Latest Update

22nd March  2007

Extract from ODINISM: Enduring Truths For A Changing World (2004, 68 pages)

by Mike Robertson

INTRODUCTION

The aims of this booklet are to offer a vision of the reality of the faith that some call Odinism, while trying to answer a few of the many questions with which I have grappled over many years.

I say vision, because any presentation of a mystery faith such as Odinism can only reflect the inspiration and experience of its author. I ask readers therefore, not to see this work as some form of reference book or even a set of instructions on how to be an Odinist. Rather than that, this is a compilation of views for readers to test and then agree or disagree with, in the light of their own experience. I would like to remind readers that in a revealed religion the word of God is made available to its adherents, possibly through a trained and ordained priesthood. Odinism is a mystery religion though and in mystery religions the word is not revealed: instead each and every one of us must discover the mystery for ourselves. None of us is entirely alone, of course: others have trodden the same road, and have left way-markers in the form of their words both spoken and written. Once embarked upon the quest, the voyager soon finds that they have some signposts.

To achieve these aims this booklet will be something of a rarity, as it will make little mention of the deities  or ways of observance, of the runes, or for that matter many other aspects of our faith which are more than adequately illuminated in the many excellent books and journals of our religion. I have taken this approach deliberately: since Odinism is a mystery faith, it is necessary for all of us to find the approach which best suits us, and is most appropriate to our own progress upon the path of the mystery through our own study and practical experience.  Although we share the same aim, we are all carving out our own ways to the mystery, in our own time and in the manner that suits us best. We have no priesthood to tell us what to do on every step of the way, or to offer immutable laws.

Any work about our faith, including this one, can only be a guide and it is up to individuals to develop their own ways in the faith. This can include experiencing the full fury of the elements as well as the passion that is at the heart of Odin.  It is not for nothing that Odin is the leader of the Wild Hunt. There is little doubt I suppose, that some people will find aspects of the work of discovering the faith to be disturbing. Anyone claiming to be a follower of our religion, must not be afraid to face the faith’s harsher realities.

I should like to make it very clear at this point, that the booklet relates only to the faith of Odinism:  it does not present or reflect the views of any organisation of our faith. Each section and sub-section of the booklet is meant to be complete in itself however, even though this format does lead to some repetition. Where a particular aspect of the faith is relevant to two or more sections, it is covered in each of them.  I don’t apologise for this at all: I just thought it would make the booklet easier to use.

Another problem I have had to face is that while our religion is entirely complete and coherent, it is also true that progress along any spiritual path means that personal perspectives towards it are bound to  change. By definition then, the perspective on Odinism presented in this booklet is almost certain to be unsatisfactory to some people. Some people will think I go too far over some issues, while others will think I don’t go far enough!

As an example of what I mean, readers will find that the booklet mentions shamanic working and raising power, and my point of view about these things is clear. With proper preparation I believe these things can to be entirely safe, but they can also be ordeals for which we have to be entirely ready in both mind and body. Furthermore we need a clear understanding of the powers released by these ways of working, and on both of these counts, I recommend extreme caution.  An unprepared adherent of our faith who embarks upon these things can be putting both their mind and body at risk and when power has been raised, it is essential to ensure that it is later properly released. Without proper release, any residual power can cause individuals to suffer both physical and mental problems.  Care, preparation and understanding are paramount.

In the same way, I would also advise readers to treat all other potentially mystical experiences with some initial scepticism.  While it is quite a simple task to create directed dreams for example (and sometimes they can happen inadvertently) making sense of them afterwards needs great care and discernment. No-one should assume lightly that any dream state experience is necessarily a genuine epiphany of a deity, or any other manifestation of mysticism. Furthermore, over-concentration upon some aspects of our faith can cause quite frightening dreams. Thus, I suggest that anyone studying our faith in any depth and with great concentration, will benefit considerably from a period of exercise immediately (or at least soon) after the study period is completed, in order to release the tensions that intensive study can produce.

To close this introduction, I would like to mention that walking and climbing in some of the wilder and less inhabited parts of Scandinavia were the means by which my eyes were opened to the fact that there was much more to this life than was readily apparent. This revelation, in its own due time, matured into the first faltering steps upon the road of spiritual discovery. I am still on the road today and I know two things about it for sure. There are false turnings along the way (more than a few in my experience) but it’s a good road to be on and the right one for me.

JMR. October 2004

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©The Kith of Yggdrasil. January 2005

 "Exchange thoughts, exchange gifts."