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                               ASATRU
                               -~-~-~
 
  Asatru (also known as Odinism) is the ancient religion of the far north
lands; Germany, Norway, Sweden, Northern Great Britain, etc.  The word comes
from the Icelandic language meaning "True to the Asa".  The Asa are the Gods
known as the Aesir and the Vanir.  Most of them are familiar, in name at
least, to many of us: Odin, Thor, Loki, Tyr, Baldur, Heimdall, Frigga, Freya,
Freyr, and others.  The Aesir are primarily warrior gods, and generally
counted as higher than the Vanir.  The Vanir are mostly fertility gods
and gods of riches, though they also fight.  At one time the two races
of gods warred against each other.  Finally a truce was held and
hostages exchanged/and peace was established, between the gods at least.
 
   Asatru also is working to reestablish the tradition of family, kith
and kindred.  Working together to help others and to make each other
strong. Many of todays religions tend to seperate people and to
emphasize the individual. "YOU" must be saved!  "YOU" must save others,
so that "YOU" can gain a higher place in heaven.  Etc.  Asatru believes
that each person is dependant on others and that only by working
together can people truly live in harmony. This is not to say that
everyone does shares everything.  One person may be the one to keep the
village supplied with wood while another keeps the sheep and another
bakes the loaves.  One person may protect the other with his/her
knowledge of laws, another watching the children, and yet another
providing transportation.
 
  The Worlds that are held together and reached by the world tree,
Yggdrassil are also believed in.  Asgard, Muspelheim, Vanaheim, Midgard
(our earthly realm), Svartelfheim, Lightelfheim, Jotunheim, Hel &
Nifelheim are the Nine worlds of the Odinist.  These are realms of Gods,
humans, light elfs, dark elfs, dwarves, giants and others.  These worlds
are connected by the world tree and can be reached via travelling the
branches, roots, limbs and trunks. Some are also connected via special
bridges such as Bifrost, the Rainbow Bridge, that connects Midgard to
Asgard, realm of the Gods.
 
  There are many myths and legends, many gods and races, many demons and
evil spirits, many worlds, many rituals and forms of magic.  All in all,
Asatru is a rich and vibrant religion and way of life.

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