NewGrange Hall - The First Asatru Community Hof in North America since Leif Erikson's time

NewGrange Hall Asatru Hof

Clifford Erickson

Allsherjargothi Stephen McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly addresses the Folk prior to the dedication ceremony at NewGrange Hall Asatru Hof.Allsherjargothi Stephen McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly addresses the Folk prior to the dedication ceremony at NewGrange Hall Asatru Hof.

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This talk was given by Stephen McNallen at NewGrange Hall in 2015. I don't want anyone to absolutely hold me to the idea that NewGrange Hall is literally the first "community hof," as there may have been numerous meeting places of one type or another over the years. Of course, there have also been many smaller hofs, and I don't want to minimize that either; but apparently this is the first officially known and exclusive location. This is important---even if you're not specifically an Asutrar, or don't live close to it---as it sets an example for the folk to follow. The great Leif Erikson was both a Heathen and brief colonizer of North America a millennium ago. I think if Erikson is looking down upon NewGrange Hall, that he would be proud of what the AFA has accomplished.

I think the time has come for individuals to step up and be the satellite for what you believe... in the county you live in. One doesn't need any special permission to be an organizer where they live, and I would say that a county is just the right size region for this. It doesn't have to be literally official, and you need not a title, as you may merely be assisting the greater whole. I can think of many beautiful locations, in urban areas and not far off the beaten path, which could serve as spiritual gathering places for small groups. Sometimes when I'm at one of those special places, I experience a brief feeling of bewilderment that I'm the only person there enjoying its bliss. Think outside the box; there are many untapped resources around us. No human endeavor is real until someone uses their energy to breathe life into it.

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