I am studying into heathenism and I wish to know if the only pantheon worshiped in this system were of Odin and that group. I would also like to know how to pay respects and offerings to the gods and goddesses.
Re: Paths of heathenism By: Personified / Knowledgeable
Post # 2 Jul 22, 2013
The different sects of Heathenry focus on working with different wights from the main pantheons, in general. The main pantheons consist of the Aesir (war Gods), Vanir (fertility Gods) and the Rokkr (chaotic Gods). Thus, Asatruars focus on working with the Aesir (where Odin falls under) and sometimes include the Vanir. Vanatruars focus on just the Vanir deities. Rokkatruars focus on the Rokkr (like Loki and Hel). And so on.
There are many, many different sects of Heathenry, a few of which I listed in the Welcome to Heathenry thread. You may want to look into those different sects to learn more specifically about them. CleverName wrote another thread in the Norse Paganism forum called Norse Divinity which gives an introduction to some of the main deities and how to work with/honor them. You should read that too.
If you have specific deities in mind, or you're interested in including the vaettir/Alfar/jotunfolk, I can help you further. Keep in mind that eclectic Heathens are open to working with deities from any Norse "pantheon" and don't have to label themselves further into the Heathen categories like Asatruars, Odinists, etc.
I would worship gods and goddesses of the Rokkr group. Thank you for the information and I was also wondering if the celtic pantheon could be worshiped in a heathen style. Would something of that sort still be heathen.
Re: Paths of heathenism By: LokisDottir / Knowledgeable
Post # 4 Jul 22, 2013
The Rokkr consists mainly of: Loki, Hel, Fenrir, Jormungandr, Nidhogg, Angrboda and Surt. Some other lesser known deities such as Narvi and Vali, Mordgud, and Mengloth are counted as Rokkr as well. It is slightly less defined as the Aesir and Vanir. So the exact way you would honor them is a little more independent and vague. Your first step would be to read some literature about the Rokkr deities and get to know them before you start including them in your work or honoring them.
As for your other question: Yes, you could certainly apply the Heathen-style of honoring/working with the Gods to those Gods, though it'd be more eclectic Heathenry than any predefined sect I can think of off the top of my head.
Thank you. I did like what I've read about the kinship system in heathenry. I already unknowingly used that system through out my life. I believe one must be loyal to family, friends, and the divinity which they worship if any.
Re: Paths of heathenism By: Personified / Knowledgeable
Post # 6 Jul 23, 2013
An important aspect of Heathenry is loyalty, as mentioned in the NNV (nine noble virtues), but not blind loyalty. But it's not blind loyalty either, especially with the Gods. Some Heathens feel uncomfortable about using the word worship and tend to call it honoring instead- as the relation most Heathens develop with the Gods is not one of blind faith and trust. Rather it's almost like a barter system and friendship you work on developing. You strive to include the Gods in your life and get to know them, as you would a friend. You include them in your work and ask that they help you in certain areas, and in return you honor them and give them offerings, etc. It's a system I very much enjoy.
I already do that and I did read the areas that they believe loyalty is to be used. I honor my family, clan, and my gods and goddesses by asking there help and giving offerings. I will be loyal to them for as long as they are kind and loyal to me.
While there are seperate pantheons I would suggest getting to know all of the gods. I don't follow one specifically and I have an oath with odin and a good standing relationship with Hel. Even just looking at those pantheons you can kinda see how there are gods of the heavens the earth and the underworld, they are all interrelated and all play a part in eachother as shown in the valknut. As Odin is a lord of war and knowledge he is also a lord of the dead, really encompassing all three being the all father