Why I Fear Neopagan "Liberation" II - OUR culture is "none of our business" party line

This is in regards to a lecture given by an individual in modern academia, in California no less, who is involved in neopaganism and folklore in a state-sponsored (itself merely a front) effort to steer society in a certain direction. This person is someone whom I incorrectly--even unfairly--characterized once, but whom I have posted certain works by; therefore I don't want to use their name here, but you can see who they are by clicking onto the link of the lecture in question. I have no animosity against this person, as they are simply another paid system thug put upon us. If it wasn't this person, it would be another. In other words, I'm opposing the sponsored message by those in high places, not this particular passive-aggressive thug.

Without going into great detail, as I took no notes while I listened on my iPod yesterday, I wanted to interpret the main theme of this lecture. When our Masonic and Kabbalistic overlords, who plot and finance these movements, liberate an idea.... they want it to go their way! They don't want to go through all of this trouble just to have some opportunistic entity, not down with their whole program, to benefit in any way. In this instance, they probably see folk-Asatru as the greatest threat to this program. Any "neopagan" movement which is of European origin must be monitored very carefully; but any other neopagan movement is of no concern.

In this lecture, this individual made it crystal clear in the exoteric that 1) "We are all of mixed race"; 2) No particular folklore belongs to any one people; 3) People in "the west" should be very careful of "stealing" the traditions of others due to the history of oppression/destruction of those cultures; and 4) The idea that traditions and folklore belong to any one race or ethnicity is "dangerous". The esoteric message is 1) People of European origin are of mixed race and have no business having any traditions of their own; 2) Traditions and folklore of European origin belong to all people; 3) People of European origin should keep their hands off of other people's pagan traditions and should feel inherent guilt and shame (unless they adopt this program of course); and 4) When traditions and folklore are ever thought of as belonging to people of European origin, it's Neo-Naziism.

NONE of this would apply to, for example, Sikhs; whom go about their way without worrying about all of this state-sponsored BS in the slightest! Basically they want people of European origin to adopt all sorts of goofy individual practices, most often revolving around feminism and homosexuality, in a more-or-less non-collective manner and share it with the world (the world being their only collective). Meanwhile, they should be focusing on "cliqueing up" with other pagans in an effort to establish a host of clandestine goals laid out by the invisible string-pulling financiers at the top. The overlords do attack other races in various ways, but it might sound ingenuine if I delved into that.

There could be a manner in which Neopagan folk collectives, of various spiritual folk traditions, could see each other as having common interests across racial lines. In other words, there are other potential allies of other races. There are even some vague expressions of that that exist now. Unfortunately, it would be a difficult endeavor if we are always under attack and are barely able to express our own identity. Still, I think it should be noted as a long-term goal.

"The battleline between good and evil runs though the heart of every man." -- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

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Getting down to brass tacks - Great new interview with Stephen McNallen from The Pressure Project Podcast

The Pressure Project Podcast #182: THE WORLD OF ASATRU: A TALK WITH STEPHEN A. MCNALLEN

The Pressure Project

*PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!* A guest I've been trying to get on TPP for a while, our schedules finally aligned for what I found to be both an entertaining talk and a powerful message. Stephen A McNallen has been spreading the power of the Gods for decades and his journey and outlook are well worth a listen!

Leave Your Email to keep up to date with The Pressure Project and Gain Access to EXCLUSIVE CONTENT for Power Players ONLY!
Click Here - http://bit.ly/PowerPlayersYT

The Pressure Project Site: http://www.ThePressureProject.com

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Links and Info from This Episode: http://www.thepressureproject.com/tpp-182-the-world-of-asatru-a-talk-with-the-asatru-folk-assemblys-stephen-a-mcnallen/

Master Chim's Facebook Page: http://www.MasterChim.Com

The Pressure Project Store: http://www.thepressureproject.com/the-armory/

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Ancient Aliens - 'The Viking Gods'

ANCIENT ALIENS - THE VIKING GODS - Alien/UFO... by artforall101


This episode of the History Channel's 'Ancient Aliens', from 2014, focuses on the Asatru/Odinist belief system. Mostly on "the gods." Even if one doesn't find this applicable in this context, there is still some interesting information. Actually the pantheon and mythology of Asatru is not only "Viking," but the Odinic historical story was very prevalent among the Teutonic cultures of central Europe, and beyond. For example, there were Odinic cultures in southern and eastern Europe. Technically, they aren't "Norse gods" as much as they're "Germanic gods"; in the same way as Roman Catholicism isn''t "an Italian religion." The Icelandic name "Asatru" is merely the name agreed upon. Also, there was at least Odinic cultural/spiritual influence; such as if you search this blog for 'Odin worship of the Lombards & Benevento': Part 1 and 'Odin worship of the Lombards & Benevento': Part II.

The wonderful Odinic "hof" portrayed in the TV series 'Vikings'

Romans and Vikings

On the PAL blog, the Romans are a common subject due to their tremendous and undeniable influence on was to become "the northern nations" or what the Romans called "Gallia Cisalpina." On this blog, the Vikings are a common theme due to the fact that they were such a big factor in Europe and beyond; combined with the fact that they were the last of the European pagans. The last European pagan nation, and a powerful nation; right at the time when Christianity was engulfing the continent by force and coercion. The only downside to that is that Asatru is commonly thought of as "a Viking religion," rather than a European culture.

Both the Romans and Vikings have held a certain fascination for people today; perhaps the reason for so many depictions in movies. Both good and evil are projected. In think in both cases, their "gods" are a source of wonder. The Roman Empire projects strength even today. For example, important governmental buildings, courts, and monuments still are constructed in the Greco-Roman style. The Roman society was organized, had beautiful architecture, and could also be brutal. The Viking ship is still a symbol of awe and fear. The concept of fierce pagan warriors invading Christian civilization is still in the psyche of the West.

A few thoughts on the TV series 'Vikings'

I haven't written anything on season three, which has just concluded, because there isn't a lot to say about it other than it's a good series. It's been renewed for a fourth season. "The Viking religion" was a common theme during season three. It was particularly shown as an influence as they invaded Paris in the 'To the Gates' episode, with Floki asking for favor from his gods. The battle was truly Christian vs. Asatru. As they were starting to lose, Floki dramatically blamed it on not gaining the gods' favor. As the season progressed, the Christian vs. Asatru theme was depicted in other ways; although Viking King Ragnar himself finally converted to Christianity. Floki, the main hardline "Asatruar," murdered Ragnar's Christian friend Athelstan. I still haven't seen the final episode. Some Asatruar online were unhappy with the portrayal of the Odinic seer or holy man depicted as so badly disfigured... presumably because there weren't many other reference points towards Asatru shown. Also, the tradition--in this way--was portrayed as dark, secretive, occultic, and maybe even a bit evil... when in fact it was an open and living tradition just as the other traditions were. I think the popular series will create more interest in the modern version of Asatru/Odinism.

Stephen McNallen

A few good Asatru-related videos

My Christian Testimony and the Norse Gods, by Heathen Voice, is a sincere account of a mans progression from Christianity to Asatru. These accounts can be interesting, and comparative. A recent video entitled Iceland Builds First Norse Temple Since Viking Age!, by ShantiUniverse, is about a news item which is really an important development to Asatru worldwide. Viking Pagan Folk Song - Yggdrasill by Jacob Isenhower. BBC The Viking Sagas, by Valdimar Vilhjálmsson, is a good hour long documentary by the BBC. Asatru - Native European Roots by Splendora; written by Stephen McNallen. AFA Great Northwest Freyfaxi, by Stephen McNallen, was an AFA Odinic gathering last August in the Pacific Northwest. 

Paige Montague

Ancestry and Spirituality... together

On one video by pagan Paige Montague (Sionmach the Celt on YouTube), she spoke with a few pagan symbols around or on her... as well as a Scottish flag in the background. I like the idea of tying those two related concepts together. Both symbols are, I believe, open to the greater idea of themselves... as well as a symbol of how they relate together. That's really what a "native believer" is. They believe in the native spirituality of their ancestors. 

On a separate note, I have no problem with the term "pagan" as something of a catch-all term.. not necessarily even capitalized. The word originally meant "country dweller" in a negative way. One who believes in "the old ways"... and now (in the Middle Ages) relegated or banished to "the country"... with all sorts of negative connotations attached to it. However, those "old ways" were THE ways for 40,000 years or more! Some people and organizations don't like the word.

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Hazel tree patchwork: Part II

In the last five years or so, our Earth has been making some bizarre noises, usually from under the ground. These occurrences come in many forms, and you can find them on YouTube. The sky is the limit as far as how different people and concerns can interpret what this is or why it's happening. However, the occurrence in the above video from a city in rural British Columbia takes the cake! It sounds like a massive trumpet or horn. If I allow my imagination to go free, I almost imagine something out've Odinic mythology, and the thunder-like grumbling made Thor come to mind. Perhaps the trumpets at the Battle of Legnano. Also, the trees rustling in the wind, especially after the sounds are over, remind me of the spirit of the Almother. Something tells me that this whole phenomenon has something to do with the "electric universe." Like with so many other subjects, modern science rejects the electric universe because then they would have to say "oh, all of the things we have proven in the past, well, they're all false," which wouldn't work well for scientific/academic "careerists."

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Pagan calendar website

This Pagan calendar shows Pagan, Witch, Druid and Heathen festivals, dates and events.

This site is from the UK, and doesn't include southern or eastern European traditions, but there's so much overlap. Good daily rundown, with moon cycles. I think pagans should develop their own traditions and important dates to merge into this concept.

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"The Process Church"

I watch a lot of YouTube videos, but usually the subjects aren't applicable here. However, if you wanted to watch something very macob but still interesting, there are quite a few videos about the Satanic "Process Church." They were involved in many bizarre happenings. This, of course, has nothing to do with "native-folk spirituality." Many Satanists say that they're actually Atheists who worship the self in some manner. There are also many who worship the Satan of the Christian Bible. I have no doubt that the Process Church is still around. Their philosophers are pretty dark, as opposed to--for example--the Temple of Set, which I believe tries to avoid a negative image for the most part. Also, many of the webpages or articles devoted to the Process Church are pretty dark in nature.

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Since I mentioned Mt. Shasta in part one, I found the main documentary. Although this generally goes beyond what this blog covers, the metaphysical power of mountains does tie in to the folk-spirit concept. Many times the works of researchers like Jordan Maxwell, Michael Tsarion, Mark Passio, Jay Wiedner, or David Wilcock do overlap.

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"Polytheists calling "Pagan" a negative term?

Two recent posts by the AFA present this term negatively. One, entitled 'A Declaration from the European Council of Ethnic Religions', quoted the council's declaration: "We object to the use of the term “pagan” by extremist political groups of any kind, as it reflects negatively on our reputation." This may be partly true, but doesn't the term "religious" also give a false perception in the minds of most people? I think I would rather be called a "pagan," than to be called "religious."

The other post was entitled 'The Difference Between Asatru and Modern "Paganism."' The post, which was only one paragraph, stated: Asatru has much more in common with traditional American Indian religion, indigenous African religion, or similar ethnic beliefs than with what passes for "paganism" in the modern industrialized West. It is the “way of a people”  -  in our case, the people of Northern Europe.  It is a part of our deeper identification, our way of relating to the Holy, an expression of the soul of our Folk.  We have been cut off from these root for too long...but every day, our sense of reconnection grows!

I think there is a need for more clarity here. For one thing, Asatru/Odinism--during the late the pre-Christian era-- was dominant in what is today Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and what had been Prussia. This wouldn't include Finland, which had a different indigenous spiritual tradition and pantheon of gods. Still, that's a large territory. However, it wasn't the only tradition of northern Europe! The reason I think this is applicable here is that this "modern paganism," is at least partly derived from traditions of Europe... including those which co-existed in what were these Odinic regions. Therefore, in those cases, how could Asatru be closer to native spiritual traditions on other continents?

I understand, the AFA is making reference to some of the eclectic, rootless, and generally jackassy behavior of some Wiccans and Pagans. However, there's sometimes a thin line between some of that behavior and what really was a tradition of very spirited ceremonies... such as parades with animal and other masks. For example, ancient Gaul (today France) was not Odinic! Certainly there was a lot of crossover, Odinic influence touched every part of Europe at some point, and it may have been the primary pre-Christian tradition of northern-central Europe. The Druids, at one point, were present in what is today the British Isles, France, and parts of Germany; as well as perhaps Scandinavia, Spain, and elsewhere. That is also a large territory.

This declaration by the European Council of Ethnic Religions umbrella organization is a good thing. It addresses many of the problems of these native spiritual folk societies. Interestingly, among these societies three were from Italy: Societas Hesperiana (Greek pantheon in Italy), Movimento Tradizionale Romano (Roman pantheon), and Federazione Pagana Italiana (Celtic and Streghe traditions). It's interesting that the Roman groups used the phrase "Saturnia Tellus," which means something like "the land of Saturn"... as the peninsula was once known as "Saturnia." These aren't the only groups in Italy. Comunità Odinista (Langobard/Odinist) and Ordine Bardi, Ovati e Druidi (Gaulish/Druidic) come to mind. Comunità Odinista is a worldwide group for Odinic-Langobard descendants, and Ordine Bardi, Ovati, e Druidi is the Italian branch of a worldwide group called The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. It's important to remember that, although this all sounds so organized, these are very small groups.

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The "Llullaillaco Maiden" was a fifteen year old Amerindian girl who was sacrificed five-hundred years ago, and was discovered frozen inside of an inactive Argentine volcano at 22,000 feet. After being thawed out, she was put in a museum in Argentina, and she looks as though she could wake up, stand, and walk away as seen here.

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A website all about the Norse/Langobard Goddess Freya:

GoddessFreya.info

There is a lot of interesting information and folklore about Freya here. Some of the images are great; some too overtly sexualized. I especially like the prayers and invocations.

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Reality star lives like an ancient Celt

Mick Dodge seems to be a modern-day "ancient Celt." He looks like, has the survival skills of, and lives in harmony with the land like.. a Celt.



Watch: Mick and Will build a forest roundhouse, an ancient structure that the Celts inhabited thousands of years ago.

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Brescian Stiletto C. 1600 for sale by Fagan Arms

Brescia, Italy has been noted for the quality of its metal work since the early Renaissance. Pierced, embossed and relief chiseled elements for furniture, swords, daggers, armor and later, firearms of the finest quality were produced. This stilleto is a product of a Brescian workshop of the late Renaissance. Its deeply chiseled hilt is adorned with lovely scrolling Spring tendrils with heart shaped leaves in ironic, a doubly ironic contrast to its sole function: to end life. The scalloped edge diamond section blade is made to penetrate protective clothing and the scallops may have been intended to facilitate the introduction of poison or and infectant into the wound. Blade length: 6 7/16"

Price: $2,800

I would love to own that. There are some good and very affordable replicas at BudK.

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Annual "Burning Man" in northern Nevada desert

Burning Man (Wikipedia)

Burning Man is a week-long annual event held in the Black Rock Desert in northern Nevada, in the United States. The event begins on the last Monday in August, and ends on the first Monday in September, which coincides with the American Labor Day holiday. It takes its name from the ritual burning of a large wooden effigy, which is set alight on Saturday evening. The event is described as an experiment in community, art, radical self-expression, and radical self-reliance.

Burning Man is organized by Black Rock City, LLC. In 2010, 51,515 people attended Burning Man. 2011 attendance was capped at 50,000 participants and the event sold out on July 24. In April 2011, Larry Harvey announced that the organization had begun the process of transitioning management of the festival over to a new non-profit organization called the "Burning Man Project."

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This event has become larger over the years, and I find it interesting that it is held in a remote location. I think that "radical self-reliance" is a pagan-value; although it may be interpreted in different ways. Also, I don't think that it would be accurate to say that this is "New Age" because many pagan concerns are not New Age... and do not believe that "we are gods and goddesses," but are group constructs "in fellowship" with the goddesses and gods. There is a well-funded radical anti-Christian milieu that wishes to be the polar opposite of what Christianity is, so it leads to this type of spiritual imbalance. However, I think the Burning Man can be--as the organizers seem to say--what you wish it to be. It's really the same as what was portrayed in the movie 'The Wicker Man'... an ancient pagan-European spiritual tradition. As I wrote in the movie review, a ritual of hope. I believe that Odinists and other folkish pagans should embrace this event as something with a lot of possibilities. The above link has a lot of interesting history and links, including the official website.




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VA approves Thor’s hammer for gravestones - Part 2

A Victory for Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price

By Vikingreverend - VikingReverend.wordpress.com - July 23, 2013

Finally the Veteran’s Administration has come to their senses – even though it may cost them a few cents to implement the new ruling for marking KIA’s grave-site at Arlington or any other VA approved burial plot.

Our beloved Thor’s Hammer – the identifying symbol of most Ásatrú Folk – was approved as one of the now 56 symbols the VA will allow to mark a soldier’s grave.

The story on National Public Radio’s interview with John Brownlee can be heard HERE

The story that broke this news can be found HERE

Fortunately for many active soldiers and veterans who already are familiar with Nordic Mythology and Odhinnism in general, the VA actually acknowledged that Thor’s Hammer is not linked to other form of paganism, such as Wicca, Satanism or Hedonism, and following Teutonic/Germanic Beliefs, stand for the Nine Noble Virtues which is in large part embraced by the majority of Ásatrú Folk.

For those of you not familiar with the Nine Noble Virtues or the Six Fold Goal of Ásatrú Folk:

The Nine Noble Virtues

Courage – being brave enough to do what is right in all circumstances.

Truth — to always speak what is true to one’s heart and mind.

Honor — one’s inner value towards their endeavors, knowing they are of a good and true nature.

Fidelity — being true to one’s Self and loyal to one’s Folk and mate.

Discipline- the ability to be hard with one’s Self first, and then others. The heartiness to carry out goals and endeavors.

Hospitality- sharing what one has with all Folk, when there is a feast to be had, feast. When there is but bread, break it gladly.

Work Ethic- to joyfully carrying out the tasks of life that support home, family. To be glad and respectful of one’s abilities.

Self-Reliance – to know with heart and mind that one’s Spirit is independent and free among all men.

Perseverance- is the Spirit of success. The ability for one to follow one’s path regardless of failure or success. To learn from mistakes and recognize the progress of a situation.

For once (is there a blue moon out tonight?) the VA has made a proper decision that will greatly effect many of our Army. Air Force, Navy, Marine, Coast Guard and National Guardsmen who have paid the ultimate price in Service to their, and our, Country.

Blessings of Peace


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I had forgotten to post this earlier. Yes, it's a miracle. A bonafied "European spiritual tradition" is officially recognized by the U.S. government. When a spiritual tradition is European in origin, then it's called mythology, pagan, small movement, subculture, etc.; but when it's a spiritual tradition from any other origin, then it's serious stuff. Well, better late than never. I should add that Wicca--although based on ancient European traditions--is eclectic as well. It's interesting to read some of the comments from the article link in part one. Some are very good.

This had truly been a struggle. Since the U.S. military is the only governmental institution which has private cemetaries, it then represents the bare-bones of what society/government accepts. Governmental foreign policy is a separate issue. If this were Christian society vs. Asatru/Odinism, then I could at least understand the issue; but when almost everything under the sun is accepted... then it starts to get a little strange in my opinion. However, this should be a joyous occasion if you're a "native believer" (not necessarily Asatru).

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VA approves Thor’s hammer for gravestones - Part 1

VA approves Thor’s hammer for gravestones

By Gina Harkins - MilitaryTimes.com - July 23, 2013

Marines who label themselves modern-day heathens and wish to mark their grave with Thor’s hammer — their religion’s version of a cross or Star of David — now have Veterans Affairs approval to do so.

While some only know of Thor as a comic book hero, he actually dates back to Norse mythology. Thor used his magical hammer to protect humans and other gods from giants.

But today, that hammer means something special to those who practice Ásatrú and worship the Norse Gods. And as NPR’s “The World” reported last week, those who identify as such and served in the military now have the option of marking their gravestone with Thor’s hammer.

NPR interviewed John Browlee, a Boston-based writer who reports on technology, about the tie between those who practice the religion and Thor’s hammer. He estimates there are between 10,000 and 20,000 self-labeled modern-day heathens in the U.S.

To them, Browlee said, Thor’s hammer is their sort of crucifix — the symbol of their religion. It symbolizes what Thor stands for: honor, bravery, loyalty and virtue.

Many of the same traits respected in the military, he added.

But getting Thor’s hammer recognized as a legitimate religious emblem by the VA wasn’t easy, he said. Reason being that the VA had a problem with pagan symbols, and Thor’s hammer got lumped into that debate.

Now Thor’s hammer is one of 56 symbols approved by the VA that those who served in the military can request to have added to their headstones.

You can hear NPR’s whole story on how it happened here:


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Politics, double-standards, and tattle tales in neopaganism

I thought I would combine three items which I have found troubling in neopaganism. First, individuals and groups who insist on being the polar opposite of what they perceive as "Conservative Christianity." They go out of their way to be this opposite--to me, "opposame"--and it very often revolves around an obsession to the issue of homosexuality. Even if you don't like where you at least think I'm going with this, just allow me one example, and you might change your mind.

A couple of months ago, I came across a website called "Pagan FM," and it is a pagan radio program out of Dover, New Hampshire. Not a podcast, but literally a radio program over the airwaves. My first reaction was that it was a great idea, and I still think that. I even find the simple and almost pleasantly hard-to-navigate website to be inviting. However, the times when I listened to archived programs, they discussed "gay activism" more than neopaganism. Of course, it's their program and they can discuss whatever they like. Still, it goes back to this incessant desire to be political; and to insist that the individual accepts those politics when they may be searching for something entirely apolitical.

I can recall one YouTube video where a man had just become a "Wiccan," and his background was as a political activist. He seemed to know next to nothing about Wicca, and while wearing a pentacle star, he shamelessly injected his personal political activity to his newfound religion. I admit, that is an extreme example, but I found it to be detestable nonetheless. There are some even deeper issues in that regard, but I think I'll just let that stand for now.

The opposite side to the same political coin are the far right groups involved in.. usually heathenry, but all of this doesn't follow any exact pattern. Suffice to say that people with a far left or far right inclination seem to clearly be attracted to neopaganism. Lets be clear, I am only referring to concerns who have "gone political." There is a group called "Heathens Against Hate," which purports to be opposed to anything racist or racialist within the Heathen/Odinic milieu. One of the complaints is the use of ancient sacred symbols, which are injected into those far right politics; which is--in my opinion--precisely the same as the political "Wiccan" example above. I'll have to find that video.

The problem with Heathens Against Hate, and other groups who share the same complaints, is that they don't stop at "hate" or the misuse of symbols. They define "hate" as anyone who adheres to the "folk-religion" concept, or at least they imply that. That's clearly a double-standard because I'm in California, and I know that there are endless masses of social, political, economic, and religious groups that the members of Heathens Against Hate cannot join because of their ancestry. That includes mens groups, womens groups, youth groups, professional associations, economic guilds, political action committees, religious and spiritual groups, etc., and the "Heathens Against Hate" are not allowed to join due to their ancestral background. I don't like double-standards.

Even a non-political folk group like the Asatru Folk Assembly is not immune to this extreme double-standard. In September of 2011, the pagan web-blog "The Wild Hunt" shamelessly tattled on the AFA because a few AFA members wore AFA t-shirts to an explicitly white-political-interest event which was not endorsed in any way by the AFA. Why hasn't The Wild Hunt told any tattle tales about the hundreds of other identity-political groups in the country?? Quite frequently, the religious and political branches of these groups work together as one. About a mile and a half from where I live, there is a hospital explicitly for people of one particular cultural background, aka "race." I'll share the name of that institution with The Wild Hunt if they want to write about it. My e-mail is camunlynx@live.com.

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The Panther of Colma Creek II

I had no intention of writing a second part to this, and this goes against my better judgement due to the "high strangeness" of it, but having had another similar type of experience in the same location has coaxed me into it. I have had experiences up there that I wouldn't share in text, but perhaps vocally where I can at least express certain strange encounters better. This general area was once the location of roads and sporadic homes up to I'm guessing about eighty or ninety years ago. Virtually all of the old foundations that had long survived the homes have been torn out now, but some of the paved roads are now walking trails.

There was one well-documented incident where a very troubled young woman committed a totally senseless murder on one of those roads against a male motorist in the 30s I think it was; and another murder took place up there in the 70s, where a male stalker had overheard a young woman discussing the trails that she liked to hike on and had waited for her up there. Being so close to an urban center, there have been some incidents of murder victims being dumped up there over the decades. There has overwhelmingly been positive energy injected into the area, and somehow it all seems to have created an atmosphere of restless spirits and unusual activity. When I say "unusual activity," I don't mean every day; but if you spend time up there, before long you will notice it. It's not an "evil place," but I think its past--good and bad--has opened a type of twilight-doorway.

Recently I began hiking in a somewhat more remote location. Three days ago, after walking along some foothills, I started to walk into the same area of heavy brush where I had spotted the "panther." I had seen him once more around here since I had written about him. It wasn't quite twilight, but the heavy fog had rolled in. This, along with the heavy brush, had made the environment dark and somewhat foreboding-looking. With the brush and dark mist, it created a somewhat eery visual along the trail. Coastal fog here can be really thick, and sometimes you can't see beyond about thirty yards in front of you. As I got close to where I had spotted the large black cat, and I mean the exact spot next to that distinct tree, I saw a black cloaked figure crouched down next to what I assumed to be the "panther."

It was surreal, and naturally I was trying to figure how I should react to it as I got closer. The dark misty atmosphere was darker underneath that tree, but I could still clearly make out the black figures. One strange feature that I noticed was that this cloaked figure was totally "black," even the face and hands. However, the hood probably covered the face and perhaps the cloak and wide sleeves covered the hands; or maybe I just didn't notice the hands, or gloves were being worn. As I got within thirty yards, the figure stood up and was now looking directly at me. It wasn't quite dark enough for a flashlight, but I turned my small flashlight on anyway and aimed it to the ground in front of me to signal to this person. I was wearing a matching light grey sweatsuit, so I don't think I would appear too intimidating. However, a person dressed all in black, with a cloak and hood, walking in a remote area in this dark mist, would probably concern me more than the other way around.

When the figure stood up and looked at me, I only saw a black shadow. The person was relatively small in stature, and suddenly it disappeared along a cross-trail. Subtly, I could see that it was a woman. I immediately felt bad that I had maybe startled her, and broke up her "communion" with the wild cat. While I did feel bad that she felt the need to get away from me, I did want to get a second look at his very mysterious woman. Oddly, as I reached that spot, the cat didn't move. It was a different cat, a large brownish tabby with black stripes, and he just sat there and looked at me. Actually I had seen this particular cat since he was almost a kitten several years ago in a different location, but I'm not positive of that. After a few more yards I looked down the cross-trail and saw her again.

She was moving fast, but not running. Although this main trail led downward into a wooded area, this other trail led immediately to a clearing. I could then see her fairly clearly despite the mist, appearing dark grey against the light grey background. It was surreal seeing her black cloak flow as she quickly walked away, as if she were floating. As I passed down into a wider wooded trail, I hoped that she could return to doing whatever she was doing. I admit, I did look back twice; as her appearance definitely got my attention. Who was she? Was she an older woman... younger? Was she a pagan? Did she live nearby? Mainly, I suppose, I would be curious if she was an adherent to a particular spiritual/earth tradition.

Wild cats aren't easy to approach. At best, I have gained their trust only enough to walk past them without them running away; and even then, that was after coming in contact with them many times prior. Somehow this woman had sufficiently gotten this wild cat's trust, enough to make physical contact it appeared. There seems to be a special connection between a woman and particularly a male cat. Perhaps that location, the unusual tree, was her "church," and the cat was a fellow member. Somehow.. I felt left out.

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Wotansvolk flag as an Umbrella Symbol of European Neo-Paganism?: Part 3

I thought that there were a few last items on this issue, then I will give it a rest for awhile. In short, the basic idea is to explicitly form a "Folkish neopagan community" collective label for all applicable concerns; and basically divorce it from the universalist crowd. Quite frankly, I have had about a bellyful of reading comments like this..... or this.

So in other words, a new pragmatic construct; not in thought-form or wishful-thinking, but explicit. Not an organization, but a loose structure. I won't go into my ideas for that now, but it's pretty simple. No "unification," but merely a system of periodic, informal, geographically-based discussions.

Apparently there has existed a "Wotansvolk" association of some type. As stated before, Odinism--or any of its other names--seems to clearly be the largest related tradition, so why not informally utilize this flag as a symbol for this collective? We probably will never agree on a flag or emblem anyway. Odinic tradition is--in one way or another--tied into almost all of the others. In addition, outside of this "collective," the general public would very unlikely give the smaller traditions individual respect. The flag at least represents a pragmatic symbol for this "movement"; and it is a movement, or more accurately, a collection of movements. A dozen arrows tied together. But since "movement" is sometimes perceived as an aggressive word, "community" would be more pragmatic.

Ron McVan has a new book out entitled 'Wotan's Holy Rites and Ritual: Book of Blotar'. I believe that he designed, or helped design the above flag. He has written a number of books tied into the subject discussed in this entry. Even though Odinism--or Wotanism--is the main theme, 'Creed of Iron' delved into many related areas; and he wrote one book about Druidic tradition. I think Ron McVan was saying more-or-less the same thing proposed here. All I'm adding is that, why not just recognize that there are a dozen more more chief spiritual traditions of native European origin, each with many offshoots. For example, there are German magikal traditions, which are not Odinic. One-size does not fit all; therefore why not form a "Folkish neopagan community," which would actually be a defacto "movement?" This idea is actually perhaps more important than the flag idea, which may already be the flag of a group.

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Note: Unfortunately, Runa-Raven Press is now out of business. They seemed to have been the only publisher who were releasing other works by Guido von List in English. A publishing company represents a good step in the direction of having friendly media and a voice. It's difficult to establish a specialized product line. Perhaps if the word had gotten out more that they were translating various works into English, the demand would have been greater. There are others like it; we just have to look for them.... and support them.

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Old World Witchcraft with Raven Grimassi (audio stream interview)

Listen to internet radio with Pagan Perspectives on Blog Talk Radio

This is a 2-hour interview, from November 30, 2011, by the Blog Talk Radio podcast Pagan Perspectives. Raven Grimassi is an author and a long-time leading figure in Stregheria, which is a spiritual tradition of basically Tuscan origin. We can go into all of that in detail later. If you have any problem with the above audio, here is the direct link.

Pagan Perspectives description: Join us for a 2 hour interview with author Raven Grimassi, we will be talking to him about his New book Old World Witchcraft Ancient ways for Modern Days. This will be a show you wont want to miss

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Senobessus: Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstructionism

Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstructionism, or "Senobessus," is a branch of Celtic Polytheistic Reconstructionism. It focuses on specifically pre-Christian Gaulish paganism. I suppose a simpler way to put it is simply "Gaulish neopaganism." This movement, much of it very recent, has forced me to look hard at the Cernic Rite concept.

It has occurred to me that part of the mild friction between the simple naming of Germanic neopaganism is at work in its Gaulish neopaganist parallel as well. Should it be called "Odinism," or "Asatru?" Odin, while basically the chief god, is still just one of the gods and goddesses. Perhaps a non god-specific name for the pantheon would be more appropriate. The name "Asatru" is of Icelandic origin, making it regionally-specific, which has it's drawbacks as well. Naturally you want a name which includes everyone whom you wish to include. The Odinist/Wotanist story extended far from Iceland. A place like Russia is historically very much part of the "historical Wotanist narrative." Needless to say, the choosing of a name is very important.

Before I go any further, a brief description of the movement from PaganSpace.net (actually from the facebook page):

Senobessus: Gaulish Polytheistic Tribalism

Slania!

Welcome to The Gaulish Polytheism Community!

This group is dedicated to Senobessus

Senobessus, or Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstructionism, is a Celtic Reconstructionist faith that focuses on Pre-Roman Gaulish Religion, and its revival into the modern age. Our faith emphasizes orthopraxy or "right actions" over orthodoxy or "right belief", and cultural relevance or influence over "racial purity" or elitism. We are open to all genders and sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and national affiliations.

Also, this description from nertho.eu:

Senobessus "The Old Custom"

I would like to formally introduce the philosophy and tradition of Senobessus, as a modern reconstruction of "The Old Custom" of Gaulish Religion, as it applies not only to modern spirituality, but the continued research and dedication of those who have been and are getting involved in Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstruction.

The following statements are in dedication of the hard work of the noble few in our tradition who continue to honor the Gods of Gaul...

Mission Statement of Senobessus

Senobessus is a Gaulish word that translates into English as “old custom”, and is the name we have given to our humble religion. It represents how our members honor the Gaulish customs within our communities, and the bonds we share not only with our gods, but the unspoken bond we share with each other.

Our religion is less of an organization and more of a tradition we share with each other. Though many have contributed in the past to the dissemination of Senobessus, no one person is responsible for founding it, as it has always been there in some form or another. More importantly, all members within Senobessus are, despite their different roles, essentially equal.

That being said, The Gaulish Polytheism Community group on Facebook was created on August 30, 2011 as a networking platform for Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstructionists, to focus on the continued development of religion and spirituality within Senobessus, and to study and share the language, history, and culture of Ancient Gaul.

The purpose of Senobessus is the revival of the pre-Christian worldview and spiritual practices of the Gaulish peoples – the ancient Celtic peoples who inhabited and greatly influenced what would become the cultures and nations within central Europe. Senobessus aims to reconstruct Gaulish Polytheism within a modern context, while still respecting what we know about the worldview of the ancient Gaulish people.

Senobessus, or Gaulish Polytheistic Reconstructionism, is a Celtic Reconstructionist faith that focuses on Pre-Roman Gaulish Religion, and its revival into the modern age. Our faith emphasizes orthopraxy or "right actions" over orthodoxy or "right belief", and cultural relevance or influence over "racial purity" or elitism. We are open to all genders and sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and national affiliations.

Before I go any further, I need to address the fifty-ton pink elephant in the living room. I don't see how a bunch of people of a particular culture, celebrating their heritage, is "elitism." I would like to see one of these "cultural apologists" knock on the door of one of the Sikh Temples and ask to join. The ultra-folkish, ancestral-worshiping Sikhs would get quite a kick out've that. I think it's pretty safe to say that they "may not join." It seems to be a phenomena, in the English-speaking world, for individuals to believe that "they can be anything!" Well, you can't be anything. ALL of us face rejection in our lives, and sometimes it's because we do not fit in. That's a basic FACT of life, and there's nothing wrong with it. You cannot be anything you want to be at any time you want to be it, based on your "whim of the moment," "current fad," or "fast value" of the day.

As far as the gay thing; given the types of problems and road blocks that we will face, "gays" would comparatively be a non-issue. The Gaulish spirituality/culture, as with other forms of European spirituality, was based primarily on the "family unit." Women, I believe, had extremely important leadership roles; probably more than in the Teutonic culture. Chiefly in the family, and in the realm of their tribal spirituality. In the area of spirituality, however, it would have been the more special women. In other words, I don't think just any woman can be an "Earth Mother" in the Wiccan sense. Then there's the Druidic element, which may have been predominantly males.

Getting back to choosing a name. Although I don't like this GPR-movement in it's present form; I still like the basic idea of it. Maybe we should run with it. Work within it. We live in a world where many people literally feel guilty for breathing, and are quite eager to give trillionaire international banking concerns a "world tax" to help ease their burden of guilt, so I don't have any problem purging them from any folk-movement that will eventually need to be splintered off. Incessant "guilt" is a Christian concept, not a pagan one, so I think that the universal Christian church is a good place for them. As far as a "Cernic Rite" or "Temple of Cern" name based on the chief Gaulish god; I suppose one could argue that we could just as well name it the "Sironic Rite" or the "Temple of Sirona," based on possibly the chief goddess of the Gauls (as least of the Cisalpine Gauls).

In conclusion, perhaps a landscape with a loose intellectual name "Gaulish Polytheist Reconstructionim," with the almost gratuitous "folkish" and "universalist" subsections, with name like "Temple of Cern" being given to its various local covens? As to whether it should lean more towards the Witches Sabbath or Druidism, I don't know. Since various spiritual traditions overlapped, this becomes a central issue. Personally, I tend to lean more towards the Witches Sabbath. That is the area, more than any other, which needs to be exorcised from the grip of political influence, any political influence. The Gaulish culture was strong in France (Gaul), the northern Italian peninsula, and much of the Iberian peninsula; but since Celtic peoples were present in every part of Europe, it leaves the door open. I just believe that, for example, a Cuban-American--who's also a European-American and a folkish-minded person--ought to feel at home in Gaulish neopaganism. Lastly, I would suggest an eight-pointed star as the chief symbol of this movement. It's perfect, with each point representative of each sabbat in the wheel of the year.

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Wotansvolk flag as an Umbrella Symbol of European Neo-Paganism?

In the 1997 book 'Creed of Iron', author Ron McVan presented a new Wotanist flag (shown above). I don't see any particular reason that this flag cannot symbolize all traditional European-descended neo-pagan concerns. According to legend, Genghis Khans mother--Hoelun--handed him an arrow when he was a boy. She asked him to break it in two, which he did. Then she handed him a handful of arrows and asked him to break them in two. When he wasn't able to, she impressed upon him that alone one is not nearly as strong as part of a group; and, of course, Khan went on to conquer much of the world, but only after uniting feuding bands of Mongol tribes.

On page 142 of the book, McVan displays the powerful flag and describes its meaning, which all basically relate to "the Allfather," Wotan. However, the solar cross is the main symbol, and it can be tied to virtually every other Europagan tradition. Lets face it, the Teutonic spiritual tradition had been the most defined and widespread pre-Christian pagan tradition in Europe; and it was spread to virtually every corner of Europe at some point. OF COURSE, there were other pagan traditions! However, remember Hoelun's arrows...

The "horned god tradition," while it was also--in some form--spread throughout Europe in ancient times, lacked the definition of Odinism. Also, almost all of these spiritual traditions overlapped one another; especially as they're connected to the "wheel of the year." I tend to prefer the name "Wotan," rather than Odin, because it reminds me of the larger concept. In other words, "Wotanism" reminds me more of the mountains and forests of ancient central Europe, than it does the more Scandinavian-sounding "Odinism." The Langobards called him "Godan," but I'm thinking of what would be best in relating to the larger spiritual concept. Everything cannot be neatly packaged and presented for each one of us on a silver platter all the time!

A folkish Wiccan, for example, could very much relate to the solar cross and the two ravens. Also, there were "Wiccan-like" pagans (i.e. "Witches") within Norse and Germanic paganism. Still, we live today as if we were those feuding bands of Mongol tribes. Even within Odinism/Asatru, there is a strong factional feeling. Sometimes we need to occasionally think of the bigger picture. Remember, there were Odinists burned alongside Witches in the Middle Ages. They were viewed with the same distain by religious zealots then, or even today. This flag could be more of a "spiritual proposition concept," than an actual "organization." No concern needs to intrinsically "change," but perhaps pragmatically "expand" their spiritual scope.

The flag was designed to be a Wotansvolk ("Odin's People") symbol. Couldn't it also be a symbol of the larger Heathenry ("the people of the hearth") and/or the Pagans? A lot of areas have just a tiny handful of people who self-identify with a particular pagan tradition. Wouldn't it only make sense for them to be part of a voluntary milieu of a larger harmonious localized Europagan social construct? No matter where we live--whether in a remote area or in a large city--we still are all "the people of the hearth." Perhaps it's time to recognize that first, rather than always be factionalized in a largely artificial, negative thought-form.

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