Germanic Paganism

This image is titled “a heathen procession” From the Vitaspatrum, Süddeutschland 1477

Theology proper is fundamentally the study of the divine. This is a systematic method of study that can and should be applied across all faiths.   What this consists of is not just an analysis of the history and culture of a deity, but also a study of the essence of a deity by studying the nature of their actions, their divine narrative, attributes and power, cultic role, ritual observances and methods of worship, as well as the eschatology of a deity (if applicable).   This methodology must then be applied to ritual action and worship, as academic study when not paired with experiential wisdom is simply regurgitation and meaningless.

Humans as trees A kenning used for the word "warrior" in the skaldic poetry provides Germanic Pagans with an insightful look at how our ancestors conceived of humans, linking back to our creation in the Vǫluspá. The term kringinn bör hjörþings means "the smart tree of the sword-assembly." Another term used for warrior is Ógnrakkr álmr dynskúrar málma, meaning "Battle-brave elm of the din-shower of weapons." In an anonymous lausavísur in the Saga of Magnus Barefoot, a warrior by the name of Þórir is referred to as Lundr hjǫrs: Ullstrengr spurði orði, hvé Þórir mætti; skip renndusk at hvatla; sverð snarpra fyrða bitu slætt. Lundr hjǫrs kvazk heill at hǫndum en hrumr at fótum; frôgum þat gǫrva; glamm grjóts gerðisk á borði. "Ullstrengr ("Wool-band") asked how Þórir was faring; the ships closed quickly; the swords of keen warriors bit bluntly. The tree of the sword (warrior, Þórir) said he was hale of hand but halt of foot; we heard that clearly; there was a crash of rocks against the planking." In these three instances, humans are referred to as trees. This is because our ancestors understood humans to have been created from driftwood by Odin, Hoenir and Lothurr, which is preserved in the poem Vǫluspá, stanzas 17-18 in the Poetic Edda.

Hail Woden, the kin-wise raven-tester, thou who art known by many names.

Hail to Baldr One day the Bright One will bring back His prosperity Then fields unsowed bear ripened fruit, All ills grow better, and Baldr comes back - 62, Völuspá

Today is the fifth full moon of the year, which I believe was the original date of the fire festival of the god known in England as Bældæġ "pyre day" and in Germany as Phol where the festival was called Pholtag "Phol day". The Anglo-Saxon god Bældæg is the Norse god Baldr https://odysee.com/@SurvivetheJive:c/balday:2?r=AEKqgwkPWidrWMdxwxNjBE8p3kA9tT6n

Most likely not Germanic but possibly Celtic. Discovered at Roos Carr, near Withernsea, East Yorkshire. Made of Yew with detachable genitalia and quartzite eyes. Radiocarbon dated to 606-508. Thought to have been deposited in water as a votive offering.

For anyone new wondering what a basic offering looks like, check out this video. Offerings can be grand animal sacrifices held by you and those close to you. Or an offering can just be a solitary gift of libation in the woods. A gift, a flame, and true intentions are the only required ingredients for worship. https://youtu.be/ehre93FMors?si=qD-3GjJv9AYlZ-K9

Credit: Pagan Revivalism