dedication to the AlFather

[TruGunny]

:confused:
Heilsa, All,
I am new here to this site. I have been "practicing?" our faith for a year and a half, after drifting for years. I have spent the last six months seriously studying, reading, and meditating on our Gods. I feel a real affinity to Odin. there has always been a "pull" from Him, that I, even in my denseness, can feel. I have always viewed myself as a warrior, even when I was very young. my dream-self has always been the same, armored, helmed, and sword-born. even my chosen profession, the Marine Corps, seems to lead down the same path. I guess my question is this: I want to dedicate myself to Odin. I have at least a basic understanding of what this means. the sacrifice of myself to Him, at his whim. I only hope that I am worthy of this "calling". What I am seeking is any ceremonial information. I know that a blot to Him is most appropriate for this, but is there more? I have heard many differeing opinions from many differing Heathen on this, so anyones input will be most appreciated!

Semper Fidelis,
TruGunny

[Lonnie]

You are certain that is something you want to do??
Dedicating oneself to a God is not something to do lightly. There are some Heathens who seem to think its ok to dedicate themselves to one god and then a few months down the road they feel closer to another one and so dedicate themselves to that god, droping the first one... But it doesn't work that way... Once dedicated, your stuck... Even if you change religions, some believe that such an oath is binding even beyond religious boundries... And dedicating to the "Old Man" is not for the faint of heart. He's not always the kindly grandfather figure that some would make him out to be... His reasoning at times is only for him to know... Don't take this as preaching or an attempt to disuade you from dedication yourself. I just like to make sure a person knows what he is in for before they do such a thing...

[Hveðrungur Kveldúlfsson]

I agree with Lonnie on this one. While I feel Thor is my patron god and the one I have the most connection to I would never swear an oath only to Thor. I feel connections with all the Aesir & Vanir, Freyr and Odin are strong within me aswell. Thor is just the god with the strongest connection to me. Oaths are not something to be taken lightly, especially to the gods and to break an oath in our folkway is a serious crime, just as bad as murder or anything else.

[Liffrea]

Welcome

I agree with Lonnie and Hvedrungr. For me personnaly I have never given my word, made an oath or bargain with anyone not just the gods unless I knew 100% that I would keep it. I myself wanted to do the same thing for Thor but I realsied that for me at the moment I would not have the strength or ability to hold my oath. If you think you can do it and you feel it is right then go for it but it is a big step.

[TruGunny]

Heilsa All,

I have put alot of thought behind this... It has been an almost daily thought for the past six months. wondering/thinking if it is the "right" thing to do. I understand the ramifications of this oath, at least as well as a mortal can, anyway. I feel that this path of mine, as a warrior, was fated. lots of strange twists led me down this path of mine, 22 years ago, and continue to occur. I have never felt anything this strongly, but I want to do it right. if that makes sense. I worry on my "worthiness", rather than whether I will keep this oath. I keep re-reading an article by a gentleman named Dirk Bruere (sp?), titled "Fair Weather Warriors". I think it is at Neopax.com. a great imsight into the way of the warrior. I appreciate all of your thoughts... frith.

Semper Fidelis,
TruGunny

[Hengest]

I keep re-reading an article by a gentleman named Dirk Bruere (sp?), titled "Fair Weather Warriors". I think it is at Neopax.com. a great imsight into the way of the warrior.

Someone writing about Warriors who does ***** and belongs to a fluffy universalist org. Take the article for what it is worth but don't have any delusions about the author.

And welcome by the way.

[TruGunny]

yikes! don't know anything about the man, but I always take what I can use, and ignore the rest. If you get a chance though, read the article. it is very good.

Semper Fi
TruGunny

[Der Einzelgänger]

Is what TruGunny is thinking about doing similar to a patron god, or does his decision carry much more weight than just that?

[Hveðrungur Kveldúlfsson]

Is what TruGunny is thinking about doing similar to a patron god, or does his decision carry much more weight than just that?
It is very different. Your patron god in the god who chooses you, the god you personally feel the most connection with on a spiritual and personal level. As ive said, Thor is my patron god, but I would never swear loyalty to just him. Parts of all the Aesir and Vanir live inside me and make up who I am, Thor is just the strongest :) So feeling a close connection with a god and feeling they somehow choose you is a lot different than swearing an oath to one of the Aesir or Vanir.

[Der Einzelgänger]

What does swearing an Oath entail? I'm really confused as to what goes on with swearing an oath. Is it in essence you are becoming a disciple of sorts of the god you swear an oath to?

[Liffrea]

What does swearing an Oath entail? I'm really confused as to what goes on with swearing an oath. Is it in essence you are becoming a disciple of sorts of the god you swear an oath to?

The way I see it is you beholden to the will of that god. All other loyalties although important pale next to that oath. Its dedicating the rest of your mortal life to that god.

[Lonnie]

What does swearing an Oath entail? I'm really confused as to what goes on with swearing an oath. Is it in essence you are becoming a disciple of sorts of the god you swear an oath to?


Depending on the oath one takes depends largely on how close one is tied to someone else...

Here is a good article on oaths.
http://www.ealdriht.org/oathsmat.html

I have a few others but I can't seem to find them at the moment...

You will find with some Asatruars that they will go around and make an oath at a drop of the hat. We even had one locally (thankfully they have gone south) that has been known to get people drunk and then pry an oath, one to the other, out of their victoms (just can't see putting it any other way)...
An oath is one of the most sacred acts one can do. It should be done with great thought and consideration. Some Heathens see a person at sumbel/samal making a comment over the horn, that they will complete some act in the future, as an oath... To Irminist/Theods that would be classified as a boast... An oath is reserved for person to person, person to group, or person to god... While it can be done anywhere at any time, it is usually done in a holy setting, ie... samal/sumbel, faining/blot, or some other ritual...
Personally, I have taken one oath since becoming Heathen. That was done after months of consideration, and was to the only person in Heathenry (other than my kindred) that I would make such an oath to... After next weekend it will be two, I will be taking our kindreds oath...

[Lonnie]

Here is one of those other links on oaths I was looking for...

http://www.othalaacres.com/homesteading/articles/article004.html

[TruGunny]

Heilsa All,
:D
Lonnie, I have read that last article before.... its funny in a sad/sick kinda way how you can see people you know, when you read the words, isnt it? For me, the dedication to the Alfather doesnt or won't end when this mortal life ends. this is the part where it gets mystical and cloudy.... discussions for other threads, such as Valhalla, etc. I agree with the absolute incredible power of an oath. after all, what do we REALLY have, when it is all said and done, besides our word? I beleive that when we make an oath, we affect our wyrd, and may even affect that of those close to us. even in our mundane, ordinary lives, our word should be unbreakable. with the caveat, "to our Kin"... I see no problem with being not-honest with an enemy. does this make sense?

Semper Fidelis,
TruGunny

[Lonnie]

Heilsa All,
:D
Lonnie, I have read that last article before.... its funny in a sad/sick kinda way how you can see people you know, when you read the words, isnt it? For me, the dedication to the Alfather doesnt or won't end when this mortal life ends. this is the part where it gets mystical and cloudy.... discussions for other threads, such as Valhalla, etc. I agree with the absolute incredible power of an oath. after all, what do we REALLY have, when it is all said and done, besides our word? I beleive that when we make an oath, we affect our wyrd, and may even affect that of those close to us. even in our mundane, ordinary lives, our word should be unbreakable. with the caveat, "to our Kin"... I see no problem with being not-honest with an enemy. does this make sense?

Semper Fidelis,
TruGunny



Makes sense to me :cool:
And btw, I haven't forgotten to pm you that info... Just haven't had much time of late...

[TruGunny]

Lonnie,

no problem... I actually wish I was busier.... My home computer decided to commit suicide, so I am at a friend's house. my contact may be sorta hit or miss after tomorrow. BTW, have you read anything by Wayland Skallagrimsson? was looking through some of my papers (tons!) and found a big article, almost a thesis, titled "Odin is a god of many things". if my fading memory doesnt fail me, you can find it at www.winterscapes.com/uppsala/main.htm... I have the older version, but he has a revised one in pdf format, 53 pages. very insightful. good thing I enjoy reading, eh? "the religion with homework".... ain' no joke! :eek:

Semper Fi
TruGunny

[Der Einzelgänger]

Thanks for the info Lonnie. Makes much more sense now.

FFF

[Lonnie]

Lonnie,

BTW, have you read anything by Wayland Skallagrimsson?
I have the older version, but he has a revised one in pdf format, 53 pages. very insightful. good thing I enjoy reading, eh? "the religion with homework".... ain' no joke! :eek:

Semper Fi
TruGunny


hehe, Yep I know Wayland... I've gone had a few knock-down-drag out arguments with him. But overall a good guy, even if we don't see eye to eye on everything (folkism being one of them)... Some of his stuff is really good, some I don't agree with at all. But then again, there is no one in Heathenry I agree with all the time ;)

[Lonnie]

Here is a piece on oaths I posted on the old forums...

*************

"Our deeds towards those we hold dear & those we honor should be
living examples of Oaths .. even though no Oaths have been made. For
truly, if we live like our forebears, no Oaths are necessary. This is
thau."


I have this quote on my site... At one time I think I probably fully
agreed with it... At this point I see flaws in it... Towards Family/Kin I would agree, but the statement goes beyond that to include Kith and those we consider Friends... Ultimately our Elder Kin saw very important things in Oaths. It was a way to extend those bonds similar to Kinship to those we thought worthy... It was something very real that was placed into the well which helped tie us to each other...
Now, I'm not saying go out and make an oath with every person you are acquainted with... But I do see it as an integral part of binding with folk in true friendship.

Now as far as 'oaths' go...

I believe there are several levels of "oaths". Becoming someone's 'Blood Brother' would probably be the most serious, next to one to the Gods and that of marriage... Down from that are ones taken at Symbel, Faining, or some other religious Rite. These would include such things as "Hold Oaths" as we see used in Theodism. One that could be argued to be as strong as that of a 'Hold 'Oath' would be an old custom of extending friendship. In that custom a Sword is sent/presented from one person to another with these words attached "Here is my sword, with it goes my friendship". Down from that would be such things as boast of friendships or toast to friendships at events such as Symbel, Faining, or other gatherings... Last, but not nearly least of these would be person to person talks, wherein pledging of friendship occurs between folk...

What's the common link between all of the above?

The most important is they are spoken... They have life breathed into them and can thus be placed into the well... There is the idea among Irminist and some Theods, that there is no such creature as the "silent" oath-boast-toast... For something to be placed into the well, it has to be given life. To do this, breath must be given to it, another words it needs to be spoken... Thus the reason I believe the quote is flawed... If the friendship isn't spoken about and confirmed at some point by both parties, where is the life in it??