Asatru: A Native European Spirituality

by Stephen A. McNallen

When Steve McNallen pledged his loyalty to the Gods and Goddesses of Northern Europe in the late 1960s, he could have hardly imagined the far-reaching implications of this personal act of devotion. Now, over forty years later, Asatru (an Icelandic word that means true to the Gods) is one of the fastest growing new religious movements in America. In A Native European Spirituality, McNallen describes the origins and development of Asatru, its kinship with other tribal and ethnic religions, and the cosmological and philosophical underpinnings of this dynamic and inspiring faith. He outlines the rituals, seasonal festivals, and code of ethics embraced by modern practitioners of Asatru. More importantly, McNallen explains his vision of what Asatru can and must become. Asatru is more than just another empty offering on the spiritual smorgasbord of post-religious America. For men and women of European descent, Asatru is the key to unlocking our vibrant spiritual heritage.

Genres: Paganism, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, History

212 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2015

About the author

Asatru influential spiritual leader, environmental advocate, and writer.

McNallen was one of the earliest advocates of reconstructing the ancient pre-Christian religion of Asatru in modern times. He began publishing a modest journal titled The Runestone in the winter of 1971-1972. In August 1972, his Viking Brotherhood received IRS recognition as a tax-exempt religious organization. This name was changed in 1976 to the Asatru Free Assembly (AFA).

Over the next few years McNallen wrote rituals, devised a religious calendar, held (starting in 1980) annual national gatherings called Althings, organized special interest groups within the AFA, and produced many written and audio products to promote the religion.

In 1986 the Asatru Free Assembly ceased operations due to burnout and disputes within the membership. McNallen took a sabbatical for several years, resuming publication of The Runestone in 1994 and forming the Asatru Folk Assembly in 1995. He continues to lead this organization today.

Reviews

[Aaron Blum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm half-Norwegian and half-Jewish and I can't get enough of Asatru! More please! I love how open-minded European heathenry was and is, challenging repressive Christian sexual morals and gender roles. Also, those ancient rituals that McNallen describes..mmmm. Highly recommended. From a Rainbowdinist ;0

[Wolf Lvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bit Of A Difficult Read At Times.....But It Helps To Comfort & Reaffirm Yourself After Coming Out As A Pagan Furry & Dealing With People's Rejection.

[Hannah Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without Marion Weinstein, a Pagan rights activist who hosted the first Pagan radio show in America (and was the pioneer of Pagan internet shows and YouTube videos), I wouldn't have went the path of the Old Ways and read Stephen McNallen's book! Very informative book, and greatly complementary to Semitic neo-Paganism (which is also being revived)!

"Paganism has always been part of Judaism. The rabbis in the Talmud are worried about idolatrous objects, but they do magical spells. They’re involved in the same things they would consider pagan if other people did them." - Rabbi Jill Hammer

[Eric Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful look at the pre-Christian religion of Northern Europe. In addition to its historical roots and beliefs, McNallen gives a detailed history of its ideology and practice today. Stephen, the founder of the Asatru Folk Assembly, has played an integral part in the revival of Asatru in the United States. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn about this way of life objectively, and not through the narrow lens of political correctness.

[Valerie Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book doesn't give the reader an accurate portrayal of Asatru, since it contrasts with many of the religion's practitioners in their native home of Iceland, a place described as very liberal, anti-racist, and a gay rights paradise. Below are some inconsistencies that this book failed to address:

How do non-Icelandic Asatruar with right wing views reconcile the fact that native Icelandic Asatruar clash greatly on what they stand for? Based on the signatories of Declaration 127 and the Declaration of Deeds, it appears that more pagans stand against the author's non-inclusive stance, http : //declaration127 DOT com/ and https : //declarationofdeeds DOT com/ .

Asatruar have changed Iceland in a way that will be felt for generations. Icelandic high priest Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson, leader of the Ásatrúarfélagið said, "Both Ásatrúarfélagið and the Icelandic Ethical Humanist Association were instrumental in the legalization of same-sex marriage in Iceland." (https : //archive DOT is/2JKy8). Now, same sex wedding ceremonies are "exploding" in Iceland. Odin was a crossdresser and partook in a same sex union, after all, and drank semen (pgs 165, 157, 162, 166-167, from https : //books DOT google DOT com/books?redir_esc=y&id=gsTW-RedBx8C&q=semen#v=snippet&q=semen&f=false ). Plus, there are LGBTQ runes.

The masses have this incorrect historical perception that the "Nazis" (National Socialists, or NS) were pagans. A lot of non-inclusive pagans play along with this to recruit those inclined to that way of thinking. Although a few NS were into the occult, SS general Karl von Wiligut hunted down pagans, and put them into camps to wear a black triangle, alongside the communists and homosexuals (Asatru: A Beginner's Guide to the Heathen Path by Erin Lale).

According to Wikipedia, the AFA, the authors group, is a tax-exempt 501-C3 non-profit organization. If so, how did that happen, when the US gvt doesn't allow discrimination based on race, sexual orientation, etc.?

Overall, I don't recommend this book. This is due to all the inconsistencies, and the fact that it leaves the reader with unanswered questions, rather than an accurate understanding of the topic.

[Håkan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous garbage. Written by some Gwyneth Paltrow for desperate new age racists. The "teachings" in this book is as Norse as the guy in The Village People is a real cowboy. Read a book by real scholars that actually study and know anything about Norse stuff instead.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an amazing introduction to Asatru/Heathenry. Confronts the sticky issues of European racial and cultural pride for which many people often criticize this tradition by drawing parallels to the American Indian Movement and the struggles of other native and ethnic cultures from Africa to Central Asia to the Pacific. It's a very nourishing read for anyone who is of European decent, even those like me who do not actually subscribe to the religion of Asatru. McNallen's writing is informative, concise, and powerful. A must-read for a 21st century Westerner hoping to understand diversity and also find strength in heritage. The only thing I would have liked more would be some illustrations/artwork and diagrams and a little more detail on the section covering deities and cosmology. Also, some more references to primary sources such as the Eddas would have been appreciated. As someone who has never read anything about Asatru, I feel like some visual aids and more primary source references could have been a big help digesting the information. All in all, highly recommended.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen McNallen has been on a life long journey of introspection and learning, this much is very evident from reading his book. It is the clearest, succinct and eloquent book on the current state of Native European Spirituality, I have read so far. Things just don't seem as kooky or spooky when the words flow forth from McNallen, unlike some others where the grasping by authors leaves this reader wondering if there is a real message at all. The embarrassment is gone and a distilled, mature and focused set of beliefs are there for the reader to evaluate. If Odinn's quest was for knowledge, so as to benefit the Aesir, then Stephen's book must be added to his list and be a huge boon for his side.

[Will Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshingly different perspective on paganism; I find this to be a more sophisticated and robust tradition than what i have read of typical Wicca and neo-pagan paths (Buckland and Cunningham look fluffy bunny comparatively); McNallen is an expert with years of experience; well written and enjoyable to read; I was excited to read it and it lived up to that excitement; now i feel a tremendous duty to live out what i have learned; looking forward to more books from McNallen.

[Casey Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great. It dives into all of the elements that are essential for a solid foundation while not overwhelming the reader with too many details. The reader is left with a solid understanding of Asatru. On putting down this book I felt inspired and it set a fire in me to dive in head first. I feel this is an absolute essential first read for anyone just discovering this path as their own.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A basic overview of the faith of our ancestors (pre-Christian Europeans), and a call to people of European descent to consider "drinking from our own well" by returning to this ancient spiritual path. Count me in.

[John Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

McNallen does a fantastic job of introducing readers to the world of Asatru. Odin, Thor and all the ancient gods of the vikings are complex, exciting and just as relevant to modern Asatru practitioners as they were to those who worshipped them in the bronze age.

This books is a great primer and introduction for anyone interested in understanding the faith and practice of the pre-christian peoples of Europe. It is also call for a return to those roots by giving readers a pathway to begin practicing Asatru. It's not a book that tells you what to do, but it does tell you where to look to learn more about rituals and rites.

McNallen also makes a compelling and sensible distinction that the term indigenous is not exclusive to any particular group. We all are descendants from somewhere and thus we are all natives.

Normally such a simple idea would be glossed over, but this an increasingly important point to make in a world where ancestry is becoming more politicized than ever before as a means to challenge the power of European cultural dominance in the west.

The biggest criticism I can offer is at times McNallen's writing leaves the path of subjectivity and wades into snippets of gripes on some of his pet peeves. I'd love to see a revised edition of this work that removes those grumblings for the sake of keeping readers focus on the rediscovery of all Asatru has to offer them.

Overall a sound body of work on the topic. If you are interested in Asatru, this book needs to be in your library.

[Thomas Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished a long ago re-read. Will start reading it again next month. A wondrous creation and guide to the religion of my ancestors.

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book, a little different view than me, but there was very few points that I didn't fully agree with. It's worth reading though!

[Tanner Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a profound statement of identification of the way of the tribes of Europe. It shows a path that will live on in the hearts of the noble minded individuals. I hope to pass this knowledge on to the next generation and stop the repression of more mainstream religions.

[Margot Tustin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must really hate myself for reading this, but I did.