Poll #2 - Convenient labels

Which term do you feel is the best label for your religious beliefs?

Comment on this poll.

Results

Which term do you feel is the best label for your religious beliefs?

24% Asatru.
5% Folkish Asatru.
30% Heathen.
8% Norse Pagan.
16% Norse Wiccan.
7% Odinist.
7% Other.

2259 responses.

Erminameraz Sunday, May 26, 2013, 13:02:05 PDT
A Heathen of the Indo-Germanic persuasion.

Jacob Pepchinski Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 17:15:29 PDT
I love the Norse religion

Jesse Tyrsmen Friday, April 12, 2013, 09:31:25 PDT
Not really worried about the label, but heathen fits pretty good.

Ignvsa Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 10:18:49 PST
Satanic-Pagan; I combine elements from Satanism with Paganism(primarily Norse- but including other deities; Khali, and philosophies; Thelemic).

Aedan Bagsecg Sunday, January 31, 2010, 09:12:54 PST
I like the term Norse Pagan as it fully describes what the religion entails. I also like the term Asatruism as when I mention the word "Pagan" most people I know immediately tune out. Heathen would be good if those damn Christi's hadn't made it a "Bad Word"

Olaf Tuesday, January 05, 2010, 23:18:43 PST
I usally just use Norse Pagan or sometimes just Pagan and then explain more if asked. I prefer to use Asatru but most people dont know what Asatru is.

Thorvald Ulfsson (Robert Ireland) Saturday, December 12, 2009, 18:59:21 PST
Pledged to Odin and Thor I live my life prepared to stand with the kindreds against those that would deny our beliefs and undermine our faith.

Thad N. Horrell Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 12:18:22 PST

cris navarro Wednesday, October 01, 2008, 18:02:05 PDT
hello to grace deer in leb

Rob Saturday, September 27, 2008, 14:11:37 PDT
Response to Ásbjørn Þórmarsson: Yes, I am an Urglaawer, and it is indeed a pursuit of heathenry through a Pennsylvania German cultural lens.

Ásbjørn Þórmarsson Monday, September 15, 2008, 03:26:27 PDT
I am an odinist.. but I generally call myself a heathen and all others heathens.. just curious, has anyone ever heard of the term "Urglaawe" i seen it the other day for some penn state asatru/heathen meet-up.. they put Asatru and Urglaawe as the faiths.. i guess urglaawe is Pennsylvania Dutch/German for "primal faith" and is just another path of heathenism..

Vincent Rera Monday, September 08, 2008, 06:20:17 PDT
I am a brutal Viking warrior, on the advance and attack determined to smash everything and anything that get's in my way. Asatru Aesir goddess of death Hela be with me in my love.

odwinn wulframsson Wednesday, May 07, 2008, 17:19:42 PDT
I just use the term Heathen.

Raziel Eld'gereth Friday, October 26, 2007, 14:59:47 PDT
i'm a true beliver of the Gods.

Flametresses Tuesday, July 10, 2007, 05:48:40 PDT
I prefer the term Heathen because I'm more nature oriented than god oriented and also because I think Heathen is more representative of a wider scope of pre-Xtian beliefs, not just Asatru.

Einar Eisenfaust Friday, June 22, 2007, 15:14:01 PDT
Odinist, Norse Wiccan, Norse Pagan, and some of the other labels carry with them negative connotations. Heathen or Folkish Asatru seem to clearly explain MY personal belief systems. I do not wish to be covered by generic umbrella terms that cover others who do not actually feel exactly the same way I do. Convenience is great, but I feel that when you label yourself, you should use a label which best fits and describes yourself.

Michael Friday, June 22, 2007, 12:27:24 PDT
Heilsa! I've been using the term Gothatru for years! (Similarly, to include Aesir and Vanir, etc.) It's nice to see that there are others who have thought the same! :) Saell! Michael (a.k.a. Haelfdan a.k.a. Storolfr blah blah)

Hildegard Sunday, May 27, 2007, 20:26:44 PDT
I guess "Heathen" does it for me, because there is an element of my spiritual life that is informed by not just my Germanic ancestry but my Gael ancestry as well, and "Heathen" seems to encompass that. I don't much like "Norse Wiccan" at all. That just screams cheese.

ART HAZEL Thursday, May 03, 2007, 15:00:35 PDT
I AM TRUE TO THE AESIR .SO ASATRU FITS ME BEST

Sylvana Sunday, March 18, 2007, 05:31:50 PDT
i am asatru and i class myself norse pagan and i class myself as a white witch too

Terrence Atwood Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10:45:23 PDT
Heathen is a solid, simple term that carries the least baggage. It is a way of taking a xian slur and throwing it back at them. Asatru is a very specific name that I don't feel the right to misappropriate. I practice with an eclectic Wiccan/Pagan circle, but my private practices more closely resemble Asatru. Heathen is a term that is as loose and ambiguous as my personal practices.

Anders Froststrom Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 15:01:29 PST
I totally agree with what Leif Oldhart had to say. It's apparrent that he is very wise. I'd shake your hand if I met you. Unfortunately, my parents brainwashed me when I was four into beliveing in the Middle Eastern God when I was 2 years old. It took me 17 years to see that they were simply trying to take over Midgard. I voted Asatru, but now I think heathen and pagan are good enough. Just to spite those cross-wielding imbeciles. When Ragnarok comes, I'll gladly battle beside the Almighty Odin against the Middle Eastern Misfits. Long Live The Aesir! Heil Odin! Those "three unclean varieties" can't even agree amongst themselves, let alone us. Let them destroy each other. Maybe we'll all be better off.

Anders Froststrom Tuesday, February 27, 2007, 12:30:44 PST
Asatru is a label in its own. Calling us pagan makes us sound vile. We are followers of the Aesir, therefore, Asatru suits us well.

James Wednesday, February 14, 2007, 13:29:12 PST

Nyx Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 01:40:57 PST
Heathen is a nice catch all term.

Gunnar Saturday, November 18, 2006, 05:07:59 PST
Norse Pagan is the closest above, but the actual name of my religion is Forn Sed.

ken Sunday, October 15, 2006, 00:59:24 PDT
Norse Pagan

ken Monday, October 09, 2006, 10:08:32 PDT

Jan Gerstner Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 14:17:54 PDT
This has always beeen a tough one. I was raised Nordic by my Mother in the 1950s and 60s. I always just said "Nordic". When asked what that meant, I said "Oh, you know, Thor, Odin, Heimdal, Hel . . ." at which point most Christianists screamed "HELL?" *sigh* I do like "Heathen."

tyrone Wednesday, August 16, 2006, 10:20:58 PDT
i be down wit da norse wiccan "4/20 smoke weed evrydayyy"- Odin

Nik Warrensson Monday, August 14, 2006, 00:47:39 PDT
In the old days I don't believe that there was a requirement for a name for our religion as there weren't any other religions to contrast it with...only worship of different deities. Heathen was a term of disparagement from Christians in history...I say we take it as it is the oldest genuine term that referred directly to our faith. Bestu Nik

Andru Friday, August 04, 2006, 14:59:28 PDT
Asatru is good I think because pagan and heathen are all negative labels that other religions have placed on us. We are who we are, not who others say we are.

M.S. Cocherl Tuesday, June 27, 2006, 20:08:23 PDT
While I follow Odin, have been called a Heathen, (with honor I might add), and prefer "The Folk". I think that Asatru is more a enclusive "lable" for us. M.S. Cocherl SFC, USA (Ret)

Mjaren Friday, June 23, 2006, 09:34:48 PDT
Hei JoAnn - Mr. Cooper is a 2x Rapist with the nickname of "Wizard". He went into Segregation for FIGHTING most recently on June 1st. Asatru is a recognized religious affiliation for inmates within the KDOC. Doubtful that anyone would be rolled to Seg for "having Asatru materials" in his possesion. Could it be that Mr. Cooper just might be a bit on the racist side and that you got your information incorrect? Always get your facts straight.

JoAnnWarrior Maiden Tuesday, May 02, 2006, 07:47:25 PDT
Calling yourselfAsatru in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Hutchinson Kansas, 67504 will get you rolled behind the walls - that's solitaaaary folks - Richaard Cooper, your Asatru Brother was given 2 weeks solitary confinnement for possession of Asatru materrials. He beeseeches me to bespeak his asatru bretheren on his behalf. Unite to support your brothers in prison. Span the warden at HCF P>O>Box 1568, Hutchinson, KS 67504 with a united show of support for our brother in arms.

JoAnn Monday, May 01, 2006, 23:16:55 PDT
How about warrior maiden and proud of it!!!!

Peteykinscat132000@yahoo.com Monday, May 01, 2006, 23:16:07 PDT
Add category

christopher Sunday, April 23, 2006, 16:55:58 PDT
Norse wiccan, but I am more animist.

christopher Sunday, April 23, 2006, 16:55:04 PDT
Norse wiccan, but I am more animist.

Wesley von Ruch Friday, April 14, 2006, 04:13:37 PDT

Lisa Monday, March 27, 2006, 07:46:46 PST
Theodish

Alexander Friday, February 24, 2006, 10:09:45 PST
I voted for Asatru because thats what I am "true to the Aesir". I havent been a practitioner for long, about 1 year or a little longer. I have been looking for more information on the religion but I dont have the money to buy books and the books I do have are more of the "norse wiccan" writings. I really dont care for them and glean what little info I can from them. Most of the rituals in the book remind me too much of Wiccan rituals but a few look genuine. If anyone can send me info send it to my E-Mail at T90maingunner@yahoo.com

Sif Tuesday, February 14, 2006, 08:29:14 PST
Asa-tru obviesly, is my answer. It is what I am, and what it has been called in my native land for all time. NO neet for me to call it anything else. Personally I also take offence to those, who calls themselves "Odinists". Here in Denmark, Odinists are known as Neo-nazis, and as an Asa-tru, I dont want to be associated with such movements.

Doug Freyburger Wednesday, January 04, 2006, 07:07:05 PST
Most folks on the street have never heard the word "Asatru". That means it comes with less baggage than the other options. Before I ever heard the word Asatru I used "Odinist" because it was obvious, but since I follow the pantheon as a whole it isn't accurate enough. The advantage of Asatru is it leads to one of those "30 second elevator speeches" that networkers, job searchers, business pitchers and so on talk about. A very brief nutshell. Something like this - <I'm Asatru. You've likely never heard of it but at this point there are somewhere between a hundred thousand and a million worldwide. Tiny but at least we wouldn't fit in a stadium. The word Asatru comes from the Old Norse words for belief in the gods so basically it translates roughly to "religion". You can't actually call your religion "Religion" but you can if you pick a word for it out of an ancient language so that's what we've done. Long ago it was the majority religion in half of northern Europe with the Druids getting the other half. It was so common and so standard that before Christianity arrived it was simply what people did and there wasn't even a word for it. When the Christians arrived a word was needed so Asatru was coined. Odin, Frigg, Thor, Sif and so on are the Aesir and that's the Asa in the word.> I know that folks object to the simplifications in that blurb but it works really well with rank beginners. If I were to say <It's not a religion, it's a way of life> folks tend to think you're doing it as a front. Using freedom of religion as an excuse to do something else. Asatru is no front for me.

Sigrun Saturday, December 24, 2005, 05:55:20 PST
I called myself Asatru or Heathen depending on what mood I was in. I am now Christian but unlike most of the Christians who come to this site, I choose not to say crap like "you're all going to burn forever in hell" and other stuff that is just plain offensive. I know that when I was Asatru I had several Christian friends who were praying for me and they were concerned for my soul but they didn't lay it on heavy, meaning, they weren't in-your-face and they weren't offensive because they knew that would just go nowhere. Unlike most of the Christians who visit this site, I know what the heck I'm talking about because I WAS a Heathen for several years and could probably (no offense to Freya Aswynn) make Freya Aswynn poop herself with the amount of power that "the gods" granted me. Anyway, if you have any questions or comments for me on being an ex-heathen, feel free to e-mail me at gnirevol26@aol.com. I do not want to be spammed, harassed, or what have you. Thank you and have a pleasant Yule/Christmas/whatever. :)

Berserkr Tuesday, December 13, 2005, 06:21:40 PST
I feel that those with Scandinavian or Germanic heritage, especially Scandinavian, have the closest relationship and are the ones TRUELY able to understand the Gods, beyond the Sagas, etc. Thusly, Folkish Asatru, or Folkish Heathen(ism) is best if a label was to be attached. In my opinion this strengthens the focus of family, community, and very importantly, Ancestors. This was the faith of OUR ancestors. It also enforces the ideal that only Asatruar should be present for rituals, blots, sumbels, etc. Asatru is a good general term to give a basic description for someone that just wants to know what the beliefs are. Save the rest for those True, and those honestly interested. I firmly believe only those with the right heritage can have the calling that it takes to really be TRUE. Notice: I did say heritage, not skin color. Which is an issue that tends to pop up, especially at the mention of someone as FOLKISH The Sunwheel - Heritage, not Hate.

Loki Thursday, December 08, 2005, 12:21:58 PST
Call it what you will. All and all its all the same in some way or the other

Motul Thursday, December 01, 2005, 15:23:35 PST
I chose Asatru. Wiccan is Wiccan, and Odinist is too narrow as some have put it. I never use Heathen or Pagan. These are derogatory christian terms. If I use them, it only certifies their influance on us and the rest of the world. We are nobody's dogs.

Strider Hermannsson Sunday, November 13, 2005, 06:20:41 PST
Although I find the terms Asatru and Odinist both accurate and true, I like to describe myself as a Heathen. This term seems to shock the sensibilities of many Christians on some level (in my experience,that is)-- and I like that!

Sunday, November 13, 2005, 06:08:45 PST

Sunday, November 13, 2005, 06:08:04 PST

Call me what you will, Friend Saturday, November 05, 2005, 22:59:28 PST
I come across many posts railing against those who decribe themselves as "Wiccatru" or "Norse Wiccan" and while I agree that the two faiths are seperate and should remain so, I do so for different reasons. Many people say the two religions are exclusive due to their different gods, but this is bunk. If it were merely a difference between gods, there wouldn't be a as big a problem. I think the real reason these religions are separate is twofold: Symbolism and Philosophy. Whatever we call ourselves, We (Heathen/Asatru/Vanatru) conduct our faith with more a sense of respect for the gods and code of honour as apposed to the worship of a mother goddess and a set of morals... I don't call my self anything, I never had the need to... if someone asks I explain my beleifs without ever giving title to it... if they ask what it's called, I tell them it's my belief and that it is called many things in many languages, but I have no need to call it anything.

Kraftsanger@yahoo.com Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 18:30:42 PDT
Call me Voelkisch, Call me Heathon, Call me AsaTru. "Would A rose by any other name not smell as sweet?". As I am in height Eber I find myself as Vanic. If you care to know or even if you dont. I voted folkish. One thing though, I would very much like it if one would explain the term Norse Wiccan to me.

Sam Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 14:00:47 PDT
What in Hella's Hall is a "Norse Wiccan?"

Odgar Thursday, October 20, 2005, 02:59:50 PDT
There is no better all encompassing title for the Folk Faith.

Bob Trapp Friday, October 07, 2005, 20:42:22 PDT
I think of myself as an Asatru person, but I usually describe myself to others as Heathen

Monday, October 03, 2005, 13:34:49 PDT

Lianne Monday, October 03, 2005, 13:34:03 PDT
I vote folkish asatru but heathen works great too for me. I mainly put great emphasis on folk because thats why I found out this faith because I wanted to connect to my ancestors. And Wiccans need to not be here at all!

Gaddavir Tuesday, September 20, 2005, 01:38:25 PDT
Well, It's been a couple years since I dropped in here, but not much has changed. (ie. still going by Heathen). What I wanted to point out: Anyone else find it rather interesting that "Norse Wiccan" is coming in second behind Heathen?!? I guess D.J. Conway's infection is spreading.

Deor Monday, August 22, 2005, 10:21:00 PDT
I have always been a fan of Theodish! In spite of this, I think it's important that we all use the same label. Whilst our ancestors probably weren't too bothered, in today's society, numbers count. If all the true folk label themselves Odinist, Asatru, Heathen etc. in government surveys, it just looks like there are a few small groups. If everyone uses the same one, then our true numbers show. As Asatru is a recognised state religion already, (in Iceland) I suggest that this is the one we go for, even though it's not my preference.

Tannilen Wednesday, August 03, 2005, 12:21:41 PDT
The problem with any term at all is that every term you can possibly come up with will offend or upset somebody, somewhere, who will have some kind of childish tizzy over your choice of phrase. Now, do I feel this makes it acceptable for people to use whatever phrase they want? Of course not! I'm still a mortal being with mortal failings, and I still get irritated with people for misuse of a term. However, I also feel strongly that it's generally best to leave well-enough alone; as long as nobody is being hurt by someone's misuse of a term, I really don't care if they keep using it after it's been explained to them (in a polite and calm manner--get's better results) what the term actually means. I, like Lief Oldhart, find that Heathen works best for me, despite how imprecise it is, for largely the same reasons, but I think part of my fondness for the term might stem from the fact that it does tend to illicit a reaction from the mundane American that opens the door for a small expansion of h(is/er) knowledge, which has certainly never hurt anyone. (Not in that small a scale, anyhow.)

andersdotter Wednesday, July 27, 2005, 12:47:12 PDT
this is a great article that helps define the different terms used to refer to heathens... http://www.wyrdwords.vispa.com/heathenry/callusheathen.html

morgan Monday, July 25, 2005, 18:51:42 PDT
i think that we spend to much time and energy arguing about what we are.... if you are wiccan, be wiccan, just don't think that you are asatru.... i also think that folkish does not always mean racist. it is possible to be german, swiss, austrian, danish, etc... and have pride in your heritage without feeling as though you are the master race. this is the faith of our ancestors, not the celts, not the greeks. they have their own history and culture, how many people of finnish decent do you see practicing voodooo? i understand that there is a huge need that is felt to sepparate from the third reich and the horrors that they committed under our banners, but as ive said, pride in where you come from is not racism.

morgan Monday, July 25, 2005, 17:36:42 PDT
i think that we spend to much time and energy arguing about what we are.... if you are wiccan, be wiccan, just don't think that you are asatru.... i also think that folkish does not always mean racist. it is possible to be german, swiss, austrian, danish, etc... and have pride in your heritage without feeling as though you are the master race. this is the faith of our ancestors, not the celts, not the greeks. they have their own history and culture, how many people of finnish decent do you see practicing voodooo? i understand that there is a huge need that is felt to sepparate from the third reich and the horrors that they committed under our banners, but as ive said, pride in where you come from is not racism.

Vincent Rera Thursday, May 19, 2005, 05:38:54 PDT
Odin is my allfather-I wear the Valknot death knot as a tattoo on my arm-I am a berserker-his guidance gives me knowledge,wisdom and warlike tenacity and audacity to survive on Midgard-when he call's me to valhalla to get it on to fight next to him at ragnarok his will for me will be done

Adele Tuesday, May 17, 2005, 00:08:37 PDT
Im going to second what Friggsdottir said. I hold wiccans in contempt. I am actually quite shocked at the number of people who are posting on this site who dont seem to understand the clear distinction between the two.

Mikkel r petersen Thursday, May 12, 2005, 05:02:03 PDT
I usually say that i follow the nordic way. other followers will know what i mean, non-followers wont! fine with me.

Rik Pfaelzer Thursday, April 14, 2005, 13:11:07 PDT
I belong to the Wolves and through them to Othinn.

Ronald Petrocco Sunday, February 13, 2005, 04:19:50 PST
I believe in the Valkyrie and in this simple troth: "Live true. Freedom, family, feats & folk." rpjr@comcast.net

Friggsdottir Thursday, February 10, 2005, 01:06:50 PST
I feel Asatru would be the best answer here, although heathen works well also. "Norse Wiccan" is rediculous. whywiccanssuck.com has the best answer to why I should think that.. Wicca is so watered-down and so generic or lack-of-a-better-word-to-call-oneself-religion. Asatru, tru to the Aesir. Hail Aesir! Hail Asynjur! Hail, earth that givest to all! Goodly spells and speech bespeak we from you, and healing hands, in this life. "Sigdrifumál": 2-3

Leif Oldhart Monday, January 10, 2005, 17:06:46 PST
Adjective: heathen 1. Not acknowledging the God of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (in other words, the 'god' of Abraham). That's where I came from. While it's not wise to define one's self by negatives, how can you know what is true if you don't know what is false? I never believed in the middle eastern demon "G*d" even when I was three years old. I also noticed that most of those who claimed piety didn't really believe either (it was easy to tell by their behavior, eh). However, once I began dropping baby teeth, I did believe in the tooth fairy. And standing in the woods at the age of three, I could feel that the natural world was alive, so unlike the world of the black robed 'clergy.' So there was a start! It was only much later that I learned of the old Northern Gods and Goddesses (the Greeks, I knew wll, but they never did not much stir me). Today, I'd call myself Asatru, and Folkish Asatru at that, but I'm not anxious to call myself anything, so "Heathen" will suffice, by that initial negative definition above. Why? Because whatever else is true, that genocidal hate-demon from nine time-zones away must be put down in the dust, and quickly. 'His' followers (all three unclean varieties of them) are ruining this place!

axel Sunday, January 02, 2005, 20:51:12 PST
B.A.P.

myself Thursday, December 23, 2004, 21:26:41 PST
eclectic everything

Avlad of the Phoenix Sunday, November 21, 2004, 19:20:32 PST
Wiccan

drage Thursday, November 04, 2004, 11:35:09 PST
asatru shaman, kinda like the crone from 13th warrior, only male.

Pádraic Friday, October 01, 2004, 05:10:11 PDT
Heithinn

Nicholas Karl Folknr Sunday, September 26, 2004, 06:13:33 PDT
Each term has its precisions. I dislike using "Wiccan" because of the "Neo-"-Modern-cosmopolitan-fad-Gardner/Leek-New Age-fungus (these deluded people are nothing but whitelight trendoid cryptoChristians, praying to their houseplants indoors and playing with their crystals when the real way is found in the land and the people, the blood and soil not in mailcatalogs...) and because I'm not a Celt. The Celts who hold to the genuine preRoman era Wicca I respect and wouldn't dare tread on their ground by using their name anymore than I'd call myself a Rasta. "Odinist" I feel is too narrow, as Odin is only one of the Aesir. Even "Asatru" can confuse people because even the Vanir and Jotun have their place in the big picture. Likewise "the old religion" as our path has no Priests nor are the Aesir or Vanir deities to be worshipped, but simply Aeses or aspects of the human, specifically the Nordic human consciousness and natural cosm, there's nothing mystical about it, for its simply the product of biodiversity. As folk-ethic they are hardwired into our folks biogrammar through long years of evolutionary utility. Thus when I toast Thor I call by name and declare my wish to swell my Fidelity. Thus I feel too many people approach the Old Way with Xian colored glasses. Example: My Danish granny who is a Grundviggian with many traces of the old way but always reverts to her protestant brainwashing in the end. I must say that bloodpollution and just plain ignorance of our origin give these "Xian-colored glasses" so much power that individual introspection often passes right by (when I speak of biodegeneration, I hope it is understood that I am no racist for racism is just another ideology/ism, I reject authoritarianism/governments and coercive eugenics, and that people of worth are to be found of every race, race being simply the sum total of environmental factors such as geography and climate and not physical appearance, much less language, alone.)In closing, I'd like to say that "Norskfolksed" is the best term I've found and that it includes not only outward practices but a total way of life, such as my own experiments in enduring cold, hunger, wounds, sickness with only folk remedy, long hikes, woodwork, etc. to regain perspective, hardiness and rootedness. A way to regain self-respect definitely involves a rejection of what the false and alien "W.A.S.P. TechnoCapitalist Beast of Prey"/Desert-Theist consciousness has done to our people and the earth, but it also involves a constructive approach regrow and relearn things that have in a sense never left us. Hail... Ps.Hope everyone had a joyous Sept. 9th, my hometown, New Ulm MN, has a big statue of "Herman" of the Tscheruschkai on a very prominent hill, that is currently being refurbished. I trekked up there to offer thanks, blot, and to relive in vision that great victory, the Roman Empire's 911, over the civilization that was eventually our ruin.

Falcon Thursday, September 23, 2004, 04:17:21 PDT
I simply prefer pagan. Here is the bad part. Everybody has lables.Black, white, Jew, Muslim, Republican, Democrat, northern, southern, ... the list goes on. We have labled and catagorised everything to the point where it has become easy to hate. We, as a people, need to accept each other for who we are, and not what we are.May the Asa smile upon us all!

Hrafnsvartr Monday, September 13, 2004, 13:33:43 PDT
Most european pagan beliefs are similar to each other. Just take a look at Slavonic and Norse mythology.

Stormbringer Sunday, September 12, 2004, 10:15:13 PDT
It describes us best, "Folk of the Gods".

Melanie-astrid Freyja-idhunn ragfreyhar Tuesday, August 03, 2004, 22:35:45 PDT
most of the time asatru but when people dont know what asatru is i say odinist then they know because they recognise odin.

Kara Black Wednesday, July 07, 2004, 19:15:11 PDT
My religious beliefs are such an odd mixture of many religions that I cannot label myself with just one anymore.

bill Wednesday, July 07, 2004, 11:51:26 PDT
i'd have to say Vanatru... Norse Wiccan is a rediculous term, but it does exist.

Pam Tuesday, May 18, 2004, 15:13:20 PDT
I prefer the term "Heathen" although "Asatru" comes in second. The reason I choose "Heathen" is because I frankly see the gods from a more "Anglo-Saxon" perspective rather than Norse, having been led to them through rediscovering and working with the form-type of Anglo-Saxon metered verse. So, yes, call me a heathen here, though not unwashed. Hah.

Thursday, March 25, 2004, 13:16:14 PST

Alex the brand-new "convert" Wednesday, March 24, 2004, 07:44:01 PST
Well, I'm primarily a Theravadin Buddhist. That means basically that I stick to a non-theistic cosmology & I believe in salvation by enlightment. However, because I was an atheist for almost 18 years (I'm 19 years old) & I made horrible things to myself based on that belief, I consider that I have to regain that lost time by being a friend of the Gods. Thus, I would have the mental strength that I need to achieve enlightment. I like Asatru in general because it is more compatible with my goals than any other religion. Furthermore, I identify with its deities. Although I'm a little eclectic in my beliefs, please don't mistake me for a Wiccan. I try to perform every ritual or religious practice within its cultural frame. I strongly believe in the Gods in a realistic way, so I'm aware that they won't help me to do everything. Hail you all Aesir & Vanir & the ones who honor them.

Waldwulfen Tuesday, March 23, 2004, 14:58:15 PST
I prefer the term heathen, because it is the easiest way to make Christians give you looks of shock and offence!

Hammer Skald Thursday, March 18, 2004, 08:21:57 PST
Eh, whatever. What's in a name anyway?

mirko costantineau Monday, March 01, 2004, 11:55:57 PST
i im every thing n nothing,the univers is to big to give such a smal definition.but norse wicca,asatru,odinist are all cool call me what you want as long that its positive.

ron peterson Tuesday, February 24, 2004, 10:43:14 PST
as my father taught me being from norwegian ancestry (an erik the duck haha) i would say norse pagan is the label i would most generally use although my mother comes from a german background she taught me little of the germanic tribes

Dervish Tuesday, February 17, 2004, 10:28:42 PST
Hate to break it to you, chuck, but you're just plain wrong. I have attended a number of heathen/asatru events with groups from around the country and have yet to hear a single "Sieg Heil", meet a single neo-Nazi, or see anything that I would call a "Come to Odin meeting". Just where are you finding these evangelical Nazis? (Assuming, of course, that you're not just trolling here.) Now, yes, there are racists and Nazis and bigots (oh, my!) who call themselve "asatru" or "odinist", just like there have been people who bombed abortion clinics and called themselves "christian". Claiming that all asatruar are Nazis is as poorly justified as claiming that all christians blow up abortion clinics.

chuck Monday, February 16, 2004, 18:05:08 PST
Asatru is just another form of hatred. Everytime I see an Asatru get-together they all end up "Seig-Heiling" at the end of thier "Come to Odin meeting" How do you people feel about those Northmen who chose non white mates and have generations of children? It appears to me that they are more Normanni than most whites esp. in the states.

sean Saturday, January 31, 2004, 13:13:33 PST
i feel odin is the all that binds us.

Sigtrygg Thursday, January 15, 2004, 07:43:11 PST
I do not believe in the term Asatru, because it is a new way of telling the world you are a follower of an ancient tradition. Even though my beliefs are not anachronistic I find it awkward to be reffered to as an Asatruarmenn.

Torsstein Wednesday, December 31, 2003, 09:39:59 PST
I call myself Asatru because it is the clearest "label" there is...I know this is way off topic, but I normally don't give two shits about x-tian preaching unless it is in my face, but this just goes too far! cheack this site out i am speachless.....it must be a joke.... http://objective.jesussave.us/mallmission.html

Kalithunder Monday, December 22, 2003, 15:29:03 PST
I consider myself Asatru because it is the most encompassing while still signifying what I am... Tru to the Aessir

hylgigyth Tuesday, December 16, 2003, 13:40:33 PST
i said asatru. seeing as that is its name then i am happy to go along with that. it is exactly what i was drawn to, im so glad i can say, when people ask what do you follow, i dont have to just say pagan,(i used to then i would have to answer a million questions)it is easier to say asatru, it includes gods like odin, thor etc.... i feel very happy with the term.

Kerstin Monday, December 15, 2003, 04:17:28 PST
"Heathen", for want of a better term, describes me best. I have trouble with the word Asatru, as I don't think it represents the Vanir, whom I feel very close to. I do, however, also feel Wotan and the Aesir are still here too! wegleserin@hotmail.com

Susie Sunday, December 14, 2003, 04:36:35 PST
I am Folkish Ásatrú... I feel strongly about family; blood and extended. I am also a wholistic heathen. I do not borrow from other traditions nor do I accept "popular notions." UPG is fine, so long as it walks hand-in-hand with our lore.

Gaddavir Monday, December 01, 2003, 01:41:32 PST
I chose "Heathen" as well as "Other", because I am sometimes compelled to refer to myself as "Vanatru", due to the fact that Freyja was the one who lovingly, yet forcefully dragged me to the Tru. (LOL) "Norse Pagan" would probably be a close 3rd followed by "Asatru". Sorry to upset all the "Folkers" on the board, but Folkish just could never apply to me considering the myriad of bad experiences I have had with said groups due to being in their estimation "not european enough", (this irregardless of the fact that although I don't outwardly seem as much, I have more Euro blood in my little finger than half of them and probably speak Icelandic a hell of a lot better *grin*). Of course, I hold an unwavering loyalty to the Gods that have called me and will not ever stray from that relationship no matter who presumes to know more than the Gods about whom They would like to be revered by. In Frith, Gaddavir (a.k.a. That crazy chick with sharp objects):)

RosOrka Monday, December 01, 2003, 01:28:25 PST

Ros Orka Monday, December 01, 2003, 01:27:46 PST

Freethinker Sunday, November 16, 2003, 12:04:53 PST
Atheism is better than superstition.

Anthony "Tony" Arndt Tuesday, November 11, 2003, 00:11:21 PST
Asatru is clear and descriptive. It is not just accurate but explaining what it means is a good way to break the ice with non-Heathens.

Mini Phreek Thursday, October 30, 2003, 16:59:06 PST
it depends how i'm talking to, if they are my freind and farly intilgent and open minded i'll say asatru and explain. if they are just an aquantince or just stupid i'll say Norse Pagan or sometimes even just Pagan and they seem to understand.

Björnulfr Wednesday, October 29, 2003, 17:41:56 PST
All are good, except "norse wiccan". Wicca is really specific. Our traditions are incompatibles with Wicca since we cannot put together the ragn of ei Odhinn, Thorr or Tyr, but so should we do if we where wiccans Why Folkish??? Which folk? As 95% of the Europeans, I'm "crossblooded" of Celts, Germans, Latins... In my case I can even count Huns, since their stopped for a long in my region... Son what's the folk? Except those, who cares?

Chad in NV Sunday, October 19, 2003, 16:14:01 PDT
Too bad you didn't put in "more than one of the above" as an option for this poll. I freely interchange Asatru, heathen, and Norse Reconstructionist to describe myself. I also like the term "Regintroth" though I've never used it.

Falcon Friday, September 26, 2003, 13:33:37 PDT
As long as we all know for ouselves what lies in our hearts, we need no lables. As far as what I tell people, that all depends on the level of their intelligence. The choices of terminology has too many syllables for most people. I really don't care what they call me. As long as it's not "christian".Thems is fightin' words

monika Friday, September 26, 2003, 04:22:38 PDT

Rob Smith Tuesday, September 23, 2003, 08:10:40 PDT
Awesome poll!

Aaron Henderson Sunday, September 21, 2003, 08:47:57 PDT
I prefer Regintru.

Paxson Lowenhart Wednesday, August 27, 2003, 00:14:03 PDT
I mostly consider myself folkish because I'm more the scholar-researcher type.

Jennifer Wednesday, August 20, 2003, 07:00:53 PDT
Wiccans and all of this other neo-paganism, disgusts me. It's a perversion of the true religion, it is nothing in itself. My ancestors would have called themselves Asatru which means "loyal to the Aesir" I am that. I feel loyal to all of them, but for some reason feel a special kinship with Odin, Thor and Freya. Perhaps only because they are the best known and understood by me at this point in my life. If I must use a term, it would have to be Volkish Asatru. because I care about my people, and want to distance myself from those who do not. Our gods are only for people of Northern European ancestry, and no one else. I am a racist. But being a racist does not mean you have to hate nonwhites. It implies a love for your race and ancestry. I don't know why nobody understand that, excpept for the fact that it is used derogatively all over the TV and news media. Though I am sometimes angry at nonwhites, I know it is not their fault they are here. I think the Gods would want their people to live in their own society with only other northern people.

pamela paulsen shearheart Friday, August 08, 2003, 20:29:20 PDT
it is the northern way. it is the way of the north. it is the Way of the northern peoples

Rex Thursday, July 24, 2003, 16:25:04 PDT
I don't care what label people use. When people ask me I tell them Asatru, which opens up questions on what asatru is. If I said heathen or other most people would just say oh.

jeff roberts Monday, July 07, 2003, 14:56:48 PDT
i like norse pagan but Asatru works well all so. we as a culture seem the need to label things so we can be part and apart at the same time.

irrelevant Sunday, June 29, 2003, 10:16:29 PDT
There is no convenient label for the way I feel about my spiritual leanings. I even have a little christian affinity.

Morgana Thursday, June 26, 2003, 17:54:11 PDT
to seth: I'm a asatru-wiccan! why do you say this is a lie??? if you can justify your comment please write to me at: morganadevill@hotmail.com oh and maybe I should mention... I'm Icelandic so I should know!!!!!!

Krie Thursday, June 19, 2003, 21:45:00 PDT
I consider myself a heathen, and am quite proud to say so. My faith in the gods is unwavering; I just got a new kitten, and I named him Loki. :) I read an article online detailing why "heathen" is the most appropriate term for our beliefs, but I can't remember where I saw it. (I've seen too many Asatru websites to count!) In Frith, *krie* PS: Will x-tians ever leave us alone on our own site? Good grief!

Seth Thursday, May 22, 2003, 17:01:45 PDT
Asatru is a very good name for our faith. I'm not folkish or Odinist, those terms seem too racist. Norse Pagan seems like a stupid term to me, and Norse Wicca is a lie!

Hearthstone Monday, May 12, 2003, 16:39:35 PDT
I refer to myself as "Heathen," mainly because It seems to have fewer conflicting definitions than "Asatru" does (less chance of someone saying "Oh no, you're not!" because your specific brand differs from theirs :)).

Wednesday, April 30, 2003, 12:44:37 PDT
Fyrn Sede.

the Dane Saturday, April 26, 2003, 02:17:52 PDT
Asatru - because it says it all, Asa means the gods, tru/tro means belief or faithfull, so asatru means the belief in the gods, or faithfull to the gods.....

glenn Thursday, April 17, 2003, 11:01:18 PDT
My belief in the saving power and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ makes me a Christian. And I thank him for it.

Ian Dall Sunday, April 06, 2003, 06:30:38 PDT
Always nice to recognize a debt.

Nattefrost Wednesday, April 02, 2003, 01:05:18 PST
I don't think labels are important. We could say I'm an Asatroar, but this is quite complicated, for I know many guys who claim to be Asatroar, but they behave as Norse Wiccans, and their rituals are also very similar to Wiccan...then, who is Asatroar and who is not?...

Thorgestr Grimmsson Thursday, March 20, 2003, 07:53:06 PST
Norse pagan is closest to how I think of myself but there is more to it than this. I find that labels dont really cover it well. You cant pack things so neatly

Anne Friday, March 14, 2003, 10:25:03 PST
I use Heathen 'cause Germanic Polytheistic Reconstructionist is too much of a mouthful!

RuneWolf Wednesday, February 19, 2003, 12:22:02 PST
It’s great, isn’t it, that Asatru can trace its lineage and antecedents straight back in an unbroken line to the pre-Christian era in the North? It’s so comforting to know, with unassailable certainty, that we believe exactly what our forebears believed and practice in exactly the same way. Wouldn’t it be horrible if we were just another modern reconstructionist religion like those other ‘mutt’ religions? I, for one, am deliriously happy that we don’t have to bury our heads in the sand of exclusivity and avoid the reality of our contemporary origins like <shudder> Wicca. It’s a real source of strength to know that the literature we base so much of our belief and practice on is as pure as the day it was recorded by all those Heathen-friendly Christian converts, and that it hasn’t been altered, contaminated or diluted in any way by that process. It fills me with pride when I attend a blot, knowing that I’m doing exactly what my ancestors did, all those murky centuries ago. Yes, we can stand tall, knowing that we are the antithesis of all those post-modern Pagan revivals that are running around out there, the one beacon of truth and verity amongst all those pretenders.

warg vegr Tuesday, February 18, 2003, 07:55:59 PST
AsaTru. As for myself, my culture and belief system is not represented by any modern wording. I therefore simply use the word that is most accurate to answer what they are asking me with their question, as overly simple as it is. Im afraid all too many are approaching the recovery of the old nordic ways in a rather 'modern' way. and I certainly do mean 'modern' with all of its negative conotations. 'norse wiccan' is the answer in the above poll that I think most accurately reflects the majority of those partaking in this field, as if it were just another identity to wear to hide the lack of anything beneath. I figure it will not be long at all before outsiders can barely tell the difference between such people and wiccans, even though I cannot possibly imagine any 'religion' more opposite. I think the most common reasoning behind the strange choices of wording, and even stranger explanations of beliefs, is based in the fact that many approach it in the same way wiccans found theirselves at home in their religion... With low standards, little understanding, a tendency towards political influence(notice some throw around the word 'bigot' here n there? to many its just an identity with which they can join the popular pc crowd), and a general lack of respect for truth in and of itsself. The old nordic ways will not make much of a return, but there will be plenty around providing an innacurate, 'user-friendly', filtered, pc, 'modernized' version of it to ensnare those who seek the truth and root of whats right in them. It will be a social club.. The same thing happenned to christians, various political organizations and groupings, and depending on how you look at it, to the many religions pillaged and filtered to make up wicca. It seems nothing can survive in its true form in modern day(at least not be perpetuated) lest it adhere to the rules of degeneracy. and I can already see 'us' adapting. Wording is one of the first steps. Choosing words based on the limitations of understanding of others, sounding more pc, and other dishonorable motivs. Many are so obviously using is as nothing but an identity game. and this poll brought that out in the commets section very well. I would suggest adding many more words to the poll. for those who are identifying Only with racial heritage, for those who care only to be rebelling aggainst christian mommies and daddies, and maybe even one for those who want to recover the culture but havent the courage to face the pc crowd with an unpc view... I for one am willing to face the opposition I face when I choose to persue my cultural heritage without adapting it to the rules of degeneracy. In fact, as some of you will know, breaking the rules of degeneracy is one of the main accomplishments of the old nordic ways. it is nearly half of Asatru itsself.

Radbod Artisson Wednesday, February 12, 2003, 19:45:13 PST
For over a decade I've called myself "Asatruar." But recently I've become more comfortable with the word "Odinist." This is not reflective of any changes in belief or ways of worship; it's only a recognition that the latter is the term that scholars have used for centuries to describe the beliefs of my ancestors. Why struggle to try to get those who would know more about us just to get them to use another term? We have much more important battles to fight.

Skallagrim Walker Saturday, February 08, 2003, 12:54:31 PST
"Anglo-Saxon Heathen" is my usual answer when asked. As most educated people "remember" that my tribe--the Angles--were originally "savage Germanic barbarians", this serves to forestall any further annoying questions on the subject. This approach (along with being a 210-pound thoroughly-tattooed Viking-lookalike) ensures that I'm left in peace with my beliefs.

dale Saturday, February 01, 2003, 10:39:27 PST
I prefer the term Northern Way.

Olaf Gunni Thursday, January 23, 2003, 16:22:22 PST
It is my belief, that whatever one wishes to call or label ones' self, as per religion or otherwise, is the right of any individual, but when it comes to mutt beliefs such as Wiccatru, I feel there to be a very definite problem, as there are very distinct differentiations between that of the Wiccan and Asatru paths!!! Yes, as Wiccans and Asatruar, WE ARE all Pagans and/ or Heathens, BUT WE do NOT share the same dieties - if WE did, WE would all be one or the other - not both combined into one!!! As for our being Pagans or Heathens, I look at both as being the exact same, as being NON-CHRISTIANS!!! Asatru is also a very different lifestyle than that of Wicca!!! WE as Asatruar are more family oriented, more trustworthy to each other, and hold "TRU" principles!!! The Wiccan path is more female oriented, as their main diety is their Goddess, and hold their MALE Gods, moreso in that of contempt, than that of esteem, whereas, WE Asatruar, hold both OUR Gods and Goddesses in high esteem, and believe, as in any "TRUE" family, that the Alfather is the head of the family - NOT the Mother!!!

Volrath Monday, January 20, 2003, 16:29:00 PST
I feel Asatru is the only true name for how we believe .I know that it seems a very close minded view.If you say Odinist to others though they immediately reel back and say "satanist"? Then we are again forced to enlighten the uneducated.

The Varg-ulf Monday, January 20, 2003, 00:35:38 PST
I would call myself a heathen but then I rather like shocking christian bigots, those who are worth a conversation can hear more about my faith as the conversation progresses.

Anthony McPherson Tuesday, December 24, 2002, 03:02:02 PST
Odinist is the closest that I can think of that doesn't get "too long". I don't want to take the time to explain "Northern European Pre-Krisjan Heathen" to a bunch of knuckle-heads. Some people say that they have "a problem with labels", well,... I'm not ashamed of what I am.

Odensfolk Sunday, November 24, 2002, 00:25:19 PST
Folkish Asatru were my choice - blood soil spirituality!

John Friday, November 01, 2002, 06:07:35 PST
If I were to pick a label, it would probably be either 'Norse Wiccan', or 'Vanatru'.

Yulfa Wednesday, October 30, 2002, 14:12:54 PST
Heathen fits me the best since I'm most defenatly a hearth keeper, so to speak.

Emma Svinnvalulf Sunday, October 27, 2002, 15:23:20 PST
Heathen or Norse Pagan would be the only modern day "LABLE" I would use to non-heathens and pagans. Sadly it is really the only lable they know or can relate to. Asatru and Odinist are too obscure for the uneducated masses. Norse Wiccan...well the word wiccan would relate something untrue and alien to the true Asatru faith. But then again that would make me a Folkish Asatru for thinking that way.

Jamie Tuesday, October 22, 2002, 11:32:13 PDT
I might consider Forn Sidr if it was a choice. The other choices listed are all to limited in some respect for me.

Lou Levesque Thursday, October 03, 2002, 19:36:31 PDT
Until recently, I often described myself as Norse Pagan, and though I didn't realize it until recently meditating on the topic, I spent my first few formative years as more of a Norse Wiccan. I also have used the term "bloody heathen" when in jest.

Tyr Jarlsen Friday, August 30, 2002, 11:19:56 PDT
I hate to be identified as a wiccan! By myself, the most reasonnable word is Asatru! Odinism is a too limited label... Norse paganism is too wide! Heathen is not explicite... Contact me at troisleopards@hotmail.com

svartalfar Monday, August 12, 2002, 00:25:18 PDT
I call myself Asatruar, but many people are unfamiliar with the term. When speaking with people of other beliefs, I explain that this means Norse.

Cj Wednesday, August 07, 2002, 20:41:37 PDT

chris kruse Thursday, August 01, 2002, 08:33:15 PDT
i chose "other" because i don't care what the religion is called. i think all the crafty ancient words and sub-catagory definitions are good. i guess there are as many different kinds of ways to live with the faith of the north as there where names of tribes. it is useless in the end except as a way to efine it to other humans... i dont hane a name for it, it is what is to me, and it is what i feel in my blood. heil WOTAN

adam Monday, July 22, 2002, 19:32:51 PDT
being specifically of german descent i feel that for me the term irminist fits best for me at least

herman Saturday, July 13, 2002, 20:02:08 PDT
as the word asatru implies , i am loyal to the gods and goddess

herman Saturday, July 13, 2002, 20:01:33 PDT
as the word asatru implies , i am loyal to the gods and goddess

Shawn Rowland Friday, July 05, 2002, 20:37:02 PDT
Heathen. I have many connections to Asatru, Vanatru, Odhinnism, Irminism/Armanism, Theodish, and Celtia...so I'll just take the broad category...;-)

Maurice Friday, July 05, 2002, 16:41:25 PDT
Heathen works best for me. I am Frisian, so Norse is not an option for me, and Asatru is too limiting for me. And wiccan is definitely out of the question. Germanic Heathen or Folk-Religionist would work best for me I guess.

Math of Arnstede Hearth Thursday, July 04, 2002, 15:10:30 PDT
Heathen, although I rarely use it with non-heathens. It expresses a kinship with as well as a distinction from the Pagan movement. I can qualify it also with Old English- , or Norse-Heathen as I need. Asatru is good also: I don't understand why some feel excluded - surely Frey, Freya and Njord became Aesir when they entered Asgard, just as I would become an American were I to settle there. And do we know anything about those Vanir who remained outside of Asgard? I dislike anything with -ist or -ism (just a personal prejudice). In the end though, I'm happy to have heaps of by-names for the troth, and kennings galore - Edda Delvers - Blot Holders - Gatherers at Wyrd's Well...

Freyr Robertsson Friday, June 21, 2002, 12:21:58 PDT
Labels are hogwash. I prefer to think of myself as a Pantheistic-polytheistic-person, called by Odhinn to maintain friendships with all my friends Aesir/Vanir and "Other".

Samantha Friday, May 31, 2002, 01:59:18
Could you please add Norse Heathen to that. It's just another word for Odinist or Asatruer seeing they dont like to be called pagan and there's no real such thing as a Norse wiccan.

Wulfgaar Wednesday, May 29, 2002, 14:25:12
I prefer 'Heathen' or 'Pagan' simply because they are not specialized terms. As to my relationship to the Ancient Ones; I do NOT worship them -that would be improper for a warrior . I deeply honour and revere them and offer all my respects, but 'worshipping' something or someone places you in a position of inferiority/obesience and for any who truly know the Gods, this is not a proper thing for a strong and free person to do. We stand at our Harrow, we don't kneel. We boldy address the Gods, we don't whimper from our bellies or kness in the sickening, weak fashion of the monotheists. Be Heathen: Be proud and strong!

Mithrandir Burzum Friday, May 17, 2002, 07:08:11
Armanism/Irminism, ('esoteric', and 'exoteric' titles, respectively). Also, 'Wihinei', which is a term for those who feel "The Call of the Blood", as coined by Herr Guido Von List, who wrote "Heilige Runnenmacht" and other such works.

Val Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 01:32:31
I like Heathen :-)

Erin Saturday, May 11, 2002, 21:22:12
Only cause it encompasses my Norse & Celtic path.

Carlos Monday, April 29, 2002, 20:34:57
I find the term "Asatru" somewhat more open minded. I am in no need to eliminate 'competitors' in my religion; otherwise, we shall end up like Protestants and Catholics killing each other in Northern Ireland. Whatever any person likes calling himself will be fine to me.

Rob Tuesday, April 23, 2002, 02:56:19
i chose Heathen because wiccan is used by all sorts of dingbats who call up ms. cleo . . plus here in america nobody knows what asatru means, and norse pagan would seem to exclude some people (at least to stupid americans)

Éric Perkins Friday, April 19, 2002, 01:55:15
I chose Heathen. It's general, excluding no one due to regional variations (which some feel words such as "Ásatrú" do). If it'd been a choice, I would have selected "Folkish Heathen".

eric the duck Wednesday, April 17, 2002, 14:56:58
Asatru, qualified by Norse Pagan, and further explained by "belief in the old religion of the Norse". Joe Public isn't always emlightened enough to get past Say-10 without the third part of the explanation.

Dylan Monday, April 15, 2002, 06:35:57
Hate to get postmodern on y'all but... we're marginalizing ourselves by accepting the nomenclature of the privileged and thereby assisting them in promulgating their discourse. Knowledge is power :)

Edmund Holt Tuesday, April 09, 2002, 05:01:29
pardon my spelling errors "sysetm" should read "system" and "adolsecents" should read "adolescents", and I'm sure that in my haste I punctuated incorrectly... oh well Hailsa!

Edmund Holt Tuesday, April 09, 2002, 04:52:28
I strongly feel that any name for the religious beliefs of the Norse/Germanic peoples is a modern device that has its roots more in 60's hippie counter-culture than it does in any real Germanic tradition. To the Teuton, Religion Culture and Society were one and the same, their belief system had no name as it wasn't seen as a distinct element of the rest of their culture, nor was it practiced as such. Therefore, any attempt to apply a "traditional" name to this belief sysetm is completely out of line with the beliefs that one who uses it would espouse. Furthermore; no matter what language you concoct the name from its still modern. Hel I could use Gothic, one of the oldest extant Germanic languages to form a name like Anse-Triggws (yes, those are verifiable Gothic forms) but its not the friggin' term that the Goths used for it. Heathen is the only word on the list that I'll give any credibility due solely to the etymology behind the word, but for those of you who constantly gripe about how our religious beliefs are looked down upon -or worse- laughed at, you may want to re-think applying silly titles to yourselves that only make the other 98% of humanity think of us as wierdos and maladjusted adolsecents playing pretend. Please pardon my ranting.

Saderin Saturday, March 16, 2002, 04:48:26
while I have used the word Asatru Ive used the word Odinist more cause The majority Of The Old Norse Gods and Goddesses I worship is Odin and Freya (sometimes I pray to Thor )

Dan Monday, February 25, 2002, 13:30:52
I'd have to go with "none of the above". As a friend of Thor, and not a follower of Thor, I don't really have a name to go by. I can't call myself a Thorist because not only does it sound silly, but as I said, I consider myself on equal footing with Thor (sure he is a god, and I'm a mortal, but that doesn't matter). I'm not Asatru, because I don't really associate myself with any other gods. I honour them, but like my ancestors, I feel distanced from them. I guess I'm a man with good connections and no label.

Astrid Saturday, February 09, 2002, 16:59:10
asatru, because it is the name used in Sweden, Denmark and Norway where I come from. I think that heathen has an atheistic ring to it, and that couldn't be more wrong

Astrid Saturday, February 09, 2002, 16:56:14
because it is the name used in Sweden, Denmark and Norway hvere I come from

harry starts Thursday, January 31, 2002, 16:09:58
my grandma was an icelandic midwife.my grandfather a ship builder from bergen norway.my fathers family was german.i'v read how christianity was forced on europe with threats of death and alienation.im not a bigot or racist but i also am not jewish and do not worship their god.it is not my god. i'm a heathen,and thor is who i talk to and beleive in

Steamy Friday, January 25, 2002, 01:25:24
Close friends and kin in Arizona use the term Gothatru to include all the Gods & Goddesses (Aesir as well as Vanir). I also think the Giants and our ancestors should be included. Other true Asatruer can contact me at steamy@lvcm.com. Also find out more about me on http://www.steamy1.com. In firth -- Steamy :)

Nick Tyler Sunday, January 20, 2002, 14:16:18
I feel that the term Asatru sums it up, without having to include "folkish" front of it, or calling it "Norse paganism". To be true to the Gods and Godesses naturally means that you are being Folkish by following your own roots.

Noron Wednesday, January 16, 2002, 03:36:01
Personally I prefer the term Norse Heathen simply because I'm Norse and Heathen.

jonathan Thursday, December 27, 2001, 18:42:38
I prefer the term Heathen primarilly because it is a native word as opposed to the latin 'pagan' which has negative connotations (a good translation of that word would be 'hillbilly') Asatru is a modern word and I am not Icelandic in origin and cannot justify using exotic terms for day to day types of things. The whole 'Folkish' bit is a slightly redundant commentary and seems to only be as a reaction to the universalists (a nice way to say Norse wiccan)

Runesinger Sunday, December 16, 2001, 03:12:09
What... no choice of 'Northern European Aborigine'????

Thorir Svarti Sunday, December 16, 2001, 01:24:43
Just think, our heathen ancestors never had this sort of a problem:) If I have to define myself, then Heathen it is.

Brid N Saturday, December 15, 2001, 10:48:35
"Heathen" is a servicable term, but I still use "Teutonic Polytheist", as I knew the Gods long before I ever heard the word "Asatru". If one needs to label and explain that which should not be labeled for the benefit of the foreign and ignorant, than Greco-latin must suffice. They wouldn't know "Asatru" or "Eldright" or "Forn Sed" from a wyrm in the ground. For others who know the Gods, this is unnecessary.

Simon Collins Friday, November 09, 2001, 12:54:28
'Heathen' is my preferred term. It's traditional, it's widely understood, and it has a racy, edgy feel to it that I like. heathens should reclaim the word proudly and purge it of the perjorative connotations that the christians have given to it, as homosexuals have done with the word 'queer' . I may be a heathen, but I'm not an unenlightened one! There is an interesting article making this case in far greater detail - http://www.anglo-saxon.demon.co.uk/Skvala/Heathen.html Check it out!

V.Carole Tuesday, November 06, 2001, 00:39:28
When folk find out my beliefs,I get(Ooh you worship pagan Gods!),Isay YEP, I SUPPOSE I DO! and follow it with a nice sweet smile.This is the one thing I aint ashamed of,NO WAY! Since finding out that my ancestry is Irish/Norse(I traced it back)found out that King Ragnald,who settled in Ireland sent two of his norse generals over to the N/E of England and allocated land to them both,one of them was my ancestor who introduced the family name here. My Gods aren`t Christian Gods so I am PAGAN!!! AND PROUD OF IT!!!

scottscum Monday, October 15, 2001, 00:16:54
Sorry - but Ive never fully understood what the other labels mean, and I see the 'heathen' label as a more appropriate and contemporary term that encompasses all the others. Great site.

Axel Willekens Von Valfrücht Friday, October 12, 2001, 18:35:59
Odian is the right term form me - it means that I try to emulate Odin (doing it my own way of course), rather than pray to him - which I do as well.

Bob Trapp Thursday, September 27, 2001, 03:24:10
I like the word heathen because it can be fun. If I'm talking to a fundamentalist christian and describe my self as "an old heathen" they think I'm being humble. I get a giggle out of that.

KatRose Monday, September 24, 2001, 00:50:13
I just started my path into paganism, so, I really have no place to dedicate myself to a single path till I study as much about them all as I can. I normally call myself an Eclectic Wiccan with Asatru and Shaman tendancies.

Henri Urponpoika Sorvali Thursday, September 06, 2001, 12:49:47
Well,heh,as a Finn I really just HAD to vote for that. :)

tiurik Wednesday, August 08, 2001, 21:06:29
i am a völkischer asatruar, but i am not a nazi-pig

Chip Johnson Sunday, August 05, 2001, 17:08:54
I've been a member of the Arizona Kindred for decades. Though I do belong to a Folk, the word "Folkish" just doesn't sound right. For myself, I see my religion and the people locally who share it as my family, and the area of Midgard and Vinland I happen to be on as my "country". -I am NOT an american or any other term defining the others abd their herd.

Herbert Tuesday, July 17, 2001, 15:46:40
I prefer the term heathen as it is recognisable by most people

Bjarki Valgardson Friday, July 13, 2001, 17:04:28
I learned from another culture with our same ideals what the true meaning of Tribalism and Folkism is. My Navajo friends taught me the importance of culture and adopted me physically, but spiritually they always let me know that I was not one of them, nicely. I still call them my Brothers and Sisters and will always feel a close Kinship with them. Hail our Red Cousins!!

krabbenone Tuesday, July 10, 2001, 11:12:38

Dale C. Sunday, July 08, 2001, 04:52:41
I prefer the term "Northern Way," because it is more descriptive for us English speaking peoples.

madeleine Tuesday, June 26, 2001, 06:32:19
I prefer the term Heathen, though I also frequently use the term Asatru. When describing my spirituality to people unfamiliar with all the heathen/pagan labels, I usually refer to my belief system as "northern European heathen."

iris magnusdottir Tuesday, June 05, 2001, 17:25:25
to lisa: how is being modern different from traditional, how is being american different from any european version? i am only curious about your definitions, no criticism should be implied.

Lisa Saturday, May 05, 2001, 14:46:34
I call myself a Modern American Heathen.

Roy Tapio Kosonen (yggsson@webtv.net) Thursday, April 26, 2001, 15:44:06
I prefer to be called "Heathen" because it is more broad than "Asatru", "Vanatru", "Odinist", etc. All of those other terms do indeed describe what I am, but not completely. The reason is that my ancestry is Finnish, Baltic German (from Estonia) and Russian, so the call of the hereditary family spirituality of my ancestors, manifesting in me through my genes, includes the beliefs of these non-Germanic peoples, as well as the Germanic branch. The Finn in me, for example, influences me strongly to merge my spirit with the Spirits of my belovéd Ancestors and with the local Land Spirits whenever I go for a walk in the forest - it is a more primal, shamanic sort of spirituality than the formal focus on specific Gods and Goddesses. I do love our Gods and Goddesses, of course, but I feel more immediately connected with my own ancestors and with the Nature Spirits. I prefer to be called "Heathen" rather than "Pagan" because the latter term has become too synonymous nowadays with Wicca and "New Age" spirituality, and that is not for me. I need something that has blood, bone, soil and honor in it, and that has a healthy holistic balance (or blending) between darkness and light, earth and sky. Also, "Heathen" just sounds wild, dangerous, sexy, while "Pagan" does not. Hail all of our Holy Ones and all those who remain loyal to them!

Hammarens Ordens Sallskap Saturday, April 14, 2001, 05:57:35
We feel the terms Druidism or Truthinism to be closer and more correct.

iris magnusdottir Friday, April 13, 2001, 20:11:56
asatru describes what i believe (i.e., no love of vanir); perhaps "existential pagan" is also appropriate for me; i find some existential concepts valid and easily integrated into general paganism.

Ryan Fairhair Tuesday, March 06, 2001, 07:25:56
I consider myself to be an Asatruar. I am not a gothi, but I do consider myself a galdrmaðhr. I'm against authentic image possible. The majority of these people have no regard for the preservation of traditions and they don't seem to want to study anything. They just want a quik fix rather than working for it. It is my opiall forms of ecclectism and I'm against non-Asatruars such as Wiccans and New Agers in particular mixing our beliefs and practices with theirs without even considering how this deliberate mixing of traditions is negatively impacting Asatru's efforts to reconstruct our faith in the most nion that we must preserve Asatru for our ancestors and our children!

Jonathan Gilrain Saturday, March 03, 2001, 04:32:53
Although I like the sound of Asatru, and I generally acknowledge the Gods by their Norse names, I personally prefer Heathen. My own ancestory runs a fairly even split between Norweigan, German and Anglo-Saxon, with allowances for what else the Gods only know! I'm still not sure if this causes me a sense of inner division, or if I feel myself to be a "man of the greater Heathen world." ;-)Heathen is however, the word I most commonly use to describe my spiritual beliefs. I love the sharp glances it draws from Christians, (would that Paul had died on the road!). Whatever different names we call ourselves or our religion, we must not let that damage the common ground upon which we all stand. In the face of a largely monotheistic world, we must encourage each other in the growth of what is important to us!

Dale Overman Monday, February 26, 2001, 23:24:28
Some call themselves Asatru or Odinist. I follow the old gods of the germanic people with some celtic mixing. I am then a northern heathen.. I think we all have our own bent on religion..Be it Asatru or norse wicca we are all heathens.

ThorinSkald Thursday, February 22, 2001, 06:36:39
When asked by students when I am substituting or storytelling, I tell them I am of the Norse Tradition. Here in Michigan harldy anyone has heard of Asatru, and being a pagan is like worshiping the devil. At least that's the way it is in SW Michigan. Too many Christains, and too much gold in their churches. Ah for the old days! (Just kidding I suppose.) Makes you wonder what our world would be like today if that obscure religion from the Middle East had not spread the way it did.

Nik Warrensson Saturday, February 17, 2001, 20:21:50
The term "Forn Sed" is not here and it should be.

Aois-Dubh Wednesday, January 10, 2001, 03:29:12
jag brukar termen Teutonic/Norse Pagan till beskriva mig själv. jag tänka fakta åt den gir en helt förståndet om mig överbevisningarna. i use the term Teutonic/Norse Pagan for describing myself. I think it is the best term and gives a clear understanding of my beliefs. Sorry about the poor Swedish-i'm learning. haha

Mattias Sunday, December 17, 2000, 19:07:50
In sweden some people,including me,use the term "old beliver".It's a bit diffucult to translate.

Kane MacTuathal Friday, December 15, 2000, 05:28:04
I feel that Odinist describes me the best. But I also feel that Asatru and Norse Pagan Describe me

Hélio Wednesday, September 06, 2000, 23:11:50
I prefer, in English, the term heathen: it does not refer to any specific "clan" of gods such as Vanir or Aesir (Asatru or Vanatru), it does not point out to a single god (Odinism, for instance) and it avoids geographical connotations such as Norse or Nordic (the norse weren't the only ones worshiping Odin, Freyr, Tyr, Freya, etc, all Germanic tribes did it. The Anglo-saxon, the Francs and others are not included in the "nordic" definition!)and Germanic, altough this is the most correct definition of our form of paganism, but people keep thiking in Germany when one says it! That's why I prefer heathen: its a germanic word and does not limite the enfloding of our various beliefs. Wassail! Hélio

Piparskegg Wednesday, August 02, 2000, 16:58:08
I have come to the understanding, through some study, that the Æsir and Vanir were revered by the Peoples of Northern Europe, particularly those whom we still call Germanic and Nordic, and not in southrn Europe, Asia, Africa or the Americas as a matter of course. I believe that one's Kinship to That which is Holy is bound up in the Órlay of one's Ancestry. I am of predominantly Northern Heritage and am most comfortable with those who resemble me most strongly. But, as an adult of many years experience speaking and working with others not of my Heritage, I have taken the decision that it is unthinking and disrepectful to be "Racist." There are men and women of Worth everywhere. While I admit to some difficulty with the concept, the Gods are the only ones to measure the Trúness of any man or women who stands Blót before them.

Teleri Tuesday, April 18, 2000, 22:04:40
I often refer to myself as an agnostic Norse pagan. This tends to confuse the hel out of the mundanes!

Neal Cornett Sunday, March 19, 2000, 19:59:02
I have followed the Anglo-Saxon lunar calendar descrobed in Bede's De temporum ratione since 1986. My religious beliefs are essentially Anglian in inspiration, supplemented by the literature of both the Anglo-Saxon and Icelandic peoples. I generally use the term witch of myself and the term witchcraft of my religion. This is the usage I see of those terms in the earliest Anglo-Saxon texts concerning witchcraft, in which the Christian writers use these terms of those who in their own day persisted in the ancestral religion. Being more Vanir oriented, as the Anglian areas of England were, than Æsir oriented, I have preferred this usage to the term Asatru, since my personal practices and beliefs are sufficiently different from mainstream Asatru that I feel it would be misleading of me to use the latter term. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Wesaþ ge hale!

Janis Gusdal Tuesday, February 29, 2000, 00:35:27
I was raised protestant and converted to roman catholism as an adult and drifted away from there in my late twenties till two years ago and came back but the doubt that caused me to drift are still there and as myself and my husband continue to grow and study and question we find that what we feel in our hearts cannot be found with in christianity this especially is the case with my husband we don't feel we belong. We are both strongly interested and are drawn to the past and the ancient faith and beliefs of our ancestors. We feel drawn to the asatru faith and wish to become connected with a local group. Sincerely Janis Gusdal

Runewight Monday, January 24, 2000, 21:58:01
I prefer this term strictly as a badge of honor as it was a term used by xians once to demonize us

russ the runester Tuesday, November 02, 1999, 22:24:55
i perfer to call my self northern europen aborigine

Helgi Dagsson Tuesday, July 20, 1999, 19:28:59
I'd use the term, "Vanatru" really to emphasize that I'm far more attuned to the Vanir than the AEsir.

Poll opened July 8, 1999.