Son of Hel

One of the things that I have found hardest to explain to people who are still part of “mainstream” religious organizations is the idea that we do not, have not, and most likely never will have a central organization that defines our religious beliefs and practices. This is because we are a folk religion. This means that our faith, customs, and practices are derived from the people who practice it. Ásatrú varies from place to place and from community to community. A good example of this is how American and Icelandic versions differ. While Americans are more focused on the gods, the Icelanders are more focused on the land wights. Americans make a far bigger deal of ancestor veneration than just about anyone.

These differences exist because they meet the needs of the people practicing Ásatrú in these differing cultural areas. This gets to the hear of what it means…