Asatru is an ancestor based religion?

Question

So could someone who is not of norse decent practice that religion?

Answer 1

Eh. Depends on who you talk to. Realistically it included most of Europe in one form or another. So if you have a drop of Anglo-Saxon in you then it applies to you.
Ancestory is important in our path. But that doesn't mean it has to be Germanic ancestors. I honor my Celitc and Native America ancestors, though I am mostly Germanic and Norse in bloodline. The gods stretched from N Ireland to N France and even down into Italy I believe.
I agree that the gods call who they will. If someone is considering paganism I suggest the START at thier roots and work from there. That doesn't mean that is where you end up, but personally I think you have a stronger connection that way. Totaly UPG though.

Answer 2

Asatru is ancestor based in that we revere our ancestors. Their actions affect the kindred's wyrd - or luck (for lack of a better term) as our actions do. Some people in Asatru believe that you should be a decent of a Germanic tribe (this is not limited to present day Germany - the Germanic tribes traveled extensively) or the Norse. These people wonder why anyone would want to worship gods of another people when the person could be worshiping the gods of their people. After all, when the old Norse and Germanic peoples were asked their religion - their answer was most likely "the religion of our fathers". There was no name for it then, it was just what their ancestors believed. Or even adopted ancestors.

Other people feel that the gods call whom they will - despite the individuals ancestry. Perhaps that these individuals are Norse/Germanic in spirit and mind rather by blood.

Of course, like Heathen Daughter said, it helps to start learning about the myths and gods of your own ancestors. At least it will teach you about your people and how they believed. From there, go where you are called. Sometimes you have to make a full circle before you get to the right place. It takes time! If you find that Asatru is what moves you, where you fit in, embrace it! If your blood isn't from a Germanic tribe or of the Norse, then the gods feel your soul is. I'm sure they would know best!

Answer 3

Speaking as someone who is NOT an Asatrur, but rather a Hellenistai (Hellenic Polytheist) I can say that the Gods will call whom THEY wish even if there is not an ancestral blood tie.

My own spouse follows the Hellenic Gods (mainly) because they speak to him in a way that the Celtic and Norse do not quite match. He does pay homage to Thor on a personal level (Even wearing what is commonly known as a "Thor's Hammer" pendant -- although Thor has to share with Hephaestus there, good thing they are drinking buddies!)
Ogre (as my mate is nicknamed) is of French, German, English, Scotch, Irish, and (I think) Cherokee descent so there is almost NO chance of an ancestral link.

BUT one thing I have learned is that the GODS pick whom the GODS wish to pick, not the other way around. As a Hellenistai, I cannot think that the Norse Gods would be more limited than the Greek Gods so I would say that it would be likely that if you are called by the Norse Gods, and STUDY about them, that you should be free to worship them.

Of course, as I am NOT Asatrur, this is ONLY my opinion, but based on Asatrur/Heathen that I have spoken to, this is likely to be considered reasonable

Answer 4

It's not just Norse. It includes the Germanic tribes as well. Norway, Iceland. It's my understanding many of the vikings also settled in England, Wales and parts of Scotland. I'm sure they settled in other places as well, but those are the one's I remember off the top of my head, as I'm somewhat new to it myself. I have also found many Asatru Kindreds (groups) which accept anyone no matter what their ancestory... They say if you are called, then go... your bloodline doesn't matter. There are a few Kindreds (and they do seem to be rather rare) that claim you have to have a certain ancestory or they won't even consider you. I have also met several Solitary Asatru online (I'm one)... but usually because there isn't any Kindred close enough to have the type of interaction it takes to be a part of a Kindred.

The link below has a listing of Kindreds as well as some basic info.

Answer 5

Asatru is about connection to the beliefs and practices of the Germanic peoples. That's a large cultural group which includes many countries besides just Norway, as others have already noted.

Honoring our ancestors is an important part of Asatru but certainly not all of it. People who don't know their biological parents can honor "spiritual parents" (those who nurtured or otherwise inspired them).

Answer 6

I wouldn't call it an ancestor based religion, but ancestor reverance is very important. Some within Asatru of the Folkish faction would say you have to have Norse/Scandinavian/Northern European descent to practice it but others, like me, think that's a load of crap. The Gods will call whom They will, blood doesn't matter.

Answer 7

I doubt it ought to take the region of bible based religions. an trouble-free ethical code which consists of tolerance, and easy obtrusive golden rule style regulations might probally fare greater acceptable (do not kill, do now not sleep with yet another mans spouse, dont thieve, make contributions to the best of society, and so on). faith frequently seems to be loosing a conflict to technological awareness and human self reliance.

Answer 8

You need to talk to Boars heart about this.....