Interested in exploring Heathenism.

[cigfran]

He's as dedicated a Heathen, as far as I can gather, as any other. I like different perspectives. I have only read is four shamanism books. They are perfectly reasonable in ebook format.

I suppose I ought to mention that I actually met him several years ago at a Trans Men conference (trans women were also welcome), before he vanished onto Cauldron Farm. He was a pleasant, outgoing fellow and seemed quite sharp.

[wadjet]

Personally, it just doesn't seem relevant anymore. Like I said in another thread, there are plenty of controversial people in heathenry. But more specifically, it's like arguing about what everyone decides to hang on their Christmas tree.

Totally agree. That's exactly why I thought I'd give some of the general comparisons between NTP and Asatru, so the OP could get a feel for whichever they leaned more towards without having to get into a bunch of stupid rumors and controversy.

(Kaldera and the others seem to be hard working and dedicated to actually living their spiritual lives, and I respect that. I personally don't give a crapola how another person with similar beliefs practices...they can decorate their tree however they want. )

[Darkhawk]

He's as dedicated a Heathen, as far as I can gather, as any other. I like different perspectives. I have only read is four shamanism books. They are perfectly reasonable in ebook format.

It is worth noting that he would say that he is not heathen (and explicitly did so when I was at his farm a few months ago). (Honestly, from my own particular outside perspective it's a six of one thing, but he appears to either feel that heathen is too particular a term or that he and his people aren't welcome there.) Northern Tradition is what his self-identification is.

If I were to categorise the stuff that he does, it would fall mostly under mystical reconstructionism, which is one of the reasons I value his work highly even though I'm not any flavor of heathen, Northern Trad, or whatever else; his methodologies are useful for other mystical-recon type practices. (My understanding/impression is that his larger community is somewhat more eclectic than his personal mystical recon path. He does do a version of the wheel-year at some level, and I'm not sure how much of that is a local agricultural cycles kinda match up thing, how much is an accessibility to a broader public, and how much is picking battles.)

[veggiewolf]

...

If I were to categorise the stuff that he does, it would fall mostly under mystical reconstructionism, which is one of the reasons I value his work highly even though I'm not any flavor of heathen, Northern Trad, or whatever else; his methodologies are useful for other mystical-recon type practices...

This is why I find it useful as well.

[Trollkarl]

Personally, it just doesn't seem relevant anymore. Like I said in another thread, there are plenty of controversial people in heathenry.

His supporters are quite vocal, however, and thus they attempt to create relevance where it might not otherwise exist.

A couple of dozen people who bring up Kaldera and his Northern Tradition stuff every time the subject of Asatru or Heathenry is mentioned makes it seem as if it's a large, widespread movement that while not directly Heathen itself, nonetheless has a large impact upon it from the fringes.

That's an appearance that's simply not true, but the fact that he and NTP keeps getting shoehorned into every conversation about actual Heathenry (despite the fact that he explicitly states that he is not Heathen) does get... wearying after a while.

[Ula]

His supporters are quite vocal, however, and thus they attempt to create relevance where it might not otherwise exist.

A couple of dozen people who bring up Kaldera and his Northern Tradition stuff every time the subject of Asatru or Heathenry is mentioned makes it seem as if it's a large, widespread movement that while not directly Heathen itself, nonetheless has a large impact upon it from the fringes.

That's an appearance that's simply not true, but the fact that he and NTP keeps getting shoehorned into every conversation about actual Heathenry (despite the fact that he explicitly states that he is not Heathen) does get... wearying after a while.

Guess that would be me. I have read his books and tend to bring him up since he speaks about Heathen gods. I would have never assumed there was a movement or consider myself part of it so I know the keep an eye on that. Now that I know it pisses the Heathens off and that he is not Heathen I will not mention him.

[Berserker]

Hello, all. I have been a pagan for over 20 years and always identified as Celtic. I recently found out that I am about 40 percent German/Swiss while doing my family tree. I am interested in learning more about the Gods/Goddesses from that side of my ancestry and possibly incorporating something into my practice. The local Heathens here are pretty hard core and not at all eclectic. They freak me out. I am looking for some guidance to explore my roots. Help?

This is an old thread I see but, if you happen to read this and still are interested in exploring the other 40 percent of your family, I will recommend Asatru Lore forum.

WARNING.

1- The discussions are kept at an academic level so the information seems to be seriously based in archaeological facts.
2- Use the search engine before you go asking questions. You will find most answers this way.
3- If you have questions, make shure they are specific.
4-If you ask, depending on the objectivity or fluffiness of your question, get ready to get slammed. Is their way to weed out them who are not looking for serious information as I have been able to understand.
And 5-This is just my very personal perception.

[Ula]

This is an old thread I see but, if you happen to read this and still are interested in exploring the other 40 percent of your family, I will recommend Asatru Lore forum.

WARNING.

1- The discussions are kept at an academic level so the information seems to be seriously based in archaeological facts.
2- Use the search engine before you go asking questions. You will find most answers this way.
3- If you have questions, make shure they are specific.
4-If you ask, depending on the objectivity or fluffiness of your question, get ready to get slammed. Is their way to weed out them who are not looking for serious information as I have been able to understand.
And 5-This is just my very personal perception.

I would not recommend that site to anyone just starting. It's for hard core reconstructionist heathens and you will be pummeled for anything remotely upg or not lore based.

[hlewagastir]

I would not recommend that site to anyone just starting. It's for hard core reconstructionist heathens and you will be pummeled for anything remotely upg or not lore based.

Depends on how you ask and if you have bothered to use the search function first...
IMO the problem is that too many have preconceived ideas about how a board works and rush headlong into discussions, without taking time to learn a bit about the place first.

However, it is THE best source on ON religion, outside of university, I have come across.
I would recommend that site to anyone just starting - I would also warn them to take it slow though.

[RusWarrior]

Hello, all. I have been a pagan for over 20 years and always identified as Celtic. I recently found out that I am about 40 percent German/Swiss while doing my family tree. I am interested in learning more about the Gods/Goddesses from that side of my ancestry and possibly incorporating something into my practice. The local Heathens here are pretty hard core and not at all eclectic. They freak me out. I am looking for some guidance to explore my roots. Help?

If you want to explore your roots that's nice, try any book on Nordic Lore, I would recommend Kevin Crossley-Holland. But, if you want to be a Celtic Pagan, be a Celtic Pagan. I just beg of you not to follow Heathenism if you want to be a New Age eclectic type, I personally consider such practices a bane on Heathenry.