When are we going to continue?

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

I'd love to know if the course is going to continue. While we did cover the holy tides we didn't really get into blots and symbles and other rites. And I wanna finish the rest of the lessons. :boing: :boing: :boing:

[Nantonos]

I would like to as well. The question is how - as a community peer-teaching effort, or...

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Well, aefentid was back. I had been hoping that she could continue teaching, but barring that, I do think the whle peer teaching idea would work.

[mucgwyrt]

Looks like a community effort to me. Between us all, starting with a 'study topic' or something, we should be able to be quite thorough :D

[mothwench]

we could also recruit teachers in our signatures. :2G:



*sigh* :awwman:


okay, so what topic are we going to study first? should we stick to aefentid's curriculum thingy? that might be a good idea so as not to confuse any people who happen to drop in.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

we could also recruit teachers in our signatures. :2G:



*sigh* :awwman:


okay, so what topic are we going to study first? should we stick to aefentid's curriculum thingy? that might be a good idea so as not to confuse any people who happen to drop in.

I think that's a great idea to stick to her cirriculum. As for teachers, if we go that route I think if we ask Rick or Mollinjor (or however it's actually spelled) that would be a good idea. They both know what they are talking about.

[banondraig]

exactly.

[Mjollnir]

I am game if Rick is although I will need to search and find out where this class left off.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

I am game if Rick is although I will need to search and find out where this class left off.

Mjollnir, I believe the last "teacher led" discussion we had was in regards to the disir, alfr, etc.. According to the syllabus aefentid gave:


Syllabus
Week one: Introduction to Heathenry

Week two: Goddesses Freyja, Frigg, Idhun, Sif, Hel, Sunna, Eostre, Skadi, Eir, Nerthus and Njord.
Even though Njord is a God, I had to include him because it's hard to discuss Nerthus without talking about him too.

Week three: Gods Odin, Freyr, Thor, Heimdall, Baldr, Loki, Tyr, Bragi, Mani,

Week four: Disir, Alfr, land and house wights, Jötuns

Week five: Ways of Worship and Holy Tides

Week six: Wyrd and the Norns

Week seven: The Havamal and Heathen ethics

Week eight: The Voluspa, Ragnarok, and the nine worlds

Week nine: The Soul and Afterlife

That would put the next class at Ways of Worship and Holy Tides
Though we did delve a bit into discussing the Holy Tides on our own. I will PM Rick and see if he's interested in helping out with the class. However, if he's not would you feel comfortable taking it on yourself? Pretty please? ~bribes Mjollnir with _cookie_s~

[Nantonos]

I am game if Rick is although I will need to search and find out where this class left off.

The syllabus is at
http://www.mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=875270&postcount=1

For each lesson, there was a lesson thread and a discussion thread. Here is the current status:

Week one: Introduction to Heathenry
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=50941
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=50979

Week two: Goddesses Freyja, Frigg, Idhun, Sif, Hel, Sunna, Eostre, Skadi, Eir, Nerthus and Njord.
Even though Njord is a God, I had to include him because it's hard to discuss Nerthus without talking about him too.
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51644
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51647

Week three: Gods Odin, Freyr, Thor, Heimdall, Baldr, Loki, Tyr, Bragi, Mani,
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51902
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51903

Week four: Disir, Alfr, land and house wights, Jötuns
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51935
discussion:

Week five: Ways of Worship and Holy Tides
lesson:
discussion:

Week six: Wyrd and the Norns
lesson:
discussion:

Week seven: The Havamal and Heathen ethics
lesson:
discussion:

Week eight: The Voluspa, Ragnarok, and the nine worlds
lesson:
discussion:

Week nine: The Soul and Afterlife
lesson:
discussion:

I suggest that a recap of the first three lessons would be most welcome before starting discussion on lesson four or tackling the next new lesson. In addition, if you wanted to propose modifications to the topics or their order, I am sure we would be happy to accomodate you.

[Mjollnir]

The syllabus is at
http://www.mysticwicks.com/showpost.php?p=875270&postcount=1

For each lesson, there was a lesson thread and a discussion thread. Here is the current status:

Week one: Introduction to Heathenry
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=50941
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=50979

Week two: Goddesses Freyja, Frigg, Idhun, Sif, Hel, Sunna, Eostre, Skadi, Eir, Nerthus and Njord.
Even though Njord is a God, I had to include him because it's hard to discuss Nerthus without talking about him too.
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51644
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51647

Week three: Gods Odin, Freyr, Thor, Heimdall, Baldr, Loki, Tyr, Bragi, Mani,
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51902
discussion: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51903

Week four: Disir, Alfr, land and house wights, Jötuns
lesson: http://www.mysticwicks.com/showthread.php?t=51935
discussion:

Week five: Ways of Worship and Holy Tides
lesson:
discussion:

Week six: Wyrd and the Norns
lesson:
discussion:

Week seven: The Havamal and Heathen ethics
lesson:
discussion:

Week eight: The Voluspa, Ragnarok, and the nine worlds
lesson:
discussion:

Week nine: The Soul and Afterlife
lesson:
discussion:

I suggest that a recap of the first three lessons would be most welcome before starting discussion on lesson four or tackling the next new lesson. In addition, if you wanted to propose modifications to the topics or their order, I am sure we would be happy to accomodate you.


yeesh, looks like I will be busy tonite.......................

[Mjollnir]

I noticed in the syllabus that aefentid said she started concentrating on Anglo-Saxon heathenry, is that where the basis of the discussion was? I for one follow Norse heathenry as does Rick I believe so does that pose any conflicts for anyone?

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

It's not a problem for me. In her discussions she was covering both Norse and Anglo-Saxon if I recall correctly. I know macha/mucgwyrt is an Anglo-Saxon heathen, but I don't know that the rest of us have leanings/preferences either direction. I'm interested in the Anglo-Saxons and Danes purely from their influence on the Celtic tribes, but I certainly am not oppoosed to learning the Norse ways as it will give me a basis of understanding.

[Nantonos]

I noticed in the syllabus that aefentid said she started concentrating on Anglo-Saxon heathenry, is that where the basis of the discussion was? I for one follow Norse heathenry as does Rick I believe so does that pose any conflicts for anyone?

Not if you can explain where they differ. Discussions were ranging all over, including origins and differences.

[banondraig]

if anything i would be more interested in the Norse branch.

[mothwench]

yeesh, looks like I will be busy tonite.......................
oh, thank you thank you thank you, you wonderful person, you! _pounce_
bucketloads of karma and cookies for you! _cookie_ _cookie_ _cookie_ _cookie_ _cookie_

[Mjollnir]

Whoa there skippy, lol. I will see where aefentid has gotten so far and wait till I hear from Rick to see if he wishes to do this as well. It is a big challenge that honestly is too much for one but I will do my best to share what I know.

I also just have a few questions for everyone if they wouldnt mind.

[mothwench]

sure, what kind of questions?

[Mjollnir]

sure, what kind of questions?


Well, generic questions really.

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.

2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.

3) What are you hoping to accomplish.

4) What books do you have/have read.

5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.

stuff like that.............It is just out of curiousity really.

[Nantonos]

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.
a) Several freinds are into it; I feel under-informed and want to learn more so I can converse with them intelligently.
b) I am dedicated to a Goddess who is in origin Gaulish, but who was worshipped primarily by Germanic peoples. I have become interested therefore in Celtic/Germanic similarities and differences, in the first to third centuries - proto-Germanic concepts.


2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.
No particular branch; i am interested in origins, proto-Germanic heathenry, how it differs from general IndoEuropean culture and relifion, things like that.


3) What are you hoping to accomplish.
Learning a lot more than I know at present. Having intelligent conversations around the subject with others. Growing.


4) What books do you have/have read.
Coming right up in a separate message


5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.
Solitary, occasionally practice with others but very infrequently.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.

I'm interested in a lot of reconstructionist religions, as I am a recon myself (Celtic - specifically Scottish). In addition I am interested in the way they impacted the religion and culture of my religion.

2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.

Honestly I'm most interested in those that settled and invaded Scotland, Ireland and Britain, namely the Anglo-Saxons and Danes. But I am interested in the Norse as well.

3) What are you hoping to accomplish.

Simple, to increase my knowledge and understanding of the Germanic peoples, and through that knowledge of the Celtic people they interacted with.

4) What books do you have/have read.

To be perfectly honest none. I didn't know where to start and what was good, reliable scholarship.

5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.

I'm solitary, though in some ways I practice with my family. I've never been to a group ritual or anything of the sort.

[mothwench]

Well, generic questions really.

[QUOTE]1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.
weelll... that's like when someone starts one of those threads asking how did you get into paganism? i never post on those cause it's so vague to me, i really don't know myself...
_catroll_
though i could say my interest in a more authentic kind of paganism was sparked by a visit to a museum where they had found the grave of a celtic chieftain. reading about the celts got me reading about the germanic tribes as well, and their mythology.


2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.
not sure what you mean. branch as in different regions? in that case i'm interested in the continental rhineland region (now germany) and anglo-saxon (now english) heathenry, but i wouldn't mind at all if the class only concentrated on the scandinavian snorri stuff.


3) What are you hoping to accomplish.
knowledge and better understanding of my ancestors, balance of self.


4) What books do you have/have read.
relevent to this class:
??? Deutsche Volkssagen
S. Fischer Fabian Die ersten deutschen
A. Kayser Langerhannes Odin
Beowulf
Felix & Therese Dahn Germanische Götter-und Heldensagen (a yule presie from banon. *glee* )

and fairy tale books by grimm, anderson and musäus.




5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.
pretty much solitary.

[Mòrag Elasaid Ní Dhòmhnaill]

Rick said he would be interested in teaching the class too and had in fact previously avoided this forum altogether becaue he didn't want to step on any toes or anything like that. He's going to be tied up for the next couple days, but said he would be available after that.

If you and he want to do it together Mjollinir, I would suggest sending him a PM and coordinating.

[Mjollnir]

Rick said he would be interested in teaching the class too and had in fact previously avoided this forum altogether becaue he didn't want to step on any toes or anything like that. He's going to be tied up for the next couple days, but said he would be available after that.

If you and he want to do it together Mjollinir, I would suggest sending him a PM and coordinating.


I sent him one earlier this afternoon and I am glad some of you answered the few questions I posed, it was really more for my own knowledge just to see where everyone stood and what they were interested in. I for one focus on Norse Heathenry as some of you probably are aware of already and have found a kindred here in Jersey that I am aligning myself with. My wife and I attended the East Coast Thing in Sept., held a blot at our place in October and all I can say is that from what we have seen the heathen community is everything we thought it would be.

As of now I have read Sagas of Icelanders, Prose Edda, The Norse Myths(Kevin Crossley Holland),Tales of the Norse Gods, The Saga of the Volsungs, and I am currently on the Poetic Edda(Hollander translation) along with a whole slew of others I have yet to get to.

One of the things I found humorous was a member of my kindred saying "Asatru is the religion with homework" and our kindred uses the lore quite a bit, especially in the discussions preceding blots. Any other questions, feel free to ask...............

[Mjollnir]

If everyone doesnt mind I wish to take a day or two to read everything aefentid had prepared and jot some notes and things down, so if you all want to just have a little refresher on each class so far and I will pop in and see how things are progressing and then when Rick replies we can take it from there.

[mothwench]

i don't mind waiting a couple of days. i have a few things i need to get done myself.

As of now I have read Sagas of Icelanders, Prose Edda, The Norse Myths(Kevin Crossley Holland),Tales of the Norse Gods, The Saga of the Volsungs, and I am currently on the Poetic Edda(Hollander translation) along with a whole slew of others I have yet to get to.


you know, i forgot to mention the stuff i've read online. i've read bits and fragments (i don't really like reading online, i must get these in print someday.) of the following: the prose & poetic edda, germania, and i think some stuff by bede.
i also read all three rune poems online, and saga of the volsungs, that sounds familiar. is that the one with all the rune charms?
i've read lots of sagas (mainly during the course of this class) that i can't remember the names of right now, but most recently i read alvissmal, one i liked very much.

[banondraig]

Well, generic questions really.

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.

i felt called, in part due to my stationing in germany.



2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.

norse, but also that of whoever invaded Ireland. (i apparently need to look up some history)


3) What are you hoping to accomplish.
to gain an undertanding of the way my ancestors, and also the people who inhabited the area where i live, saw the world.


4) What books do you have/have read.
already read: Nordic Gods and Heroes by Padraic Colum
A Practical Guide to the Runes by Lisa Peschel
owned/partly read:
Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefsby John Lindow
The Poetic Edda, Hollander translation

5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.

solitary.

[Nantonos]

4) What books do you have/have read.


Coming right up in a separate message

This is what I have available right now. Some have been read carefully, some skimmed for particuar info. I don't read German except at a five minutes per sentence, hand-on-the-dictionary style. Schauerte has been a worthwhile acquisition none the less.

Germanic Origins
Mallory, J.P. (1989) In search of the Indo-Europeans. London, Thames & Hudson.
Todd, M.(1992) The Early Germans. Oxford, Blackwell/
Mattingly, H.(trans); Handford, A.S. (trans) (1970) Tacitus: The Agricola and The Germania London, Penguin

Germans and the Roman Empire
Well, P.S. (1999) The Barbarians Speak: how the conquered peoples shaped roman europe. Princeton, Princeton University Press.
Carrol, M. (2001) Romans, Celts and Germans: the german provinces of rome Stroud, Tempus.
Wells, P.S. (2001) Beyond Celts, Germans ans Scythians. London, Duuckworth. Duckworth Debates in Archaeology series.
Wolfram, H.; Dunlap, T. (trans) (1997) The Roman Empire and its Germanic Peoples. Berkley, University of California Press. English translation of Wolfram, H (1990)Das Reich und die Germanen .

Germanic Religion
Ellis Davidson, H.R. (1988) Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: early scandinavian and celtic religions. Syracuse, Syracuse University Press.
Ellis Davidson, H.R. (1998) Roles of the Northern Goddess. New York, Routledge.
Schauerte, G. (1985) Terakotten mütterlicher Gottheiten: formen und Werkstätten rheinischer und gallischer Tonstatuetten der römischen Kaizerzeit. Köln, Rheinland-Verlag.

[KellyP]

Hey guys, if you start up the heathenry thread again? May I join in? I guess some of you have already done some lessons of been part of the class under a different instructor. Will you be starting afresh or picking up from the material already presented in this thread?

KellyP
heathen druid wannabe

[Nantonos]

Hey guys, if you start up the heathenry thread again? May I join in? I guess some of you have already done some lessons of been part of the class under a different instructor. Will you be starting afresh or picking up from the material already presented in this thread?

KellyP
heathen druid wannabe

The plan was to revise the material already done (three lessons) and then carry on. So, I'm sure you would be welcome.

[KellyP]

The plan was to revise the material already done (three lessons) and then carry on. So, I'm sure you would be welcome.Excellent, I will make a point of reviewing what everyone has contributed by way of the first three lessons and be prepared for discussion when the time arises.

I suppose I should start by answering Mjollnir's questions ...

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry?

I have no idea where my interest originated. Recently, as a new member of Ar nDraiocht Fein, I chose pre-Christian Germanic as a favorite culture for study and religious practice.

2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in?

Actually, I am very interested in learning all branches. My curiousity is strongest as it relates to the early Germanic peoples stretching all the way back to the Indo-European settlers. A big part of that however is also understanding how the later branches developed through comparison and contrast.

3) What are you hoping to accomplish?

To strengthen my practice as a pagan.

4) What books do you have/have read?

My Germanic/Heathenry/Nordic/Icelandic related bibliography is below.

5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group?

I'm a solitary. My only connection with other pagans has been through a few encounters with local Wiccans and of course my membership within ADF. I have never had an opportunity to attend a festival or rite featuring heathenry.

I hope I can be a valuable member of the group.

KellyP
pot-bellied druid of the prairie

------------------------------------------------
Books read related to Heathenry studies ...

Byock, J.L. transl. (2000) The Saga of the Volsungs: The Norse Epic of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer. Penguin Books.

Ellis Davidson, H.R. (1969) Gods and Myths of Northern Europe. London, Penguin Books Ltd.

Ellis Davidson, H.R. (1988) Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic Religions. Syracuse, Syracuse University Press.

Hollander, L.M. transl. (1986) The Poetic Edda. University of Texas Press.

Mallory, J.P. (1989) In Search of the Indo-Europeans. London, Thames & Hudson.

Mattingly, H.(trans); Handford, A.S. (trans) (1970) Tacitus: The Agricola and The Germania London, Penguin

Palsson, H. and Edwards, P. (1977) Egil's Saga. Penguin Books.

Sturlusson, S. and Faulkes. A. trans. (1995) Edda. Everyman's Library.

Todd, M.(1992) The Early Germans. Oxford, Blackwell.

[mucgwyrt]

OK, after almost not, nantonos has encouraged bullied me into joining. So here goes.



I noticed in the syllabus that aefentid said she started concentrating on Anglo-Saxon heathenry, is that where the basis of the discussion was? I for one follow Norse heathenry as does Rick I believe so does that pose any conflicts for anyone?




Not if you can explain where they differ. Discussions were ranging all over, including origins and differences.

Here here.



Well, generic questions really.

1) How did you get interested in Heathenry.

2) What branch of heathenry are you most interested in.

3) What are you hoping to accomplish.

4) What books do you have/have read.

5) Are you a solitary practicioner or part of a group.

stuff like that.............It is just out of curiousity really.


1) I dont recall. I think it was through Mothwench who is interested in the continental heathens, which then led me to look into in the Anglo-Saxons. Doing so, I realised how incredible they were and got toally hooked (thanks mothy :hugz: ) and realised how big a part of my life it had already unwittingly been, since I've been raised in a northumbrian family :D

Truth be told, it made me feel bad for making fun of my parent's geordie accents and word-usages, when they're actually closer to anglo-saxon and old(true)-english than the rest of our language. Bless them :wiz:

2) Anglo-Saxon, so distinctions between continental and anglo-saxon, as well as dates and rough areas (i.e. such-and-such is from Sweden, such and such from South Germany...) for all of your information would be greatly appreciated.

3) In heathenry, or in this class? In this class, a better understanding of anglo-saxon heathenry. In heathenry, a connection with the land in which I live, and especially my ancestors.

4) too numerous and bizarre to mention! Mostly older out of print books on anglo-saxon stuff, which usually include the lacgnunga etc.
edit: I'll give it a go, since everyone else has ;)

+ Bonser - The medical backgorund of anglo-saxon england
+ Storms - Anglo-Saxon Magic
+ Thrupp - The Anglo-Saxon Home (something like that, I forget)
+ Grimm - Teutonic Mythology (I havent read it as such, just dipped into it now and then)
+ Various - a bucketload of english folklore books
+ Beowulf
+ Bede - bits and bobs within temporum rationae (or however you spell it) and his history of the english people (i also visited his church in Jarrow as a child :heybaby: )
+ Rune poems - the anglo-saxon is the one I'm most familiar with, for obvious reasons :D
+ Tacitus - bits and pieces out of Germania, although not too much of it to be honest.
+ Aswynn - Northern Myths and Magic (AWFUL, absolutely appallingly inaccurate)
+ Hagen - Anglo-Saxon food; processing and consumption
+ Griffiths - aspects on anglo-saxon magic
+ Several rune books, dont recall who by off the top of my head, plus a looooad of internet resources

...And too much stuff online to mention, really.
I've read one of the sagas too, but I can't remember its name (I know I know, mind like a seive) - the one where the witch carves the runes on the wood thingie and sets it adrift in the sea...

5) Solitary, unfortunately. Although my other half doesn't complain when I cook for him on "sabbats", and I wouldn't mind trying a symbel with him sometime.