Uncle Thor's Magazine Online

One problem facing Heathenism is a lack of cohesion among the various groups, sects and traditions. As a people, we do not talk to one another unless certain conditions are met. Those vary from group to group. No attempt has been made to connect the various groups on a large scale.

Were a direct threat be made against Heathenism, it would be hard to put together a unified front. Disunity is the norm. It goes from individual levels to smaller groups and up to larger organizations. Not a few of the problems stem from past differences. Some of us older folks, myself included, were more volatile and more likely to stir the hornet’s nest. Small differences were enough for unleashing a fiery roadsides or two. Now all these years later ,all that animosity is coming back to bite us on the ass.

The one salient fact is that the very nature of Heathenism makes unity difficult. We treasure independence. Nobody wants to take orders from anybody else. That is actually one of our strengths. The problem is not independence, but how any kind of accord can be established in that environment.

We know it can be done. Independent German tribes were able to overcome differences and join Hermann the Cheruscan in his efforts to thrash the Romans (who deserved it). Independent Danish chiefs were able to work together to sack Paris and defeat the French. Independent Viking chiefs came together to establish a base in Ireland, build Dublin, and introduce a higher civilization to the Irish. These people were able to work together to such a degree that they could employ ingenious strategy, coordinate their activities and create complex infrastructure.

We do not need to coordinate the efforts of hundreds or even thousands. All we need is to get some kind of cohesion where we can at least talk to the other folks. We would have to look past our own differences i n order to do this. That may seem an insurmountable task among groups with such diverse policies concerning everything from the nature of the Gods to race. However, it need not be daunting. There are few concessions to be made, and these do not affect the integrity of any group. The concessions are not a policy to adopt, but a convenience to allow diverse Heathens to communicate.

The first thing we need do is look that “800 pound gorilla” in the eye. Look at some of the differences. There are groups who have no restrictions on membership, and others who screen members based on race, or sexual orientation, or any of several other criteria. We have groups following Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, AngloSaxon, German, Swedish and Gothic traditions. There are groups that are unaffiliated and other affiliated with any of half a dozen or more organizations. Is there any chance we can get everyone talking?

1) The race issue: Let us put political correctness aside. Each group has a right to decide whom they will include. I find it ironic that if non-White groups choose to be exclusive, nobody complains. If a White group chooses to be exclusive, however, the cries of racism come fast and furious. As Heathens, we should not entertain that double standard. People define their own by different criteria. For some it is people of like mind, for instance. For some, it is people with a shared ethnic background. There is really nothing wrong so long as nobody is being treated unfairly. There is a big difference between saying “You cannot worship our Gods” and “You cannot join our club.” Most of the Folkish Heathen groups are saying the latter.

Let us then show a little maturity on both sides of this issue. Let the non-Folkish groups accept the fact that the Folkish ones are merely doing things in a way that they find comfortable. On the other hand, the Folkish people can admit that people who do not fit their criteria still have a right to choose whom to worship. Most people do, anyway. The friction is only caused by a few die-hards on both sides of the dispute. The rest of us can choose to avoid friction and extend a hand of cooperation regardless of racial policy. Both sides can cooperate with each other without feeling their ideals have been any way diluted.

2) Sexual Preference and other issues: Whatever we may feel about the other fellow’s choices, be they sexual preference or otherwise, we can usually concur on one thing. Whatever his views or status, he is likely as devoted to his beliefs as us. Nobody has to agree with another’s choices. However, by admitting that his devotion is equal to ours, we open the door to cooperation. That does not diminish our views or their views or his views one bit. It merely opens a door by which we can cooperate. For a few, it may take more to admit that the other fellow is Heathen, but that he is. His Heathenism may differ in some way. I think that no matter where any of us lies on the spectrum of belief, we will all have to “bite the bullet” occasionally and accept someone whose version of Heathenism does not gel with ours..

3) Group Affiliation: I find that the large organizations seem to be getting along a lot better than they did years ago. I remember in the 90s when a fellow named Dan was trying to get me to take sides in some dispute between the Troth and the Alliance. Though in retrospect, I wonder if that dispute was not more in Dan’s mind than anywhere else. The groups had differences and they could get amusing. Most of the strife was caused by a few personalities. On the sidelines were a couple of competing Theodish groups, a rift in the Odinic Rite and any number of odd spats.

As in the small things, so the large. Groups have different standards and rules. That is why there are several of them. I don’t know what the Alliance is up to these days. The Troth is more inclusive, the AFA is Folkish and the Odinic Rite is in England. The point is that just as smaller groups have a right to decide how they will operate, so do larger ones. Their policies and their locations do not make them any less Heathen. We need to extend cooperation between Folkish and non-Folkish groups, and among the other varied organizations. It may take biting the bullet to overlook another group’s bylaws. The main issue is that how ever they work, they are still Heathen and ought to be extended the same respect you might show any other Heathen.

The goal is to have Heathens willing to talk to one another, despite differences in belief and ideology.

I am personally open to talk with other Heathens, since I am of the inclusive sort and that means I also include the Folkish people. They should not be maligned. People can choose their associates as they will, and I find it wrong to interfere with that.

1) Many older Heathens like myself had ducked out of sight. We had been caught up with other matters, and so minimized our visibility around the Heathen community. This is a time for us to get visible and offer our experience to the younger people. It is also a time to restore the focus on tradition and learning and spirituality, and get it away from politics.

2) The larger organizations need to make themselves more visible. Even those with exclusive membership policies ought nonetheless to step into the limelight. All can help a great deal by letting the community at large know what resources they offer. I suggest an aggressive campaign of actually taking the message to the people. The easiest way is via email. Go to the websites of smaller groups and individuals, and send them a message. Tell them what you offer, and invite them to your website. You may get a few more members, and at the same time you will make more friends.

3) The web is a great tool. Individuals and groups can post their own websites. Make sure you add contact information and the city or town in which you are located. Groups might consider making themselves more accessible for prospective members and Heathens in their locality.

4) Make a commitment to support Heathen enterprises. We need a good list of Heathen-owned businesses, and not just the ones that sell jewelry and books. Any business owned and operated by Heathens must be on the list. It is good for all of us to support Heathen business. Of course, this has to be a two-way street. Heathen businesses are obligated to honor that support with superior service and a superior product. The overwhelming majority of Heathen businesses already do that.

If you have a choice between buying the same Thor’s Hammer from a Heathen or an outsider, buy Heathen, even if it costs a couple of dollars more.

5) Make a commitment to support Heathen activities. If your group is doing outreach to new members, open your wallet and chip in for the introductory pamphlets and booklets. Ante up a few extra dollars to help out at the nest “meet and greet”. A lot of people talk a good talk about how they are committed, but few actually open the wallet. Words work when they are backed with action.

I remember a political group that met in a, acquaintance’s shop back in the 70s. They used a back room to collate literature and stuff envelopes. Whenever they needed money for stamps or such, the members had their wallets in hand ready to pay. Nobody had to ask them. I like to think that the Aesir and Vanir are more important than politics. Just watch when the crew is together and a few more dollars are needed. The folks who open their wallets readily are the people who are genuinely committed.

6) Here is an idea that is based on one of Ronald Reagan’s suggestions. Wherever you stand politically, you can admit that Reagan was a superb politician. One of the suggestions he gave his people was that they should never be heard speaking badly about another party member. This might be too much to ask for such an individualistic and divided community as ours, but we can try. We are not mild when expressing opinions on anything or anyone when we are among fellow Heathens. When in the public eye among non-Heathens, might we not try to avoid bashing other Heathens? The idea here is public relations and showing others a sense of unity.

This is only a start. These are a handful of ideas. If we discuss them, revise as necessary and implement them, it could help to a stronger and more effective Heathen community. We have to start somewhere. What better place than here?

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