinction between the racist and ethnic positions as these two very different interpretations of Norse traditions often are confused. (The wider non-racial non-folkish pan-pagan milieu was hardly mentioned at all. There is a growing body of studies concerning the wider pagan revival but that was not the topic of the interview and will neither be the focus of my forthcoming study. However, I do will make the distinctions clear)
2. The line 'everybody supports the Unabomber' is somewhat taken out of context. It should have been made much clearer that I here talked about the radical environmentalist subsection of racist Odinism where one does find considerable support for the Unabomber. The word 'everybody' was a casual metaphor that I would never use in writing. It came in the course of a 4 hours something transatlantic interview over the phone and I am sorry for having made that slip.
Disinformants have also tried to use the information of Kaplan and others against Folkish Asatru. Yet it is clear each time the information is checked that the findings were taken out of context deliberately. This particular tool is VERY dangerous since a skilled writer can even use someone else's words against them, and thus lend some credibility to their own statements.
As with #1, always go to the source. If someone quotes someone or paraphrases them, go to the person quoted or paraphrased and ask them what they meant. If you cannot do that try to lay your hands on the original piece of work.
4) Use of Fear and Confusion. The disinformant preys on the fears of the general Heathen of being accused of being racist or associated with racists. Many Heathens as sensible modern people have this fear, its real, and as such can be used to motivate them not to associate with folkish kindred's or individuals. If used well enough, this fear can even be used to motivate individuals to make accusations, spread rumours, and do things they usually would not do. On top of this they may attempt to confuse in peoples' minds the differences between Folkish or ethnic Asatru and extreme racist organizations. As long as they can keep folks in fear and confused about what is going on and who is who, they can exercise control over them. Hitler used similar methods of fear and confusion to motivate many ordinary Germans to persecute the Jews. If you find someone trying to motivate you due to your fear of something, and not appealing to your mind, you can probably bet they are attempting to control you in some way. An honest Heathen always appeals to one's logic, or at least to the more sensible emotions using fact.
5) Exaggeration. The misinformant will often take an isolated event, and try to portray it as a major happening, or indicative of a group as a whole. An example would be the following statement: "At Althing 7, an 'Asatru Folkish Samfelag' member was insistent on using the term Nigger. I told him I did not like the term, but he continued. If the AFS is going to tolerate this type of behaviour...." The disinformant attempts to use the exaggeration of acts of isolated individuals to reflect badly on entire organizations. Sometimes, they will use such exaggerations in connection with totally unrelated events or organizations. When you hear of isolated racist acts in Folkish Asatru, try to get the whole story. Was this a known Folkish leader involved in the racism or an isolated nutcase? Was this the act of one kindred or the stand of the entire organization? It is difficult for any organization to control the acts of its members. In the 1960s, many members of the NAACP were also members of the Black Panthers. Did that mean the NAACP endorsed racism or terrorist acts? No, it did not.
Similar to exaggeration is hyperbole. A hyperbole is figure of speech in which an action is exaggerated for affect, sometimes adding details to misrepresent what happened. An example would be the following statement, "the AFS contains millions of racists," when in reality not only may there be only a handful of racists, but the AFS membership numbers under a 1000.
6) Misattribution. Misattribution is when someone attributes someone else's words or deeds to someone else. It is another attempt to create confusion. An example of misattribution might be attributing the views of Wotansvolk to a Folkish kindred with a similar name. This can be extremely useful to the misinforming where identities are easily confused. Again the easiest way around this is direct confirmation by yourself. "Do they mean Wotansvolk or Woden's Folk or for that matter Freya's Folk?"
7) Reading emotions or thoughts into actions. There really is not a good term for this, but the following example, "When such and such saw that black guy drink from the blot horn, his eyes lighted up with hatred," is perfect. How does anyone know what anyone else is thinking? How do they know if it was hatred the guy was feeling? Human beings are not mind readers, and if we were, I have yet to see a court of law accept such as evidence. Take20 people and let them witness an action, even an innocent one, and you will have 20 different interpretations of what the person doing the action was thinking or feeling. And none of those will be correct. I have had this happen in my personal life.
8) Hearsay. Hearsay is defined in courts of law as 'Evidence based on the reports of others rather than the personal knowledge of a witness and therefore generally not admissible as testimony." Basically hearsay amounts to unproven rumour. People love to talk, but in such discussions, the stories told always get changed a bit. The old telephone game is a perfect example of this, to such a degree that the last version told in the last phone call will no way resemble the one in the first. Misinformants love hearsay, they use it to their advantage, and since rumors are hard to trace, it is an ideal way for them to smear someone's reputation. Again however, hearsay is easily disproven if the rumours turn out to be lies. Always check the source of such tales.
8) Hearsay. Hearsay is defined in courts of law as 'Evidence based on the reports of others rather than the personal knowledge of a witness and therefore generally not admissible as testimony." Basically hearsay amounts to unproven rumour. People love to talk, but in such discussions, the stories told always get changed a bit. The old telephone game is a perfect example of this, to such a degree that the last version told in the last phone call will no way resemble the one in the first. Misinformants love hearsay, they use it to their advantage, and since rumors are hard to trace, it is an ideal way for them to smear someone's reputation. Again however, hearsay is easily disproven if the rumours turn out to be lies. Always check the source of such tales.
9) Ridicule. When cornered the disinformant may attempt to ridicule detractors. Examples of such statements are "Such and such is out of touch with..." or responding to statements backed up with facts as "that is a load of BS." Such statements are a further attempt to emotionalize and sensationalize and issue. They have no place in rational, fact based debate.
The enemy of such misinformation is of course in your own hands. The tools of the Good Heathen at finding the truth are easy to use and easier to hone:
1) Logic. Rational thought is perhaps the best way to see through a misinformants statements. For example, if they try to tell me "Edweard Sweardfreond is a racist," but I have bloted with Edweard Sweardfreond and watched as he bloted and symbeled with non-Northern Europeans, I KNOW using logical thought the misinformant is lying. Another example, "Wotansvolkis a racist Asatru organization that feels blacks, Jews, and other non-whites are inferior. The 'Asatru Folkish Samfelag' was founded in 1972 and based on the ancient Nordic, white religion." Here the misinformant is trying to use sensationalist rhetoric to lead you to identify Wotansvolk with the AFS without ever saying the AS is racist. Logic dictates however that the AFS and Wotansvolk are not the same organization and may not hold the same views.
2) An Open Mind. This is the most important thing to Heathens. If you have decided based on rumours and hearsay that such and such is a racist, you as a human being, are naturally going to read racist actions into anything they do or say. If however, you remain indifferent, and do not base your opinions on anything BUT solid evidence, you will not be reading anything into their actions. Instead you will be seeking the truth, trying to see for yourself whether or not someone is racist. If indeed they are not, and you are using your mind and logic instead of emotions, you will find that to be so. A general rule is, if you do not know someone, or have not experienced an event personally, remain different to it. If in doubt, simply have nothing to do with them. For example, if I suspect that Forn Sed is racist, but have no solid evidence (direct quotes, videotapes of racist acts, and so forth); while I would say nothing against them, I would not associate with them either. This way if they are racist, I am not helping them or in fear of being tagged racist for associating with them. On the other hand, if they are not, I have done or said nothing to besmirch their reputation.
3) Be a skeptic. Always doubt, question, or disagree with assertions someone is racist until you have solid evidence. By being a skeptic you do not open yourself up to the abuse of misinformants. Indeed, you may wind up exposing one.
Modern Asatru is a very complex religion. There are many views on who should or should not practice the religion. This is to be expected. It is an ethnic religion that is being reconstructed. In a sense, the Universalist, Folkish, and Tribalist views are all right. It all depends on semantics. One thing is clear however, unless a group deliberately encourages racial hatred of other races, total exclusion of other races from the entire religion, they are not racist. Most Folkish Asatruar state anyone is free to practice Asatru as kith. They are not against bloting with members of non-Folkish kindred's when invited to non-Folkish events. These are not views a racist would hold or practice. So while I feel anyone can be Heathen, as long as they worship our Gods, practice our ways, and are not flat out outlawed from every single Heathen organization, I cannot stand by and see accusations flung at the Folkish Asatruar. After all if they are racist, so are the Lakota and numerous other Native Americans, as well as the practitioners of Shinto and other ethnic religions. Note: The 'Asatru Folkish Samfelag' is a fictious organization made up just for demonstration purposes.
An English obsession with all things foreign
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Peter O'Toole playes TE Lawrence in Lawrence in Arabia Photo: Rex |
Charles Moore reviews Treason of the Heart by David Pryce-Jones (Encounter Books) and learns that the great self-hating project for clever English people is the European Union
The higher you rise in the intellectual scale, the more likely you are to hate your own country. This is particularly true, as George Orwell once noted, of the English (though not of the Scots or the Welsh). It is an odd phenomenon. It involves, in theory, a love of the rights of the masses and, in practice, a lofty disdain for the common herd.
David Pryce-Jones has written a whole book about it, starting in the 18th century and ending in the present day. His story discloses uncanny similarities between one generation and another. The Englishmen who exulted in the French Revolution did so for much the same reasons as those who rejoiced over the rise of Communism or even over the triumph of Hitler. The violence added glamour. “The light of the French Revolution circled my head like a glory,” wrote William Hazlitt, “though dabbled with drops of crimson gore”.
W. H. Auden wrote approvingly of “the necessary murder”. Winifred Williams, who married Wagner’s son and helped consecrate Bayreuth for Nazism, wrote as late as October 1944 that the Führer’s stature had “grown ever more heroic”.
Sometimes, these tendencies were even hereditary. Harold St John Philby worked for the Foreign Office, but became so ardent an Arabist that he converted to Wahhabi Islam and did business for the house of Saud instead. He declared that Arab public morality was “definitely superior” to European ethical codes. His son Kim worked for MI6, and betrayed his country and his colleagues to the Soviet Union. Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, another Arabist, cursed British soldiers in the Sudan as “mongrel scum of thieves from Whitechapel and Seven Dials”. His kinsman, Anthony, expressed his contempt for his country by helping Kim Philby escape to Moscow.
Pryce-Jones notes that part of the appeal of foreign allegiance is that it can confer a new identity, one that seems virtuous and idealistic. “We are all Greeks,” exclaimed Shelley, when that country’s struggle against the Ottoman Empire was the cause of the day. Being Greek had a special charm to Englishmen well educated in the classics.
Clothes also came into the change of identity, as did sexual preferences.
T. E. Lawrence appeared at the Versailles Peace Conference in full Arab dress, determined to defeat “my own country and its allies in the council chamber”. The artist Claire Sheridan enthused about Arabs that “in spite of their lethargy, they can always make love”. Such intellectuals’ ideas of foreigners are often romantic and aesthetic, and hence misleading – posher versions of flings with Cypriot waiters or Alpine ski instructors. “All that is best in the Arabs has come from the desert,” wrote Wilfred Thesiger. When you think about it, this cannot be true. Much of the Arab greatness came from the urban habits of trade and craftsmanship.
Once one falls under such spells, one tends to believe ever more whopping lies. I am just old enough to remember when clever contemporaries at school would praise Chairman Mao. In our arguments about this, they would say, “OK, he has to use totalitarian methods, but at least people in China do not starve.” In fact, approximately 45 million people are thought to have died because of Mao’s Great Leap Forward, which revolutionised agriculture (destroying the harvest) and steel production (making steel that could not be used). When Mao died, Tony Benn paid a condolence call on the Chinese embassy and lamented the passing of the “greatest man of the 20th century”.
In modern times, Pryce-Jones argues, the great self-hating project for clever English people is the European Union. He thinks they are attracted by the strategy of deception explicitly put forward in the words of the EU’s founding father, Jean Monnet: “Europe’s nations should be guided towards a superstate without their people understanding what is happening.” He might also have said more about the lure of Irish republicanism for this weird psychology. No smart English writer will touch the cause of Ulster Unionism. IRA berets are sexier than Orangemen’s bowler hats. The slogan “No Surrender” is, when shouted on behalf of the United Kingdom, the most embarrassing one could devise.
Pryce-Jones sets out his case in a spirited manner. He is absolutely right about the link between bad politics and hatred of one’s country, and about the dishonesty involved. Travellers’ tales are notoriously untrue, and so are fellow-travellers’ tales. It is sobering to be reminded how recent it is that many of the leading figures in our universities – people like Christopher Hill, Master of Balliol, Oxford, and Joseph Needham, Master of Caius, Cambridge – devoted their lives to advancing Marxism-Leninism, the most pervasive totalitarianism of all time.
But I do want to put in a word of sympathy for the trains of thought that Pryce-Jones denounces. Imagination requires stimulation. Most great ideas, not only for poetry or art, but also in philosophy, religion or politics, do not come solely from dry thought processes. They come from moments of inspiration. These include falling in love, or being entranced by a particular landscape, dance, wine or building. It is inevitable that one’s fascination with another country or culture will begin as an intuition. One should not be ashamed of that. One should pursue it.
The same, after all, applies to the love of one’s own country, of which Pryce-Jones approves. It can be grounded in reason and good sense, but it must go beyond reason too, as love always does.
Heathen, Asatru, Pagan Links
On this post I will provide links to sites that contain interesting heathen information.
Some of the information you encounter on the internet may be incorrect.
All links are in English except noted otherwise.
I have also included some links to sites that support new-heathen religions and/or traditions because a lot of them contain very interesting information, it is your choice whether you visit them or not.
If you run across a site that contains offensive material; please tell me and I'll remove the link as soon as possible.
Oh, and please keep in mind that I am not responsible for the contents of any site that is listed on this page.
History links:
http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/
The Viking Answer Lady provides loads of interesting information about the Vikings.
http://www.arild-hauge.com/eindex.htm
The site of Arild Hauge, he provides excellent information about runes, rock drawings, and other Germanic art in Scandinavia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings
Very good page of the BBC about the Vikings in Great Britain.
http://www.friezen.com/
A site about the tribe of the Frisians (in Dutch).
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/mythlinks.html
A very interesting page containing lots of Germanic legends, created by mr. Ashliman from the University of Pittsburgh.
http://www.keesn.nl/lex
Lex Frisonium, a good example of a Germanic lawbook. (in English and Dutch)
http://www.newgenevacenter.org/movers/middle-ages2.htm
Detailed site about the Great Migrations.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Germanic-L
The Germanic-L discussion list.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gothic-L
The Gothic-L discussion list.
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/City/23413
The Germania page at Ancientworlds.
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Salon/2385/varus.html
Screenplay project of the battle of the Teutoburger Wald.
http://www.comp-archaeology.org/
A very good and professional site about various cultures and time periods.
http://www.hunebedden.nl/
An interesting site about the hunebeds of the Funnelbeaker culture.
Language links:
http://www.koeblergerhard.de/publikat.html
Very interesting page with lots of old-Germanic dictionaries. (in German)
http://mendota.terracom.net/~dorothea/david/gothic/index.html
On this site you can learn Gothic online.
http://www.geocities.com/cnuosles/northwest.html
Hrodger Fréjawin's comparison list of Northern Germanic terms to the Western Germanic ones.
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Salon/2385/Theuthiskon.html
Þeuðiskon: a reconstruction project of the Proto-Germanic language.
http://www.etymonline.com/
An online English etymology dictionary.
http://www.hafronska.org/
Háfrónska málhreyfingin, the High Icelandic language movement.
New-heathen tradition links:
http://www.asatrulore.org/
Asatrú Lore, a very good Heathen discussion forum.
http://www.lysator.liu.se/religion/neopagan
Here you can find a lot of information about various forms of new-heathenism.
http://www.irminenschaft.net/
Hjuka's Irminenschaft.
http://www.irminsul.org/
The Irminsul Ættir, a big Asatru umbrella organization.
http://www.englishheathenism.homestead.com/
Information about Anglo-Saxon Heathenism.
http://www.aarhus-blotlaug.dk/
The website of Århus Blótlaug, a Danish Asatrú group.
http://www.heidendom.nl/
A very good site about ancient heathenism in the Netherlands (in Dutch).
Rune links:
http://www.futhark.com/
Very good page about the Elder Fuþark, all 3 Ætts described in a very detailed way.
http://www.omniglot.com/
a very interesting site where you can find a lot of information about various writing systems, including the Runes and the Gothic Uncial alphabeth.
http://www.symbols.com/
Here you can find information about all kinds of symbols, including runes.
http://sunnyway.com/runes
Miss Sunny's page about runes.
http://home.no.net/ekerilar
List (and pictures!) of runic inscriptions from Scandinavia and northern Europe.
Mythology links:
http://www.pantheon.org/
Encylopedia Mythica; lots of information about every mythology around the world, including Germanic mythology of course.
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze33gpz/myth.html
Myths and Legends page.
Lore links:
http://www.heorot.dk/
Beowulf in various translations.
http://www.geocities.com/igdrasilas/haustlong.htm
Haustlong.
http://www.hi.is/~eybjorn/ugm/thorsd00.html
Þórsdrápa.
http://www.aemma.org/onlineResources/thalhoffer/contents_body.htm
Talhoffer's fechtbuch, a fighting manual from 1467 that was used to train German knights with longswords and other weapons, many of the fighting tactics described were probably already used during the Germanic period and are especially interesting for re-enactors.
http://www.deheerd.tk/
De Heerd: Folklore and Mythology of Western and Northen Europe in both English and Dutch.
Other interesting links:
http://www.vikingblood.net/
A site about the Vikings, Viking metal, Viking related events, and more.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/
A site about the Roman emperors where you can also find a lot of other information about those times.
http://www.romanarmy.com/
An informative site about the Roman army.
http://www.euratlas.com/
A very good site that contains detailed maps of Europe throughout history.
http://www.georgetown.edu/labyrinth
Labyrinth, lots of interesting texts.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.html
Medieval source texts.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/
Sacred Texts online.
http://www.unf.edu/classes/medieval
A site about the Middle Ages from the University of North Florida.
http://www.eurominority.org/version/en
Interesting site with information about minority populations in Europe.
http://www.ragweedforge.com/
The Ragweed Forge, an online smithy where you can buy beautiful jewellry and replicas of archeological findings like Thor's hammer pendants.
http://www.paul-binns-swords.co.uk/
Paul Binns is an English smith who sells good quality weapons (swords, axes, spears, seaxes) for great prices.
ORGANISATIONS & HEARTHS
Association of Polytheist Traditions (UK)The Association of Polytheist Traditions [APT] is a fledgling organisation based in the UK, aiming to educate both members and non-members about ancient and modern polytheist religions; to increase awareness of polytheism within the pagan community, the interfaith community and amongst the wider public; to act as anetworking/social organisation, helping to establish local polytheist groups and national gatherings.Further information from the web site: http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/APT
Permaculture (UK)
Solutions for sustainable living. Organic gardening, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, eco-villages, alternative technology, eco- architecture and much more. Visit www.perma culture.co.uk for more information, or telephone 0845 458 4150.
The Rune Gild (UK)
The Rune-Gild is a school of esoteric knowledge based on the Odian system of the Runes. The Gild is a world-wide organization with Halls in North America, England and Australia. UK contact: The Rune Gild, Eormensyl Hall, BM Sorcery London, WC1N 3XX. Email: DLee@ aol.com. Website: www.runegild.org
Rune School (UK)
A non-profit making organisation dedicated to the teaching of runic wisdom. The Rune School run workshops and events in the UK, and can be contacted through their website: www.runeschool.org/index.htm, or email: questions@runeschool.org.
Sagecat (Suffolk)
Mildenhall's SageCat Moot is a gathering of open minded people. They have many different traditions and paths represented in the group, such as Heathen, Wiccan, Green, Hedge and Traditional Witchcraft, Eclectic and Egyptian Tradition. The group is open to all newcomers of all levels and all paths from beginner to experienced. The only thing they ask is that you come in peace and with friendship in your heart. The Moot takes place on the last Tuesday of every month. Social dinners are organised on the second Saturday of the month and many other events, outings and celebrations throughout the year. Email: sagecatmoot@paganearth.com
Will of the Asatru Nation (Ireland)
An organisation for those following the religion of Asatru, expressing their faith through spiritual practice coupled with environmental and social activism. Contact Michael Martin, 19 Crowe Abbey, Delgany Co.Wicklow, Republic OfIreland. Email: asatrunation@asatrunation.cjb.net or michaelmartin@asatrunation.cjb.net.
Some of the information you encounter on the internet may be incorrect.
All links are in English except noted otherwise.
I have also included some links to sites that support new-heathen religions and/or traditions because a lot of them contain very interesting information, it is your choice whether you visit them or not.
If you run across a site that contains offensive material; please tell me and I'll remove the link as soon as possible.
Oh, and please keep in mind that I am not responsible for the contents of any site that is listed on this page.
History links:
http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/
The Viking Answer Lady provides loads of interesting information about the Vikings.
http://www.arild-hauge.com/eindex.htm
The site of Arild Hauge, he provides excellent information about runes, rock drawings, and other Germanic art in Scandinavia.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings
Very good page of the BBC about the Vikings in Great Britain.
http://www.friezen.com/
A site about the tribe of the Frisians (in Dutch).
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/mythlinks.html
A very interesting page containing lots of Germanic legends, created by mr. Ashliman from the University of Pittsburgh.
http://www.keesn.nl/lex
Lex Frisonium, a good example of a Germanic lawbook. (in English and Dutch)
http://www.newgenevacenter.org/movers/middle-ages2.htm
Detailed site about the Great Migrations.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Germanic-L
The Germanic-L discussion list.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gothic-L
The Gothic-L discussion list.
http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/City/23413
The Germania page at Ancientworlds.
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Salon/2385/varus.html
Screenplay project of the battle of the Teutoburger Wald.
http://www.comp-archaeology.org/
A very good and professional site about various cultures and time periods.
http://www.hunebedden.nl/
An interesting site about the hunebeds of the Funnelbeaker culture.
Language links:
http://www.koeblergerhard.de/publikat.html
Very interesting page with lots of old-Germanic dictionaries. (in German)
http://mendota.terracom.net/~dorothea/david/gothic/index.html
On this site you can learn Gothic online.
http://www.geocities.com/cnuosles/northwest.html
Hrodger Fréjawin's comparison list of Northern Germanic terms to the Western Germanic ones.
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Salon/2385/Theuthiskon.html
Þeuðiskon: a reconstruction project of the Proto-Germanic language.
http://www.etymonline.com/
An online English etymology dictionary.
http://www.hafronska.org/
Háfrónska málhreyfingin, the High Icelandic language movement.
New-heathen tradition links:
http://www.asatrulore.org/
Asatrú Lore, a very good Heathen discussion forum.
http://www.lysator.liu.se/religion/neopagan
Here you can find a lot of information about various forms of new-heathenism.
http://www.irminenschaft.net/
Hjuka's Irminenschaft.
http://www.irminsul.org/
The Irminsul Ættir, a big Asatru umbrella organization.
http://www.englishheathenism.homestead.com/
Information about Anglo-Saxon Heathenism.
http://www.aarhus-blotlaug.dk/
The website of Århus Blótlaug, a Danish Asatrú group.
http://www.heidendom.nl/
A very good site about ancient heathenism in the Netherlands (in Dutch).
Rune links:
http://www.futhark.com/
Very good page about the Elder Fuþark, all 3 Ætts described in a very detailed way.
http://www.omniglot.com/
a very interesting site where you can find a lot of information about various writing systems, including the Runes and the Gothic Uncial alphabeth.
http://www.symbols.com/
Here you can find information about all kinds of symbols, including runes.
http://sunnyway.com/runes
Miss Sunny's page about runes.
http://home.no.net/ekerilar
List (and pictures!) of runic inscriptions from Scandinavia and northern Europe.
Mythology links:
http://www.pantheon.org/
Encylopedia Mythica; lots of information about every mythology around the world, including Germanic mythology of course.
http://members.bellatlantic.net/~vze33gpz/myth.html
Myths and Legends page.
Lore links:
http://www.heorot.dk/
Beowulf in various translations.
http://www.geocities.com/igdrasilas/haustlong.htm
Haustlong.
http://www.hi.is/~eybjorn/ugm/thorsd00.html
Þórsdrápa.
http://www.aemma.org/onlineResources/thalhoffer/contents_body.htm
Talhoffer's fechtbuch, a fighting manual from 1467 that was used to train German knights with longswords and other weapons, many of the fighting tactics described were probably already used during the Germanic period and are especially interesting for re-enactors.
http://www.deheerd.tk/
De Heerd: Folklore and Mythology of Western and Northen Europe in both English and Dutch.
Other interesting links:
http://www.vikingblood.net/
A site about the Vikings, Viking metal, Viking related events, and more.
http://www.roman-emperors.org/
A site about the Roman emperors where you can also find a lot of other information about those times.
http://www.romanarmy.com/
An informative site about the Roman army.
http://www.euratlas.com/
A very good site that contains detailed maps of Europe throughout history.
http://www.georgetown.edu/labyrinth
Labyrinth, lots of interesting texts.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/sbook.html
Medieval source texts.
http://www.sacred-texts.com/
Sacred Texts online.
http://www.unf.edu/classes/medieval
A site about the Middle Ages from the University of North Florida.
http://www.eurominority.org/version/en
Interesting site with information about minority populations in Europe.
http://www.ragweedforge.com/
The Ragweed Forge, an online smithy where you can buy beautiful jewellry and replicas of archeological findings like Thor's hammer pendants.
http://www.paul-binns-swords.co.uk/
Paul Binns is an English smith who sells good quality weapons (swords, axes, spears, seaxes) for great prices.
ORGANISATIONS & HEARTHS
The Acre Hearth (Norfolk, England)
Formed 2000 with 3 members as of 11/03. A heathen kin based hearth formed to re-establish the pursuit of the troth by true folk along the nar beck for perhaps the first time in 1000 years. we aim to gain both the acceptance of our community for our beliefs, and official state recognition for our heathen religion both locally and nationally. Email: welham308@yahoo.com
Association of Polytheist Traditions (UK)The Association of Polytheist Traditions [APT] is a fledgling organisation based in the UK, aiming to educate both members and non-members about ancient and modern polytheist religions; to increase awareness of polytheism within the pagan community, the interfaith community and amongst the wider public; to act as anetworking/social organisation, helping to establish local polytheist groups and national gatherings.Further information from the web site: http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/APT
Ða Engliscan Gisiþas (The English Companions)
Ða Engliscan Gesiþas is the only major historical society devoted to the study of the Anglo-Saxon period. All aspects are covered: language and literature, archaeology, anthropology, religion, architecture, mythology, folklore and material culture. Contact: The Membership Secretary, Ða Engliscan Gesiþas, BM BOX 4336, London,
WC1N 3XX. EMail: johno@kami.demon.co.uk.
Draupnir Heathen Hearth
Based on Hampshire/Dorset border.Monthly Blotar/Events.Friendly welcome.For more info please call Mark on 07752 877561.
Firsby Saxon Village (Lincolnshire)
Steve and Judith Jones, members of Ða Engliscan Gesiþas living ten miles north of Lincoln, are building a replica Anglo-Saxon period hall using authentic materials and techniques. Steve and Judith plan to make the house into a partially defended settlement on a four-acre site. This will be run as a study centre for the late Saxon/Viking period and an ancient crafts centre. They will also be making and firing pots of the period, smelting, forging and demonstrating crafts. The project is still in need of voluntary help to speed its completion. Anyone who wants to help or simply visit please contact Steve at: Manor Farm Cottage, East Firsby, Saxby, Lincolnshire, LN2 3DB or telephone 01673 878636.
Hearth of Nine Maidens (South Yorkshire)
Blots are held in the Peak near Market Rasen and by the river near Doncaster. Stone Circle walks, moots, trips to the Jorvick Viking Centre. Telephone Camryn Kerr on 0770 9207142. Or Email: gothic1kiera@aol.com
Herne Hill Hearth (London)
The Herne Hill Hearth is based in S.E. Londonand is working towards the three great Northern ways. These are Seidr, Galdr and the Troth. We also include the Heathen parenting group and organise family Blots, crafts, music etc.For special events we have access to a woodland Hof just North of London. Contact Fiona by phone on 0207 737 1107.
Jorvick Viking Centre (York)
Discover what life was really like over 1000 years ago, meet our Viking residents, see over 800 items uncovered here, and journey through a reconstruction of actual Viking-Age streets, Telephone: 01904 543403. Email: jorvik@yorkarchaeology.co.uk Write to: Jorvick, Coppergate, York Y01 9WT.
Kindred of the Wolven Spear (Scotland)
My kindred are looking for more keen members across Scotland so just e-mail me and i will be willing to teach. We are based in Bo'Ness and Livingston from 1 week to the next. Email: Kindred_of_the_Wolven_Spear@hotmail.com
Kith Of Yggdrasil (UK)
The Kith of Yggdrasil concentrates on the spiritual approach to the mysteries of Odinism, and it's work is of relevance to all followers of the Aesir, Vanir and Northern Tradition. It is active in many parts of the British Isles, with special interest groups, hearths, and meetings for both spiritual and social purposes. The Kith publishes both a monthly newsletter, and a quarterly journal for the benefit of it's members. It welcomes all with a genuine interest in our faith, regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference.
LiferitesLiferites offers celebrants for all rites of passage, baby naming, handfasting,funerals etc. Write to Liferites, Gwndwn Mawr, Trelech, Carmarthenshire, SA33 6SA. Telephone 01994 484527.
Mercian Heathen Hearth (Wolverhampton)The Mercian Heathen Hearth is a community based on Heathen traditions based in the Black Country and Wolverhampton areas. The MHHholds meetings on a weekly basis and include study sessions and blots for members. Our festivals are based on the Anglo Saxon calendar which has been developed from the ideas found on the English Companions web site. A full listing of the festival dates is available on our web site:http://www.mercianheathenhearth.org.uk/home.php
Ða Engliscan Gesiþas is the only major historical society devoted to the study of the Anglo-Saxon period. All aspects are covered: language and literature, archaeology, anthropology, religion, architecture, mythology, folklore and material culture. Contact: The Membership Secretary, Ða Engliscan Gesiþas, BM BOX 4336, London,
WC1N 3XX. EMail: johno@kami.demon.co.uk.
Draupnir Heathen Hearth
Based on Hampshire/Dorset border.Monthly Blotar/Events.Friendly welcome.For more info please call Mark on 07752 877561.
Firsby Saxon Village (Lincolnshire)
Steve and Judith Jones, members of Ða Engliscan Gesiþas living ten miles north of Lincoln, are building a replica Anglo-Saxon period hall using authentic materials and techniques. Steve and Judith plan to make the house into a partially defended settlement on a four-acre site. This will be run as a study centre for the late Saxon/Viking period and an ancient crafts centre. They will also be making and firing pots of the period, smelting, forging and demonstrating crafts. The project is still in need of voluntary help to speed its completion. Anyone who wants to help or simply visit please contact Steve at: Manor Farm Cottage, East Firsby, Saxby, Lincolnshire, LN2 3DB or telephone 01673 878636.
Hearth of Nine Maidens (South Yorkshire)
Blots are held in the Peak near Market Rasen and by the river near Doncaster. Stone Circle walks, moots, trips to the Jorvick Viking Centre. Telephone Camryn Kerr on 0770 9207142. Or Email: gothic1kiera@aol.com
Herne Hill Hearth (London)
The Herne Hill Hearth is based in S.E. Londonand is working towards the three great Northern ways. These are Seidr, Galdr and the Troth. We also include the Heathen parenting group and organise family Blots, crafts, music etc.For special events we have access to a woodland Hof just North of London. Contact Fiona by phone on 0207 737 1107.
Jorvick Viking Centre (York)
Discover what life was really like over 1000 years ago, meet our Viking residents, see over 800 items uncovered here, and journey through a reconstruction of actual Viking-Age streets, Telephone: 01904 543403. Email: jorvik@yorkarchaeology.co.uk Write to: Jorvick, Coppergate, York Y01 9WT.
Kindred of the Wolven Spear (Scotland)
My kindred are looking for more keen members across Scotland so just e-mail me and i will be willing to teach. We are based in Bo'Ness and Livingston from 1 week to the next. Email: Kindred_of_the_Wolven_Spear@hotmail.com
Kith Of Yggdrasil (UK)
The Kith of Yggdrasil concentrates on the spiritual approach to the mysteries of Odinism, and it's work is of relevance to all followers of the Aesir, Vanir and Northern Tradition. It is active in many parts of the British Isles, with special interest groups, hearths, and meetings for both spiritual and social purposes. The Kith publishes both a monthly newsletter, and a quarterly journal for the benefit of it's members. It welcomes all with a genuine interest in our faith, regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference.
LiferitesLiferites offers celebrants for all rites of passage, baby naming, handfasting,funerals etc. Write to Liferites, Gwndwn Mawr, Trelech, Carmarthenshire, SA33 6SA. Telephone 01994 484527.
Mercian Heathen Hearth (Wolverhampton)The Mercian Heathen Hearth is a community based on Heathen traditions based in the Black Country and Wolverhampton areas. The MHHholds meetings on a weekly basis and include study sessions and blots for members. Our festivals are based on the Anglo Saxon calendar which has been developed from the ideas found on the English Companions web site. A full listing of the festival dates is available on our web site:http://www.mercianheathenhearth.org.uk/home.php
Northern Tradition Hearth (Halstead): Telephone 01787 238257 for more information.
Northlands Viking Centre (Caithness)
Come and explore the Viking heritage of Caithness at the Northlands Viking Centre. Situated on the A9, about 10 miles north of Wick, it provides an ideal stopping point on the road to John O' Groats.Discover the pre-Viking kingdom of the Catti and follow the progress of the Norse settlers from their Scandinavian homes to Shetland, Orkney and Caithness. On display are models of the Viking settlement at Freswick, a Viking longship and genuine examples of the currency at the time. The Old School, Auckengill, Keiss, Wick,Caithness. Tel 01955 607771.
Norwich Castle Museum: Anglo Saxon and Viking Gallery
Norwich Castle has one of Britain’s most important collections of Anglo-Saxon treasures. In Summer 2004, we're opening a brand new Anglo- Saxon and Viking Gallery. See a fascinating reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon grave site, revealing how archaeologists gather evidence to piece together the social, economic and political life that existed a thousand years ago. Discover our wonderful collection of jewellery, including a stunning gold ‘Thor’s Hammer’ and the Bathilde seal , a tiny double-sided gold ring with an intriguing erotic scene on the reverse. (Adults £3.50; Conc £2.95; Child [5-16] £2.50; Adult in family group £2,95).
Odinist Hearth (Gloucestershire) Held once monthly. Call Ian on 01452 619247.-
Northlands Viking Centre (Caithness)
Come and explore the Viking heritage of Caithness at the Northlands Viking Centre. Situated on the A9, about 10 miles north of Wick, it provides an ideal stopping point on the road to John O' Groats.Discover the pre-Viking kingdom of the Catti and follow the progress of the Norse settlers from their Scandinavian homes to Shetland, Orkney and Caithness. On display are models of the Viking settlement at Freswick, a Viking longship and genuine examples of the currency at the time. The Old School, Auckengill, Keiss, Wick,Caithness. Tel 01955 607771.
Norwich Castle Museum: Anglo Saxon and Viking Gallery
Norwich Castle has one of Britain’s most important collections of Anglo-Saxon treasures. In Summer 2004, we're opening a brand new Anglo- Saxon and Viking Gallery. See a fascinating reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon grave site, revealing how archaeologists gather evidence to piece together the social, economic and political life that existed a thousand years ago. Discover our wonderful collection of jewellery, including a stunning gold ‘Thor’s Hammer’ and the Bathilde seal , a tiny double-sided gold ring with an intriguing erotic scene on the reverse. (Adults £3.50; Conc £2.95; Child [5-16] £2.50; Adult in family group £2,95).
Odinist Hearth (Gloucestershire) Held once monthly. Call Ian on 01452 619247.-
Odinshof (UK)
The Odinshof is a religious and educational charity, (Reg.No.801629,) established on 7th October, 1987CE to promote the ancient teachings and philosophy of Odin. As a Heathen organisation the Odinshof acknowledges all other Germano-Celtic deities of Old Europe. Contact: Odinshof BCM, Tercel, London. WC1N 3XX.Website: www.gippeswic.demon.co.uk/odinshof .html
Odin’s Kindred (Manchester)
Norse Hearth (Manchester). Odinic religion, runes, Norse mythology and culture. Telephone Martin on 0161 860 0922. Email: vikingmart@ tesco.net
The Odinshof is a religious and educational charity, (Reg.No.801629,) established on 7th October, 1987CE to promote the ancient teachings and philosophy of Odin. As a Heathen organisation the Odinshof acknowledges all other Germano-Celtic deities of Old Europe. Contact: Odinshof BCM, Tercel, London. WC1N 3XX.Website: www.gippeswic.demon.co.uk/odinshof .html
Odin’s Kindred (Manchester)
Norse Hearth (Manchester). Odinic religion, runes, Norse mythology and culture. Telephone Martin on 0161 860 0922. Email: vikingmart@ tesco.net
Permaculture (UK)
Solutions for sustainable living. Organic gardening, sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, eco-villages, alternative technology, eco- architecture and much more. Visit www.perma culture.co.uk for more information, or telephone 0845 458 4150.
The Rune Gild (UK)
The Rune-Gild is a school of esoteric knowledge based on the Odian system of the Runes. The Gild is a world-wide organization with Halls in North America, England and Australia. UK contact: The Rune Gild, Eormensyl Hall, BM Sorcery London, WC1N 3XX. Email: DLee@ aol.com. Website: www.runegild.org
Rune School (UK)
A non-profit making organisation dedicated to the teaching of runic wisdom. The Rune School run workshops and events in the UK, and can be contacted through their website: www.runeschool.org/index.htm, or email: questions@runeschool.org.
Sagecat (Suffolk)
Mildenhall's SageCat Moot is a gathering of open minded people. They have many different traditions and paths represented in the group, such as Heathen, Wiccan, Green, Hedge and Traditional Witchcraft, Eclectic and Egyptian Tradition. The group is open to all newcomers of all levels and all paths from beginner to experienced. The only thing they ask is that you come in peace and with friendship in your heart. The Moot takes place on the last Tuesday of every month. Social dinners are organised on the second Saturday of the month and many other events, outings and celebrations throughout the year. Email: sagecatmoot@paganearth.com
The Saxon Path (UK)
For those who want to pursue spiritual self-development within the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Contact: The Saxon Path, PO BOX 496, Grimsby, DN32 0WR. Tel: 01472-596921.
The Sutton Hoo Society (UK)
The Sutton Hoo Society is a registered charity. Our aims and objectives focus on promoting research and education relating to the Anglo Saxon Royal cemetery at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk in the UK. As part of this work the Society works with the National Trust in providing the guided tours on the burial site. Membership Secretary, Sutton Hoo Society, 258 The Pastures, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 5RS, England. Email: membership@suttonhoo.org
For those who want to pursue spiritual self-development within the Anglo-Saxon tradition. Contact: The Saxon Path, PO BOX 496, Grimsby, DN32 0WR. Tel: 01472-596921.
The Sutton Hoo Society (UK)
The Sutton Hoo Society is a registered charity. Our aims and objectives focus on promoting research and education relating to the Anglo Saxon Royal cemetery at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk in the UK. As part of this work the Society works with the National Trust in providing the guided tours on the burial site. Membership Secretary, Sutton Hoo Society, 258 The Pastures, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP13 5RS, England. Email: membership@suttonhoo.org
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village lets you explore the way our ancestors lived. The village has been carefully reconstructed where it was found. In the Anglo - Saxon Centre, objects from the original village are displayed, telling the fascinating story of this settlement and the people who lived there. Go into the houses, feel the solid wood, soft cloth and carefully-crafted furniture, imagine living in early Anglo-Saxon times. Visit the pigs, watch the chickens, experience the open-air life. There is no hurry on this journey through time. The Visitor Centre, Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury St Edmunds. IP28 6HG. Telephone: 01284 728718. General information (Tel) 01284 728718 General information (Fax) 01284 728277 E-mail: weststow@stedsbc.gov.uk website: www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/wstowmain.htm
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village lets you explore the way our ancestors lived. The village has been carefully reconstructed where it was found. In the Anglo - Saxon Centre, objects from the original village are displayed, telling the fascinating story of this settlement and the people who lived there. Go into the houses, feel the solid wood, soft cloth and carefully-crafted furniture, imagine living in early Anglo-Saxon times. Visit the pigs, watch the chickens, experience the open-air life. There is no hurry on this journey through time. The Visitor Centre, Icklingham Road, West Stow, Bury St Edmunds. IP28 6HG. Telephone: 01284 728718. General information (Tel) 01284 728718 General information (Fax) 01284 728277 E-mail: weststow@stedsbc.gov.uk website: www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk/wstowmain.htm
Will of the Asatru Nation (Ireland)
An organisation for those following the religion of Asatru, expressing their faith through spiritual practice coupled with environmental and social activism. Contact Michael Martin, 19 Crowe Abbey, Delgany Co.Wicklow, Republic OfIreland. Email: asatrunation@asatrunation.cjb.net or michaelmartin@asatrunation.cjb.net.
Woden’s Hearth (Peterborough)
Offering an Introduction to Heathenism and a correspondence course. Moots are held on the first Monday of each month at the Wheatsheaf in Peterborough. For further details please email Ken Bamford at kenbamford@aol.com or telephone 07742533480.
The Woodland TrustThe Woodland Trust is the UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to the protection of our native woodland heritage. Email membership@woodlandtrust.org.uk or telephone 01476 581135.
Offering an Introduction to Heathenism and a correspondence course. Moots are held on the first Monday of each month at the Wheatsheaf in Peterborough. For further details please email Ken Bamford at kenbamford@aol.com or telephone 07742533480.
The Woodland TrustThe Woodland Trust is the UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to the protection of our native woodland heritage. Email membership@woodlandtrust.org.uk or telephone 01476 581135.
I'm a Heathen - not a New Ager
I'm a Heathen, not a New Ager. New Agers on movies, television or the internet do not represent me or my beliefs. I would not trust anyone who wears a pentagram or a pentacle around their neck to speak for me or to accurately represent the beliefs and practices of historical or modern Heathens.
I don't believe that "all gods are one god", nor that the Gods or the worlds beyond this one can be reduced to one being, two forces, a trinity, or any other such idea that over-simplifies everything and tries to fit every other religious belief on the planet into a tidy model.
My ancestors believed in many Gods and Goddesses, and so do I. It's not important that I know them all, or know how many Gods and Goddesses there really might be- I just need to know enough to make a good effort at joining my living kin and friends in the worship of Gods we know are real.
To be Heathen doesn't mean to be immoral or misguided. The historical Heathen cultures and their worldviews were very well structured, principled, heroic, and deep. We modern Heathens have codes and perspectives inspired by ancestral examples that help us to live good lives and which provide excellent insight into the nature of things.
My Gods and Goddesses are not "archetypes". They are not just "natural forces personified." They are living, non-human persons of immense age and power that share this world with us, and whom the ancestors knew and worshiped for good reasons. My ancestors didn't mistake statues of the Gods for the Gods themselves, and my ancestors didn't believe that the Gods could or would spare them from everything dangerous or unpleasant- but the Gods could still help them to be better, braver, wiser people, and they still help people today.
Don't assume that because I'm a Heathen- part of an religious minority and a polytheist- that I'm a super-radical environmentalist or a great social liberal or anything of the kind. Believing in the Gods and studying my ancestor's beliefs and ways does not necessarily make me pro-choice; I'm not necessarily a recycler, a Democrat, a socialist, a feminist, a pacifist, an animal rights activist, a vegetarian, nor do I automatically feel some warm solidarity with every other suffering minority group on the planet. Even If I personally chose to have very liberal beliefs, not all Heathens will, and I'm not upset by this.
I don't believe in religious "revelations" that come from any God to some special human and which are further intended for all humanity; if a God talks to someone or reveals something to someone, it's for that person and possibly those closest to them, not the rest of the world for all ages to come.
I don't believe in religious "revelations" that come from any God to some special human and which are further intended for all humanity; if a God talks to someone or reveals something to someone, it's for that person and possibly those closest to them, not the rest of the world for all ages to come.
I don't believe in the idea of a "chosen people", and I don't believe that a "messiah" is coming one day, or needs to come to save us all. My ancestors had no such beliefs, the vast majority of the world's cultures never had and still have no such beliefs, and neither do I.
I don't think that a "Great Goddess" once ruled over everything in ancient Asia or Europe, or that simply changing the gender of the mainstream concept of "God" will bring about sudden social equality, psychic healing and wholeness for all, or world peace. I don't think that Marion Zimmer Bradley, Margaret Murray, Riane Eisler, Merlin Stone or any writers like them reveal some great lost truth about western religious and cultural history.
I don't think that any "great being" once ruled over everything; everything that exists came into being from the basic stuff of nature- fire, ice, and other mysterious powers and forces that the ancestors felt were best expressed through poetry. I don't have to know where everything comes from to be a good or wise person, or to live a good life.
I do believe in an afterlife like my Ancestors did, but that issue is not as simple as modern religions have made the afterlife out to be, and I don't think to tell others what will "happen to them" when they die- unless they really want to know what I personally think, and they ask.
What I believe has nothing to do with "karma", "threefold laws", "chakras", "reincarnation", "energy", "the god and the goddess", "auras", "crystals", "yin and yang", "angels", "the great one above", "learning lessons from each life", "opening by watchtower", "calling quarters", "demons", "fivefold kisses", "drawing down the moon", "handfasting", "cones of power", being "skyclad", vegetarianism, veganism, or any of a hundred more such terms that the internet and your local new-age bookstore shelf will associate with Paganism or Heathenry for you.
Almost no one who, in the course of their religious practice, takes a first, middle, or last name which is the same as an animal, a plant, a weather-based phenomenon, an element, a mineral, or a combination of any of those things can speak for me, nor do they likely believe anything like me.
Just because some Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, or other sagely people from the east said some cool or wise-sounding things, doesn't mean that my religion and theirs have any sort of relationship. I can read books on other religions, east or west and appreciate their wisdom without belonging to those religions or mixing their beliefs into my own, and I do often read those books- so don't be confused about what I'm doing.
I don't look back to men or women who lived 50 or 60 years ago for what I believe. I look back to some of the greatest minds that the human race has ever produced- the Pagan philosophers of antiquity, the ancient storytellers and poets who gave us the foundational epics and sagas of the western world, and to the brave example of those heroic people that struggled to maintain the spiritual treasures of Pagan cultures in the centuries when Christian powers were using legal compulsion, murder, and propaganda to destroy them.
I respect, admire, and support the native spiritual traditions of living cultures that never fully succumbed to Christian missionaries- such as the animistic and polytheistic traditions of the Native Americans, Asians, Africans, and people of the Afro-Caribbean world, but I am not a part of those cultures, and therefore, not a part of those traditions. No one that has anything to do with my religious beliefs and practices will dress like those people, act like those people, or claim to be a part of those cultures. An exception is made, of course, for those cultures whose agents actively seek to integrate outsiders, and for those outsiders who integrate respectfully and genuinely- but those are very, very rare.Heathens don't have a pope; we don't have a high priest or leadership that speaks for all Heathens everywhere. Every home is a temple; every family or group of friends is its own kindred or hearth congregation. There is no "congress" of "all Heathens", nor is there a possibility for a centralized "Heathen" identity from which we can all seek formal relations with other world religions. Not being centralized, "we" can't "send" representatives to things like the Parliament of World Religions. The "umbrella" organizations of Heathens that have formed do not speak for us all; they only speak to the visions of their founders.
A lot of people out there like to say that they are "spiritual, but not religious." This doesn't make them Heathens, or associate them with Heathenry at all- Heathens of any stripe are religious people, alongside any spirituality they may personally possess. Heathenry, in all its forms, is a religion, or, should I say, Heathenry contains many related forms of a common religious impulse, which comes from a common historical tradition and background. Heathens participate in worship of Gods, alone or with others; they have formal rites of sacrificing and toasting; they have a fund of ancestral organic religious lore that informs their thinking about Gods, human beings, morals, the natural world, and the worlds that lie beyond this one.
Almost no one who, in the course of their religious practice, takes a first, middle, or last name which is the same as an animal, a plant, a weather-based phenomenon, an element, a mineral, or a combination of any of those things can speak for me, nor do they likely believe anything like me.
Just because some Hindus, Taoists, Buddhists, or other sagely people from the east said some cool or wise-sounding things, doesn't mean that my religion and theirs have any sort of relationship. I can read books on other religions, east or west and appreciate their wisdom without belonging to those religions or mixing their beliefs into my own, and I do often read those books- so don't be confused about what I'm doing.
I don't look back to men or women who lived 50 or 60 years ago for what I believe. I look back to some of the greatest minds that the human race has ever produced- the Pagan philosophers of antiquity, the ancient storytellers and poets who gave us the foundational epics and sagas of the western world, and to the brave example of those heroic people that struggled to maintain the spiritual treasures of Pagan cultures in the centuries when Christian powers were using legal compulsion, murder, and propaganda to destroy them.
I respect, admire, and support the native spiritual traditions of living cultures that never fully succumbed to Christian missionaries- such as the animistic and polytheistic traditions of the Native Americans, Asians, Africans, and people of the Afro-Caribbean world, but I am not a part of those cultures, and therefore, not a part of those traditions. No one that has anything to do with my religious beliefs and practices will dress like those people, act like those people, or claim to be a part of those cultures. An exception is made, of course, for those cultures whose agents actively seek to integrate outsiders, and for those outsiders who integrate respectfully and genuinely- but those are very, very rare.Heathens don't have a pope; we don't have a high priest or leadership that speaks for all Heathens everywhere. Every home is a temple; every family or group of friends is its own kindred or hearth congregation. There is no "congress" of "all Heathens", nor is there a possibility for a centralized "Heathen" identity from which we can all seek formal relations with other world religions. Not being centralized, "we" can't "send" representatives to things like the Parliament of World Religions. The "umbrella" organizations of Heathens that have formed do not speak for us all; they only speak to the visions of their founders.
A lot of people out there like to say that they are "spiritual, but not religious." This doesn't make them Heathens, or associate them with Heathenry at all- Heathens of any stripe are religious people, alongside any spirituality they may personally possess. Heathenry, in all its forms, is a religion, or, should I say, Heathenry contains many related forms of a common religious impulse, which comes from a common historical tradition and background. Heathens participate in worship of Gods, alone or with others; they have formal rites of sacrificing and toasting; they have a fund of ancestral organic religious lore that informs their thinking about Gods, human beings, morals, the natural world, and the worlds that lie beyond this one.
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