Steve, would you be willing to do a video wherein you talk a little bit about your own personal spiritual journey, how you came to Asatru? Every person has a unique journey, and it'd be kind of interesting to hear your story. Please update soon, and same with the podcast. I think the wider world needs to hear more from you.
Brother at 3:36 seconds of the video something moved past the top of your head on the left of the screen that looked like smoke what was thus? Is that a reflection? Or am I imagine this?
Thank you for your wisdom. It is much appreciated. I wear the hammer. I gain the inspiration. I harness the might. I live the life. Keep up this work, and hail the Gods.
Hi! I'm sorry if your message hasn't been answered. There are many options available to you. Remember, you are not required to drink mead, and it should never be expected of someone underage, a pregrnant woman, a personal with an alcohol addiction or on medication, For your personal blots, juice, water, water w/honey -- are all acceptable. Remember, the Gods don't need the mead. They DO need your might, your main, your troth. Simply raise a horn, and HAIl the Gods!
@smcnallen all they want is to be remembered and our appreation. by the way i love all ur vids.. i live here in germany and i still see the volk acting in these old ways with each other.
6:10-6:38 is a great way of explaining things. This ideology goes hand in hand with how our ancestors lived concerning laws, virtue, etc. Freedom, democracy, honor, true free-will. Tyrant God/King with sheep-ish subjects who think that their bodies, intelligence, freedom is not important or even evil was foreign to our ancestors and any moral, sane person today.
A way of life & philosophy for heroes, not begging or prostrating in fear but loving, sharing, thriving, and fighting for good.
We know little to nothing about the Etruscan religion except a very few obtuse quotes in Roman writings. Unfortunately, Etruscan remains undecipherable.
The Etruscans are only distantly related by blood (as Europeans) and not at all related by language or history (Germanic peoples never came into direct contact with Etruscans).
Similarities, if any will ever be discovered, will be purely coincidental.
Religious ritual generally constitutes an exception to laws concerning alcohol. The Catholic mass utilizes wine (albeit it with a weak alcoholic content).
@ratteder1ste Actually, I'm acquainted with several African Americans who are adherents of Asatru. They find that the way of the Norse Gods resonates with them. This is understandable since the focus on independence and personal responsibility and empowerment have a natural appeal to members of any group that is emerging from oppression. One of them was a dear friend who we lost several years ago. We'll miss him. He was a gentle giant. One of the most kind and caring people I have ever met.
Isn't it unhealthy to pass the horn around to several people to drink from? ie couldn't people pass on germs and illnesses that way? Would it be an acceptable alternative to pour the mead into individual cups which were passed around and drunk that way?
@bKiwiD We have a custom. We announce that if anyone has recently had or thinks they are coming down with a cold or flu, they can request a paper cup, which we keep a small stack of near the altar.
my drinking horn is crystal, my mead is pure honey made and 40 proof, and i always drink alone except for the company of the gods. no one taught me but i always knew to drink with an offering and gratitude.
but i didn't know they give back through the drink, i just felt they always give back directly in the heart. And believe me the gods give back, none of my sifus or kung fu brothers could improve at my speed, and within 9 months, masters who had 20 years exp were no match for me.
Me, I'm a very....um, sensual individual, so I like including a lot of other things to enhance the atmosphere of any ritual I do. So I do like to keep some candles lit near the ritual area, in a color suited to the ritual purpose, and I love the scent of pine incense, so occasionally I use that too. I like getting all the senses involved, as much as I can. It might not be very "traditional" but I think the effect is worthwhile.
Hopefully these will soon be available on DVD as well. We could purchase these DVDs from the AFA, and I could show them to my non-heathen, non-pagan friends and family to explain what we do.
I think you should celebrate Midsommar like here in Sweden. We've had this tradition for over 1000 years and it's a festival to celebrate fertility. If you look at the midsummer pole it represents a penis (the pole and the rings) but also the uterus.
Hail Dan! Steve and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing your practices and perspective on Asatru. We have much in common, I think, and look forward to meeting you in person some day. Good luck with your videos and outreach! Sheila McNallen
There are many ways of doing blot, but if you think of it in terms of Gebo, a gift for a gift, and focus on the two parts of the blot, you can't go wrong. I've attended many blots where it was all about receiving the gifts of the Gods. We don't think it works that way.
Wow thanks you our a trully wise personI always wondered this but was afraid to ask this when I did ask this question no one could give me a good asnwer....
It is especially good that Stephen focuses in that the gods are not superior to us in terms of 'goodness' (i.e. the christian God], because cush a thing doesn't exist in norse religion. The norse mights are humans, mean to symbolize human qualities - they are ourselves, they are our ancestors.
The traditional way of the blot was to pass the mead or toast around, so that everyone could share it. I think Stephen focuses a bit too much on the 'divine', which seounds a bit too 'religious', and not the social, which was the most important of primeval life. Though, Stephen has very interesting lessons!
I guess we will disagree on this. There are plenty of times to pass the horn and be social - such as the sumbel. In a small group, we often do pass the horn, although sprinkling is traditional too. But if you've attended large functions, you have probably noticed that it's hard to maintain a high energy level if the horn is passed to dozens of people. Steve's blots are always intense and powerful as we focus on the Divine, the Gods and Goddesses, with whom we do blot. Sheila McNallen
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
im not shure what you are doing? sounds little like christen religion? if you read someting about viking religon you will se that you have no ide what you talking about.
Thank you very much for posting this video! As a nearly solitary follower of Asatru, I've never had an opportunity really to participate in a blot but I hope to change that soon.
Well, I was just curious. Maybe some groups within Asatru have a hall-idis who does the serving, and some do not. Not sure if there is or even should be a standardized way of handling that. I have served as a hall-idis and enjoyed it a great deal, and it is a tremendous responsibility as well as a consciousness-altering event.
We have speical, honored roles for the women in the AFA. One thing we do is prepare the horn before any blot or sumbel. Though Steve sometimes carries the horn and does the blessing during smaller blots, women always handle that role during sumbel. And we think of it more as a deep connection with the Norns, rather than the Valkyries.
part two is great too! :) thank you from an AFA member and fellow Asatruar. Very informative as my family and I know of exactly ZERO Asatruar in our area and have never actually met other Heathens.
Oh, I do have another question. How much difference is there, if any, between a blot and a faining?
chalicechiq 3 weeks ago
Steve, would you be willing to do a video wherein you talk a little bit about your own personal spiritual journey, how you came to Asatru? Every person has a unique journey, and it'd be kind of interesting to hear your story. Please update soon, and same with the podcast. I think the wider world needs to hear more from you.
chalicechiq 3 weeks ago
Am i only one that sees that? It goes all the way up to left corner of screen in less than a half of a second? Whats this?
Phantom14ify 1 month ago
Its at exactly 3:38 seconds of the video at the top left side of your head.I was just curious.
Phantom14ify 1 month ago
Brother at 3:36 seconds of the video something moved past the top of your head on the left of the screen that looked like smoke what was thus? Is that a reflection? Or am I imagine this?
Phantom14ify 1 month ago
Hail Thor-show thy might,
Let thunder roar and lightning strike!
Hurl thy hammer into the fray,
And let thine enemies know fear this day!
Thank you for your wisdom. It is much appreciated. I wear the hammer. I gain the inspiration. I harness the might. I live the life. Keep up this work, and hail the Gods.
Coleybears1 10 months ago 4
@Coleybears1 Hail Thor!
annikee59 8 months ago
does everyone who share european blood, even if it isn't directly belong to the greater family?
norb1228 11 months ago
@norb1228 sorry for my bad english jeje i hope that the question es understandable and also if you read this thanks for the time
norb1228 11 months ago
Where can I get one of those Drinking horns?
Lesson69PAC 1 year ago
@Lesson69PAC
Hi - Google "drinking horns" and you'll immediately get a lot of links.
Steve McNallen
Asatru Folk Assembly
smcnallen 1 year ago
I don't have the needed stuff to make mead or of age to drink wine, so are their any alternatives?
havenameofsort 1 year ago
@havenameofsort
Hi! I'm sorry if your message hasn't been answered. There are many options available to you. Remember, you are not required to drink mead, and it should never be expected of someone underage, a pregrnant woman, a personal with an alcohol addiction or on medication, For your personal blots, juice, water, water w/honey -- are all acceptable. Remember, the Gods don't need the mead. They DO need your might, your main, your troth. Simply raise a horn, and HAIl the Gods!
smcnallen 10 months ago 4
@smcnallen all they want is to be remembered and our appreation. by the way i love all ur vids.. i live here in germany and i still see the volk acting in these old ways with each other.
killincommies88 1 month ago
6:10-6:38 is a great way of explaining things. This ideology goes hand in hand with how our ancestors lived concerning laws, virtue, etc. Freedom, democracy, honor, true free-will. Tyrant God/King with sheep-ish subjects who think that their bodies, intelligence, freedom is not important or even evil was foreign to our ancestors and any moral, sane person today.
A way of life & philosophy for heroes, not begging or prostrating in fear but loving, sharing, thriving, and fighting for good.
dannysees 1 year ago
scribd (dot) com/nb812
DreamsofMajesty 1 year ago
@xxxEphemeranxxx
We know little to nothing about the Etruscan religion except a very few obtuse quotes in Roman writings. Unfortunately, Etruscan remains undecipherable.
The Etruscans are only distantly related by blood (as Europeans) and not at all related by language or history (Germanic peoples never came into direct contact with Etruscans).
Similarities, if any will ever be discovered, will be purely coincidental.
pupsenok 1 year ago
I'm under 21, is there an acceptable substitute for mead?
Thunderer18 1 year ago
@Thunderer18
Religious ritual generally constitutes an exception to laws concerning alcohol. The Catholic mass utilizes wine (albeit it with a weak alcoholic content).
pupsenok 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Alert!! Racist!!!
ratteder1ste 1 year ago
Asatru isn't racist. You can be pro-White and not hate other races.
HoundofOdin 1 year ago 14
@ratteder1ste Actually, I'm acquainted with several African Americans who are adherents of Asatru. They find that the way of the Norse Gods resonates with them. This is understandable since the focus on independence and personal responsibility and empowerment have a natural appeal to members of any group that is emerging from oppression. One of them was a dear friend who we lost several years ago. We'll miss him. He was a gentle giant. One of the most kind and caring people I have ever met.
Surt811 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Achtung!!! Rassist!!!!
ratteder1ste 1 year ago
Pozdrowienia z Polski. Sława!
Racibor777 1 year ago
I need to speak to stephen mcnallen, can someone help me?
Zodomir 1 year ago
Is there a historical or literary basis for this rite? I am asking in a non-antagonistic, respectful way. Thank you.
heikkuri 1 year ago
excellent video, thanks so much!
FluffyFeralMarmot 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
why do people still follow primitive religions?
Another note: NICE SYMBOL ON THE HORN! WPWW!
BlackMetalChristian 2 years ago
@BlackMetalChristian because we don't want to follow the slavery of christianity,
but the freedom of life, and the freedom of our own being
metalgod1993 1 year ago 4
I have a question:
Isn't it unhealthy to pass the horn around to several people to drink from? ie couldn't people pass on germs and illnesses that way? Would it be an acceptable alternative to pour the mead into individual cups which were passed around and drunk that way?
bKiwiD 2 years ago 2
You could always just do the evergreen thing that he mentioned, but drinking it does sound easier..
Mexicunt100 2 years ago
@bKiwiD We have a custom. We announce that if anyone has recently had or thinks they are coming down with a cold or flu, they can request a paper cup, which we keep a small stack of near the altar.
Surt811 1 year ago
Awesome videos.
SeriusTruth 2 years ago 3
my drinking horn is crystal, my mead is pure honey made and 40 proof, and i always drink alone except for the company of the gods. no one taught me but i always knew to drink with an offering and gratitude.
but i didn't know they give back through the drink, i just felt they always give back directly in the heart. And believe me the gods give back, none of my sifus or kung fu brothers could improve at my speed, and within 9 months, masters who had 20 years exp were no match for me.
bhibatsu 2 years ago 6
woden fu hahaha
but on a serious note, great videos.
xXMrD3ATHXx 2 years ago
shutup child.
Flanker345 1 year ago
Sehr gut gemacht! Heil den Götter und Göttinnen.
Very well done! Hail the gods and goddesses.
blackmirror530 2 years ago
Me, I'm a very....um, sensual individual, so I like including a lot of other things to enhance the atmosphere of any ritual I do. So I do like to keep some candles lit near the ritual area, in a color suited to the ritual purpose, and I love the scent of pine incense, so occasionally I use that too. I like getting all the senses involved, as much as I can. It might not be very "traditional" but I think the effect is worthwhile.
sundragon0330 2 years ago 2
I unfortunately accidentally gave your video a one star rating while trying to unpause it = (
I apologize for my blunder as this is certainly a 5 star video.
Iaen 2 years ago
very nice thank you for explaining and ahil from germany!
flaggschiff 2 years ago
You could add subtitles, so our faith can get to other countries.
Wipja 2 years ago 4
Subtitles! Great idea!
Hopefully these will soon be available on DVD as well. We could purchase these DVDs from the AFA, and I could show them to my non-heathen, non-pagan friends and family to explain what we do.
sundragon0330 2 years ago 2
Very well spoken brother
odddom4 3 years ago 10
I think you should celebrate Midsommar like here in Sweden. We've had this tradition for over 1000 years and it's a festival to celebrate fertility. If you look at the midsummer pole it represents a penis (the pole and the rings) but also the uterus.
You dance around it, sing songs and drink!
SlaytheAngels 3 years ago 5
Comment removed
SlaytheAngels 3 years ago
Hail Dan! Steve and I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing your practices and perspective on Asatru. We have much in common, I think, and look forward to meeting you in person some day. Good luck with your videos and outreach! Sheila McNallen
smcnallen 3 years ago
how do you know the sacrificed animals??
nithyanandamtemple 3 years ago
The Kindred here does things slightly different than you've explained, but it's essentially the same. I guess there are many ways to do a blot.
raphael3712 3 years ago
There are many ways of doing blot, but if you think of it in terms of Gebo, a gift for a gift, and focus on the two parts of the blot, you can't go wrong. I've attended many blots where it was all about receiving the gifts of the Gods. We don't think it works that way.
Sheila McNallen
smcnallen 3 years ago
Say, Stephen...was it near to Yule when you made this video? I'm seeing what look like reindeer on your hearth, decorated in red something. :)
hlinskona 3 years ago
Yes, I keep my reindeer around all year, decorated with red berries. Sheila McNallen
smcnallen 3 years ago
Wow thanks you our a trully wise personI always wondered this but was afraid to ask this when I did ask this question no one could give me a good asnwer....
AngjiDanTomas 3 years ago
It is especially good that Stephen focuses in that the gods are not superior to us in terms of 'goodness' (i.e. the christian God], because cush a thing doesn't exist in norse religion. The norse mights are humans, mean to symbolize human qualities - they are ourselves, they are our ancestors.
smedaas 3 years ago
The traditional way of the blot was to pass the mead or toast around, so that everyone could share it. I think Stephen focuses a bit too much on the 'divine', which seounds a bit too 'religious', and not the social, which was the most important of primeval life. Though, Stephen has very interesting lessons!
smedaas 3 years ago
I guess we will disagree on this. There are plenty of times to pass the horn and be social - such as the sumbel. In a small group, we often do pass the horn, although sprinkling is traditional too. But if you've attended large functions, you have probably noticed that it's hard to maintain a high energy level if the horn is passed to dozens of people. Steve's blots are always intense and powerful as we focus on the Divine, the Gods and Goddesses, with whom we do blot. Sheila McNallen
smcnallen 3 years ago
oh only blod is...
sorry :)
it;s still pronounced the same way though...
Yggdynaer 3 years ago
blot/blod is also the scandinavian word for blood, (german: blut, dutch: bloed) all pronounced bloot(oo as in cookie)
Yggdynaer 3 years ago
Ich trinke blut durch einen vuruckstroh
FatherFalcone3 3 years ago
Dind´t they sacrefice animals and such during the mideval times?
gustaf2adolf 3 years ago
A very educational video, it really clears things up and has answered many of the questions I've had.
Excellent job. :]
Kmozzzz 3 years ago
Great vid's Steve!
Very "direct", looking forward to more.
tbroaofbtvohfm 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
im not shure what you are doing? sounds little like christen religion? if you read someting about viking religon you will se that you have no ide what you talking about.
pumkin1992 3 years ago
Steve here very well knows what he's talking about. Perhaps you should reflect on your own knowledge.
Anyway. Excellent video Steve.
Reidhir 3 years ago 4
*chuckles*
Well said, well said. :)
bloodymissb 3 years ago
Hi from Toronto!
Thank you Mr. McNallen. Very nicely done.
indigoattila 3 years ago
Thank you very much for posting this video! As a nearly solitary follower of Asatru, I've never had an opportunity really to participate in a blot but I hope to change that soon.
tribblehappy 3 years ago
Stephen, you do not have a hall-idis who serves the participants?
autumnwindwalker 3 years ago
These are just the first videos. Stephen is trying to introduce newcomers and educate outsiders all in one presentation.
d4rkher0 3 years ago
Well, I was just curious. Maybe some groups within Asatru have a hall-idis who does the serving, and some do not. Not sure if there is or even should be a standardized way of handling that. I have served as a hall-idis and enjoyed it a great deal, and it is a tremendous responsibility as well as a consciousness-altering event.
autumnwindwalker 3 years ago
We have speical, honored roles for the women in the AFA. One thing we do is prepare the horn before any blot or sumbel. Though Steve sometimes carries the horn and does the blessing during smaller blots, women always handle that role during sumbel. And we think of it more as a deep connection with the Norns, rather than the Valkyries.
smcnallen 3 years ago
Sheila, could someone do a video someday on the role of women in the AFA? I think it'd be fascinating.
sundragon0330 2 years ago
Thank you so much for these videos!
erinwright1 3 years ago
great clip, love your work.
WoWKick 3 years ago
Great video Steve...we need more of your wisdom shared when you have the time. Hails!
heartlandheathen 3 years ago
Hail Steve!!
Great job! We need more of your knowledge and insight! I look forward to many more!
Delbert Hiestand
devanhie 3 years ago
Well done Steve! Thank you for taking time out of your crazy-busy life to make these videos!
Glad Frith from Oregon,
Ryan
G0Ducks 3 years ago
Stephen, Very well done!
Hail the AFA
eoghanodinsson 3 years ago
Well done, Steve!
Do you mind if I post links to this video amongst other Asatruar I know?
Hildulf 3 years ago
Hail Steve! Thank you for this explanation. It really helped.
Hail the AFA!
SparksBrosPictures 3 years ago
In Blóting rite, and effort Trú
We honor Gods, with Right Good Will
Raise our voices, in bright, fair praise
And share some Drink, which hands have made
Ye Piparskeggrsmal - Stave 58
Thanks Steve and Sheila.
Ullarsskald1989 3 years ago
part two is great too! :) thank you from an AFA member and fellow Asatruar. Very informative as my family and I know of exactly ZERO Asatruar in our area and have never actually met other Heathens.
cowdragon 3 years ago
Thank you for posting this :) Hail Steven McNallen! Hail the Folk!
odinismforus 3 years ago
Heill mate! Good job! really liked these 2 videos. Are there any more you have?
tyrhermod 3 years ago