Pagan ancestry?

Question

I am a asatruar but I am welsh and have welsh ancestry but I feel uncomterble (I know bad spelling) when people allways say the reason they joined this form of paganism becuase there ancesters were that form of paganism. Well I on't have any norse ancestry I might have some saxon but that would be a tiny scrape of blood. But why is it I feel uncomfterble.

Biggest problem is ancester whorship who can I whorship my ancesters of a diffrent faith.

Answer 1

Yes most followers of Asatru do have some Norse blood in them somewhere-and by that standard you may feel you should follow one of the Celtic paths-but not all.Sometimes a particular pantheon of Gods will call someone who has no cultural link to them.The Saxons worshipped many of the same gods as the Norse though they called some of them by different names so that may be worth you exploring.

It all depends though-as someone said earlier is the doubt in your head or your soul?If it's just that it doesn't seem logical for a Welsh guy to be an Asatru I'd stop worrying-lots of things about faith are not at all logical.If Asatru doesn't feel quite right and true to you though that's a different matter and could be a sign that it isn't quite the right path for you.If your unsure learn more about it and other Pagan paths and follow your heart.

Answer 2

I am guessing that you are disgusted with the newer people who are using the labels "pagan" and "wiccan" who are what some would call "fluff bunnies". Those folks who are not serious and extremely eclectic. If I am wrong about what you are talking about, you won't need to read the rest of my answer.... I have seen the bunnies come and go. My biggest peeve is when they use the word Celtic and they don't even know what it means or they spout off some of the bogus "history" that they've learned from BS new age books. It's embarrassing. Most of the time, they honestly believe what they are saying. I try to provide good links where folks can learn real history but some people just aren't interested. They would rather make it all up and then slap the name "Celtic" on it and say that that's the way things were 2000 years ago. I wish they'd make up their own names for their fantasies instead of pretending they are Celtic. Since Wicca is the most popular branch of neo-paganism, it seems to get the most misinformation spread about it. Many people do not take the time to learn about the history of Wicca, preferring to make it up as they go along. People can be lazy and without a formal study group (like other religions have) some people will never persue the tenets in depth. Sometimes I feel like a lone voice in the wind. I embrace the "icky" stuff because it is my way of life. Everything is not all love and light, but hopefully it is a good balance. You aren't the only one who is watching the situation. I will be very glad when "paganism" goes back out of style and fluff bunnies will be a thing of the past. Until then, we need to educate those who will listen and encourage people to dig deeper.

Answer 3

If you are Welsh then you probably do have some Norse ancestry. Who were the Celts? They were the peoples that came down from the North countries into central "Europe" settling mostly in what is now Austria. From there they dispersed in all directions with many settling in what is now Ireland and Wales. Because of the insular nature of Ireland and Wales, the population there remained the most "Celtic" whereas other populations influenced or were influenced by the local beliefs of where they settled. And what were the beliefs of ALL those ancient peoples? In one form or another, Paganism. No need for you to feel uncomfortable.

Answer 4

There are branches of paganism that are attempting to reconstruct Welsh paganism. Perhaps you should do a google or Wikipedia search on that? I know the Vikings didn't get to your part of the Isles much and the Anglo-Saxons had a darned hard time getting Wales.

I think Anglo-Saxon heathenism would be closer until you find the Welsh groups. Most Asatru is based on the Icelandic reconstruction paganism.

Cheers

Answer 5

Saxons were pretty much the same as Nordic people's. They were all Germanic and worshipped the same gods. My linguistics may be a tad bit off but in the Saxons worshipped Wodin. The Icelandic Vikings worshipped Odin. They were the same gor, just a dialectical difference.

And regardless, you speak English, a Germanic language. So you are at least culturally part Germanic yourself (I don't know how much Welsh you speak).

Answer 6

I have both Greek and Celtic/Germanic ancestry, so several sets of Gods could have a claim on me based on my ancestry. I have often said here and in other forums that the Gods choose who they want to regardless of ancestry. One of my contacts on here who I also know through some of my Yahoo!Groups is of Irish ancestry and is VERY drawn to the Greek Gods.

Even though SOME people are more "folkish" than others in regards to the various "Ethnic" Pagan Reconstructionist faiths, you are NOT required to be of any particular bloodline to worship ANY particular set of Gods. To say otherwise is to limit the Gods in a way that I would call hubristic.

Answer 7

People are drawn to certain religions for different reasons. Your genetic make up and your spirituality are two different things. Follow the path that fulfills your spiritual needs, and don't worry about the motivations of others.

After all, the Gods/Goddesses aren't concerned about where your ancestors are from.

Oh, and by the way, ancestor worship is about recognizing and appreciating your ancestors as influences and guides. Whether or not they share the same religion as you is not relevant..

Answer 8

When you worship your ancestors, they aren't going to care whether you know where they lived, it's just that you're thinking of them and grateful of them that counts. My ancestry comes from different continents and I feel your pain here. We lack a sense of true identity and culture, (in America anyway) which is sad because some people have that and we are missing out! Whether people want to admit this or not is their decision.

Answer 9

Is this an intellectual debate or an emotional one? In other words, is this conflict in your head or your heart?

Hint: The faith that feels most like "home" is the one to follow. If you don't know which that is yet, then do your homework (yes, read and study... and talk to long-time practitioners with meaningful experience and insights to share) and figure it out!

Answer 10

I'm sure you've got some German in ya, too. Either way, I don't think it matters too much. Your belief and your participation are enough. I don't think any Germanic Pagan groups (kindreds, etc.) would turn away someone that could possibly help to solidify the religion.