Friday, May 18, 2012

Asatru - At the Grocery Store!


You just never know what you're going to find, or where you're going to find it. That's as valid in Asatru as in anything else.

Yesterday, I drove in to town to sign the wedding license for a wonderful young couple I had married. We met in front of the local grocery store. After signing my name on the form, I went inside to mail some AFA orders (The store had a small post office inside).

Books mailed, I walked out the door and there in front of me were two freshly-scrubbed young folks in their early twenties, binders in hand, soliciting for an environmental non-profit organization. In the course of a short chat, the young man saw my valknut and remarked “Say, that's a nice necklace! I really like it.” I explained that it was the knot of the slain, and sacred to Odin. His response was “Neat! My son's name is Odin! I'm of Norwegian heritage.”

Naturally, my next question was “Have you heard of Asatru?” He answered “Yes, I've heard of it, but I haven't looked into it much.”

Needless to say, five minutes later he know much more about Asatru, and had all our contact information. I hope we'll see him at the next meet-up in Sacramento.

What were the chances? If I had met my newlyweds anywhere else...If I had not gone into the store to mail AFA orders...If I hadn't been wearing my valknut...If he hadn't asked about it...our exchange would never have taken place.

Strange stuff, Wyrd. You never know what you'll get - the trick is to make the best of it!

Steve McNallen

Asatru Folk Assembly

3 comments:

Eric Thompson Photography said...

Being open to the Wyrd- if you will take one step toward the mystery, she will take two towards you. great article. thanks Steve.

Charity Bruce said...

Thank you for your sharing. It has inspired me. I had my awakening just a few weeks ago. My best friend guided me and my life has changed forever. I give thanks to this very honourable person and to you. Becoming an Asatruar was the best decision I have ever made. :)

Camun said...

This almost reminds me of any person who might be awaiting an opportunity or perhaps there is something missing in their life. Then they get that tap on the shoulder: "I'm here" it says. Maybe this experience was his "tap on the shoulder."