A northern California band, Lasher Keen, asked Asatru Folk Assembly head Steve McNallen to invoke Odin's blessing before a recent performance in Nevada City.
Just before the band began, Steve and his wife Sheila walked onstage. Using a ritual formula inspired by the Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf, Sheila handed Steve a horn of mead. He replied, then invoked Odin's inspiration for the evening's performance. Steve carried the horn to each member of the band, offering a drink of the fluid now charged with Odin's might. The task done, Steve and Sheila took their seats, and the music began.
Lasher Keen, whose music is described as "folk/experimental/other" on the group's MySpace page, weaves the imagery of pre-Christian Germania throughout their work. Their song in praise of Wotan (Odin) was very well received. They also played one of their newer numbers dedicated to Audhumla, the primordial cow in the Norse creation myth.
A genuine spiritual impulse drives Lasher Keen. "Raising the horn to Odin was not some onstage stunt or gimmick. It was for the benefit of the band, who actually wanted the blessing of Odin," said Steve.
For more on Lasher Keen visit http://www.myspace.com/lasherkeen.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Asatru Event Hosts International Guest
The Florida Moot broke new ground for Asatru by inviting the respected Anglo-Saxon expert, Stephen Pollington, as a special guest from England.
"Pollington was awesome," enthused one attendee. "I know a lot more about the Anglo-Saxon contribution to Germanic religion than I did a few days ago!" Pollington, author of nearly a dozen books on the Anglo-Saxons, spoke on the institution of the mead hall and on the symbolic significance of Anglo-Saxon decorative motifs.
The other star attendees were Steve and Sheila McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly. McNallen addressed the group on the future of the AFA, which he sees in ambitious terms. "We intend to present our faith to millions of ordinary people who have never heard of it. I am not content to let Asatru be a mere footnote to history, when we have so much to offer," he stated. McNallen also shared his ideas on the afterlife in Germanic religion.
The Moot, while not an official AFA event, is organized by AFA Folkbuilder Allen Turnage with the help of many volunteers, to include many AFA members. McNallen's attendance for the last two years has made the gathering especially relevant for AFA members all across the South.
The Florida Moot attracted about fifty percent more attendees than last year.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
"Pollington was awesome," enthused one attendee. "I know a lot more about the Anglo-Saxon contribution to Germanic religion than I did a few days ago!" Pollington, author of nearly a dozen books on the Anglo-Saxons, spoke on the institution of the mead hall and on the symbolic significance of Anglo-Saxon decorative motifs.
The other star attendees were Steve and Sheila McNallen of the Asatru Folk Assembly. McNallen addressed the group on the future of the AFA, which he sees in ambitious terms. "We intend to present our faith to millions of ordinary people who have never heard of it. I am not content to let Asatru be a mere footnote to history, when we have so much to offer," he stated. McNallen also shared his ideas on the afterlife in Germanic religion.
The Moot, while not an official AFA event, is organized by AFA Folkbuilder Allen Turnage with the help of many volunteers, to include many AFA members. McNallen's attendance for the last two years has made the gathering especially relevant for AFA members all across the South.
The Florida Moot attracted about fifty percent more attendees than last year.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Doug Crabtree Joins the Rank of Asatru Clergy
Doug "Tosti" Crabtree took the oath of Clergy in the Asatru Folk Assembly at the recently-held Florida Moot. The simple ceremony marked the completion of a rigorous course covering Asatru lore and the principles of leadership. "It was my honor to take the oath," he remarked, adding that it was especially significant "to do so face to face with Steve McNallen, and in front of the outstanding individuals attending the Moot."
By taking the oath, Tosti commits himself to serve AFA members and other followers of our faith, and to set an example for those outside Asatru. "It's not just about performing the traditional rites. Our clergy are expected to be leaders in every regard," emphasized Stefn Thorsman, head of the Clergy Board.
The course, conducted through one-on-one mentoring with an existing clergy member, which takes a minimum of one year and is marked by continual evaluation and testing, is open only to experienced Asatruar who have been an AFA member for more than a year and who meet other criteria.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
By taking the oath, Tosti commits himself to serve AFA members and other followers of our faith, and to set an example for those outside Asatru. "It's not just about performing the traditional rites. Our clergy are expected to be leaders in every regard," emphasized Stefn Thorsman, head of the Clergy Board.
The course, conducted through one-on-one mentoring with an existing clergy member, which takes a minimum of one year and is marked by continual evaluation and testing, is open only to experienced Asatruar who have been an AFA member for more than a year and who meet other criteria.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Thoughts on Asatru's "Feast of Vali"
(Keeping it short because of my broken hand...)
I wonder about modern Asatru/Odinism's attribution of February 14 to Vali, son of Odin and Rind - it has always seemed a little unlikely to me. Certainly, celebrate it that way if it works for you...but if Edred Thorsson is right and the "heart" shape really represents the buttocks and mons veneris, and is an old symbol of Freya, wouldn't it be more appropriate to honor her? Not to mention more in keeping with the spirit of the holiday! Sure, I know what the Church had in mind, but that doesn't really apply to us, does it?
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
I wonder about modern Asatru/Odinism's attribution of February 14 to Vali, son of Odin and Rind - it has always seemed a little unlikely to me. Certainly, celebrate it that way if it works for you...but if Edred Thorsson is right and the "heart" shape really represents the buttocks and mons veneris, and is an old symbol of Freya, wouldn't it be more appropriate to honor her? Not to mention more in keeping with the spirit of the holiday! Sure, I know what the Church had in mind, but that doesn't really apply to us, does it?
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Advanced Surgery in Europe...Seven Thousand Years Ago!
Evidence of surgery carried out nearly 7,000 year ago has emerged – suggesting our Stone Age ancestors were more medically advanced than first thought.
Early Neolithic surgeons used a sharpened flint to amputate the left forearm of an elderly man, scientists have discovered.
And, more remarkable yet, they ensured the patient was anesthetized and the limb cut off cleanly while the wound was treated afterwards in sterile conditions.
Scientists unearthed evidence of the surgery during work on tomb discovered at Buthiers-Boulancourt, about 40 miles south of Paris.
Read more: http://tinyurl.com/yhte25l
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Early Neolithic surgeons used a sharpened flint to amputate the left forearm of an elderly man, scientists have discovered.
And, more remarkable yet, they ensured the patient was anesthetized and the limb cut off cleanly while the wound was treated afterwards in sterile conditions.
Scientists unearthed evidence of the surgery during work on tomb discovered at Buthiers-Boulancourt, about 40 miles south of Paris.
Read more: http://tinyurl.com/yhte25l
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Monday, February 8, 2010
Important for Asatru - New Book Says Viking Raids Were Self-Defense!
Followers of Asatru have been making excuses for the raids of the Vikings for decades. Now it's time to stop! Respected scholar Robert Ferguson says that the main motivation for the Viking Age was self-defense.
He tells his story in his new book, published in the U.S. as The Vikings, and in England as The Hammer and the Cross: A New History of the Vikings. You can purchase it from Amazon.
With the coronation of Charlemagne in 771, the Carolingians began aggressively converting their pagan neighbors and promoting Christianity. Charlemagne launched numerous invasions of the Saxons, who were led by the hero Widukind. Ferguson notes that the goals of Charlemagne were to force the Saxons "to abandon their culture, political system, beliefs and everything, and make them part Christians and part of his empire." This was done by the most brutal means possible, including "ethnic-cleansing:" In 782, Charlemangne's armies forcibly baptized and then executed 4,500 Saxon captives at Verden, a town close to Denmark.
Considering the situation, Ferguson writes, "Should the Vikings simply wait for Charlemagne's armies to arrive and set about the task? Or should they fight to defend their culture?" The result was the long series of raids and invasions known as the Viking Age.
This is an important book for us. We need to spread this idea into the mainstream! I urge you to purchase a copy from Amazon today...I did!
To read an article on it, go to
http://tinyurl.com/yka26p9
To download an audio interview with Ferguson for the BBC History Magazine, go to
http://tinyurl.com/yjnsv8r
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
He tells his story in his new book, published in the U.S. as The Vikings, and in England as The Hammer and the Cross: A New History of the Vikings. You can purchase it from Amazon.
With the coronation of Charlemagne in 771, the Carolingians began aggressively converting their pagan neighbors and promoting Christianity. Charlemagne launched numerous invasions of the Saxons, who were led by the hero Widukind. Ferguson notes that the goals of Charlemagne were to force the Saxons "to abandon their culture, political system, beliefs and everything, and make them part Christians and part of his empire." This was done by the most brutal means possible, including "ethnic-cleansing:" In 782, Charlemangne's armies forcibly baptized and then executed 4,500 Saxon captives at Verden, a town close to Denmark.
Considering the situation, Ferguson writes, "Should the Vikings simply wait for Charlemagne's armies to arrive and set about the task? Or should they fight to defend their culture?" The result was the long series of raids and invasions known as the Viking Age.
This is an important book for us. We need to spread this idea into the mainstream! I urge you to purchase a copy from Amazon today...I did!
To read an article on it, go to
http://tinyurl.com/yka26p9
To download an audio interview with Ferguson for the BBC History Magazine, go to
http://tinyurl.com/yjnsv8r
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
Friday, February 5, 2010
Act Now to Protect Religious Freedom for Asatru and Other Faiths!
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals is being asked to decide that only Christianity and certain other faiths are guaranteed full protection under the Constitution. The implications for Asatru are immense.
The issue arose when a Pagan minister who volunteers to work with his co-religionists inside prisons filed suit objecting to the California Department of Corrections policy under which only Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Native American faiths can have paid chaplains.
According to activist Patrick McCollum,
I originally sued on behalf of myself and Pagan inmates as their chaplain, but about a year later several inmates joined the lawsuit. Together, we claimed that it is unconstitutional for the state to deny the Pagan inmates their religious rights, their religious materials, and their religious services.
During the course of the case, the CDCR, [California Department of Corrections] other related defendants, and the Assistant Attorneys General who represents them have argued before the court that Pagans are not deserving of equal civil rights as are provided adherents of the preferred faiths. In one of their first arguments to the court, the defendants said that certain “traditional” faiths are first tier faiths and that those faiths were meant to have equal rights and protections under the United States Constitution, but that all of the other faiths, for example, Hindus, Pagans, Buddhists, Sikhs, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jains, are second tier faiths deserving of lesser rights, and therefore are not meant to have the same equal rights and protections under the United States Constitution as the first tier faiths.
Now, in an amicus brief filed in the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals in support of the CDCR and the other defendants, an organization called Wall Builders,Inc, which is represented by the National Legal Foundation, has argued that Christianity is the only religion that should be protected under the Constitution or at the very most other monotheistic religions might also be included. They also argue that the term religion only applies to Christianity or monotheistic faiths, and that anyone else, including the Pagans, are not really a religion for the purpose of Constitutional protections.
The Asatru Folk Assembly absolutely opposes any attempt to limit Constitutional protection to a few chosen religions, and supports full rights for minority faiths. If the views of the CDCR and Wall Builders, Inc. become enshrined in law, it will be the beginning of the end for religious freedom in America.
As head of the Asatru Folk Assembly, I urge all our members and all men and women of good will to support the courageous efforts of Patrick McCollum to protect our rights and to obtain justice. Specifically, I ask all reading this to go to the following link - sponsored by Circle Sanctuary's "Lady Liberty League," in which I have full trust and confidence - and take an active part by registering their support and by writing the Governor of California, the California Attorney General, and the California Department of Corrections.
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/pmccollum/
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
The issue arose when a Pagan minister who volunteers to work with his co-religionists inside prisons filed suit objecting to the California Department of Corrections policy under which only Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, and Native American faiths can have paid chaplains.
According to activist Patrick McCollum,
I originally sued on behalf of myself and Pagan inmates as their chaplain, but about a year later several inmates joined the lawsuit. Together, we claimed that it is unconstitutional for the state to deny the Pagan inmates their religious rights, their religious materials, and their religious services.
During the course of the case, the CDCR, [California Department of Corrections] other related defendants, and the Assistant Attorneys General who represents them have argued before the court that Pagans are not deserving of equal civil rights as are provided adherents of the preferred faiths. In one of their first arguments to the court, the defendants said that certain “traditional” faiths are first tier faiths and that those faiths were meant to have equal rights and protections under the United States Constitution, but that all of the other faiths, for example, Hindus, Pagans, Buddhists, Sikhs, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jains, are second tier faiths deserving of lesser rights, and therefore are not meant to have the same equal rights and protections under the United States Constitution as the first tier faiths.
Now, in an amicus brief filed in the Ninth Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals in support of the CDCR and the other defendants, an organization called Wall Builders,Inc, which is represented by the National Legal Foundation, has argued that Christianity is the only religion that should be protected under the Constitution or at the very most other monotheistic religions might also be included. They also argue that the term religion only applies to Christianity or monotheistic faiths, and that anyone else, including the Pagans, are not really a religion for the purpose of Constitutional protections.
The Asatru Folk Assembly absolutely opposes any attempt to limit Constitutional protection to a few chosen religions, and supports full rights for minority faiths. If the views of the CDCR and Wall Builders, Inc. become enshrined in law, it will be the beginning of the end for religious freedom in America.
As head of the Asatru Folk Assembly, I urge all our members and all men and women of good will to support the courageous efforts of Patrick McCollum to protect our rights and to obtain justice. Specifically, I ask all reading this to go to the following link - sponsored by Circle Sanctuary's "Lady Liberty League," in which I have full trust and confidence - and take an active part by registering their support and by writing the Governor of California, the California Attorney General, and the California Department of Corrections.
http://www.circlesanctuary.org/liberty/pmccollum/
Hail the Gods!
Hail the AFA!
Stephen A. McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
http://runestone.org
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