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Sunday, October 21, 2007

Gods Of The Blood The Pagan Revival And White Separatism

Gods Of The Blood The Pagan Revival And White Separatism Cover

Book: Gods Of The Blood The Pagan Revival And White Separatism by Mattias Gardell

Nazi skinheads and other groups proclaiming white supremacy represent a disturbing and frightening challenge to those advocating toleration and equality for all races. Historian of religion Gardell (In the Name of Elijah Muhammad) draws on interviews with white supremacist leaders to provide a startling and revealing view of many of these groups and their religious motivations. He contends that the increasing multiculturalism in the United States has led these groups to seek a racial purity that can be found only in pagan cultures. According to Gardell, individuals in these groups become religious racists when they claim that the Divine created the elements of an ancient, pure race. Gardell shows that pagan Nordic culture provides white supremacists with a model of legendary times in which the Aryan race was uncontaminated by the evils of modern global society. Thus, groups such as Wodan's Kindred, the Odinist Fellowship and the Church of Jesus Christ, Christian/Aryan Nations, see themselves as heroes whose task is to restore the lost purity of this bygone era. Gardell argues that members of these groups cannot be dismissed as hopeless dreamers; he calls them "romantic men armed with guns and determination" who have been throughout history a "dangerous species." Although Gardell's academic tone and sometimes torturous prose make for slow reading, his well-researched book offers never-before-seen glimpses of the visions and goals of racist pagans.

Mattias Gardell, a swedish religious historian proffesseur at Uppsala University writes in this book about his meetings with the american rightwing odinist communities. Since many rewievers here discusses Mattias Gardell as if he wasn't asatruar/heathen himself I would like to point out that he is. There seems to be a big difference in the american and scandinavian asatruar communities since in USA there is a significant part of that community that has some race ideologies.

I've read the book in swedish, and I couldn't put it down when I started reading. It is not a dry academic language but a flowing and exciting story. It is also a good Description of what you as a scandinavian pagan will bump in to when you surf the web for asatruar in US, as I have. When I started getting more involved in the pagan communities it was in the asatruar part. The american litterature and the people online came from such a different viewpoint that I really couldn't take it serious at first. With this book the ideologies behind their take on Sed/Asatru will be put in it's right context.

The book is also a good read for anyone interested in what racism can be.

Buy Mattias Gardell's book: Gods Of The Blood The Pagan Revival And White Separatism

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Thursday, October 18, 2007

Walpurgis Nights

Walpurgis Nights Image
The festival is named after Saint Walburga (known in Scandinavia as "Valborg"; alternative forms are "Walpurgis", "Wealdburg", or "Valderburger"), born in Wessex in 710. She was a niece of Saint Boniface and, according to legend, a daughter to the Saxon prince St. Richard. Together with her brothers she travelled to Franconia, Germany, where she became a nun and lived in the convent of Heidenheim, which was founded by her brother Wunibald. Walburga died on 25 February 779 and that day still carries her name in the Catholic calendar. However she was not made a saint until 1 May in the same year, and that day carries her name in the Swedish calendar.

Historically the Walpurgisnacht is derived from Pagan spring customs, where the arrival of spring was celebrated with bonfires at night. Viking fertility celebrations took place around April 30 and due to Walburga being declared a saint at that time of year, her name became associated with the celebrations. Walburga was honored in the same way that Vikings had celebrated spring and as they spread throughout Europe, the two dates became mixed together and created the Walpurgis Night celebration.

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Thursday, October 11, 2007

Sagittarius Festival

Sagittarius Festival Image
THE GREEK HOLY DAY, THE "SAGITTARIUS FESTIVAL", WHICH IS DEDICATED TO "ARTEMIS", THE GODDESS OF THE HUNT. IT OCCURS AT THE TIME THAT THE SUN ENTERS THE CONSTELLATION OF THE ARCHER.

"ARTEMIS" iS THE GREEK GODDESS OF THE MOON AND THE HUNT. SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF "ZEU"S, THE KING OF THE GODS, AND THE TITAN, "LETO. "SHE IS ALSO A VIRGIN GODDESS WHO TOOK HER VIRGINITY AND VOWS OF CHASTITY VERY SERIOUS. ANYONE WHO BROKE A VOW OF CHASTITY WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH HER WRATH. SHE WAS THE PROTECTOR OF WOMEN, ESPECIALLY YOUNG GIRLS, AND WATCHED OVER THEM DURING CHILDBIRTH. HER ROLE AS A PROTECTOR OF WOMEN WAS HER MOST IMPORTANT JOB.. HER POSITION AS PROTECTOR OF WOMEN BEGAN SHORTLY AFTER HER BIRTH.

ACCORDING TO THE MYTH, SHORTLY AFTER "ARTEMIS "WAS BORN, SHE ASSISTED IN THE DELIVERY OF HER TWIN BROTHER, "APOLLO." IT IS SAID THAT "ARTEMIS "WAS SO SHOCKED BY CHILDBIRTH THAT SHE TOLD "ZEUS" THAT SHE WOULD REMAIN A VIRGIN FOREVER. SHE ALSO ASKED TO BE MADE THE GODDESS OF CHILDBIRTH, A ROLE THAT SHE SHARED WITH " HERA". IN MANY WAYS, SHE IS A GODDESS OF CONTRADICTIONS. SHE BOTH HUNTS WILD ANIMALS AND PROTECTS THEM. SHE HELPS WOMEN IN CHILDBIRTH, YET IT IS HER ARROWS THAT BRING THEM SUDDEN DEATH, AND, LIKE "APOLLO", SHE IS A DIVINITY OF HEALING, YET ALSO INFLICTS DISEASES SUCH AS LEPROSY, RABIES AND GOUT.

SHE WOULD OFTEN BE SEEN WEARING A SHORT SKIRT AND HOLDING A BOW AND ARROWS, USUALLY ACCOMPANIED BY A HUNTING DOG OR A STAG. HER SYMBOLS WERE A DEER, A CYPRESS AND A SILVER BOW AND ARROW. SHE WAS ONE OF THE HIGHLY VALUED OF THE GREEK GODDESSES, AND WORSHIP OF HER WAS WIDESPREAD. HER TEMPLE AT EPHESUS WAS ONE OF THE WONDERS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD. ARTEMIS WAS KNOWN AS "DIANA" IN ANCIENT ROME.

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Monday, October 8, 2007

Paganism An Introduction To Earth Centered Religions

Paganism An Introduction To Earth Centered Religions Cover

Book: Paganism An Introduction To Earth Centered Religions by River Higginbotham

Most pagan primers jump right into the seasonal calendar, Celtic strands, pentagrams, spell casting and the like. True to form, this offers a judicious overview of the calendar and the general Characteristics and essentials of Paganism as the Higginbothams see it interconnectedness and blessedness. To their credit, though, the authors have crafted a very different kind of book, one of great spiritual depth that could be of genuine and lasting service to anyone who is interested in sorting out the whats and whys of belief. Early on, they outline the "big tent" of Paganism that shelters a dozen or more passageways (Wicca, Druidism, Shamanism, Santer?a, etc.), comparing it to Christianity and its popular denominations (Methodist, Roman Catholic, etc.). Throughout, they employ calm and rational prose that seeks not to proselytize as much as to aid discernment, making good on the authors' claim that, "Whether or not you decide to be a Pagan once you finish [the book] is not as important as providing you with tools to help you identify your values and goals." The seven chapters are nicely paced with illustrations, diagrams, Visualization exercises, discussion points and journal prompts, all of which can be used by individuals or groups. The authors tackle the charge of Satanism head-on with success, but even more progressively (and clearly) they weave new discoveries in physics into the life fabric of belief and action. The final chapter explores ethics, and similar to the others, serves the broadest common good.

The founders of both a pagan church and the Council for Alternative Spiritual Traditions, the Higginbothams here offer an overview of the belief systems comprising neopaganism. Included in the discussion are Wicca, Shamanism, Asatru, Celtic traditionalism, Druidism, Santeria, Voodoo, and other forms prevalent in paganism today. The authors proceed from central concepts of interconnectedness and blessedness, to a definition of neopaganism and a discussion of personal responsibility for one's beliefs, to concepts of Deity, Satan, the living universe, "magick," and ethics. The format is similar to that of many self-help books, with text, diagrams, discussion questions, and meditation exercises. This clear, rational, and sympathetic introduction to neopaganism for nonpagans will be helpful to all readers interested in exploring their spirituality. This first book by the Higginbothams complements existing introductions, such as Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon and Graham Harvey's Contemporary Paganism: Listening People, Speaking Earth, at least one of which libraries should already have. Recommended for public and undergraduate libraries and for religion collections.

This book goes in two directions. First is a very good overview of many of the different groups that are under general Paganism. Explored are the basic philosophies and beliefs of Druids, Wiccans, Asatru, shamanism, magic, general paganism and all the various offshoots. There is a good section on many of the various paths under that 'umbrella'. There are many theories that have given rise to the modern pagan movement that are explored as well. There is discussion on what makes the pagan paths different from other World Religions and discusses beliefs and practices as well as myths and misinformation.

The second direction of this book is a basic handbook on the practices of many of the different beliefs. From the Wheel of the Year to connecting with personal Deity to individual responsibility, the book reads as a guide to incorporating many of the philosophies and basic Tenets of these beliefs into your own life. Ethics are also discussed throughout the book and there is a good chapter on Ethics and Personal Responsibility.

The book also has 'aids', or subsections that allow the reader to absorb or digest the material in the book, encouraging the reader to think about the material, add it to their journals for further research, discuss with others or question for themselves. This gives the book more of a handbook feeling.

There are good notes for each chapter, a glossary and an excellent bibliography that allow the reader to pursue those things they may find they want to explore further. There is also an index for easy reference. There is much information in this book that is worth looking over. If you are unfamiliar with Paganism in general, this is a good primer. If you are looking to expand your base of knowledge on Paganism, this book offers a good overview. And if you are looking for a good basic handbook, while there are many specific to the various paths, this book would make a good overall view for those who are looking at the various paths and need a guide or are looking at paganism in general for their path.

Buy River Higginbotham's book: Paganism An Introduction To Earth Centered Religions

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Tuesday, September 18, 2007

6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism

6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism Cover

Book: 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism by Al Selden Leif

Contemporary Paganism is the restoration of indigenous religion, especially that of ancient Europe. Paganism has grown in popularity greatly during the last hundred years. The growth coincides with a decline in Christianity in Europe, and the increase in knowledge of past and distant cultures.

WICCA (sometimes called Wicce, The Craft, or The Old Religion by its practitioners) is based on an ancient religion of love for life and nature.

Contents of Book:

- History of Modern Paganism
- Why Paganism
- Pagan worship
- A Pagan Pledge
- Wicca Basics
- Teen Witches
- The Ancient Art

Download Al Selden Leif's eBook: 6 Questions On Wicca And Paganism

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Thursday, September 6, 2007

Paganism Myths And Facts

Paganism Myths And Facts Cover Pagan is an umbrella term which covers a number of religions and beliefs. The most prevalent are two ‘Neo-pagan’ faiths, Wiccan and Druidry. However, you do not have to belong to Neo-pagan religion to be Pagan.

The most simple definition of Pagan is ‘country-dweller’. The word came to be associated with a belief system because country-dwellers and farmers followed the patterns of the sun, because their crops ultimately depended on it.

To put it simply, a Pagan is someone who follows the cycles of nature.

Paganism is the oldest religion known to humanity, pre-dating the Christian religion, therefore pagans follow traditions which are as old as humanity itself!

Because individuality is stressed, there are few widespread customs. A sense of the sanctuary of the natural world, concern for the environment, and acceptance that we are socially responsible for our fellow-creatures, dictates the kind of customs which most Pagans follow.

Today, there are still misconceptions over Paganism and the many religions and beliefs which are connected to it. Here’s just to clear things up:

- Pagans are not concerned with perverting the sacred symbols, beliefs or practices of any other religions.
- Pagans do not perform sacrifices.
- Pagans do not sexually abuse children. This would be contrary to everything that Pagans hold close to their hearts. The children are their future, and a part of the ultimate divine source. Pagan children are born in love and unity. They are sacred, and treated as such.
- Pagans do not believe in, or indeed worship, the ‘Devil’. In fact Pagans do not even believe in such a concept.

Paganism is a legitimate, coherent and responsible spiritual path to which many people are attracted. To be a Pagan in the 21st century is to hold and believe in the sacredness of all things; to respect all life; and to love and honour one’s family and friends.

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Festival Of Luna August 24th

Festival Of Luna August 24th Image
"ON THIS DAY THE ROMAN FESTIVAL OF LUNA" WAS CELEBRATED. EARLY PEOPLE AROUND THE EARTH BELIEVED THE MOON WAS A GOD OR GODDESS. THE ROMANS WORSHIPPED THE FULL MOON GODDESS, "LUNA, "THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD LUNAR. HER NAME SIMPLY MEANS MOON. SHE WAS THE DAUGHTER OF "HYPERION" AND "THEIA. "

AS THE "GODDESS" OF THE MOON, "LUNA "IS ASSOCIATED WITH WITCHES WITH MOON MAGICK, TRANSFORMATIONS, THE PSYCHIC AND ALL THINGS FEMININE. SHE

REPRESENTS GROWING AWARENESS, THE FULFILLMENT OF LOVE, AND THE MYSTERY OF ENCHANTMENT. SHE IS OFTEN PICTURED WITH A CRESCENT MOON ON HER HEAD. SINCE SHE IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE BRINGER OF LIGHT, SHE IS SHOWN CARRYING A TORCH IN HER HAND.

TO LUNA


Sister, of the first-born light,
Type of sorrowing gentleness!
Quivering mists in silv'ry dress
Float around thy features bright;
When thy gentle foot is heard,
From the day-closed caverns then
Wake the mournful ghosts of men,
I, too, wake, and each night-bird.
O'er a field of boundless span
Looks thy gaze both far and wide.
Raise me upwards to thy side!
Grant this to a raving man!
And to heights of rapture raised,
Let the knight so crafty peep
At his maiden while asleep,
Through her lattice-window glazed.
Soon the bliss of this sweet view,
Pangs by distance caused allays;
And I gather all thy rays,
And my look I sharpen too.
Round her unveil'd limbs I see
Brighter still become the glow,
And she draws me down below,
As Endymion once drew thee.

by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe



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