Rules and Statement of Purpose Heimdall's Lur Kindred Membership Heimdall's Lur activities are open to non-members as long as they are known to a member of Heimdall's Lur and invited by the group. New people (that we have not yet met in person) interested in participating in our group activities will be first met in a neutral setting, such as a coffee shop or restaurant for a very casual screening process. Should a non-member decide to officially join the kindred, the members will discuss the candidates eligibility and decide membership through a blind vote. New members of the kindred will be considered "probationary" for one year. We have found that the first year in Asatru is crucial for learning, adjustment and acclamation. To protect new members and insure that this first year is positve and successful, there will be no romantic involvement between probationary members and other members of Heimdall's Lur during a new member's first year. The probationary member may, of course, pursue romantic relationships outside the group and the rule does not apply to people who are in a relationship at the time they join. Also, new members will refrain from choosing a permanent "Norse Name" until their first year is complete. Current Practices Ritual Practices We write our own rituals and encourage everyone to participate in the activity rather than watch passively. New members are encouraged to write their own rites as their skill and inspiration allows. We encourage participants to wear traditional Norse clothing and weapons and do so ourselves, however this is not a requirement. Skill Building We endeavour to be as well-rounded as possible when it comes to intellectual, magical and creative abilities. To this end we study, we practice magical concepts and we work on learning traditional skills such as forging, spinning, leatherwork and woodwork. Through all of these, we not only learn about these things, but continually create an intimate and active connection to our heritage and the natural world around us. Physical Challenges It has been our experience that physically moving out into new experiences (with all senses open) is particularly stimulating to spiritual growth in Asatru. This can come in many forms such as a defensive arts class or a trip to a large pagan gathering in the woods. We will also set up specific "physical challenges" or tasks that can be undertaken by members to move forward spritually. This will be done on a purely voluntary basis. General Philosophy (This is based upon a set of principles put together by a group of Wiccans in Minneapolis, MN in 1974. Although, we never mix wiccan practices in with our own, we were impressed with what they came up with and felt it reflected much of our own philosophy) We see majick, religion, and wisdom in living as being inexorably intertwined in the way one views the world and lives within it. We recognize that the gods are both male and female but that neither is valued above the other... that all people function in both domains and that the best results are achieved when both genders are given a full voice in concert. We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy who claims to have the "keys to the kingdom" but honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge or wisdom, and acknowldge those who give of themselves in leadership roles. We do not seek power through the suffering of others. We will not falsely build ourselves up by tearing others down. We hold no animosity towards Christianity or any other religion or philosophy, except to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way" and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religous pratice and belief. We are open to others, but not to those self-serving people on power trips or to philosophies or principles which are contradictory to our own. However, in excluding some, we seek to include others who are interested in sincerely learning our knowledge and faith... to those we invite their participation. We seek to act responsibly towards our environment and to live in harmony with nature wherever possible. We pratice rites which seek to atune us to the natural rhythms of the seasonal tides and to the land. Although we look to the past for guidance, we are modern Americans and reflect that reality as well. Future Directions Outreach As an extension of our hospitality, we will eventually establish charitable and educational outreach activities for ourselves which may include the following: food bank work, clothing drives, facilitation of racist tattoo removal, road clean-up, educational events, classes, etc. The extent and speed with which we implement this will be determined by resource and time availability of the members of Heimdall's Lur. Growth We recognize that, if we do our job well, people within our kindred will grow to the point where they need to assume positions of leadership. We will plan for these eventual split-offs from Heimdall's Lur. We will actively support the formation of new branch kindreds with the aim of maintaining healthy and thriving relationships with each new group and their members. home |
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